Chapter 35

Regarding the distribution of money, we ultimately couldn't reach an agreement... For now, we decided to think about it after we actually get the money.

Xiaoming and I decided to visit the "Torn Magic Book Hall" to sell the items.

...The shop owner here seems rather devious, so I don't think she'll buy them at a high price, but there are too few shops that can handle "Skill Books," so we'll have to rely on her.

If we consult with various shops and rumors start that we're trying to sell "Skill Books" illegally, that would be troublesome.

"Hmm, you're back again. This time you've brought a cute kid, is this your friend?"

As before, the old woman greeted us with a pipe in hand.

"...Is it still there?"

"You're so suspicious. If it's the 'Skill Book' of 'Smoldering Fang,' of course it's still here. This kind of shop values trust the most."

...I can't believe her at all.

I have a feeling she would sell it as soon as she finds a customer willing to pay a higher price.

Last time, I agreed to the deal, but I didn't really believe her.

I just wanted to reduce the possibility of the 'Smoldering Fang' being sold by even 1%.

While it's less versatile than 'Intermediate Wind Magic,' 'Smoldering Fang' is rarer as a 'Skill Book.'

In this world with strict regulations, it's uncertain when I might get another one.

Honestly, if I could, I would pay one hundred million gold and buy it immediately.

"Elma said she wanted something from this shop, didn't she?"

Lucy clapped her hands, seemingly understanding.

"You're a pure kid, aren't you? You don't intend to teach that skill tree to the kid, do you?"

The shop owner smiled slightly.

"...Don't say such nonsense. I would never do something so tasteless. It's for me."

"Hmm, whether it's for you or the kid, it's a strange story for a new adventurer to want it."

Lucy tilted her head, puzzled by our conversation.

I understand what the shop owner means.

'Smoldering Fang' is a skill tree that is too dangerous for normal use.

She probably thinks I'm either eager to die or trying to use a new adventurer as a disposable pawn.

"This time, we're not here to sell. We want you to appraise the items."

"Hmm? I thought someone as smart as you wouldn't even consider selling here."

The shop owner said bluntly.

She seems to realize that my impression of her is terrible.

Lucy narrowed her eyes suspiciously at the shop owner, then looked at me anxiously.

I showed the items dropped from the 'Angel's Toy Box' one by one.

Two 'Tin Swords' and two 'Shining Lanna's Decorative Swords.'

Alone, these have a market value of nearly forty million gold.

"Wow, I'm surprised. Two 'Shining Lanna's Decorative Swords'... I thought you were unusually confident, but to achieve this in such a short time is impressive. If I had known, I wouldn't have been so open. I've lost out."

"I don't want to play games. If you can give me thirty million gold, I'll sell them here. If not, I'll try another shop. I didn't expect much anyway. I just came to get an estimate."

"Thirty million is a bit difficult for a fair shop. Only a shop like mine, which has reserves, can offer that. I can buy them all at once, so there won't be any rumors or jealousy. With your skills, it's not worth taking unnecessary risks over a small amount. Twenty-five million, how about it?"

This, this old woman...!

I said I don't want to play games.

"Elma, the shop owner has a point. Twenty-five million is still a lot of money..."

"Don't be swayed, Lucy. If you show weakness, they'll take advantage of it."

The shop owner is right.

Thirty million is a bit high.

Even if I shop around, I might only get around twenty-eight million.

Considering the extra risk, selling to this shop owner for twenty-five million might be a good option.

However, I don't like getting into her rhythm.

If I do, she might keep lowering the price.

Even if I agree, I don't want to show weakness.

"I still have the money from the magic stones. I can keep the 'Shining Lanna's Decorative Swords' as assets and wait for a good opportunity. Trying to sell everything at once just draws attention."

I said this confidently.

"Hmm, can't force you then. What a shame."

The shop owner smiled unpleasantly.

...I feel like she sees through me, but at least I maintained a strong stance.

However, this old woman clearly enjoys the negotiation. She has a good nature.

Well, from this shop, twenty-five million... even if I push, it might only go up to twenty-six million. I should consider that a gain.

"So, what's the real reason you're here? It seems you're not really interested in selling here."

"...I have a 'Skill Book' dropped from 'Lord of Dreams.' I'm considering whether to use it, but if you can offer a good price, I might sell it."

I took out the 'Skill Book' of 'Intermediate Wind Magic' as I spoke.

Considering whether to use it... is a bluff to raise the price.

If I seem like I can't sell it elsewhere, I'll be at a disadvantage.

