Lys wove through the bustling market crowd, his heart still pounding from the whisper he'd left behind. He let out a long breath he'd been holding, the tension easing from his shoulders as he approached Mira.
In his vision, the quest reward's blue glow lingered like an uninvited ghost; he didn't want to appear.
<< Quest Complete: "Flirtatious Encounter" >>
Objective: Whisper a seductive line to the shopkeeper and leave her flustered.
Rewards Distributed: +50 SP, 10% Discount on the next purchase from Nora.
He dismissed it with a mental flick, shaking his head. 'Another random quest, fuck. Just when I thought I had this system figured out, it gives me a weird quest after another.' he thought, a mix of amusement and unease stirring in his gut.
He still didn't know what triggered these spontaneous quests, like a random whim of the system, or something tied to his surroundings? He really wanted an answer to that. But all he was getting were random, weird quests popping up without any warning, pushing him into weird stunts he might never have pulled on his own back on earth.
Flirting with a stranger like that? Bold, even for this new him he was becoming. Still, he was doing it, as if he were addicted to those rewards. Which made him do one weird quest after another. Plus, so far, they'd helped. 'At least they give pretty sweet rewards considering how easy they are to do. So, I guess no use complaining, when I'm still going to do it,' he told himself, while focusing on Mira ahead.
She was deep into examining another item at a new stall, this one glittering under the afternoon sun like a treasure trove. Jewelry sparkled from every angle, necklaces dangling from hooks, earrings catching the light in tiny prisms, bracelets stacked in neat rows that shimmered like captured stars.
The shopkeeper was a woman in her late twenties with dark hair pinned up in a stylish twist. She had a smile that could maybe sell even sand in a desert. She leaned over the display, chatting animatedly with Mira. It made Lys's radar turn on instantly for some reason.
"Oh, sweetie, that one's perfect for you," the shopkeeper said, her voice smooth as honey, holding up a delicate silver necklace with a pendant that glowed faintly. She twirled it in her fingers, making it catch the light just right, her eyes sparkling with genuine-seeming warmth. "See how it matches your hair? It'll bring out that fire in you. And for a crafter like you, I can tell by your hands, it's got a little extra something to inspire your work."
Mira blushed a bit hearing the woman's overly flat flattering words, holding the necklace up to her neck, admiring it in a small, expensive mirror propped on the stall. "It IS pretty... How much?"
Lys watched from the edge, recognizing the routine instantly. The shopkeeper wasn't just greedy; she was charming in a way that disarmed you. She started with flattery, making Mira feel seen and special, then slid in the item like she was doing her a personal favor. It was a classic sales pattern he'd picked up back on Earth during a part-time gig at a market stall.
Draw them in with personality, then hook them with the price. It was very dangerous because you eventually realize that you were being played. But only after your pocket felt lighter.
He stepped closer, peering at the necklace in Mira's hand. Quietly, he triggered his appraisal skill, the blue text appearing in his vision.
<< Appraisal Result: Silver Pendant Necklace (Tier 1) >>
Material: Polished Silver with Faux Mana Crystal
Properties: Minor aesthetic glow (no real enchantment). Increases perceived value by illusion.
Hidden ability: No magical properties.
Market Value: Overpriced by more than 200%, actual worth 3 copper. (Inflated Price: 1 Silver)
Lys cleared his throat, speaking in a flat, bored voice, yet loud enough for nearby ears. "Hmm, it has a nice glow, I'll say, but it's obviously a fake, has no real mana in its crystal. Just a cheap illusion trick to make it very shiny. And those 'hidden properties'? Nothing but polished glass. Worth maybe three copper, tops, obviously not the silver you're asking."
The shopkeeper's smile faltered for a split second, her eyes narrowing before she recovered with a laugh. "Oh, come now, young man. It's the craftsmanship that counts! Feel how light it is, perfect for a day in the fields or hard labor."
She leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, her dark eyes locking on his with a wink, trying to butter him up, too. "And between us, it brings good luck. I've sold dozens, and every buyer's come back smiling."
But Lys's words had already rippled out. A small crowd started to gather, women who'd been browsing nearby, their baskets swinging as they leaned in. One, an elderly lady with a shawl draped over her shoulders, squinted at a bracelet she'd just bought. "Wait, is this one fake too? I paid a full silver for this!"
Another, a young lady, held up an earring. "Mine glows the same way, you said it was glowing because of the enchantments!"
The shopkeeper's charm cracked a bit more, her smile turning strained as she waved her hands. "Ladies, ladies, it's all quality products! Just a misunderstanding….."
Lys appraised another item on the stall, a ring with a red gem, and spoke up again, his voice steady like before. "Hmm, That ring? 'Charm enchantment' is just painted glass. No magic, hidden or otherwise, in it. I'm sure it is overpriced by triple of it's market value."
The crowd murmured, growing. The shopkeeper glanced around, her face flushing not from embarrassment but from the pressure.
She was charming, yes, her laugh light, her gestures inviting, but now it seemed to work against her, drawing more eyes to the scene. "Alright, alright," she said, her voice smooth but hurried, leaning close to Lys with a conspiratorial grin. "You're sharp, young man. I'll give you that. How about a deal? Seventy percent off, just for you and your sister. Call it a welcome to my new shop."
Lys met her gaze, noting the way she tilted her head, her dark hair falling just so, making the offer feel like a secret shared between friends. Dangerous, indeed, she could've sold him sand if he wasn't careful. Now that he cornered her, her desperation was creeping in; if he just pushed a little, she'd fold to escape the villagers' growing scrutiny. And he didn't want that. His whole reason for cornering her like this was that he wanted this major discount from her. Plus, making her feel the same, like her customers are feeling now.
"Deal," he said instantly, not wanting her to bolt.
The woman was surprised seeing how easily he agreed. She felt a frustration built up inside her, but couldn't let it out unless Lys started something.
Her face twisted more when he started picking items, not randomly, but the really valuable ones, the ones that had actual enchantments on them.
Lys appraised each quickly, his eyes flicking over the display.
An earring with a genuine charm enchantment that subtly boosted favourability, perfect for negotiations. A necklace with a confusion element, muddying the minds of those who stared too long at it, ideal for who knows what. Yet he took it.
One by one, he selected them, leaving behind the empty, glittering fakes. The shopkeeper just stared, her charm fading into shock. "How... how are you picking those? You haven't even touched half of 'em."
Lys didn't answer, just stacked his choices on the counter. "Please pack these. With the discount, of course."
She tallied it up, her hands shaking slightly, but her smile returned, forced, but still there. "Smart boy. That's... uhh…two silver for the lot."
The crowd watched, some nodding approvingly, others muttering about refunds. Lys paid his price, bagging the items, and feeling like he'd robbed her in broad daylight. But fair's fair, after all, she's also been scamming all day. There's no sin to scamming the scammer, he convinced himself.
As they walked away, Mira linked her arm with his again, whispering, "That was amazing, Brother. You totally turned the tables on her."
Lys just smiled awkwardly, feeling a little guilty even after he knew the lady would have scammed him too, if he hadn't scammed her first with his appraisal skill.