Chapter 215: Gambling Shop, Who Loses and Who Profits (Part 3)
This was a simple wooden shelf placed under the eaves. It contained many Books made from Beast Hide. To prevent them from being damaged by sun exposure and rot, a wide and large cover was placed above the shelf, making it look like a pavilion next to a convenience store.
Although the shelf wasn't exquisite, the dozens of Books on it were arranged extremely neatly. This was natural, as Books are not as sturdy as Equipment and can easily be damaged if not careful.
My Gaze swept restlessly over these hundreds of Books, preparing to execute the first step of my plan.
Soon, I picked up one of the beautifully bound Beast Hide Books. The thick, heavy Feeling in my hand, and the soft yet tough touch on my fingers, immediately made me judge that, regardless of the content inside, the material alone was enough to multiply the price of this Book several times. I secretly glanced at Aegis from the Corner of the Eye. Sure enough, a Smile appeared on his face, which was wrinkled like orange peel.
"Mm-hmm, this Book seems quite good."
I casually flipped open the content inside, quickly browsing and constantly nodding, putting on a look of deep Feeling.
Of course, I was holding this Book upside down...
My peripheral vision quickly Swept over it. Sure enough, Aegis's Smile stiffened imperceptibly, but instantly returned to the unique enthusiasm of a Merchant.
"This Knight Novel is quite interesting. It's good for passing the Time during Adventurers. Hmm, I'll take this one then."
After looking for a while, I nodded and said with a Smile.
"Yes... yes, Lord, hehe, hehe..."
Aegis gave a few unnatural dry laughs, echoing my words in response. He glanced at the cover of the Book I was holding. On it were clearly written the four large characters "Church Ancient Tome". God bless, although a large portion of what he sells are indeed common Hero Novels, this one is not included. Look at the material of the Book. Knight Novels only use rough Beast Hide and Paper for recording. Only Ancient Tomes that nobles like to collect or Show Off with would use such High-Level Beast Hide.
Aegis secretly wiped a Cold Sweat. In Sanctuary, there are many Illiterate People. Even among Adventurers, there are many, so there's nothing to be ashamed of. But this is the first Time I've seen a Guest who cares so much about Face/Reputation. And he just had to pick one of the few Books that have absolutely nothing to do with Knight Novels to boast about...
However, Aegis is a Merchant. Although he still wore a Smile, he took the Book from my hand and responded by giving a Thumb up.
"Lord truly has good Vision/Insight. This is the best-selling Novel right now. I'm not Show Off, in all of Lut Gholein, this might be the last Book I have left."
"You don't need to tell me that. I am called the best Companion by Adventurers, known as 'Eyes like a Torch'."
I said in a hoarse voice, adjusting my Cloak and speaking proudly.
Very good. It seems Aegis is now convinced that I am an Illiterate Person pretending to be Literate. As long as this premise exists, he will lower his guard. Even if I now say I want that unknown Book used to prop up the shelf, it's unlikely he'll become suspicious. First step Target achieved.
But this is still not enough. My Opponent/Rival is the cunning Aegis. To make him completely fall into the trap, I continued to pick out several beautifully Appearance Books inside and said some very vague things ambiguously. It looked as if an Illiterate Person with Rich/Abundant Experience was Show Off their Literacy. Occasionally revealing one or two small Weakness, step by step, leading Aegis into the misconception that I am an Illiterate Person.
"Alright, I'll take these."
I looked at the dozens of Books Aegis was holding in his hands, covered in sweat, and nodded in satisfaction. I had collected almost half of the Books on the wooden shelf.
"Lord truly has good Vision/Insight."
Although breathless from the weight of dozens of heavy Books, Aegis was still very happy. This was a rare big Guest.
A total of 24 Books. Aegis calculated for a while, making crackling sounds, before telling me a not-so-surprising price.
"Lord, I'll give you a 25% discount. The total is 1326 Gold Coins," he said with a Smile.