"Really impressive... You... or rather, you and your party might be called heroes soon. I see, that's why you want to sell it here."

The shop owner's smile faded.

She seems willing to negotiate, but it's uncertain how far I can push with this old woman.

"The market value is twenty million gold... Even I'm taking a risk by handling this. If the guild buys it, it would be around seven million. Considering your skills and future prospects, I can offer a bit more. Fourteen million, how about it?"

"Are you going to put it up at an exorbitant price again? 'Intermediate Wind Magic' is easier to find buyers for. It should be easier to negotiate. If you want to be friendly, how about twenty-two million?"

"Hmm... For your age, you understand the value of 'Skill Books' well, kid. Maybe seeing the prices here helped. But you and your party don't intend to use it, do you? Don't push your luck too far."

"That's your side, right? I'm planning to use this shop as a customer in the future. It's okay to show a bit of weakness, isn't it?"

I can't back down here.

The market for 'Skill Books' is so rare and illegal that it's almost non-existent.

If I let my guard down, I'll be taken advantage of. I need to hold my ground.

"For your age, you have good judgment, courage, and a way with words. You're cheeky."

The shop owner licked her lips.

I'm in trouble... I wanted to avoid a serious negotiation and just push it through, but it seems I can't with 'Skill Books.'

"...Um, how much is the 'Skill Book' of 'Smoldering Fang' that Elma wants?"

Lucy raised her hand timidly.

The shop owner narrowed her eyes at her.

"What, kid? You're interrupting the most fun part. The 'Skill Book' of 'Smoldering Fang' that the heavy knight kid wants is fifty-five million gold."

"Fifty-five million gold... I was prepared for it, but it's really high..."

Lucy's face tensed in surprise.

"...The market value is around thirty million gold. She's really taking advantage of us."

"Indeed..."

When I explained, Lucy nodded seriously, then covered her mouth and thought.

Then her face lit up, and she clapped her hands.

"Hey! Shop owner, I have an idea. How about exchanging the 'Skill Book' of 'Intermediate Wind Magic' and the items I showed for the 'Skill Book' of 'Smoldering Fang'?"

"Hmph, what a suggestion. That's not a negotiation. Interrupting with a random idea is just..."

The shop owner frowned.

"...Hmm, actually, that's not a bad proposal. The 'Smoldering Fang' is hard to sell, and I can get a variety of easy-to-handle items. Not bad at all."

Indeed, Lucy's proposal is quite beneficial for us.

The market value of the items appraised today is forty million gold... if sold in bulk, the maximum would be around twenty-eight million.

Even if done well.

And the 'Skill Book' of 'Intermediate Wind Magic' is unlikely to fetch more than twenty million gold.

Combined, that's forty-eight million gold... the original price of 'Smoldering Fang' is fifty million gold, and the price could be raised in further negotiations.

Getting a direct exchange here is a good deal.

I can keep the money from the magic stones and the reward for defeating Embryo, and get the 'Smoldering Fang.'

"I wanted to play a bit more, but such a good deal, I can't say no as a merchant. I'll accept those terms."

"Wait, wait a minute!"

There's a big problem with those terms.

These items make up the majority of our reward.

"Lucy, if we do that, I can't give you your share."

"...Elma, I'm so grateful for everything you've done for the party and helping me level up. This is the least I can do."

"No, it's not a sum that can be repaid with gratitude..."

"Investing in a party member's equipment is normal, right? It's like operational expenses. We need to improve our equipment, and with such a distribution ratio, it's inefficient. Why don't we pool our earnings for a while and split them as needed? If we do, Elma will become much stronger and earn a lot more. Then it won't be a problem, right?"

...Indeed, I want to secure the 'Smoldering Fang' as soon as possible.

But getting fifty million gold now is too advantageous for me.

"Listen... Lucy. This time it worked out, but it might not next time. What if we have to disband the party suddenly due to unforeseen circumstances?"

"...Elma, are you planning to ditch me and form a party with someone else? It feels like you're trying to avoid a bad feeling..."

Lucy glared at me with a sidelong glance and grabbed my arm firmly.

She had a determined look.

"No, that's not it... it's just a what-if..."

Lucy's expression brightened.

"Then it's not a problem! Right? Consider it a thank-you gift from me. If we can't agree, just work hard and earn it back!"

"Okay, but... still..."

"Come on, shop owner, let's do the exchange quickly! Before Elma says anything else!"

"You've convinced her well, kid. Make sure to keep her, don't let her go."

Lucy and the shop owner high-fived, as if celebrating their efforts.

Why are these two getting along so well...?