Chapter 68 The Negotiation
Upon arriving in Whiterun, Alex stopped right in front of the towering stone gate. He raised one hand slightly, as if signaling Astrid to slow down.
"Astrid, we should rest here for a while," he said while gazing at the city before them. "And also… I want to see Farengar. Who knows, maybe he's selling an item enchanted with Fortify Alteration. I need to study it."
Astrid turned her head toward Alex, one eyebrow lifting slightly.
"Alright, sure," she replied casually. "I'll come with you. Besides, I've already been appointed as a Thane here."
There was a faint hint of arrogance in her tone. She stepped closer, leaned to the side, and whispered directly into Alex's ear, her warm breath contrasting with the cold air.
"I'm practically immune to the law now, you know."
Astrid smiled confidently.
Alex glanced at her lazily, a mocking grin forming on his lips.
"Yeah, but probably only for petty crimes," he said with a light laugh. "Like stealing bread. Hahaha."
Astrid let out a breath, her shoulders rising and falling briefly, before her smile returned more relaxed, more cheerful.
"Well, at least I'm an important person here now, hehe." She patted her chest proudly.
"So, darling, if you need anything… just use my name. Astrid, the Dragonborn savior and dragon slayer of the Western Watchtower. Hahaha!"
Alex rolled his eyes in resigned defeat.
"Yeah, yeah."
They passed through the gates of Whiterun together. The city's familiar sounds immediately welcomed them the ringing of hammers from Skyforge, merchants shouting their wares, and the footsteps of townsfolk busy with their daily lives. The scent of warm bread mixed with charcoal smoke filled the air, a stark contrast to the cold mountain road they had just left behind.
Several city guards glanced toward Astrid. A few of them straightened immediately, fists clenched against their chests in respect.
"Thane," one of the guards greeted her respectfully.
Astrid nodded lightly, her chin lifting just a bit, clearly enjoying the attention.
Alex watched from the side, lips twitching as he held back a smile.
She's really getting used to that status, he thought.
They walked along Whiterun's main road, passing through the bustling market. Alex's eyes moved quickly, observing every stall and shop Arcadia's Cauldron, Warmaiden's, and other familiar buildings.
Yet his mind focused on only one thing.
Fortify Alteration…
If he could obtain an item with that enchantment, his learning process and magical efficiency would improve drastically, as the mana cost of casting Alteration spells would be significantly reduced.
Astrid glanced at Alex, noticing how lost in thought he was.
"You look really serious," she said as she walked beside him. "Is that item really that important?"
Alex nodded slowly.
"If I can understand the enchantment, I can optimize Alteration without constantly forcing my mana. It'll help a lot in the long run."
Astrid narrowed her eyes half understanding, half impressed.
"Heh… magic and theories again," she muttered. "Your world really is strange."
They continued walking, leaving the noisy market behind and heading toward a quieter part of the city a place where Alex hoped to find what he was looking for.
Soon, they arrived at Dragonsreach, the great hall that crowned Whiterun like a stone lion watching over its domain. Warm light spilled from the tall windows, and the low hum of voices echoed through the massive wooden doors. As Alex and Astrid stepped inside, the scent of burning firewood and polished stone filled the air. The crackling hearth at the center of the hall cast dancing shadows along the carved pillars and banners bearing Whiterun's sigil.
The sound of armored boots echoed sharply against the floor as guards stood at attention.
At the far end of the hall, Jarl Balgruuf sat upon his throne, his posture relaxed yet commanding, hands resting calmly on the armrests. The weight of authority seemed to cling to him as naturally as his fur-lined cloak.
Alex and Astrid approached at a steady pace. When they reached the foot of the throne, both bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Jarl," Alex said, lowering his head, his tone calm and formal.
"We have come here for a small matter. We wish to meet Farengar."
For a brief moment, the Jarl's gaze lingered on Alex measuring, thoughtful before shifting to Astrid. The instant he recognized her, his expression softened, and a warm smile spread across his face.
"Ah… Astrid the Dragonborn," he said cheerfully, his voice filled with genuine delight.
"Please, please."
He leaned forward slightly, waving a hand dismissively as if brushing away formalities.
"You are already like family to me. There is no need to report every time you require assistance. If you need help, simply ask."
His eyes flicked briefly to Alex.
"Your service and your companion's has more than earned you the status of special guests in this hall."
Standing beside the throne was a Dark Elf Irileth, her arms crossed over her armor. Her crimson eyes were sharp and unblinking as they locked onto Astrid, studying her as if trying to peel back every layer beneath the title of Dragonborn. After a tense second, her gaze shifted back to the Jarl.
"My lord," Irileth said firmly, her voice low but edged with caution,
"you must be vigilant. The world grows more dangerous by the day. Trusting strangers too easily may invite disaster."
The warmth in the hall cooled slightly.
Jarl Balgruuf straightened, his expression hardening as he turned toward Irileth.
"Irileth," he said sternly, authority resonating in every word,
"these are not mere strangers. Their service in slaying the dragon at the watchtower deserves respect and praise."
Irileth's jaw tightened, irritation flashing briefly across her face at the reprimand.
Noticing this, the Jarl exhaled and softened his tone, a small smile returning as he continued,
"Besides," he said calmly, casting a knowing glance her way,
"even if infiltrators or rebels were to slip into this city… I have the strongest warrior at my side as my right hand."
He paused deliberately.
"There is no cause for concern."
Irileth stiffened for a moment then her posture eased. Pride flickered across her features, her lips pressing into a faint, satisfied smile at the praise.
Astrid cleared her throat lightly and stepped forward half a pace.