I had chatted quite a bit with Cain, that Old Man, back at the Rogue Encampment. So if you think I'm an Illiterate Person, or know nothing about the price of Books, then you are greatly mistaken. The price Aegis offered was much too expensive. But considering the high-quality Beast Hide used for these Books, it's within a reasonable range. It's just that this price wasn't actually discounted by 25% as he said. He probably raised the price before applying the discount. In fact, it's no different from the original price. This is a common trick used by Merchants in the Original World. I'm already used to it.
That's why I said, relying solely on the meager salary of the Rogue Encampment Elder, you can't buy many Books at all. Just like the 24 exquisite and luxurious Books I'm buying now, if it's 1326 Gold Coins, the average price per Book is a little over 55 Gold Coins, while the Elder's salary is only 50 Gold Coins. They can't even afford one Book.
As for why it's so expensive, according to the introduction in Cain's Book, this is because Sanctuary severely lacks materials for recording text. Books in Sanctuary are divided into two types. One is Beast Hide, one is Paper. And these two types are further divided into many categories. Like the ones I'm buying now, they are made from quite High-Level Beast Hide that has been repeatedly kneaded and processed. Not only is the paper quality soft, not easily damaged, and the text inside lasts longer. Such Books, with proper preservation methods and Magic reinforcement as Support, preserving them for tens of thousands of years is not a problem. As for other rough materials, such as Pig Hide, Dog Hide, etc., Books made from these Beast Hides will even gradually smell as Time passes. Of course, the price is also cheaper. If the Books I have were made from these rough hides, they might not even be worth 50 Gold Coins.
As a side note, the highest-Level Beast Hide in Sanctuary is said to be Dragon Hide...
Whether rough or expensive, Beast Skin Scrolls all have one Weakness. That is, they are heavy and not easy to store. Afterwards, people naturally invented Paper. It's just that the appearance of Paper didn't make the price of Books much cheaper. Because Paper in Sanctuary is made from the Jam of an edible Fruit. Due to the long growth cycle of this Fruit, coupled with complex production methods, the appearance of Paper did not make Books widespread in Sanctuary. They are still a luxury that only the rich can enjoy.
As another side note, because it's made from edible Jam, freshly made Paper can be eaten directly. But it's best not to try after three days if you don't want to get diarrhea.
And now, In One's Head, I was rarely considering some serious questions. That is, the method of making Paper. Tree. As long as there are Trees, it's fine. This is common sense that middle school students can learn in class. Of course, whether you remember it later is another matter. And I just happen to have a Single Point of impression. Although incomplete, it doesn't matter. People in Sanctuary are not stupid. As long as the correct direction can be provided, I dare guarantee, with Akara's and their Ability, they can organize a massive Paper manufacturing base within a month. Let's do it this way. After completing this Quest and going back, discuss it with Akara and them. If the method is indeed feasible, Old Bookworms like Cain would probably go crazy with joy.
I didn't know what kind of Influence the Idea/Thought turning In One's Head right now might bring to Sanctuary. This is something that can be called a revolution. Regardless of any Era, any Plane, the popularization of civilization is crucial. Books happen to be one of the most important Methods for popularizing civilization. Just a simple Idea/Thought In One's Head, not to mention enabling those eager for knowledge but unable to afford a Book to become Literate, thereby promoting civilization. Just in the short term, Paper production can immediately improve the poor living conditions of the Rogue Encampment. A single idea can save a country. This statement is not exaggerated at all. The rejuvenation of the Original World is the best example.
Of course, I wasn't thinking that far ahead right now. I am not an educator, nor a Leader. Just an Otaku Adventurer. Based on this understanding, I just simply wanted Books to be sold cheaper. Of course, there was another purpose...
"Even with a 25% discount, it's still a bit expensive, isn't it, Boss? I know a thing or two about the price of these Books."
I glanced at Aegis and frowned.
