Chapter 12.1: The Journey North (II)
Year 0003, Month VIII-X: The Imperium
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Day 23.1: Trading Inside the Town of Bono - August and Andy Town Dealings
The town of Bono offered quite a different morning for August. The settlement was strategically built on a gentle incline—well-thought-out for defensive purposes, yet not so steep as to hinder the wagons that traveled back and forth from the village of Sibon. Sibon itself served as a crucial docking point for fishermen and goods transport, facilitating trade that flowed in both directions along the river and even across its waters to the Western shores of the sub-continent.
The familiar slope reminded August of Maya village, which had also been situated atop a hill that rolled gently down to the forest floor below. As he began his morning run, a wave of nostalgia mixed with melancholy washed over him. Usually, by this time, his companions would be trailing behind him, their footsteps creating a rhythmic chorus as they maintained their daily exercise routine together. The memory of their synchronized breathing and shared determination felt like a distant echo now.
But now, just as it had been in the town of Roka, only the early-rising townspeople bustled about, preparing diligently for the day ahead. Their gazes followed him with a mixture of curiosity and scrutiny as he continued his circuit around the settlement. Some paused in their morning chores—drawing water from wells, sweeping storefronts, or arranging goods for the day's trade—to watch the stranger who ran with such purpose through their streets.
For August, this morning ritual served multiple purposes beyond maintaining his physical conditioning. It allowed him to scout the town during its quieter hours, identifying potential trading opportunities and mapping out locations they might visit later when the streets would be crowded with merchants and customers. He mentally cataloged the various shops, noting which seemed prosperous and which appeared to cater to different social classes.
The armor shops caught his particular attention, their displays showcasing everything from simple leather jerkins to elaborate steel plates. He observed the weapon smiths' forges, already glowing with the day's first fires, and noted the positioning of the more affluent establishments near the town's center. The marketplace layout, the flow of foot traffic, and the general atmosphere of commerce all registered in his mind as he completed his reconnaissance run.
After finishing his morning circuit, August returned to the inn where they had spent the night. The building was a sturdy two-story structure of stone and timber, its common room already showing signs of the day's activity. He found Uncle Andy and Marcus tidying themselves for the day ahead, their travel-worn clothes being carefully arranged and their personal effects organized for easy access.
August made his way to the inn's communal well to refresh himself with a quick bath. The cold water was invigorating after his run, washing away the sweat and dust while sharpening his focus for the business ahead. He dried himself methodically before donning his undergarments—the comfortable inner pants and shirt that provided a barrier between his skin and the more substantial gear he would wear.
His armor came next, each piece fitted with practiced efficiency. The magnificent craftsmanship that Henry would later marvel at was evident in every articulation, every carefully shaped plate and scale. However, for today's trading activities, August chose to carry only his dagger and short sword, leaving his more impressive weapons secured in their shared room. There was wisdom in not appearing too heavily armed during commercial negotiations—it could make potential customers nervous or draw unwanted attention from local authorities.
Before embarking on their morning's commercial endeavors, the trio gathered in the inn's food hall for a hearty breakfast. The meal was simple but satisfying: fresh-baked bread with a crispy crust and soft interior, eggs from local fowl prepared in the regional style, three generous pieces of seasoned meat, a warming soup that carried hints of herbs and vegetables, and drinks of their choosing. August, ever mindful of maintaining his clarity for the negotiations ahead, ordered only water, while Marcus and Andy opted for the local beer—a mild brew that would take the edge off without impairing their judgment.
The breakfast cost them twenty local copper coins per serving, a reasonable price that suggested the inn catered to travelers and merchants rather than wealthy nobles. As they ate, they discussed their strategy for the day, reviewing what they knew about local prices and preferences from their brief observations the previous evening.
Following their satisfying morning meal, they prepared to execute their trading plans. As had become their custom, they divided their responsibilities to maximize their efficiency and reach. August and Andy would handle the sale of their leather and hide goods, along with any beast bones they could interest local craftsmen in acquiring. Meanwhile, Marcus would once again take charge of their premium meat sales, including any rare medicinal herbs if the opportunity presented itself.
