Chapter 31: The Return
Chapter 31: The Return
"This..." Karl's eyebrows furrowed.
While he didn't mind selling to anyone, he doubted Kinsey could afford the price.
"It's almost Evengeline's birthday, and I plan to buy it as her birthday gift."
"Three gold pounds, how about it?" Kinsey asked.
Evengeline? A girl's figure flashed through Karl's mind, causing him to hesitate for a moment before sighing in resignation and slowly nodding.
"Alright then."
"Cran!" Kinsey exclaimed with joy, turning to the old man, Cran. She swayed her body and spoke in a coquettish tone, "Can you help me with the payment?"
"Sure," Cran smiled, revealing his teeth. "I'll cover it."
Three gold pounds wasn't a significant amount for him.
Old Nick watched this scene and shook his head lightly.
The value of the hairpin was far more than a mere three gold pounds; even three gold coins would be considered a bargain. This woman was shrewd; she had gained such a significant advantage without spending a single penny.
However, Old Nick believed that Karl was also well aware of the hairpin's true value.
Three gold pounds...
It wasn't worth making a special trip for.
After paying the money, Kinsey's attitude immediately turned colder, and she bid farewell after a few words.
"Dear, should we go to your place or a hotel?"
"A hotel?"
"Then let's go for a meal first."
"Of course!"
The two discussed their next itinerary as if no one else existed, gradually moving away.
Watching their backs, Karl was speechless. It seemed that Kinsey's enthusiasm was solely because of the hairpin.
"Sorry."
Turning around, he faced Old Nick and said, "I actually have another item here."
He took out an emerald bracelet and placed it on the table, causing Old Nick's eyes, which had been somewhat dejected, to light up.
When they left Barley Trading House Barley, the sky had already begun to darken.
Karl touched his heavy money pouch, turned, and entered a dark alley. When he emerged, his appearance had changed significantly.
The black cloak tightly wrapped his body, concealing his features within the depths of the hood, and his entire being exuded an aura that warned others to stay away.
"Fragment of the Divine Domain... It's so convenient."
Glancing at Trading House Barley, he muttered to himself before turning and entering another consignment shop.
"Friend."
Gary, who was attending to customers, brightened at the sight of Karl entering. He hurried over, exclaiming, "You're here!"
"Mhm."
Karl nodded, his voice cold. "The usual, I'll sell if the price is right."
"Yes, yes," Gary rubbed his hands together, his face filled with anticipation. "You always bring good stuff, friend. I wonder what it is this time; I'm excited."
"It's jewelry." Karl sat down and took out a necklace from his pocket, placing it on the table. "Take a look."
The necklace consisted of dozens of gemstones, each radiating a dazzling light that could bewilder the eyes. The overall design was simple yet elegant, with a smooth chain and a perfect arrangement.
If not for the mediocre quality of the gemstones, it would have been a beautiful masterpiece.
"A fine piece!" Gary's eyes sparkled as he held the necklace, caressing it gently. "A pity the gemstone quality is average, but even so, it's an excellent piece of art."
"Hmm..."
"Twenty gold coins!"
Under the hood, Karl's eyebrows rose slightly.
It wasn't because the price was too low but rather too high, exceeding his expected valuation.
Small pieces of jewelry rarely fetched high prices, especially when the quality was mediocre.
A few gold coins were more common.
His expected price was ten gold coins.
"Twenty gold coins?"
"Not bad," Gary explained. "This price is already quite reasonable. If you're not satisfied, I can only say it's a fair deal."
He placed the necklace on the table.
"No," Karl said with a hint of laughter in his voice.
"I'm satisfied. Twenty gold coins it is."
After seeing Karl off, Gary vigorously waved his arm and then quickly took the necklace to the backyard.
"Rings, earrings, and necklaces."
Bray Foster, the youngest son of the Foster family, lay in a soft chair, toying with a necklace in his hand.
His eyes sparkled as he asked, "Is this a set?"
"Yes, it is!" Gary nodded emphatically.
"All three pieces of jewelry are made of jade, cut in a consistent style, with the earrings featuring the highest-quality jade."
"The most expensive individual piece is the necklace, which cost twenty gold coins. Selling the set together would fetch at least a hundred gold coins."
The rings and earrings, though sold as a pair, were smaller and not as valuable, with their combined price still lower than that of the necklace.
This transaction promised a significant profit.
"Interesting," Bray narrowed his eyes. "Sets of jewelry fetch a higher price, and any normal person would know that. Why sell them separately?"
Gary hesitated, then said, "Perhaps they're stolen goods?"
Selling a set of jewelry in batches through different shops, while concealing one's identity, clearly indicated something shady.
"Maybe." Bray tossed the necklace aside and waved Gary over. "Next time he comes, let me know."
Gary's expression changed slightly, and he nodded. "Yes, sir."
Karl was unaware that selling goods under a hidden identity could attract attention.
As for the jewelry set...
He had acquired them in batches and didn't realize they were a set when he sold them.
Now, after several days, he returned to Black City.
"The city is getting emptier."
As he walked through Rakka Market, observing the sparse crowd, Karl shook his head lightly and approached Aya's stall.
Hmm? The unfamiliar stall owner caused him to furrow his brows.
Aya was not there.
"Hello, friend," the stall owner greeted Karl warmly. "What do you need? We can negotiate the price."
Karl glanced at the goods on the stall and spoke softly, "Is the previous owner not doing business anymore?"
"Well..." The stall owner's smile faded as he sized Karl up. "As you know, death is not uncommon in Black City, and changing stall owners is quite normal."
"True," Karl nodded and took a step forward.
Just as the stall owner said, death was not unusual in Black City, and Aya, being more agile, was still an ordinary person. It was normal for her to have passed away.
"Oh?" Seeing Karl about to leave, the stall owner quickly stood up and blocked his way. "My friend, you're in a hurry. I didn't say she was dead."
"Are you looking for Aya? I know where she is. Come with me after I pack up."
Karl paused and watched as the stall owner packed up the goods. After a moment's thought, he followed.
"In my opinion, Aya's goods are nothing special. I have the same items here."
The stall owner carried a bundle and spoke as they walked, "Why not consider my offer? We can negotiate the price, and there are discounts for bulk purchases."
"How much further?" Karl didn't respond but looked up at the darkening sky.
The sky grew darker.
The two had left the market and arrived at an abandoned area.
"We're almost there."
The stall owner quickened his pace.
"It's just ahead."
"Clink..."
Karl stopped.
"Let's do it here."
He lifted his cloak, revealing a broad sword on his back.
"Since you've lured me out, there's no need to hide. Come out, all of you."
(End of Chapter)
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