"Since Lord knows, you should understand even more. This price is actually very fair. Even if you went to another shop, you wouldn't find a cheaper price," Aegis said with a slow, unhurried Smile. At the same Time, he secretly let out a sigh of relief, glad he didn't randomly quote a price just because the other party was Illiterate.
"Boss, you can't say that. I bought so many at once. There should be some kind of discount, right?" I started bargaining like a housewife in a vegetable market.
"Guest, what you're saying really puts me in a difficult position. If it's any cheaper, this Old Man will lose Money. A great Hero like you shouldn't need to save this little bit of Money, right?" Aegis deliberately put on a troubled, mournful face.
"If he's a great Hero, shouldn't he save Money to help the poor people?" I retorted, unwilling to show weakness.
"If he's a great Hero, he shouldn't be harsh and make things difficult for a poor Old Man just to save Money for helping the poor people, right?" Aegis countered sharply.
"Harsh and difficult? I think the 4000 Gold Coins just now should be enough for you, Old Man, to spend the rest of your life in the Brothel, right?"
I reminded Aegis, "You old thief just tricked me out of 4000 Gold Coins! If you don't give me a discount, aren't you afraid of divine retribution for your conscience?"
"Guest, you're really something. It seems this Old Man misjudged you," Aegis said with great surprise, not expecting me to be so difficult to deal with. It seems I gave him a not-so-good Image at the beginning.
Hehehehe—
The two of us were like fighting roosters, laughing sharply at each other. Neither wanted to lose a move.
"How about this? You don't need to reduce the Money. Besides these few Books, you give me four more Books." My eyes rolled, and I proposed a compromise Plan.
"Four Books? Guest, you're making things difficult for this Old Man. If everyone was like you, my shop would go bankrupt in less than a year." Aegis desperately shook his Head.
"One Book, I can only give one at most."
There's a chance, my heart rejoiced. But I can't panic now. If I directly asked for that Book used to prop up the shelf, it would definitely arouse Aegis's suspicion.
"No, no. At least this number." I held up three fingers.
In the end, Aegis and I were stuck between three Books and two Books. Neither was willing to give in. By this Time, I guess Aegis should also have realized. This is no longer a matter of price, but a matter of Face/Reputation. Who made me a Guest who "cares about Face/Reputation"?
So at this Time, it's almost Time to capture the final Target. As long as he thinks I'm just unwilling to lose Face/Reputation and give in, and not for other reasons.
Just as I was about to speak, unexpectedly, Aegis's Tone changed. His small, shrewd eyes rolled around a few times.
"Giving three more Books is not impossible. There is just one Condition. That is, among these three Books, this one must be included. The other two can be chosen freely." He pointed to the dirty Book propping up the shelf leg and said.
I was caught off guard. The whole person froze on the spot. What is this called? Effortless gain.
However, I quickly suppressed the joy in my heart. Fortunately, I had been wearing my Hat. Otherwise, my Expression just now might have revealed something to him.
"Alright, you old geezer, you're ruthless."
I deliberately left a resentful harsh remark and randomly picked two of the most expensive-looking Books from inside. It could be seen, Aegis's facial Muscle twitched severely a few times.
"Guest truly has good Vision/Insight. Why not go inside and try your luck?" Seeing me casually pick out the two most expensive Books, Aegis spoke as if a piece of his flesh had been cut off, saying with extreme frustration and unwillingness.
"Forget it, I don't have Money on me. Another day then."
With the Speed of lightning, too fast to cover the ears, I almost snatched the Book that Little Ghost had been eagerly asking for right out of Aegis's hand. I didn't even say goodbye, while muttering about paying Money with one hand and receiving goods with the other, Money received, goods cleared, and words like 'no refunds', and disappeared into the Crowd in a flash.
Looking at my hurried Expression, and connecting it with my Movement just now, Aegis was indeed cunning. He almost immediately linked my purpose with that Book. Thinking of this possibility, his face couldn't help but turn pale, then red, then green. The whole person slumped powerlessly onto the Lounge Chair he was sitting on earlier, no longer having the Image of an Expert.