As the bustling shop continued to fill with customers, Charles and Lita worked diligently to attend to their needs.
The reputation of Charles' shop for selling high-quality weapons at affordable prices had spread far and wide, attracting a steady stream of eager patrons.
One by one, customers approached the counter, their eyes gleaming with anticipation as they perused the assortment of weapons on display.
Charles patiently listened to their requests, providing insightful recommendations tailored to their individual needs.
With his extensive knowledge and expertise, he ensured that each customer found the perfect weapon to suit their preferences and fighting style.
As customers examined the exceptional craftsmanship and superior materials of the weapons, their praises began to echo through the shop.
Word had spread of Charles' dedication to delivering the highest quality products at surprisingly affordable prices, a rarity in the realm.
"I've never seen such fine blades at such cheap prices," one customer marvelled, running his finger along the intricately designed hilt of a sword.
"I've been searching for a bow that combines accuracy and power, and I finally found it here," exclaimed another customer, a smile of satisfaction spreading across his face.
Even though he didn't make the weapons he felt proud hearing their compliment.
Meanwhile, Lara, Ai, and Nu, the reliable shop assistants, greeted customers with warm smiles and eager assistance.
•
It was almost noon and the customer had also started decreasing. Charles was about to close the shop but suddenly five people entered the shop.
Charles was a little surprised seeing the customer but a second later his lips curled up revealing a grin. 'They are finally here.'
One of them stepped forward, his voice laced with arrogance. "So this is the shop, that sells weapons at a cheap price?"
He looked around inspecting the weapons displaced. Even though, he appeared to be arrogant, inside he was shocked seeing the high-quality weapons.
He could easily tell why the customer had stopped coming to his shop. If he was an adventurer he would also buy weapons from here.
He was not the only one, all the men were shocked, upon seeing the shop.
If one didn't know, they could mistake it as Charles being lucky, for his shop becoming popular in such a short time.
From the shop's location to its decoration. It didn't have any flaws.
The shop was just a street from the adventurers guild which would naturally attract customers, coupled with the decoration.
The shop was easily approachable from the outside and inside had a uniquely calming and relaxing ambience.
As soon as you enter the shop, you would be welcomed by a beautiful and cute ladies. And on the front wall is the display of a capitative sword.
One of the other shop owners, a middle-aged man with a grizzled beard, spoke up. "Ahem! You should stop selling swords at a cheap price, boy."
"But-" Lita was interrupted by Charles as Charles made a stopping gesture.
"Lita, could you go out for some time with the ladies?"
"Huh...? Ok," She just simply replied and walked out with the ladies. She was confident that nothing would happen to Charles.
"Ok then... Let's continue," Charles said to the other with a light smile.
"Just like we said, You shouldn't sell weapons at a cheap price, you might make an enemy out of us." Correcting his composer the leader said.
The others nodded in agreement with what the leaders said. They were at a loss in just a week all the costumer they were getting stopped coming.
"Oh?" Those words excluded pressure. Making the men shake in fear.
Charles leaned against the counter, his expression calm yet confident. "Gentlemen, I understand your concerns. But allow me to share my perspective."
He gestured towards the weapons on display. "The quality of these weapons speaks for itself. I strive to provide adventurers with the best tools for their quests, ensuring their safety and success. It's not about selling at a cheap price, but rather offering exceptional value for the craftsmanship and materials invested in these weapons."
The middle-aged man with a grizzled beard furrowed his brow. "But if you sell them at such low prices, it undermines the market for the rest of us. We can't compete with that."
Charles nodded, acknowledging their predicament. "I empathize with your situation. However, I believe there is a way for us to coexist and thrive together. Instead of viewing it as competition, let's consider collaboration."
The shop owners exchanged sceptical glances, unsure of what Charles meant. He continued, explaining his proposal.
"Why don't you all work under me?"
Hearing that, they became outraged how can they not, a young brat who hasn't even been through many hardships asking them to become his underlings?
"You are crossing the line brat!"
"Wow, wow, hear me out first before becoming angry. I am proposing the idea for your good.
Don't you have a family to feed and if this goes on will you be? So listen first before jumping to conclusion.
As individual shop owners, you've experienced a decline in customers since my shop gained popularity. Continuing on this path would only lead to further struggles for your businesses."
He paused, letting his words sink in. The shop owners exchanged glances, realizing the truth in his statement. Charles continued with a softer tone.
"Rather than starving why don't you work under me? Don't you want to be rich? Don't you want to make your dream come true and gentlemen if you work under me, together, we can overcome the challenges of a changing market and secure a prosperous future for our businesses and families."
The shop owners listened intently, their anger fading as they contemplated the potential advantages of collaboration. Charles seized the opportunity to present a compelling offer.
"I propose working for me. Just think about it. I just opened the shop a week ago and in just a week my shop became so popular.
And what's the reason behind it? Weapons! Right. My weapons are way higher qualities than you and if it goes on you all will be completely thrown out of the competition.
And what if you work for me? You can sell the weapons that I am selling and gain a profit way above then you usually get.
In return, you just have to share a portion of your income and just have to change your shop's name to mine.
Even after sharing the potion with me, you can at least get two gold coins for each item that you sell.
Finally, the grizzled man spoke up, and his tone softened.
"This is indeed an intriguing proposition, Charles. While we must carefully consider the implications, I can see the potential benefits of such an alliance."
The other shop owners nodded in agreement, their initial scepticism replaced with a newfound openness.
Charles smiled, grateful for their willingness to entertain the idea.
"I appreciate your open-mindedness and willingness to consider this opportunity. Let us take the time to discuss the specifics and address any concerns you may have.
Together, we can shape the future of the weapon trade and create a legacy that will be remembered."
_____
___
_
It would seem like an easy deal on the outside but if not for the illusion skill it would have been very hard.
Charles used his illusion skill on them to emotionally manipulate them. "Phew, this skill's very exhausting."
He was having a hard time using the illusion skill on them, ordinary people.
"Tsk, I should train a little."