The third maester who came with Osvik was Maester Ciesar. He was an expert in arts and culture.

And because Osvik was not interested in the next presentation and chose to follow Chef Bianca like a puppy following its mother, Lt. Col. Slane decided he would directly give the presentation to Maester Ciesar. So that the old Maester would not feel abandoned.

With high enthusiasm, Maester Ciesar followed Lt. Col. Slane. He attentively listened to every explanation regarding products that were closely related to art, culture, and modern lifestyle on earth.

A large, soft, and super comfortable bed; a charming dressing table; a work desk that was sturdy but also elegant; a soft chair called sofa that made people who sat on it reluctant to leave; a clear glass mirror measuring 1.9 x0.75 meters; the cutlery that was beautiful but comfortable to use; the paintings on the walls that were so alive, and finally the wristwatch that almost made Maester Ciesar had a heart attack.

'This place is a treasure storehouse,' Maester Ciesar muttered as he desperately tried to calm his heart. Then, with an endless admiration he inspected the wristwatch.

"Ser Slane, how much is the price for this wristwatch?"

"Five times the clock that Ser Osvik bought."

Technically, Lt. Col. Slane wasn't lying. The standard wall clock that Amethyst Merchant sold used a black walnut frame with small silver trimmings and cost USD 40. While the wristwatch in Maester Ciesar's hand was USD 200.

In terms of appearance, the wall clocks and watches that Amethyst Merchant offers were very standard. Almost no different from the products on display at Walmart. This was because Amethyst Merchant wanted durability and function to be placed above appearance.

As for the wall clocks and watches with the outer appearance wrapped in high-value art and materials, Amethyst Merchant would distribute them as limited editions through an auction.

However, for Maester Ciesar the standard clocks and watches were already products that were worth fighting for. Considering that a long time ago Merry Gold Union failed so badly when trying to produce a wristwatch.

Therefore, when he heard Lt. Col. Slane's answer, Maester Ciesar instantly breathed a sigh of relief. Given that he estimated the wristwatch was worth at least ten times the wall clock.

At half-past five, the presentation of Amethyst Merchant products was finished. Osvik and the three Maesters were then escorted to Maple Palace to rest.

Lt. Col. Slane escorted them directly, and before leaving he told them that at seven o'clock he would pick them up for dinner at Luise Petra.

---

VIP Room 23, Maple Palace Hotel

1720, 26 Aug 2025

After Lt. Col. Slane left, the hotel clerk immediately explained to Osvik about the various facilities in the VIP room and how to use them, and the explanation amazed Osvik endlessly.

Openly, Lt. Col. Slane told Osvik that the VIP room he occupied was third in terms of rates. But for Osvik, the room was more than enough to make him regret until his liver became green. Because he had said that in the Amstell Continent there were no nobles who would be willing to stay in a hotel, and asking them to do so was an insult.

'Damn it! Why would I wait too long before visiting this incredible city?'

Osvik muttered while the hotel clerk gave an example of how to prepare a bathtub in the shape of a triangle with rounded corners.

After a warm shower with very fragrant soap, Osvik intended to relax on the sofa while waiting for dinner. Unfortunately, he could not carry out his intention.

"We have to focus the budget on electronic appliances," said Maester Kallep as he grabbed Maester Rivak's hair and pulled Maester Ciesar's beard.

"No, we must prioritize culinary commodities as well as buy recipes from Amethyst Merchant cooks," said Maester Rivak as he grabbed Maester Ciesar's hair and pulled Maester Kallep's beard.

"You two are mistaken. We must buy all the clocks and wristwatches Amethyst Merchant can provide. Then use the profits made from its sales to buy other commodities," said Maester Ciesar as he grabbed Maester Kallep's hair and pulled Maester Rivak's beard.

Before he went to take a bath, Osvik asked the three Maesters to determine the commodities to be purchased from Amethyst Merchant. He divided the budget equally for them. Therefore, the three Maesters shouldn't make a fuss, let alone pulling each other's hair and beard.

"Venerable three Maester, use your own budget, no more no less."

With a deadpan face, Osvik gave the command. The three Maesters then removed their hands from their colleagues' hair and beards.

In truth, Osvik understood why the three Maesters were so fiercely fighting over the budget. Usually, he only carried a banknote worth 10,000 gold coins when shopping. However, on the visit to Magwurt City he brought a banknote worth 20,000 gold coins. Even so, the commodities he could get were far less than he had expected.

For special commodities which were monopolized by nobles, Osvik indeed received better prices and quality compared to suppliers from Makai Royal City. However, other products that only Amethyst Merchant could supply absorbed the budget like a dry field absorbing a drop of water.

For products that only Amethyst Merchants could supply, Osvik really couldn't bargain. That's why he intended to seek discounts on special commodities which were monopolized by nobles.

And an idea pops up in Osvik's mind. 'I can use information from Merry Gold Union as a weapon.'

---

Lounge, VIP Room 23

1900, 26 Aug 2025

After subtly refusing the dinner invitation, Osvik then asked Lt. Col. Slane to conduct trade negotiations. When Lt. Col. Slane finished checking the commodities list he submitted, Osvik immediately started.

"Ser Slane, the quality of Amethyst Merchant's salt is indeed a little better than the salt from Makai Royal City. But it's a shame that the price is too high? So, can Amethyst Merchant give me a little cut?"

Lt. Col. Slane put down his wine glass before turning to Osvik. "Ser Osvik, why do you want to trick me?"

Seeing a smile that wasn't a smile bloomed on Lt. Col. Slane's lips, cold sweat immediately drenched Osvik's back. Luckily, he somehow managed to maintain his calm expression.

"Ser Slane, please don't get me wrong. I can offer a price list of special commodities at Makai Royal City for free. I'm sure the Northern Coalition will not be able to provide accurate information as the information I offer."

Casually, Lt. Col. Slane said, "It's true that The Northern Coalition can't provide the price list of special commodities. However, that does not mean that I do not know that over the past eight months the average price of salt in Makai Royal City is 12 kg/gold coin, and has risen to 7 kg/gold coin upon arrival in the Regions which were located near the entrance of Desolate Land.

Ser Osvik, you already realized that the quality of Amethyst Merchant salt is much better at a price 20 kg/gold coin or almost half the average price offered by merchants in Makai Royal City, and you don't have to pay for transportation and escort costs. But now you dare to try to trick me."

Drops of cold sweat instantly appeared on Osvik and the three Maesters' foreheads, while Lt. Col. Slane continued.

"Well, bidding is a natural thing in trade negotiations. Therefore, I will adjust the price of salt to 19 kg/gold coin."

"Wait, Ser Slane let's use the price before---"

"18 kg/gold coin."

"Ser Sla---"

"17 kg/gold coins."

"Agreed!! 17 kg/gold coins."

Lt. Col. Slane smiled cheerfully before asking, "Are there any other commodities that need adjustments?"

Without delay, Osvik shook his head from side to side like a drumstick.

*****