"Jarl," she said confidently, "we would like to meet Farengar. We intend to conduct a trade with him."
Balgruuf nodded, raising one hand and gesturing toward an adjacent chamber while remaining seated upon his throne.
"Very well," he replied.
"Go ahead. Farengar is, as always, busy with matters of his own."
Alex and Astrid bowed once more respectful but unburdened by tension before turning and making their way deeper into Dragonsreach, their footsteps echoing softly as they headed to meet the mage who awaited them.
They found Farengar standing behind a broad alchemy table, completely absorbed in his work. The room was thick with the sharp, bitter scent of crushed herbs and alchemical reagents. Soft blue light glimmered from the runes etched into the table's surface, while glass vials and mortar bowls were arranged in meticulous order.
Farengar held a stirring rod between his fingers, rotating it with slow, precise movements. His eyes never left the bubbling potion before him, its surface pulsing faintly as if alive.
"Ahem hey, Farengar- " Astrid began, stepping forward.
"Wait," Farengar interrupted flatly, not even sparing them a glance.
"My potion is almost finished. I need to focus."
His tone was sharp, dismissive. He leaned closer to the cauldron, brow furrowed, one hand hovering over the mixture as he carefully adjusted the heat. The liquid hissed softly, releasing a thin spiral of steam.
Forced to wait, Astrid leaned toward Alex and covered her mouth slightly as she whispered,
"Alex… I really don't want you to end up like him. He's unbelievably rude."
Alex suppressed a chuckle and leaned in just enough to whisper back, his lips curving faintly,
"Well, he's a mage. That kind of personality usually comes with the profession."
A few moments later, Farengar lifted the rod from the potion. The liquid settled, its glow fading into a stable hue. Satisfied, he set the rod aside and finally turned to face them.
"Hm," he muttered, eyes narrowing slightly as he looked them over.
"It seems you've both grown stronger."
Alex didn't waste time on pleasantries.
"We won't take much of your time," he said calmly.
"Do you have any armor or clothing enchanted with Fortify Alteration?"
Farengar brought a hand to his chin, tapping it thoughtfully.
"Hmmm… I believe I do have a necklace with such an enchantment," he said slowly.
"But it won't be cheap, you know."
Alex answered instantly, without hesitation.
"Alright. Name your price."
Farengar barely paused before speaking.
"Three thousand gold."
Alex froze.
"What?!" His eyes widened. "Let me see it."
As Farengar handed over the necklace, Alex activated the system. Unlike others who could only guess an enchantment's strength by sensing its aura Alex saw the truth instantly.
Fortify Alteration: 25%
"Hmmm…" Alex murmured, his expression returning to neutral.
"Not bad."
He looked back up, unimpressed.
"But still overpriced. How about this I'll give you one dragon bone, and the necklace becomes mine. Deal?"
For a split second, greed flickered across Farengar's eyes. His fingers twitched slightly, betraying his interest. He straightened, masking his reaction behind a practiced expression.
"Two dragon bones and one scale," he countered coolly.
"If not, the negotiation is over."
Alex didn't flinch.
"How about one dragon bone and one scale?"
Farengar's pupils dilated just briefly. A spark of temptation flashed across his gaze before he regained his composure, folding his arms.
"What a shame," he said calmly.
"Then it seems you won't be able to obtain this item."
Alex exhaled softly.
"Ah, well. In that case, I suppose I'll have to part with it."
He turned away without another word. Astrid followed closely, lowering her voice as they walked.
"Alex," she whispered urgently, "don't you really want that item? Why give up? We have plenty of dragon bones."
Alex smiled, confident and relaxed.
"Heh. Just watch."
They had barely stepped out of the room when
"Hey Alex!!"
Both of them stopped.
Farengar stood behind them, his usual composure cracked by visible hesitation. He cleared his throat awkwardly.
"On second thought…" he said, avoiding eye contact,
"one dragon bone and one scale seems… fair enough for the item. Hehe."
Alex turned back with a wide grin.
"Haha, of course. Thank you, Farengar. I knew we could do business."
Alex laughed openly, while Astrid stared at him in pure astonishment.
"How did you know he'd change his mind?" she asked.
Alex answered calmly as they walked.
"Dragon bones and scales are rare. Dragons are hard to hunt, and the materials are even harder to find."
"But with Alduin around, dragons are appearing more often, right?" Astrid said.
"Yes," Alex replied,
"but this is still the early stage. Dragon materials are still valuable. If you wait too long, their price will drop. And my theory was proven just look at how he reacted."
Astrid crossed her arms, brows furrowed.
"I'm still annoyed he tried to manipulate the price."
Alex stopped and faced her, speaking seriously.
"Hey, don't be. A seller has the right to set any price they want. The real mistake is the buyer's if they agree to overpay."
Astrid blinked, then nodded slowly.
"So… when buying something, you need to be good at bargaining too?"
"Exactly," Alex said.
"The key is knowing what the other person wants, how much you want the item and never letting that desire show. Once they read you, you've already lost."
Astrid tilted her head.
"Then how did you know Farengar would be interested in dragon bones?"
"First, because they're rare. Second, I saw the change in his eyes when I mentioned them. And once I was sure…"
Alex smirked.
"I pretended I didn't care about the item at all. And as you saw it worked."
Astrid looked at him with genuine admiration, her eyes practically sparkling.
Alex stretched his arms slightly.
"Alright, our business here is done. Let's rest in Riverwood. It's quieter and Delphine's secret room is there. I want to experiment with the new enchantment."
Astrid raised her fist high, grinning.
"Okay LET'S GO!"
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