This division of labor had proven effective in their previous stop. Marcus had developed a good sense for identifying establishments that would pay premium prices for high-quality meat, while August and Andy worked well together when dealing with craftsmen who could appreciate the exceptional quality of their leather goods. Unlike their previous arrangements, Marcus would now manage the wagon himself, bringing the stored meat directly to shops that offered the highest prices rather than having to coordinate with the others for access to their shared inventory.
After spending the morning canvassing the small but prosperous town for potential customers, August and Andy discovered an armor shop whose proprietor seemed desperately interested in their wares. The establishment was well-maintained, with examples of the craftsman's work displayed prominently in the windows and along the walls. Gambeson armor, leather bracers, and various protective gear showed evidence of skilled workmanship, though the shop's inventory appeared notably depleted.
As they inquired about potential interest in their leather and hide goods, the shopkeeper's eyes lit up with something approaching desperation. He explained that his regular shipment of materials had been delayed for over a month, leaving him unable to fulfill several important orders. The timing couldn't have been worse—he had received a significant commission from the local lord and his retinue, work that could establish his reputation but also carried severe consequences for failure.
When the armorer, who introduced himself as Henry Derby, examined the quality of August and Andy's leather and hide, his desperation transformed into something approaching euphoria. The materials were clearly superior to anything he typically received—the hide was properly cured, the leather treated to perfect suppleness while retaining its strength, and every piece showed the hallmarks of expert preparation from initial skinning through final treatment.
"Sirs! Please wait a moment," Henry called out as they prepared to continue their survey of potential customers. "Can you sell these to me? I'll pay extra—whatever they're worth! I've been behind schedule in making brigandines, gambesons, and arming doublets for the lord and his retinue's armor."
Other armor makers and clothing manufacturers in the vicinity had overheard the conversation, and some appeared ready to voice competing offers. However, they remained silent, understanding the gravity of Henry's situation. The local lord's reputation for dealing with failures was well known throughout the community. The last craftsman who had accepted payment but failed to deliver his commissioned work had been executed in a particularly gruesome manner—hanged and quartered, with his entire family suffering the same fate before their bodies were thrown into the river as a warning to others.
August observed the genuine desperation in Henry's eyes and felt the weight of sympathy from the other craftsmen and women who had gathered nearby. These were people who understood the precarious nature of their livelihoods, especially when dealing with noble patrons who wielded absolute power over their subjects' lives. The fear in the man's voice was palpable, and August found himself moved by the very real terror of someone facing not just professional failure, but potential death.
After a moment's consideration, August decided to help the desperate armorer. Their inventory consisted of one hundred twenty pieces of premium leather and beast hide—materials that August had personally handled through every stage of preparation. From the initial careful skinning of the beasts they had hunted, through the complex tanning process that required precise timing and technique, to the final treatments that gave the leather its exceptional qualities, every piece represented hours of skilled labor and attention to detail.
"Very well, mister," August replied with characteristic directness. "Let us proceed to your establishment to discuss terms."
Henry's shop was conveniently located just down the street from where they had been conducting their initial survey. The building was typical of prosperous craftsmen's establishments—a ground floor workshop with living quarters above, the front section serving as both display area and customer reception space. They were ushered into a comfortable guest room where Henry conducted his more important business negotiations.
Andy took charge of the price discussions, opening with an asking price of five local silver coins per piece. This represented their standard starting point, based on prices they had received in the previous Town of Roka, though they suspected these might have been below market value. Henry's reaction was immediate and telling—rather than attempting to negotiate the price downward, as was typical in such transactions, he actually appeared distressed by what he considered an unreasonably low offer.
Henry Derby had built his reputation on fair dealing and honest craftsmanship. He understood that the commission he would receive from the lord and his retinue for the completed armors and accompanying garments would be substantial, reflecting both the importance of the clients and the quality expected from the work. Given the exceptional quality of the materials before him, he considered five silver coins per piece to be almost insultingly low.
"Gentlemen," Henry said with evident sincerity, "you're significantly undervaluing your merchandise. This pricing falls below even the most average rates that armor makers in this region typically pay. The suppliers I was supposed to receive my delayed shipment from were asking ten local silver coins per piece, and their materials were substantially inferior to what you've brought me. In good conscience, I must offer you twenty-five local silver coins per piece for these exceptional materials."
