Chapter 88: The Greatest Haggler

Chapter 88: The Greatest Haggler

Chapter 88 The Greatest Haggler

Outside the Sage Tree, a morning breeze greeted them.

Come, mister. This way. Flynn started walking without missing a beat.

Do you even know where to go? Kai questioned.

Sure do. Merchants Terla and Revhani, looked them up already. The boy tapped the side of his head. I thought you knew by now Ive got a great memory.

Youre so full of shit I don't know what to think half the time.

Of course, how could I ever forget. Kai gestured to him to lead the way.

Which one do we go first, mister?

Stop calling me that, or you wont get a broken chip.

Where do you want to go first, my dearest friend Kai?

Mhmm lets do merchant Terla. She got here yesterday, and it would probably take less time. The budget for her order was 12 silvers, less than half the second order. He could take the chance to test if there was some truth to Flynns ridiculous boasts.

Yes, boss. He said, taking a sharp turn left.

There werent many tourists around, locals took advantage of the early hour to get their errands done. A mother in her thirties was bragging about her son passing the selection to two women, who indulged her with strained expressions.

Loud voices filled the air as stands appeared on both sides of the road. Young and old people shouted the value of their wares. Gravel crunched under their feet as they proceeded down the market.

A small crowd of half a dozen people gathered around a fish seller. Curious, Kai stopped in front of the booth to see.

Taking center stage was a two-meter-long fish with a yellow fin. A thin trickle of blood poured out of the hole near his empty eye, where a harpoon must have dealt the killing blow. Faint traces of mana slowly evaporated in the air. The body unable to maintain the same energy density in death.

High-red grade at least. Killed maybe two hours ago.

The bird of prey he killed had been just as strong. But fighting a fish in his home ground added an ulterior layer of difficulty.

If you want to buy a cut, its better we stop by later. Unless you dont care about overpaying. Flynn interjected from behind.

Kai shook his head. Just browsing. With all those shops, I didnt think there would also be such a large market.

What he saw was already on par with Greenside and it kept going. Fishes and mollusks from the Shallow Sea gave way to a larger share of vegetables, fruits and agricultural products. In a proud minority, plenty of meats from Veeryd were displayed on long stalls. Small colorful parrots chirped in cages. A large rodent, like the one he foughtbut not awakenedbit at the bars of his enclosure. Its destiny probably far grimmer than the cute birds.

Shops in poshtown are for tourists and people loaded with coins. We ordinary folk cant afford them. Theres another market in the outskirts if youre interested. Their goods cant compete, but they have cheaper prices and ask less questions.

That didnt sound shady at all.

Kai nodded along. Maybe later.

They left the bustle of the market for a quieter street. Flynn hopped a few steps ahead and made a short bow, beckoning him forward with a wide flourish of his arm. Welcome to the merchant quarter, Kai.

Painted in muted tones, the high building looked plain after the colorful market. Few windows, and even fewer embellishments. The louder sounds of life still came from the sellers they left behind.

Well, its just warehouses and a few private residences. Flynn explained. They stay uninhabited for most of the year since merchants are often away doing merchant things. Not much actual business is done here.

If Kais orientation wasnt failing him, the shopping district in poshtown was just a few blocks over. It would have probably been faster if they went through there instead of the market. Avoiding the place was probably second nature for Flynn.

Well, greatest haggler in Yanlun, its time to see your legendary skills at work.

All the other merchants they had dealt with owned establishments around town or set up shop near the docks. These last two were different. Elijahs list contained no information apart from names and total budget.

Three blocks over, they reached a pale green residence. The walls and gate were decorated with intricate geometric motives in darker colors that stood out even more against its discreet neighbors.

You know, it would be a great incentive if you could spare me a small tip, Flynn said.

Ill think about it after you actually do something useful.

My five little sisters are very hungry

You should have told me your mother had twin sisters in the last hour.

Half an hour of a sweaty shouting match later, they walked out of the residence with their goods. The final price had been 9 silver mesars, 21 coppers and 70 chips out of their budget of 12 silvers. Even knowing the butler, he must have given him some wiggle room with the money, Kai felt pretty good about it. Elijah wasnt that generous.

Flynn was loudly munching on the sweets he somehow snatched from Terla when no one was looking.

Noticing his gaze, the boy put his hand over the stash in his pocket. Im not sharing. His words came out mumbled due to all the candies he stuffed in his mouth.

Kai rolled his eyes. Good job.

Oh Thanks. Flynn swallowed the sweets. I had to uphold my honor as the greatest haggler the world has ever seen!

Kai smiled at his megalomaniac friend, Then I guess, I wont need to pay you. What are some dirty, cold coins compared to the glory?

I mean, if it was just for me but my six little sisters caught a cold last night. I could really use a little change.

Kai extended an empty hand, hinting at his stolen sweets.

You could have taken your own, Flynn grumbled, putting a single pink sugar cube in his hand. Kai gave him a long look, reciprocating with a single copper chip.

This isnt what we agreed.

We agreed youd be paid at the end. Still, one merchant to go. This was for the candy.

Even that sugar cube was worth more than that.

Maybe in a shop, but I have to take into consideration the risk of buying stolen goods. Kai put the pink cube in his mouth, leaving behind a fuming Flynn.

Mhmmm. Raspberry. I should have taken a handful too.

After some dramatic protest, and a few tears, the best haggler in the world accepted Kai would not budge and hurried towards their destination. Merchant Revhani had arrived last night, so they hoped to find him near the docks.

The two kids made their way through the swarm of people that filled the streets. Asking around they found the Prosperathe merchants vesseland tracked down the owner near a warehouse.

They were arguing with a grouchy sailor to warn his captain when an unexpected voice sounded behind them.

Long time no see, Kai.

A young merfolk was strolling towards him with a white pointy smile. The passersby spared him a few glances before continuing their way.

Reishi.

The merchants smile widened. What are you doing here, my friend? You know, competent apothecaries are very scarce. Your skills must have grown since last time. What do you think about another commission, I promise you wont lose out.

Flynn did mention something about merfolk this morning. With all the nonsense the boy spouted, he had not given it much thought.

Should have known it was him, there must not be many mermen in the archipelago.

Unfortunately, I have to leave Sylspring soon after I complete my masters tasks. Maybe some other time. Kai meant it. Last time things got a bit wild, but he also made good money. It would be nice to have some coin of his own again.

Are you sure you cant spare a week or just a few days?

Kai shook his head. Sorry.

Thats too bad. I guess it cant be helped. What are you doing in front of my warehouse?

Your

Master Reishi, a large man dressed in excessive layers of red silk hurried from the warehouse, his triple chin bouncing with each step.

Is that kid bothering you? What are you doing just standing there? Help master Reishi! The man yelled at the grouchy sailor who observed the whole exchange in silence.

Kais my guest, Revhani. The merman said with an unexpected authoritative tone, then sighed lowering his voice to a whisper. You cant imagine how hard is to find competent people around here.

My apologies, master Reishi. I

It doesnt matter. Lets go inside. Do you have time for some tea and a chat, Kai?

I have some goods to pay and pick up with merchant Revhani.

Guess I might squeeze in a discount with a bit of luck.

Oh Reishi exclaimed in realization. Should have guessed it was for you. Who else would have ordered a Water sphere in the archipelago.