We set off once again towards Goldrose. Before we could create a scheme, we needed information. A scammer's number one resource is information; without it, we really have nothing. I knew before I even got to Edgefield that they were suffering from that terrible disease. Something I now regret is that, knowing they needed medicine, I was able to exploit that weakness. Goldrose will be different. I refuse to get innocent people involved anymore. I will be focusing on that wealth disparity I heard about. I need to gather information as to why there is such a wage gap. Once I find the reason, I can sink my teeth into the money of those standing on top. We just need to break their wallets a bit to buy back Jasmine. Too much, and we could risk catching the eye of the wrong people.
We could actually afford to buy her back the moment we get to town, given she wouldn't be worth much more than 100 gold, I presume. Normally, slaves would fetch between 25 to 50 gold, but a dhampir is very rare. Plus, in an auction, 100 gold might not be enough; she could easily go for 130 gold or more. Ideally, I wanted to make about 100 gold in town, which would give us a good 125 gold to play with. Plus, a little more from Vice, that she might loan me if I asked nicely. The reason I wanted to help was simple: no kid should have to worry about saving his sister from slavery. Plus, given his species, part of me can really empathize; he is likely only on his own because of how he looks. That doesn't sit right with me. Nobody should be scorned just because they look different.
With that in mind, as we approached, the city of Goldrose emerged on the horizon, marked by its striking golden arches glimmering under the midday sun. From a mile away, the city appeared as a sprawling, chaotic mass. The outskirts were a dense maze of ramshackle houses and tightly packed shacks, their makeshift roofs and uneven structures hinting at the poverty within. A haze of smoke and dust hung over this area, blending into the clear sky above.
In stark contrast, the center of the city stood out with tall, elegant buildings that sparkled in the sunlight, their gilded facades and towering spires a clear indication of wealth. The golden arches, more prominent now, framed the heart of the city, standing as a gleaming gateway to the affluent district beyond. The contrast between the opulent core and the sprawling slums was striking, even from this distance, revealing a city of stark inequalities.
As the caravan drew closer, the bustling activity of the outer districts became evident, with tiny figures moving about, hinting at the vibrant, chaotic life within the city's borders. The first impression of Goldrose was one of dramatic contrasts – a place where wealth and poverty coexisted in a complex, intertwined dance. I pulled up to the gates; the guards let us through once I flashed my merchant guild badge. It showed our reason for traveling right away; it was actually a pretty convenient accessory to have.
We navigated through the crowded streets of the outer district, the sounds of haggling vendors and busy townsfolk filling the air. The disparity in living conditions was stark. The buildings here were run-down, with peeling paint and crumbling facades, and the people looked worn and weary. Despite the apparent hardship, there was a sense of resilience and community among the residents.
As we moved closer to the heart of the city, the scenery began to change. The streets widened, and the buildings grew more imposing and well-maintained. Elegant shops and establishments lined the streets, catering to the wealthy citizens who lived in the central district. The air was cleaner here, free from the smoke and dust that plagued the outskirts. I decided to make camp in their merchant district once again. We'd need to find an out-of-the-way spot. We also needed to find rooms we could stay in for a few days to a week. I looked for a spot as I slowly trotted through the much bigger merchant square. Stalls were set up all around – some big, some just a stand rented from the city. At some point, I wanted to buy a much better setup, but for now, I found an out-of-the-way stand I could rent.
The city had a much more diverse group of people than Edgefield. I spotted a few demi-human slaves, dwarves, gnomes, halflings, humans, and even a few elves. The elves seemed to be sticking to their own corners; most of the humans were staying away, I noticed. As a half-elf, I was in an awkward spot: normal elves saw me as a freak, and humans saw me as a threat. I rented our spot for the day, getting a few stares, I decided on a stall on the edge of the market. Once everything was set, the others came out of the caravan. Vice stretched her legs and yawned. She held Alice's small hands, who had been sleeping. Vice smiled, "Finally, some fresh air!" Rune followed after her. I immediately gave him a nicer black cloak than the tattered one he was wearing; I didn't want anyone to notice he was a dhampir, at least not yet. It was one I used to use back when I was just starting out, and I didn't want anyone to notice my ears.
As Vice stretched and Alice rubbed her sleepy eyes, I began to take stock of our surroundings. The merchant district was alive with activity, vendors calling out their wares, shoppers bargaining for better deals, and the occasional street performer entertaining a small crowd. The diversity of the city was evident here, with stalls run by various species, each offering a glimpse into their unique cultures and goods. Vice, always the vigilant guard, kept a watchful eye on our surroundings. Vice pointed out, "What's the plan, chief? I suggest we find an inn. We did plan on staying awhile, right?"