August and Andy exchanged meaningful glances, both recognizing the implications of Henry's counter-offer. Their experience in the previous town of Roka now appeared in a new light—the four silver pieces they had received there seemed to represent significant under-compensation for their goods. The proprietors, Ollie and Olivia, had mentioned that they couldn't pay Imperial capital prices, but this statement now seemed to have been more about their business practices than actual market limitations.
Andy considered the offer carefully before accepting. The substantial increase over their asking price suggested that Henry was being genuinely fair rather than attempting to take advantage of what he perceived as inexperienced traders. "It's good doing business with you, Sir Henry," Andy said as they shook hands to seal the agreement.
Henry's relief was evident and heartfelt. This transaction would not only save his life by allowing him to complete the lord's commission on schedule, but would also position him to deliver work of exceptional quality that might establish his reputation for years to come. He had heard that despite the lord's reputation for ruthlessness toward those who failed him, he was equally generous toward those who exceeded his expectations and would pay premium prices for superior workmanship.
"Truthfully, gentlemen, you have saved my life with this transaction," Henry said with genuine emotion. "I consider this a fair price for that invaluable service. Besides, if I'm successful with the lord's commission, I anticipate earning considerably more than what I'm investing here today. This represents an investment that should establish my renown throughout the region. My heartfelt thanks to you both!"
As they were preparing to conclude their business, Henry's attention was caught by August's personal armor. What he saw defied his understanding of current armorsmithing capabilities. The craftsmanship was unlike anything he had encountered in his years of professional experience, combining techniques and materials that seemed to exist only in legends and the dreams of ambitious craftsmen.
"My God!" Henry exclaimed, his professional excitement overriding normal social restraints. "Is that genuine Arborwyrm scale? And it's embedded within a full plate constructed from the K'tharr exoskeleton! The combination of flexibility and protection, all unified into a single, coherent defense system—this represents every armorer's ultimate aspiration!
Please, you must allow me to examine this more closely. The grandmaster who created this work has mastered techniques far beyond anything known in this land! How did he achieve this hybrid of scale and full plate construction? From observing how you move, it appears neither cumbersome nor heavy, isn't it? Even the arming doublet and pants demonstrate exceptional quality! Looking at the articulation, there's no need for additional protective elements—every exposed area is properly protected and articulated, from head to toe everything functions as intended and even beyond its basic protective purpose, it moves as though it were a natural part of your body!
This level of integration is unprecedented. All the materials used come from beasts that exist only in legends in recent times. Though I do recall someone acquiring similar raw materials perhaps a century ago, but that was merely procurement—this is the finished product, standing before me!"
Henry's laughter carried a note of almost manic joy at his discovery. "Today has proven to be my most fortunate day in years! Sir August, do you happen to know the grandmaster who created your armor?"
August felt somewhat embarrassed by the effusive praise Henry was lavishing on his equipment. The truth of its creation was far more complex than he could easily explain, involving systems and abilities that existed far beyond conventional understanding. "I'm not entirely certain how to tell you this, sir, but I am actually the one who constructed this armor. I learned the techniques from my grandfather, methods he passed down to me through careful instruction. However, I cannot tell you what name he might have been known by during his prime, as he moved to our village long ago to escape the wider world's attention. He has since returned to the embrace of the earth."
In the farthest reaches of the void, on a plane of existence entirely separate from August's reality, Magnus observed this interaction with deep satisfaction. Manager Dorothy was currently on leave, leaving him alone to monitor August's progress and development. He felt profound pride in seeing his work appreciated by a skilled craftsman, and even greater joy in watching August consistently give credit to his teachings rather than claiming sole responsibility for abilities that transcended normal human capabilities. Though the specific wording varied, Magnus understood the deeper meaning behind August's explanations and appreciated the young man's wisdom in maintaining appropriate discretion.
Henry's reaction to this revelation was dramatic and immediate. He stumbled backward, his legs giving way as he absorbed the shocking implications of what he had just learned. Before him stood not just a young man wearing exceptional armor, but the grandson and student of a legendary grandmaster, someone who had apparently inherited techniques that existed at the very pinnacle of the armoring arts.
