MTLNOVEL Chapter 9: Bargain
After hours of trudging through the forest and navigating around wild beasts, Rune and the sage finally reached a village on the outskirts of Veldris. The village looked humble enough, with a few wooden structures dotting the landscape and a small market square where locals milled about, finishing their evening chores.
Rune scanned the area, taking in the simple, rustic feel of the place. He hadn't realized how much he missed seeing people in a normal setting. The sage, however, was already moving ahead, seemingly uninterested in the village's charm.
"We're getting a carriage to Veldris," the sage said as he walked toward the center of the square. "It's the fastest way to get to the capital. You can stop staring at everything like a country bumpkin and help me find it."
Rune smirked at the comment, but followed without saying much. They weaved through the small crowd, the sage's pace never slowing, his eyes scanning the vendors. Rune lagged behind, lazily glancing at the stalls. It didn't take long before he spotted something that stood out—an older man with a long, scraggly beard, shouting at potential buyers.
"Going to Veldris? Need a ride? Carriage only twenty bronze coins! Cheap, cheap!"
Rune raised an eyebrow at the announcement. The price was a bit high, but it was the only option they had if they wanted to reach Veldris quickly. He glanced at the sage, who seemed deep in thought as he walked toward the carriage merchant. The sage didn't waste a second, immediately heading for the man.
"Twenty bronze coins?" The sage's voice was sharp, his tone already full of skepticism. "For a ride? You must be joking."
The merchant let out a hearty laugh. "Joking? Old man, you've got a deal. These roads are dangerous, the horses are worth more than your life, and I'm giving you a bargain! What more do you want?"
The sage squinted, clearly unimpressed. "Dangerous roads? A ride should cost a bit more than the price of a cheap meal, don't you think?"
The merchant snorted. "A meal won't get you to Veldris, will it? You'll freeze in the woods before you get there. This carriage, on the other hand, is a solid deal."
Rune watched the back-and-forth with mild amusement. The sage had a certain way with words, like he enjoyed picking a fight just to see how far he could push someone.
The sage tilted his head, clearly trying to gauge the man's intentions. "I've seen more 'solid deals' at the tavern than whatever nonsense you're trying to sell."
"Aye, and I bet you've drunk all those deals dry, eh?" The merchant grinned, clearly enjoying the banter. "But if you want a deal, you'll have to pay for it."
The sage wasn't done yet. "I'll give you fifteen bronze coins," he said, narrowing his eyes. "That's the best I'm willing to offer."
The merchant immediately scowled, shaking his head. "Fifteen? Fifteen bronze? You'll be lucky to get out of this village for that price. This is a ride to Veldris, not some local jaunt."
Rune couldn't help but smirk at the sage's persistence. He had to admit, it was impressive how the sage bargained like he had all the time in the world to wear someone down.
The sage crossed his arms and looked unimpressed. "Ten bronze, and that's final. Take it or leave it."
The merchant's face reddened. "I've had enough of this nonsense! Twenty bronze is my price, take it or leave it!"
Rune, who had been quietly observing, couldn't resist any longer. He let out a quiet chuckle, watching the sage getting caught up in a game of words with the merchant. The sage, who had clearly not expected Rune to say anything, shot a quick glare at him.
"What's so funny?" the sage muttered, his patience running thin. "You think this is a joke?"
Rune just shrugged, his smirk widening. "I mean, it's just... you're haggling over a ride like it's your life savings."
The sage puffed up his chest and scowled. "You think this is funny, kid?"
Rune's grin faded for a moment, and he shook his head. "No, not at all... but maybe you should consider the fact that you're trying to get a discount off the price of a carriage when we've been walking for hours."
The sage sighed, clearly frustrated. "Alright, alright... fine, twenty bronze it is." He handed over the coins, but not before casting another glare at Rune, clearly not pleased with his comments.
Rune raised an eyebrow as he noticed the merchant practically skipping with joy. "You're really that bad at negotiating, huh?"
The sage shot him a look that could melt ice. "What was that, kid?"
Rune quickly shut his mouth, but couldn't help but smirk at how easily the sage had given in. They both climbed into the carriage, and Rune couldn't help but laugh at how the sage's pride had been shattered by something so trivial.