My Evil System

[BONUS]

Perry clapped his hand and rubbed them together.

"Alright. Let's talk business."

"Before that," I cut in. "If you want to sell those lamps, then my identity has to be kept secret."

Perry laughed. "That wouldn't be a problem! You sell those lamps to us, and we will make sure that your identity and your friend's identity will be protected a hundred percent!"

Perry leaned and whispered, "We know how this business works, so don't worry about a thing." He then winked at me.

I wasn't convinced. "Is there going to be a contract?"

Perry brow rose. "You're a tough customer, I see." And then patted me on the back.

"I like you already!"

With a snap of his hand, a long parchment appeared before my eyes. It was old and glowing gold and floating in the air with a quilt floating beside it.

"This is a binding contract. One that our guild names are at stake. As you can see, we won't be able to think of even harming you, much less killing you. Our lips are also sealed when it comes to your identity. We wouldn't be able to write it, signal it or even utter it to anyone who is not a member of the merchant guild."

While Perry spoke, I studied the contract carefully. There was no disadvantage to the contract, and all of it where to my advantage.

I grabbed the quilt and was about to sign it when the contract pulled away.

"Before that . . . ," Perry said, "how long does this lamp last, exactly?"

"Forever," I said. "Given that it won't break or get destroyed, you can replace the Glowing Crystal with a new one when it starts to dim. The Glowing Crystal lasts a month if you use it nonstop."

Perry's eyes shone with delight. "Marvellous!"

"Can I sign it now?"

"Of course, of course." Perry's eyes then turned sharper. "But know that if you crossed us . . . I think you already know what would happen."

"I know," I said. "I read it in the contract."

"Good!" Perry twirled his finger, and the contract zoomed to my face.

I signed the contract and then faced Perry. "So how much are you going to buy this kind of lamp?"

"Before we speak and deal with the price, can I see the others?" asked Perry.

A reasonable request. "No. I want to set this lamp's price first before I show you the rest."

If I showed him everything, his decision on the smaller and simpler lamps would be influenced by the size and design of the other lamps in my inventory.

Perry laughed. "A shrewd businessman, I see. Very well. For this lamp, we will set the price at one thousand gil and five hundred gil for every pound of Crystal Stone."

I chuckled. "This Lamp can change the life of every inhabitant. You said so yourself. And these Crystal Stones aren't easy to mine. If it is, then there should be an influx of Crystal Stones in the market.

"So let's be honest here and don't beat around the bush . . . How much . . . is this lamp that can change the future of this world?"

". . ."

Perry stared at me seriously, and I wasn't backing down one bit at his intimidation.

Then his serious face broke into a forced smile. "Ahahaha. Fine. Then. Ten thousand gil for every lamp and five thousand for every pound of Crystal Stone."

I wasn't expecting that high of a price. The price I thought was only five thousand, but who am I to refuse it?

"Deal," I said right away.

Perry didn't waste any more time, and another contract appeared. This time this parchment contained the picture of the lamp and its agreed price.

After reading the contract, I quickly signed it and then showed another lamp. This time it was bigger and had two Glowing Crystals, while its design was more elaborate.

Perry's smile faltered a little. He must have realized his mistake. Now that he had set the price for that smaller lamp, he couldn't possibly lower the price for this much bigger and fancier one.

Now . . . let's see how much I could get from all these lamps and chandeliers.

I have the smaller one which cost Ten Thousand gil. The medium one I sold for twenty thousand while the Chandelier was sold for fifty thousand.

I have more than a hundred sets of smaller lamps and fifty more of the medium ones while dozens of chandeliers.

After setting the price, all in all, I have received a total of four million gil, more or less. The biggest money I had received ever since I got here.

Perry was on cloud nine like all he saw was gold. So it was a win-win situation for us.

"I hope I didn't bankrupt you with all these items," I said to him.

Perry only laughed. "One thing that the Merchant Guild doesn't lack, its money. All that we spent on these lights will return to us ten folds. I assure you."

He then flexed his vest and looked so happy he could fly. "If your friend produced more, you know where to find me."

"We'll do."

Perry then signaled something to the man before, and the latter quickly trotted to us with a black box in hand.

"This is a gift from the Merchant guild," Perry said and opened the box. "From now on, you are one of our most valued clients."

In the box was a card in matte black. It didn't contain anything but the logo of the merchant guild carved in gold.

"Used this, and you will be treated as a VIP in any merchant guild's affiliated store. You'll also have discounts when you buy in any shop. Also, all inns will give you their best rooms if you show this card while all restaurant would give you their best seat.

"Additionally, if you're a newbie and you're planning to go to the Player's Academy, they will treat you like a VIP there if you show this card."

"Thank you," I said and accepted the black card.

( . . . continuation on NOTES)