"Good heavens, lad, how old are you?" Henry asked, his voice filled with awe and disbelief. "You could earn far more than what I've paid you today if you were to craft items like this for wealthy patrons throughout the realm!"
August considered this suggestion thoughtfully before responding with a gentle smile and shake of his head. "Unfortunately, sir, I am currently committed to a journey of exploration and recruitment. Right now, I'm searching for skilled and trustworthy individuals who might be willing to return to our village with us, while simultaneously seeking to broaden my own horizons and understanding of the wider world. I use the skills I learned from hunting to prepare these hides and leather as a means of earning the money we need to sustain ourselves during our travels."
This additional revelation only compounded Henry's amazement. Not only was this young man a master craftsman representing a rare breed of genius talent, but he was clearly accomplished in multiple trades and had achieved mastery in each of them. The implications were staggering—here was someone who could hunt dangerous beasts, process their remains into premium materials, craft legendary-quality equipment, and apparently possessed the leadership qualities necessary to organize and lead a recruitment expedition.
"Sir August," Henry said, his voice taking on a more serious tone, "unfortunately, I cannot accompany you on your journey, though if circumstances were different, I would have abandoned everything here long ago to learn from someone of your caliber. My life and responsibilities are firmly rooted here in this humble town of Bono. However, if you are genuinely seeking skilled and trustworthy individuals, I may be able to recommend someone I know personally. He is admittedly somewhat eccentric, but I can assure you that he possesses both exceptional skill and unwavering trustworthiness. That is, if you would be interested in such an introduction."
Andy had been listening intently throughout this entire exchange, his mind working to process the various revelations and implications. He still harbored doubts about the grandfather story and August's claims of personal craftsmanship. While he had seen August provide equipment to various villagers, he had never actually witnessed the young man engaged in the construction process. For now, he decided to reserve judgment and simply agree to learn more about August's true capabilities when the young man felt ready to share complete explanations.
"Well, lad," Andy interjected, "it seems Sir Henry has identified someone who might align with our recruitment objectives. Isn't this precisely one of the primary purposes of our journey?" August looked to Andy and nodded before addressing Henry directly. "Very well, Sir Henry, I would be most interested in meeting this individual you've mentioned. However, we still have additional trading activities we wish to complete before we continue our northward journey. Perhaps we could arrange this introduction tomorrow?"
Henry understood perfectly and expressed his agreement. "Certainly, gentlemen. When you have concluded your remaining business, please return to me and I will provide directions to this individual's location. This has been both a profitable and enlightening encounter for me, and I thank you sincerely! May fortune continue to favor your endeavors."
Both Andy and August departed Henry's armor shop with considerably more than they had expected to earn. This single transaction had netted them sixty local gold coins, far exceeding their initial projections for the leather and hide sales. Their next objective was to find buyers for their collection of beast bones, items they weren't entirely certain would find interested purchasers.
Their search led them throughout the commercial district, inquiring at various establishments about potential interest in bone materials. Eventually, they located a weapons shop whose proprietor showed genuine interest in their unusual merchandise. The establishment was operated by an elderly man whose gruff appearance and somewhat intimidating demeanor initially suggested a difficult negotiation ahead.
Alexander Gorkzy, the weapons maker, was indeed one of the few remaining veteran craftsmen in the region who truly understood the value of beast bones in weapon construction. In an age where steel dominated most weapon manufacturing, materials from forest beasts represented rare opportunities for creating superior equipment. Bones from these creatures could actually enhance the quality and durability of steel blades when properly integrated, while simultaneously reducing their overall weight—a combination of benefits that most modern smiths either didn't understand or lacked the skill to achieve.
Alexander had spent many years dreaming of creating hybrid weapons that combined the best properties of steel and beast bone. As an apprentice, he had envisioned crafting weapon sets that would represent the pinnacle of his art, but the scarcity of suitable bone materials had prevented him from pursuing these ambitious projects. Previous market offerings had been insufficient in both quantity and quality for serious experimentation, leaving his dreams unrealized despite decades of hoping for the right opportunity.
Now, examining the materials August and Andy had brought, Alexander saw his chance to finally attempt the masterwork weapons he had envisioned for so long.
"So, what price are you asking for these materials?" Alexander inquired, his gruff exterior unable to completely hide his growing excitement.
