I open my eyes once again and am greeted by the beams of light shining through my window. I've obtained clothes, food and lodging since coming to this world, but those all require money, and money requires a job. Yesterday, I helped Lily hunt, but if I'm going to continue doing that I need to get properly equipped. So today, I'll go to Jeff's and try to buy a weapon.
I jump out of bed and change my clothes, I've decided to use one suit of clothes for working and the other for resting and cleaner activities. Rushing downstairs I gobble down a hearty breakfast and pay Anna for another day's living expenses. Since I'm short on cash, or rather coin, I've been paying one day at a time instead of by the week.
Finishing breakfast I say good bye to Anna and rush toward Jeff's smithy. I only have about 100 coppers left, but I have a plan to get a good weapon.
"Oh, you actually came? What can I do for you Adam? Do you need a weapon? Or, perhaps you want me to make something for Lily? Ahhhh, youth... Hahahaha, I'm kidding" (Jeff)
"Haha, I wanted to get a weapon. What would you suggest?" (Adam)
"Hmmm, tell me what your strengths are." (Jeff)
Jeff eyes me up and down as he strokes his beard.
Strengths? Ummm, I've always been good at math? I guess that's not what he wants to know though...
"Ummm, I'm not very physically strong, nor am I especially agile. If it has to be physically, my only strength is my flexible limbs..." (Adam)
"Hmmm, that's difficult. How good are you at body reinforcement magic?" (Jeff)
"You mean my control? I'm pretty decent, and I know I can get better. But, I don't think it's good enough to give me an advantage." (Adam)
"Okay. I think I know what you need. I recommend either a ranged weapon, or a weapon specializing in surprise attacks. Although agility would help a lot for both, good planning and both physical and mental flexibility can make up for it. If your opponent never sees the attack coming, they'll be at a disadvantage." (Jeff)
I see. If I stay hidden until I attack, my target won't have the chance to counterattack. If they're human, they won't have activated body reinforcement magic yet and will be a lot weaker than me. If they're a monster, their weak points will be exposed until being alerted.
"I'll choose a close quarters weapon for now, what are the options?" (Adam)
I think a ranged weapon would take far too long to get skilled at, so I'll choose the other option.
"Alright, you can either have one custom made, or pick one of them I've already made. For close quarters sneak attacks, I'd recommend something with good mobility. Light weight weapons are over here." (Jeff)
Jeff leads me to a corner of his shop, several weapons are hung on the wall. A short sword, a long but thin Japanese styled sword, throwing knives and a pair of daggers are included in the assortment. I pick up each one, examining them in turn. The short sword and throwing knives are out, they require too much skill. The Japanese sword is too long, I'd probably end up hurting myself or allies with it. The pair of daggers are comfortable, and if one breaks there is a back up, so I think they're the best for me.
"I'll take these daggers. How much do they cost?" (Adam)
"That'll be one silver, but for you, I'll make it eight small silvers. Quite a deal if I do say so myself! Hahahaha..." (Jeff)
"Snap! That's way out of my price range. Is it possible for me to pay in installments?" (Adam)
"Installments? What's that?" (Jeff)
Mwahahaha, I have springed the trap. They don't have a modern financial system in this world, so now's my chance to sell them on it. And, if things turn out well, I can prove myself and the applicability of my knowledge. But, this could also backfire if things don't go well, hopefully he likes the idea.
"Are there people that visit your smithy wanting to buy something, but that can't afford it?" (Adam)
"Naturally, many people can't, but I can't lower my prices any more either." (Jeff)
"No worries, installments make it so both parties get what they want." (Adam)
"Really? How?" (Jeff)
"You see, when someone wants to purchase something of yours, but can't afford it, usually they would give up. But, with installments, they can pay over a larger period of time. When they are first sold the item, they will give a down payment of say, 10% the cost. Then, they regularly pay a set amount each week or month. If they pay 10% the cost each week for example, after nine weeks the rest will be paid off."
"But, if they don't have the money to start with, how do I know they will be able to pay?" (Jeff)
"First, you have to have some knowledge about how much money they make. Let's say there's a hunter. This hunter makes an average of 150 coppers a day, but spends 100 coppers on food and shelter each day. Every week they would have an extra 350 coppers. But, one day their weapon breaks. They have no way to make money and only a few hundred extra coppers on hand. They can't afford to buy a weapon. But, if you know how much money they usually make, you can sell them a 1 silver coin weapon, on the condition that they give you 100 coppers each week for ten weeks."
"I see, this system benefits both parties. But, how do I learn how much they make? They could lie." (Jeff)
"The only way to do that, is to document every time someone is paid. If, every time a merchant purchases the skin, meat...etc from the hunter, he is required to submit documentation to some organization. Then, that organization would have all the information you need and you could request it." (Adam)
"Sounds complicated. How would you convince the merchants to waste time documenting their purchases?" (Jeff)
"If I'm correct, this village is mostly self reliant. Only once a month does a merchant, who isn't a local, come to buy and sell here. That means if you, Anna and all the other business owners in this village agree to this system, it can be easily implemented. In regards to how to convince them, remember my hunter example? I remember you saying your prices were as low as you could make them, right? But, if the hunter had an extra 350 coppers each week, he probably wouldn't mind giving you 110 coppers for ten weeks instead of 100. This way, you would make more money." (Adam)
"Hmmm..." (Jeff)
"Of course, this system is useless for some people, for example Anna. She doesn't sell expensive items, but housing. But, this system would benefit her indirectly, if more people have the things they need, they will make more money, and the more money they make, the more they are willing to spend on her food and drinks. It would stimulate the entire economy!" (Adam)
"I still don't understand one thing, what if someone doesn't pay what they're supposed to?" (Jeff)
"Then, they would be considered a thief, and could be dealt with accordingly. Once the news is out, no one would be willing to do business with them. They might attempt to flee the village, but they would need provisions for that, which would require planning in advance. I think it would be obvious if someone was planning on leaving the village, and they wouldn't be allowed to use this system if they would be gone when payments are due." (Adam)
"Uh huh, go on..." (Jeff)
"Finally, to minimize risk, no one would be allowed to owe payments more then their extra money's value. The amounts owed would be tallied by the village's business owners consistently, and you guys would know if someone tried to buy more then they could pay for. There might be someone that could cheat the system on occasion, but the benefits outweigh the risk." (Adam)
Alright, moment of truth, will he bite? Hopefully the system I made up, based on the little knowledge I have in this area, is enough to impress him. If not, I'll look like a scam artist. How's he going to respond?