"Let's go!" I exclaimed, impatiently, as I gestured with my arm towards my brother, who looked more like a monkey beating his own chest. Without waiting for any response, I started walking along the same route we had already taken towards the village. The sun that was already setting colored the sky with golden and red tones. "This might be the best time to talk to that merchant" I say without looking back hoping my brother is following me.
When I finally reached the place where the merchant was, I was able to observe him in full negotiation with two people. The crowd that previously filled the space had already dispersed, leaving a calmer space more conducive to conducting my business. It was the perfect time to sell the honeycombs I had on hand. I approached cautiously, observing the movement around, and then made a discreet gesture to one of the guards who were nearby. When he finally noticed my presence, I pointed to the bag I was carrying, hoping he would understand my intentions.
It didn't take long for the guard to notice my presence, after all it was just the four of us besides the merchant. His gaze quickly went to the bag I was carrying, and, I presume from his experience as a merchant's guard, he soon understood my intentions. In a silent gesture, he indicated for me to come closer, while he himself took a few steps away from the merchant, providing us with a little more privacy.
"Do you want to negotiate, boy? Show me what you have there", asked the guard in a calm and friendly voice. Despite his position as a guard, his tone was not rude, which made me feel a little calmer about the situation. I got close enough so he could see the contents of the bag, but I kept a prudent distance, avoiding getting within range of his sword.
He leaned over slightly to glimpse the contents of the bag, and after a brief assessment, he nodded with an understanding expression. Then he headed towards the merchant, while I waited. Once there, he bent down and whispered something in the merchant's ear, I couldn't hear his words. However, I could immediately notice the change in the merchant's countenance, his face lit up with an expression of interest as his eyes fixed on me.
The merchant whispered something to the guard, whose words again escaped my ears. However, the guard nodded in response and turned back towards me. "Wait a bit, you will be attended to shortly," he announced calmly, conveying a sense of patience and professionalism. I nodded and remained where I was.
Right after concluding his negotiations with the two people from before, the merchant stood up from the chair he was sitting on and came towards me, his face lit up with a warm smile. "Dear customer, did you come to sell today?" he asked, showing interest in our possible agreement.
Using my interpretation skills, I adopted the same warm expression the merchant wore on my face and confidently replied, "For the right price, everything can be bought." He let out an excited laugh and replied, "Of course, of course, I like you. Please, can I see what you brought for me today?" Without saying a word, I opened the bag enough for him to see the contents.
"Look," exclaimed the merchant, visibly surprised by the quality of the honeycombs I had brought. He continued with genuine interest, "And what amount is my dear client asking for this honey?" Keeping a neutral expression on my face, I took the opportunity to try and establish a strategic connection: "First, tell me, how often do you pass through this village?"
I was considering future sales possibilities, especially for products that would be made with the clay I had found. Perhaps you could negotiate an advantageous agreement with this merchant, taking into account whether your presence is regular in the region.
The merchant, surprised by the insight of my words, replied professionally: "Dear customer, my caravan does business with the barony of Murtal and the barony of Kriak. This journey takes two weeks, and as your village is in the middle of the way, We come here once a week, every Saturday. In case of delay, our visit takes place on Sunday."
I nodded, absorbing the information provided. It was a very convenient visiting frequency for my future trading. With this in mind, I could plan my transactions with the merchant around their travel schedule, thus optimizing our potential business partnerships.
Maintaining my confident stance, I looked at the merchant and firmly stated, "Good. I intend to do more business with your caravan in the future, so I will ask for 10% less than market value for the honey." It was a risky strategy, since I myself wasn't sure of the real value of honey. However, it was a calculated move, hoping that my apparent confidence could sway the negotiation in my favor.
The merchant, maintaining the same calm expression since the beginning of the negotiation, responded courteously: "I thank you very much for your trust! For this amount, I will pay you with 7 bronze and 3 copper coins."
Although I wasn't sure if this was the real value of the honey, I realized I didn't have many options but to accept the offer. So I replied with a tone of agreement, "That's great. Also, I'm interested in buying a few things from you." The negotiation was complete, and now it was time to acquire the necessary tools for my future venture.
The merchant, maintaining his friendly smile, promptly replied, "Of course, tell me what you need."
Without hesitation, I expressed my demand: "Two 15-inch machetes and the price of your ceramic vases."
He responded instantly, demonstrating a detailed knowledge of each commodity in his stock, "I don't have the 15-inch ones, but I do have the 14-inch ones. Two of them will cost 4 bronze coins and 7 copper coins, but for you, I will offer a discount of two copper coins."
The merchant continued to explain about the scarcity of ceramic vases in the region: "As for ceramic vases, unfortunately I don't have them. This region lacks this commodity and generally only merchants from outside are able to bring it. Therefore, the price is a little high. Common people use wooden buckets, while only nobles and wealthier people can afford to use utensils made of ceramic. Their prices range from a few bronze coins to a few silver coins per piece."
As if an idea had suddenly appeared in his mind, he looked at me expectantly, clasped his hands together and asked, "By any chance, my dear customer, do you know anyone who supplies this kind of merchandise?" If we were in a cartoon his eyes would be big dollar signs as he looks at me. For a moment I even thought I saw him drooling, but I think it's just in my head.
Noticing the second guard approaching with my machetes and remaining coins, I acted quickly. As soon as he came within reach, I took the machetes and coins and handed the bag of honey to the merchant. I looked at him and said goodbye cordially: "Maybe I know someone who can help you, Mr. Merchant. See you next week."
The merchant smiled even more, expressing his satisfaction: "Of course, dear customer. I look forward to our next meeting!" With that, I turned my back, satisfied with the outcome of the negotiation.
When I saw my brother waiting near a house, I threw one of the machetes towards him. He promptly grabbed it out of the air, flashing a confident smile. "Now you're speaking my language," he said, revealing his excitement. I just nodded in response and added, "Let's rest. Tomorrow we'll officially start."