'The name of the boutique is different and he doesn't look like the old scammer we met back at the portal plaza.'

In front of Nestor was now standing a middle-aged man, he had blonde hair and light brown eyes. The merchant was already clasping his hands, joyous for his potential new customers.

"Welcome! Are you looking for a particular item? You look like beginners, I have already prepared items that might interest newcomers, here, look at the stand on your right."

Not being bothered by the stature of the knight Linneo that was accompanying Nestor, the merchant gestured them to peek at his merch. Evidently, it wasn't a rare occasion to meet with bizarre h humanoids, in Ceres discrimination due to such occurrences wasn't present at all.

On the stand were present many tools in disposition, they were in optimal conditions, looking mostly clean, some had even their own cover, being leather tissues or wooden cases.

Their strange appearances made Nestor even doubt their actual uses. But then he remembered his own circumstances, mysterious power must have been key to their functioning.

Could this pair of small rounded scissors really but as simple as they looked to be? Hardly so, he thought.

He focused on the starting section of the rectangular stand, many little clocks and pocket watches were exhibited there. He also noticed a couple of candles and hourglasses.

'As poor as I am, I won't be able to afford these fancier-looking watches. These candles, on the other hand, are very simple, probably cheaper and I also am quite familiar with them.

What is troubling me is the possibility of them being simple candles, like the ones back on Earth. Since these are clearly missing their iron case with the opportune markings.

I could also mention to him that I already met his grandpa, and we struck a deal after all. Hopefully, the old fox didn't already tell him the details.'

"Mr. Lavander, I would like to buy this watch here. I also need you to deliver this message for me, the recipient being 'The rat that hides under the bridge'. I have the crystal already prepared, if you accept it'll be yours right this instant."

The weird request made Nestor a little doubtful of his friend for a second, then he remembered that it must be due to Linneo's teacher.

'His teacher is looking for a rat? Definitely not the nickname that a person from the council would have.

Could it be internal strife between factions of the higherups, or perhaps the academies are rebelling against their oppressors?

Alright, I'll stop, firstly thinking about it is pointless, as I am too weak to be involved in such memories. Also, speculation so much without any bases won't lead anywhere.

Linneo is a righteous person, I'll ask him later if he can share what this is all about.'

Levante paused for a second his hands, that were previously inviting the passerby to check out his merch. He quickly directed his attention to Linneo, the crouching giant that overshadowed the smaller figure of Nestor, who appeared to be in deep thought.

"For that pocket watch, you'll have to pay at least a silver coin. Even if it doesn't have any particular soul power, it still is very durable and it has the ability to self-repair.

For your other request, I believe someone else made it and you're only the middle man. Rats are not connections that newbies should look into, not even strong ones like you.

Show me the crystal and we'll have a deal."

Linneo appeared to suddenly have a weight lifted off his shoulders, happy to have his mentor's first request accomplished.

Then a red little crystal appeared on his right hand, it was the size of Nestor's fists, it was periodically pulsating with energy, emitting a weak red light all around.

'It is a lot less bright than the green one I saw from Mr.Domino, it also has a slower rhythm. It must be of less value.'

Lavender looked pleased, even if the crystal wasn't as big as he hoped it to be, it wasn't such a problem. For size to matter, the crystals had to be of higher purity, at least from medium-tier crystals and up.

However, the greedy merchant was still waiting for something else, shiny and clinking, coins were the most cherished thing for him.

Then Linneo picked up a golden-covered pocket watch, the craftsmanship wasn't too bad. For Nestor's standards, it resembled an item owned only by the higher nobility, however not as much as royalty.

He found it quite fascinating and stylish since they had yet to appear during the time he was alive. However there were many other strange objects on the stand, he couldn't possibly imagine that on Earth they'll become popular only about a century after his death. (16th century)

Golden flowery patterns were visible on the edges of the clock, the lancets were constantly ticking, representing the inevitable passage of time.

For a moment, as if absorbed by the ticking, Nestor intensively stared at the watch. Until Linneo quickly made it disappear inside his tablet, as he quickly tossed a shiny, silver coin.

'They are square-shaped, and they also seem to be shining a bit, but this sun doesn't emit light. I'll try to ask teacher about this.'

Now it was Nestor's turn to make his own purchase. Thus he lifted his hands and took off his leather jacket, the only currency he had at his disposal.

'Arg! So stubborn, he could have just asked me to lend him some money, my mentor gave me some leeway for my purchases after all.'

While Linneo was pondering on the stubbornness of his friend, he was still left in the dark about the duel the monk had in plan a week later.

"That purple candle over there, I would like to exchange it with my leather jacket. I don't think it would be a bad deal for you. Even if it has mystical abilities, it still falls off to the other watches and small clocks. While you should be able to quickly sell my jacket. You can try it if you want, I assure you that the leather is thicker than it seems.

Also, I have met an old merchant that had your same name. The old Levante and I had a good deal already. "

A little overconfident, Nestor found his logic to be on point. The candle was a little smaller than the rest, being light purple in color rather than the pale green most of the others had. Also, a few cracks could be seen on its surface, dust had also deposited itself over the surface. Clearly, this product had remained on the stand for quite some time.

"Yes, a newbie indeed. I don't know from which planet you came from, but you got it all wrong.

This candle is not as simple as it seems, it is quite a useful artifact, in truth. Beginners like you would find it very attractive, only if they had the eye to go beyond its crude appearance. The candle doesn't only keep track of time for you, but it also helps your growth whilst you are resting near it. For it to work it must be lit it first though.

However, by your logic, since it doesn't sell that well, I should consider your trade almost acceptable. Maybe If you added a few brass coins it would have made sense for me to accept.

Yet there is a fundamental difference between our concepts of time. I can wait, years, decades for a fateful encounter that will make me sell this candle.

You see, in this city, not everyone is after power, money, and fame. I, as a merchant, of course, value money a great deal, however way is that. Because they enable me to buy more interesting artifacts, tools, and all sorts of strange things.

Centuries have already passed since I became a merchant, and only a few things can make my heart beat again. Money alone isn't enough anymore."