fantasy novels Chapter 5: Haggling with employers is a basic skill for adventurers.
Chapter 5: Haggling with employers is a basic skill for adventurers.
Elf Song Tavern is located in the crowded side block, separated from the High Tower block by two blocks: the Steep Block and the Bronch Block.
It took them almost an hour to get to the Haita district where the mission was issued.
After walking for less than 20 minutes, Cuthbert was already drenched in sweat, his thinning blond hair plastered to his scalp. Wiping his flushed, chubby face with a towel, he said, "Ronan, my friend, can't you walk a little faster?"
Great Stride is a first-level spell that increases the movement speed of the target.
Of the four, Ronan, Ramirez, and Cerasiel were in good physical condition and walked without much trouble.
Only Cuthbert, whose physical condition was poor, felt his legs were already sore after only reaching the steep section.
Despite his complaints, Cuthbert reluctantly followed the group to the Haita neighborhood.
The person who issued the quest is "Tashi Gur", and the place where the person who issued the quest lives is called "Gur's House", located in the southeast of the Haita District.
As Ronan walked, he asked for directions, and with the help of kind citizens, he finally saw a two-story house with a brown brick and tile roof.
In front of the House of Gul is a small courtyard, with a wooden frame on one side covered with green vines, from which hang bunches of purple grapes.
In the courtyard, an elderly halfling sat in a rocking chair, barefoot, with his legs crossed, leisurely puffing out smoke from a long pipe.
His beard and hair were yellowish-white, and the long beard on his chin was braided into a long whip.
At this moment, he formed a circle with his mouth and gently exhaled, and smoke rings popped out of his mouth.
As the old half-man saw Ronan and his companions approaching, he narrowed his eyes slightly and asked, "Are you adventurers?"
Ronan nodded and took a step forward.
This was agreed upon beforehand by the four of them: Ronan would handle all negotiations.
After all, Ronan's affability could bring better benefits to their team.
Meanwhile, Cuthbert sent Serath away to see the sights.
Because Therath was a paladin who had sworn an oath of devotion, also known as the "White Knight".
These holy warriors held lofty ideals and were dedicated to helping those in distress.
The power of a paladin comes from keeping his oath.
Next comes negotiating with the employer. If the paladin is present and thinks that their small group is asking for too much money, and fails to stop them, they may break their oath and lose their paladin power.
Seras was obedient and walked away.
"Mr. Gul?" Ronan asked.
The old man nodded and then said, "Welcome everyone. Let me tell you about the situation of the Shahua fish people and their rewards."
According to the old man's account, Ronan and the others learned that three days ago, a group of fishermen were hauling in their nets on the shore when, unexpectedly, several shahua fishermen suddenly emerged from the water, grabbed the fishermen, and dragged them into the water.
Then, the water on the shore turned red.
Citizens who witnessed this scene from a distance recalled that there were probably six to ten Shahua fishermen.
The old man said, "This port was also invaded by the Shahua fishmen before. At that time, we also invited adventurers. After the adventurers killed the Shahua fishmen, the Shahua fishmen did not reappear for a long time."
"So this time, we'd like to ask the adventurers for help as well."
"As for the reward... we'll give you 10 gold coins for every Shahua fishman you kill."
Ronan shook his head and said, "Old sir, even an ordinary longsword costs 15 gold coins. We can't even afford a longsword after killing a single Shahua fishman?"
"Fighting the Shahua fishmen will wear out our weapons and even endanger our lives. 10 gold coins is too low. I need 40 gold coins to kill one."
Ronan also offered a high price.
Before coming here, Ronan had discussed it with Cuthbert and knew that the market price for killing a monster of the strength of the Sawa fishman was between 20 and 30 gold coins.
Ronan quoted a high price to leave room for negotiation with the old man.
Upon hearing this, the old man's wrinkles deepened, and he put on a worried expression: "Gentlemen, as you know, we are just ordinary fishermen, living in poverty. Please, have mercy and charge us less."
If Seras were here, he would probably offer his help for free.
But Ronan understood the fishermen's situation better because he was a fisherman himself.
People like the "old half-man" who can speak on behalf of the fishermen in this area have usually left the fishermen's class and hardly fish anymore, instead acting as a middleman.
They would buy the fish from the fishermen and then sell them at a higher price to the next level of middlemen—usually members of the guild or people under Zong Gui in the upper district.
Therefore, this halfling is by no means poor; in fact, he is the richest among the fishermen in the area.
Ronan ignored the old half-man's words and continued, "Sir, to be honest, your price is far too low. No adventurer would be willing to work for you at this price."
"I guess you haven't caught anything these past few days."
"There are quite a few fishermen in Baldur's Gate, and Grey Harbor spans six blocks across the lower city of Baldur's Gate."
"To my knowledge, no Shahua fish-men have been found in the waters of other districts."
"The fish you can't deliver these past few days will definitely be made up for by fishermen from other neighborhoods."
"If this drags on any longer, fishermen in other neighborhoods will build stronger relationships with your major clients, and by then you'll likely lose many of them, resulting in even greater losses."
As an experienced businessman, Lao Banshen had actually been vaguely aware of this matter for some time.
After Ronan's explanation, the more he thought about it, the more frightened he became.
Seeing that the old man didn't respond, Ronan knew his words had worked, and continued, "Friend, we are all genuine professionals. If we leave, the next person to come might be a fraudster."
As he spoke, Ronan used his telekinesis to summon a fist-sized rock from the beach.
He then gestured to Ramil.
Ramir nodded slightly, and as the stone flew toward them, he took a lunge forward, simultaneously using the power of his waist and back to drive his right fist, which slammed into the stone.
With a loud bang, the stone was instantly reduced to dust.
The old man's pupils widened slightly upon seeing this.
Ronan said, "Sir, how about we set the reward at 35 gold coins per Shahua fishman? If we leave, I'm afraid you'll have a hard time finding adventurers of our strength at this price again."
The old man said, "Gentlemen, could you make it cheaper? How about 15 gold coins?"
Ronan shook his head and smiled, "Old sir, you've already witnessed our strength. We're not willing to lay a hand on these gold coins."
As he spoke, he gestured to Ramil and Cuthbert. The other two were seasoned adventurers and immediately understood. Together with Ronan, they made a gesture as if to leave.
The old man immediately replied, "How about 20 gold coins?"
Ronan and his two companions ignored them and continued turning around.
After the three men had turned their backs to the old half-man, the old half-man continued, "22 gold coins, gentlemen, that's the most I can offer."
At this moment, Ronan turned his head and said, "Old sir, one price, 30 gold coins."
The old man, still hesitant, listened.
Ronan turned his head and continued walking.
"make a deal."
After taking three steps, the old man's voice came from behind.