August realized he had not given serious consideration to pricing these particular items. Unlike their leather and hide goods, which had established market precedents, beast bones represented a more specialized commodity with unclear valuation. "Well, sir, I would prefer to hear your assessment of their value. I haven't really established a price point for these materials, but you clearly have more expertise in determining their worth than I do."
Alexander was somewhat taken aback by this approach—why would someone bring items to market without having at least a rough idea of their value?—but he kept this thought to himself. "Before I can make a fair offer, I need to examine the full extent of what you're offering. I'll need to assess both the quality and quantity of your materials before providing a proper evaluation."
August proceeded to retrieve all the bones he had stored in his magical item pouch, a device he was beginning to realize would need upgrading soon given its utility during their travels. The collection was impressive: two stacks of larger bones and eight additional stacks containing a mixture of medium and smaller pieces, representing a total of two hundred individual bone specimens.
Alexander methodically examined each piece, from the largest to the smallest, his experienced hands testing their density, examining their grain structure, and assessing their overall condition. His approval was evident in the steady nodding that accompanied his inspection. These materials represented not only high quality but also came from a diverse array of beast species, providing opportunities for various types of hybrid construction techniques.
After completing his thorough evaluation, Alexander presented them with a written assessment. For the larger pieces, he offered ten local silver coins each—with forty such pieces, this represented four hundred local silver coins. The medium and smaller bones were priced at five local silver coins each, and with one hundred twenty of these pieces, they would earn an additional six hundred local silver coins.
Andy took charge of the final negotiations, and they quickly reached an agreement on Alexander's proposed pricing. "Well then, we'll be on our way, sir," Andy said as they concluded their business. This transaction earned them an additional twenty local gold coins, bringing their total earnings for the day to eighty local gold coins—a sum that substantially exceeded their most optimistic projections.
Now they needed only to return to their inn and await Marcus's return, hoping his individual trading efforts had proven equally successful.
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Day 23.2: Trading Inside the Town of Bono - Marcus the Lucky
While August and Andy pursued their leather and bone sales, Marcus embarked on his own commercial mission, focusing on their substantial meat inventory and the wagon that contained their magical storage systems. His approach differed from his companions', as he targeted high-end establishments and discerning customers who would appreciate and pay premium prices for exceptional quality.
The six magical storage crates they had acquired previously represented a significant investment in their trading capabilities. Each crate could store five hundred kilograms of meat while maintaining perfect freshness and quality, meaning their wagon currently contained three full tons of premium meat products. This represented not just substantial value, but also the promise of consistent quality that would appeal to establishments serving discerning clientele.
Marcus's first major opportunity came at a high-end tavern specifically designed to cater to the town's middle class, visiting nobles, and prosperous travelers. The establishment, named the "Bono Rose Tavern," occupied a prominent position in the town's commercial district and showed clear signs of prosperity and careful management.
The tavern's owner, Ms. Rose, greeted Marcus personally—a sign that she took her establishment's supply chain seriously and was willing to invest time in evaluating new potential suppliers. Her initial inspection of Marcus's meat samples was thorough and professional, examining not just the basic quality but also the precision of the cuts, the freshness indicators, and the overall presentation of the products.
After her careful evaluation and a discriminating taste test, Ms. Rose was clearly impressed by what she found. "So, what pricing are we discussing here, Mr. Marcus?" she inquired, her tone suggesting genuine interest in establishing a business relationship.
Marcus, drawing on his growing experience as a merchant, felt the familiar excitement of a potentially lucrative negotiation. "I was planning to offer it at ten silver coins per kilogram," he replied. "However, if that exceeds your budget considerations, I'm certainly willing to hear your counter-proposal."
Ms. Rose's reaction surprised him completely. Rather than attempting to negotiate his price downward, she actually increased her offer substantially. "I'll purchase two full crates at twelve local silver coins per kilogram," she announced. "Don't concern yourself with storage—we maintain our own meat preservation facilities."
This unexpected development meant Marcus would earn considerably more than his initial projections suggested. The transaction would net him two hundred forty local gold coins from this single customer, while still leaving him with four full crates to sell elsewhere. As he accepted the pouches of payment from Ms. Rose's accountant, Marcus felt the satisfaction of a successful negotiation while recognizing that he still had substantial inventory to market.
