Now that I was done, I teleported back to the market. I was just in time to set up my stall after the previous merchant left the spot. Just like the previous day, I put my fans on display, with just a single difference. The price I wrote down for the goods was now double.
I didn't have to wait long for my target to appear. The weasel trader arrived a few minutes after the night market opened. It was like he had come straight after closing his booth, which was probably the case. He appeared glad to see I had new fans for sale today and quickly approached me. However, his small smile disappeared right after seeing my new price.
"Hey. What's wrong with your price? Didn't you make a mistake? Why did it double?"
"Oh, you're from yesterday. It's good to see you again, sir. About the price, well, yesterday was like a trial for me since I didn't know the true worth of my goods. I didn't expect to sell them so easily so I'm adjusting the price accordingly."
"What do you mean easily? I mean… even so, how could you double the price just like that? It doesn’t make sense, right?"
"It's fine. You truly opened my eyes yesterday. I'm confident to sell them for this price now."
"Buddy, I think you have the wrong idea. No one's going to buy these except for me."
"I don't think so. I'm ready to take the risk."
He gnashed his teeth, his expression full of annoyance. Finally, after a truly terrible day, something that soothed my heart happened. I enjoyed the sight of his unhappy appearance for all its worth, smiling widely internally.
As for him, he hesitated, faked going away, but stayed in place in the end. No matter what, this would still be 50 silvers of easy profits for him. There was no way he could resist it.
"…I'll get the five fans if you sell them 40 silvers a piece."
"50."
"41."
"50."
"43."
"50."
"You can't just not accept haggling like this!"
I gave him an innocent smile.
"50, not a copper less. You can go away if you're not happy. I'm confident someone else will buy them."
He smashed his teeth together, creating a gnashing sound that even I could hear. He now looked furious, glaring as if this could force me to drop the price. I completely ignored his antics and waited patiently for his decision. After a few tens of seconds of failed intimidation, he eventually gave up.
"…Fine."
I felt like he was pretty good at acting considering this was all pure profits for him, but I didn't mind faking knowing nothing. Just like that, I earned 2 golds and 50 silvers, selling everything I had right after starting. I watched the weasel go away, his tails wagging in anger, and pondered about what to do now. It was still early evening and I wasn't in a hurry to go home. I felt a little better after forcing the reseller to pay double for my goods but there was still a day of failures and frustrations stressing me.
Remembering how Giya claimed he needed to relieve daily stress at the brothel, I thought it might not be a bad idea. Plus, I had promised Linon that I would come back. I also had plenty of funds now, more than 3 golds in total to be exact.
Once my decision was taken, I immediately headed toward the place. In front of the colored building, I entered with just a tiny bit of apprehension. The mood inside was the same as the last time, full of sexual tension and heavy with perfumes and many other fragrances. It seemed Oga, the manager who took care of Giya and me, was on shift today too. She swiftly noticed me waiting in the lobby and approached with a smile.
"Hello again, young man. Tila, correct?"
"That's right. You have a good memory."
"It's part of the job. I try to remember names if possible. It always makes for a good start."
"Well said. It's nice to see you again, Oga."
"The feeling is mutual. I see you're alone today. Giya is already upstairs for his daily care. You two could have come together."
"I'm a merchant selling at the night market. I didn't expect to finish my day so early. I guess we just missed each other."
"Do you mean you already sold all your goods? Right after the market opened? You must be very skilled."
"I was just lucky to get a great customer."
"I'm glad to hear it. So, what are you looking for today?"
Her long neck rotated toward me as she monitored my expression and words carefully.
"I'd like to request Linon if she's available."
My answer seemed to please her and she gave me a large smile, her feathers ruffling a little.
"She is. For how long and including which acts? Ah, because she's still new here, she isn't allowed to have sex yet."
I hesitated a second before answering.
"To tell you the truth, I'm not sure what to answer. Can you tell me more about how the brothel works and all that?"
She looked around and nodded.
"Alright, there aren't that many patrons right now so I can give you some of my time. I'll try to explain the basics and you can ask questions later. We give a grade to all our employees, starting from grade 0 as the lowest. As for the highest, there's no limit, but right now our best employees are grade 5. Patrons can choose any available man or woman and the price for them will be proportional to their grades. To make it simple, everything is based on the rates of grade 0, with each following grade doubling the final bill. For example, having sex for 30 minutes with a grade 0 worker would cost you 10 silvers, 20 silvers if the employee is grade 1, 40 silvers for grade 2, and so on. Since you're a merchant, I don't think these calculations would pose any problem to you."