Yvain was confident in his skill of creating clothes and working on fabrics. Some materials were rare to come across but that didn't stop him from his ambition of being the best in his area. He persisted and over the years his presence was noticed in the upper-class society. Though they would never accept it, it was true he was good at his profession.
He hated how society's class system limited his talent thus he never had any hope of gaining acknowledgment from the nobles. No aristocrat would proudly acknowledge having an article of commoner-made clothing thus they resulted in stealing his designs or tried mimicking them. Yvain's only sin was been born in the lower class.
The sight he was seeing in from of him was unfamiliar but it made him more envious. He wanted to serve such a noble more but he knew his limits. He would never get greedy with the grace of the Astalles Duchy.
'What a peculiar kid.'
With Mer's help, Théoden navigated different catalogs successfully. There were different categories for this. Casual wear which was for normal days, official attires for when there were events or when he would go out, and nightwear. There was also summer and winter wear. With Mer's help, he could identify which was trending and what was best for each occasion. As the clothes came in sets, that meant they came with matching handkerchiefs, shoes, and ties.
"This is all Mr. Yvain Perrin," said Mer.
She handed the catalogs to Yvain.
Yvain Perrin's work was done for the day.
"Thank you, Mr. Perrin. I wish you a safe trip back."
Théoden forced a smile on his tired face and wished farewell to the tailor.
"I am honored to be of service, Your Highness." Yvain gave a slight bow and left.
Théoden sighed with relief when he saw Yvain's figure disappear in the distance. He sat back down on the sofa and closed his eyes. He was dead tired.
After a day of acting as a noble, Théoden was overwhelmed. Not because of the duties he had to do but because of the knowledge he got to learn on the same day. Mer was more of a tutor than any maid he had seen. His posture, mannerisms, and habits were heavily criticized by Mer but she corrected them with her simple effective explanations. By the end of the day, Théoden had gained stat points.
[Gained Intelligence +3]
'So this is considered knowledge.' Théoden was too tired to criticize.
The system message popped out at unpredictable times.
The next day he started early. Théoden was having his breakfast on a table in his room. Marrianne was busy so he didn't have any other company besides Mer.
"Young master, you also have a long day scheduled for today. First of all after breakfast, you will meet a merchant. They sell accessories, jewelry, ornaments, and imported fabrics and tools. They also have artifacts and rare materials and goods. Anything you find useful is yours. Get as many accessories to match your clothes and attire." Mer endlessly briefed him throughout his breakfast.
Théoden sipped on some tea while listening. From what he had learned from life, if you got a high position, you had to act upon it to maintain its prestige. A rich man would not wear rags similarly to how a poor person would not wear fancy. If they did, then there would be consequences.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do!
He didn't need to be reminded of this as Mer kept emphasizing the fact.
"Mn...I understand. What else is for today, Mer?" asked Théoden.
Mer had gone silent.
"Just that."
"Just that?"
'What about the busy day?'
His arched brow gave away his curiosity. Mer responded to dispel his doubt.
"It may be simple to say but it takes a lot of time to go through the merchant's itinerary and decide on the best ones. Everything you get will be appraised before being bought. That in itself takes a lot of time." Mer clarified to the confused Théoden.
"Haah! I'm already tired just hearing about it."
Théoden muttered under his breath but it didn't go unheard from Mer.
"It is what it is, young master," said Mer, probably trying to come off soothing but it was shattered by her flat monotone voice.
Théoden was not in a hurry as Mer was insistent he dressed his best. The preparation took a while. In the guest hall, the merchant was waiting on Théoden.
Surely, they got to meet the merchant. When he got in, he was greeted by a familiar face he had met before.
"Greetings, Your Highness...Theo?"
Oman's eyes widened in surprise then curled in understanding. He had heard the rumors going around in the capital about the betrothed of Princess Alling from the Astalles Duchy, but never could he guess he was an acquittance. It came off as a pleasant surprise.
He knew for a fact that this was not rumors but truth being an insider in the aristocrat's activities. A merchant thrived with information as the key. What was floating around as mere rumors were actually proven points to him. He was called to service the young master of the mansion. He was looking forward to meeting the Duchess's child who had been hidden from the public view for a while. Actually, he was never revealed to the public at all.
'What are the chances?'
"We meet again Oman. How have you been?" Théoden smiled.
'So that is the attitude he has to his clients, huh?'
Though Théoden spoke formally, he was still friendly. This didn't go unnoticed by Mer's sharp gaze.
"I have been good, but you seem even better." Oman beamed a smile to Théoden.
Oman had thought about it at the moment when they first met, but Théoden was much more special than he had expected. His merchant instincts although led him astray a few times it was always accurate.
That is both in fortune and misfortune.
He could never tell which was which so he took chances whenever his instinct rang. However, this time it was nothing but a fortune. A great fortune.
"You could say that. Anyways, back to business. You already know why you are here, right? Recommend me your best."
Théoden thought to be mindful of his status and let the merchant do what they do best. Catching up could come later as far as it concerned him.
"Certainly, Your Highness."
"You know him, young master?"
Mer who couldn't contain her curiosity asked. She knew it was out of her boundaries to ask her master about their personal relationships but she was perplexed given the identity of the thus simple-looking merchant.
Oman was secretively known to be the best and most resourceful merchant. He had all there was in the market. He always procured rare and extraordinary goods as well. This made him a person, very coveted by higher-class people. Not many knew of him since his conditions were always ridiculous. He chose his clients and not the other way around. So simply knowing his real name was an achievement of high merit.
That was not what made him special. He had unknown sources where he procured items which not any average person could get their hands on. He still managed to remain unharmed despite hogging all these. One could say it was greed but not many would manage to stay afloat in the business without having a special power behind them. Thus the simple-looking merchant was not as harmless as he came off. That was a talent in of itself.
For those that were bold enough to try harming his business never got to see the light again. They simply disappeared without a trace.
Therefore, for a dangerous man like him to be acquainted with the child, Théoden, before he came to the mansion was absurd.
"Yes. I met him on my way to the capital. Don't mind him. He was nothing but helpful."
Théoden's answer was concise, but that only built more curiosity in Mer. Especially his dismissive tone of non-importance to the man but pure gratitude. Her stoic face remained as she faced forward and stood beside Théoden.
Théoden believed Oman was a common merchant. He had spent a few days in the same wagon and Oman was nothing he felt like he should fear. He was an abacus-obsessed man with rare and antique items.
Thus the misunderstanding.
Despite knowing how young masters worked, Théoden couldn't blindly buy things without confirming their quality. The system was ever so helpful. Despite the assurance that the Astalles Duchy would cover all the costs. He had to buy something worth the price. For his benefit at least.
'Activate mind's eye.'