He was preparing to depart for his next potential customer when an unexpected complication arose. A group of armed men arrived at the tavern, accompanied by an elegantly dressed individual who was clearly a person of significant authority. Marcus initially stepped aside, assuming they were there on unrelated business, but soon found himself directly involved in their purpose.
"Are you the traveling merchant who has been selling high-quality meat?" the well-dressed man inquired, his tone carrying the authority of someone accustomed to having his questions answered promptly and completely.
Marcus felt sweat beginning to form as nervous tension filled his body. He wasn't certain whether he had inadvertently violated some local regulation or attracted unwanted official attention. Before he could formulate a response, Ms. Rose came to his assistance, clarifying the situation.
"Head Butler," she addressed the elegant man with obvious respect, "this is indeed the merchant I informed Lord Bono about—the one who brought such exquisite and premium meat to our town." She turned to Marcus with a reassuring wink, immediately alleviating his concerns about potential legal troubles.
The head butler nodded with satisfaction. "I see. Very well then, Ms. Rose. The lord extends his thanks and regards for bringing this matter to his attention." Turning his attention to Marcus, he continued, "As you have heard, Mr. Marcus, the lord has extended an invitation for you to visit his residence. If you would be so kind as to accompany me, he wishes to discuss a potential purchase of your merchandise."
Marcus recognized the wisdom of accepting such an invitation graciously. Refusing a noble's invitation could have serious consequences, and the potential for a substantial sale made the decision even easier. "Certainly, sir. I would be honored to meet with your lord."
The journey to the castle required approximately fifteen minutes of walking through increasingly prosperous sections of the town, culminating at the estate of the House of Bono situated on the settlement's highest point. The wealth and status of the ruling family were evident throughout their domain—the quality of roads and streets, the abundance of beautiful trees and ornamental plants throughout the town, and the impressive stone construction of both the castle and its outer defensive walls all spoke to substantial resources and refined taste.
The difference in prosperity between Bono and their previous stop in Roka was striking and unmistakable. Where Roka had shown signs of modest success, Bono displayed the hallmarks of genuine wealth and established power. The castle itself was constructed entirely of fitted stone, with walls that spoke of both defensive capability and architectural ambition.
Upon reaching the castle gates, Marcus and his remaining inventory were subjected to thorough inspection by the guards. This security measure was clearly routine rather than suspicion-based, and once nothing problematic was discovered, they were permitted to proceed. Several castle staff members assisted in transferring his remaining crate to a wheeled cart, facilitating easier transportation through the castle's corridors.
The procession led them through hallways that displayed the wealth and grandeur Marcus had observed from outside the castle. Tapestries, weapons displays, and artwork demonstrated not just prosperity but refined aesthetic sensibilities. Eventually, they arrived at a grand hall that could have served as a throne room, where Baron Vincent Bono waited in a chair that emphasized his authority and status.
Marcus was careful to observe proper protocol, offering the appropriate courtesies and displays of respect that nobles expected from merchants and commoners. Such formalities were not merely traditional—they represented important acknowledgments of social hierarchy that could significantly impact the success of business negotiations.
"Bring me a sample of this meat," Baron Bono commanded his staff. "Prepare one cut for cooking and another that I shall examine in its raw state." The household staff moved with the precision and coordination that marked well-trained domestic personnel, executing their lord's instructions with practiced efficiency.
Within minutes, both prepared and raw samples were presented for the baron's evaluation. He began his assessment with the raw meat, slicing it with a blade and noting the ease with which it could be cut—a sign of proper aging and quality. The taste test that followed was conducted with the careful attention of someone experienced in evaluating fine foods. When the cooked sample arrived, his examination continued with the same methodical approach.
The cooked meat sliced as smoothly as butter under his knife, and when he tasted it, the flavor and texture clearly exceeded his expectations. The meat practically dissolved in his mouth while releasing complex flavors enhanced by the light seasoning applied during preparation. Baron Bono closed his eyes to fully appreciate the experience, drawing on his extensive background as both a food connoisseur and gourmet to properly evaluate what he was experiencing.