I nodded in agreement. "You're right. Let's split up. Vice, take Alice and find us a decent inn. I'll cover the costs. Rune and I will stay here and keep an eye on our stall, and scout around. Make sure to get a place close by."
Vice nodded. "Be back in a few." I turned to Rune. "Alright, let's set up the stall. We'll sell some of your wares you collected with mine. Don't count on many sales, though. These people are all poor. We should get looking around for information. First, we should ask around about the auction." Rune nodded. The boy was a few years younger than me, but he seemed very used to taking care of himself. I smiled. "Relax, man. I know we just met, but you can trust me."
Rune frowned. "Why are you even doing this? You don't gain anything from helping me."
I put some of my wares down. "Not everything in life is about gain. Plus, you remind me of myself. I can't just leave you to fend for yourself. You're just a kid."
Rune scowled. "You're not much older yourself, you know."
I chuckled at Rune's response, his scowl almost a mirror image of my younger self. "True enough. Regardless, I've been around a bit longer, seen a few more things. Besides, everyone needs a hand sometimes. Now, if you'd please, can you help me set up the stall?"
He seemed to blush slightly. "You're such a weirdo."
He helped me put prices out and set a lot of our wares on the table. I put out our sign and flipped it to closed. We'd be back later; Vice had a decent amount of our stuff to load into the inn. I nodded at our work. "Alright, information time. Let's get down to the slave market. I'll show you the ropes, newbie."
I chuckled. In response he seemed to pout. "I am just coming with you until we free my sister. Don't get too chummy, elf."
I gave a wry smile. This guy really isn't very honest. "Relax. These skills could be useful to you one day. Negotiating, information gathering, marketing, and charming are some of the more useful things I can teach you."
Rune rolled his eyes. "How is charm a skill?"
I explained, "Being charming is a very important skill. Let me show you. Pick a woman on the street, any woman, and I bet I can make her buy this flower." I grabbed a wilted rose from one of my flower arrangements and held it up for Rune to see. Rune looked skeptical. "Bullshit, Key. Nobody would buy that flower. It is clearly wilted. Nobody would give you a bronze for it."
I laughed. "Pick a woman. I dare you. I bet any woman you pick will buy it for a full silver."
I took it as a challenge, and Rune smiled a bit cockily. "You're gonna look so stupid. Fine, that woman over there with her husband. There is no way she will want a wilted rose from a total stranger, and there is even less chance with her husband so close."
I nodded. "Good choice. She is one of the harder targets, but it should be a cakewalk." I casually strolled up to the woman, taking note of her elegant yet understated attire and the way she glanced around the market with a mixture of curiosity and discernment. Her husband, a tall man with a stern expression, walked slightly ahead of her, his focus more on navigating the crowded street than on his wife's interests.
I held the wilted rose gently, as if it were the most precious thing in the world. Approaching the couple with a warm smile, I made sure to catch the woman's eye first. "Excuse me, miss," I began, my tone respectful and sincere. "I couldn't help but notice how the beauty of this rose pales in comparison to your own. I know it's a bit wilted, but there's something special about it that I think you might appreciate."
She raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. "Special? How so?"
I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice as if sharing a secret. "This rose, though it may appear withered, symbolizes resilience and enduring love. Much like your own presence, it has a story to tell. It reminds us that true beauty and strength lie not in perfection, but in the ability to withstand life's challenges and still stand tall."
The woman's expression softened, and I could see the hint of a smile forming on her lips. Her husband, initially dismissive, now looked on with mild curiosity. "That's quite the poetic interpretation," he remarked, though his tone was a tad skeptical.
"It's not just an interpretation," I replied, turning my attention to him. "It's a reminder of the bond you share, the moments you've weathered together. This rose can serve as a small token of those memories, a symbol of your journey. I offer you this special rose for a mere 1 silver."
The woman exchanged a glance with her husband, who gave a subtle nod. She reached into her purse and handed me a silver coin. "I'll take it," she said with a soft smile. "Thank you for the lovely sentiment."
I handed her the rose with a slight bow. "Thank you, miss. May it bring you both continued strength and happiness."
As I walked back to Rune, I saw the mixture of disbelief and admiration on his face. "How did you do that? Her husband didn't even kick your ass!" he asked, shaking his head in amazement. I patted his head. "Charm is a skill like any other. It's not just about selling an item. It's about connecting with people, understanding their emotions, and offering them something meaningful. That's a skill that can take you far in life."
Rune looked impressed. "Can you make lots of money with that skill?"
I laughed. "More than you can imagine." With that, we set off for the slave market in town, Rune sticking close to my side, his interest and determination now mirroring my own.
4o