"You filthy rich son of a gun! You don't need anymore riches! Couldn't you spare poor little me some more!"
Gin laughed. "You're too easy kid. Always go higher. You sell yourself short." The merchant shifted out business mode right after the transactions was sealed. "And yes, I know your story well. Don't call me the devil just yet, I'll put in a couple extras for you this time. You've been giving me good business for a long time now."
I really did work with Gin for a long time now.
At first he was the only one willing to do business with a homeless kid like me, but then once word got around others started to as well. Though no one treated me like a decent human being like Gin did.
I will forever always be grateful.
He also doesn't undercut me like the other stores around, but he still he is a business man. My old habits were too hard to change. I sighed. I tried to gloss over my inability to trust people, but trusted Gin. Honestly, I was already thankful for him working with me all these years. If he didn't, I wouldn't have all I did today.
Emotionally, I was confused. I wanted to open up to the old man, but I was scared to. Sometimes being good and opening up to others can do you harm. Not this case specifically, but I was aware of that truth applied generally.
"Alright, let me get everything ready for you," Gin said as he placed his hand on the right corner beside him.
The table glowed and then some of the engraved arrays around the room glowed as well. One by one, the precious treasures I had been drooling over popped up on the table. Flowers, books, tools, liquids, crystals… the items totaled to about 50 items, and then came Gin's extras. The deep blue and purple dungeon core I requested popped up, followed by ten more items. Two rings, 5 thick-looking book, a lustrous feather, a live plant, and another dungeon core that had the hue of all colors.
"What's this?" I spoke dazed and confused. "You're giving me all this old man? And that impossible dungeon core too?! Isn't this an extremely unfavorable trade for you? Aren't you making a huge loss?"
I was shocked speechless.
I knew that root wasn't worth all the extra items I had been given. Just that rainbow colored dungeon core alone would probably be worth more than Nota's root.
"No kiddo. I had wanted to give you these for a long time now. Today just seemed like the right time. You see, you've helped me out so much more than you know. I'm sorry I couldn't do more for you and do it sooner."
No one has ever given me anything freely besides a beating or dirty looks. People only showed me how unkind and their hatred of my existence. At best it was for mutual benefit even if I was getting the smaller end of the stick.
This was so out of character for Gin, I internally questioned if he had other motive. We were on decently good terms that benefited each other. Him doing this threw it out of balance. I did not understand. None of this made sense. All humans did something for gain. Was he trying to get something else from me? Did he want to me to owe him a favor, or did he have something more risky for me to find? I hadn't been shown kindness and charity for a long time I didn't know what to do.
A rush of mixed and pent up emotions I kept caged and hidden came flooding out as I could no longer hold back my tears. I turned to hide my weakness. I couldn't understand. Why was I crying? People don't do nice things freely, and Gin was no exception. Gin walked over and silently sat beside me and gave me a hug. I've seen him hug his squirming son who always strongly protested, but why was he doing this to me who was not his family? I refused to believe in people doing anything for no agenda.
I was not ready at all for what just happened. No. I wasn't even aware of my mountain of buried emotions. His hug pushed me over the edge, and every hidden and caged emotion came exploding out and I bawled like a baby. Seriously. I ugly cried so bad, but Gin said nothing and only gently rubbed my back.
I had no idea how long I had been crying, but I eventually calmed down. "Sorry. I cried up a storm didn't I? Look at your shirt. I got you drenched like you were out in that rain." Gin softly smiled, "sure did kiddo, but the rain and storm came and passed. I'm sure the sun will once again warm up everything." What was that look on Gin's face? Pity? I couldn't read it. I never seen it before.
"Alright! Get that black ring. It's a special ring of holding made to keep even those that are alive inside as well!" I was shocked again. The old man came with surprise after surprise. "A ring of holding and one capable of putting living things inside? Your business senses have finally disappeared and you've gone senile!"
With a big smile Gin replied, "nope, never been more clear-headed kiddo. Take this letter that describes everything I gave you and put everything away."
I was dumbfounded to the point of following Gin's orders like a zombie.
"Alright, I'll put away this root, and we'll head up. Don't say anything to Alex about the extras I gave you OK? I don't want him making a scene." I heard him, but I wasn't sure if I was dreaming. Heading back, Gin never asked me for anything in return. No money. No favors. Nothing.
"Did he truly not want anything in return?" I thought to myself. I followed Gin up the stairs before stopping him. "Old man… I don't know what to say or what to do. I've never been given so much for nothing. Tell me there's a catch! I can't… I don't know what to do!"
Gin's eyes looked at me with pity. A look I've never seen before. "There's no catch kiddo. If anything keep coming back safely. I want to see you alive and well. Be ready to joke and bicker with this old man. That is all."
I turned to the side again unwilling to cry again.
"Though next time I won't be giving you anything for free! Got it kid!?"
I wiped the small tears forming before turning and authentically smiled at Gin.
"Deal."