Throughout this evaluation process, Marcus remained motionless and silent, understanding that his role was to await the noble's assessment without attempting to influence or interrupt his decision-making process. The tension in the hall was palpable as everyone present recognized the significance of this moment for both the merchant and their lord's satisfaction.
When Baron Bono finally opened his eyes and prepared to render his judgment, his expression suggested genuine satisfaction with what he had experienced. "Very well then, merchant," he began, "what price did Ms. Rose offer you for this quality of meat?"
Marcus maintained complete honesty in his response, recognizing that deception would be both foolish and potentially dangerous when dealing with nobility. "Well, my Lord, I initially offered a price of ten local silver coins per kilogram, but Ms. Rose generously increased her offer to twelve local silver coins per kilogram."
Baron Bono considered this information while reflecting on his own experience with meat pricing in various contexts. He recognized that Ms. Rose had offered Marcus considerably less than the actual value of such exceptional quality meat. Even in the capital's finest establishments, meat of this caliber would command prices of at least one gold coin per kilogram, making the twelve silver coin price appear almost exploitative.
"Very well then," the baron declared, "my offer will be one local gold coin per kilogram. Do you find these terms acceptable?"
Marcus felt his heart race as he absorbed the magnitude of this offer. The price represented more than eight times his original asking price and was substantially higher than even Ms. Rose's generous terms. "I accept and am deeply humbled by your extraordinary generosity, my Lord," he managed to say while offering another respectful bow.
Satisfied with the merchant's agreement, Baron Bono signaled to his head butler, who promptly presented Marcus with four pouches containing a total of two thousand local gold coins—equivalent to two imperial silver coins. The weight and substance of this payment represented more wealth than Marcus had ever personally handled in a single transaction.
As Marcus prepared to conclude their business and depart, he remembered the additional merchandise he carried and decided to make one final offer. "If your lordship maintains skilled alchemists or healers within his court, I have also brought a selection of rare medicinal herbs. However, I would certainly understand if I am presuming too much upon your time and attention."
Baron Bono paused to consider this additional opportunity. He had been planning a military campaign for the coming months, making this an ideal time to increase his stores of healing potions and medical supplies. The rarity of quality medicinal herbs made this offer particularly intriguing. "Summon the court physician and herbalist," he commanded. "Also call for the mage."
Marcus was genuinely shocked to learn that this regional lord maintained a mage among his court personnel. Such magical practitioners were expensive to retain and represented a level of wealth and influence that exceeded what most provincial nobles could afford. Baron Bono was clearly far more powerful and prosperous than typical lords of similar rank.
Three individuals responded to the baron's summons: an elderly gentleman serving as court physician, an adult woman functioning as the court herbalist, and an older woman who served as the court mage. Their combined expertise allowed for a thorough evaluation of Marcus's medicinal herb collection, which consisted of one hundred stacks of twenty pieces each—two thousand individual specimens of rare plants with proven alchemical and healing properties.
The evaluation team quickly confirmed that the array of medicinal herbs presented were of exceptional quality, representing specimens typically found only in the deepest and most dangerous regions of the forest. Their rarity and condition made them suitable for crafting everything from basic healing salves to high-tier healing potions, depending on the skill of the preparer and the specific combinations employed.
The herbalist, clearly the most qualified to assess these particular materials, directed a question toward Marcus that carried implications he hadn't fully considered. "Tell me, merchant, where exactly did you acquire these materials?"
Once again, Marcus felt nervous perspiration forming as three pairs of expert eyes focused intently upon him, seeming to examine not just his words but his very soul. He could only provide the most honest answer possible under such scrutiny. "Well, distinguished practitioners, I did not personally acquire these materials myself. They were gathered by the owner of our traveling merchant group, a young man named August, who has demonstrated exceptional skill in a wide variety of specialized activities. This herb collection represents just one aspect of his diverse capabilities. At this moment, he and his guardian, Mr. Andy, are also engaged in selling our high-quality leather and hide merchandise at various establishments throughout your town. While I cannot specify their exact location, we agreed to reconvene at the inn we are staying at after completing our respective trading activities."
After delivering this explanation, Marcus bowed his head respectfully, hoping he had provided sufficient information without revealing anything that might compromise his companions' activities. The court mage stepped forward to offer her professional assessment.
"He speaks truthfully, my lord," she announced after what Marcus assumed was some form of magical verification. "This owner of their traveling merchant group appears to be quite remarkable, if his capabilities truly match this merchant's description. The quality and expertise demonstrated in the collection and preparation of these herbs suggests the work of a true master in the field."
Baron Bono accepted his court mage's counsel without question, then turned to his herbalist for a pricing evaluation. "What would you consider fair compensation for these materials, Roana?"
The herbalist, drawing on her extensive experience with such materials, provided her professional assessment. "My Lord, I believe these specimens would be fairly valued at one local gold coin per individual piece."
Marcus could barely believe what he was hearing. If he understood correctly, they had been selling these herbs in previous locations for two hundred local copper coins per stack of twenty pieces—a fraction of their actual market value according to this expert evaluation.
Baron Bono saw no reason to question his herbalist's professional judgment and turned back to Marcus. "Do you find this pricing acceptable?"
"Yes, my Lord, I am in complete agreement," Marcus replied, though he privately marveled at the incredible fortune that had brought them to this negotiation. He had been prepared to sell the herbs per stack at his usual pricing, but apparently, they would be compensated per individual piece at rates far exceeding their expectations.
Baron Bono signaled once more to his staff, and another set of four pouches was presented, containing an additional two thousand local gold coins. This brought Marcus's total earnings from his visit to the castle to four thousand local gold coins—a sum that exceeded their group's most optimistic projections for their entire stay in Bono.
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Day 23.3: Marcus Triumphant Return
The successful business transaction concluded with Baron Bono personally escorting Marcus from the castle—an extraordinary honor that demonstrated the noble's profound satisfaction with their dealings. Such personal attention from a baron to a traveling merchant was sufficiently rare to attract considerable notice from castle staff and townspeople alike, many of whom paused in their daily activities to observe this unexpected display of respect and deference.
The sight of the distinguished baron walking alongside a common trader, flanked by his personal guard in ceremonial formation, created quite a spectacle. Whispers followed their procession through the cobblestone streets as curious onlookers wondered what manner of exceptional business could warrant such unprecedented treatment.
Marcus arrived safely at their inn, where August and Andy were genuinely surprised to see him accompanied by armed guards in what appeared to be an honor escort rather than any form of detention. Their initial concern was evident in their expressions and immediate questions, as the sight of uniformed soldiers could easily be misinterpreted.
"Mr. Marcus, did you encounter some sort of trouble?" August asked with obvious worry, clearly prepared to assist if their companion had faced difficulties during his trading mission at the castle.
"Not at all, young sir!" Marcus replied, barely able to contain his excitement and pride. "I conducted business at the lord's castle and achieved rather extraordinary results!" His expression combined deep satisfaction, barely concealed smugness, and genuine joy at the success of his negotiations. The gleam in his eyes spoke of triumph beyond their wildest expectations.
August and Andy exchanged meaningful glances and shrugged, recognizing that Marcus would undoubtedly explain the details once the guards departed and they could speak privately without prying ears.
After the castle guards had finally taken their formal leave and returned to the castle with their lord, Marcus eagerly showed them what he had brought. The heavy pouches clinked with promising weight as he set them carefully on the wooden table. When they opened each one, the room immediately began to shine with the brilliant reflection of golden coins, their surfaces catching and multiplying the candlelight. August and Andy's jaws nearly dropped to the ground as they stared in stunned disbelief. No words could adequately express their amazement at the sight before them.
This magnificent conclusion to their trading day saw their empty merchandise wagon replaced by pouches filled with substantial wealth. The total amount of their remarkable earnings reached 4,320 local gold coins—a sum that August carefully stored within his magical system storage as they had previously discussed for security purposes. Seeing the fortune disappear safely into the sub-space, both Andy and Marcus felt profound relief, knowing they no longer carried such a dangerous amount of wealth and wouldn't need to contemplate the potentially dire consequences of exposing such riches to the outside world.
They all ventured out for a celebratory dinner, as Marcus had arrived quite late in the afternoon after spending considerable time conducting his business at the castle. They ate to their hearts' content, savoring both the fine food and their incredible success. After concluding their evening celebration, they returned to the inn and slept peacefully and soundly, their minds at ease with their newfound prosperity.