Bargaining, Part 2

BULAT'S P.O.V:

One of our assistants came to me with a design layout of a complex project that should be made entirely of iron cores while I was sitting in my room checking the materials the kingdom supplied to our workshop.

I met the man who delivered the order to us, but he was a child.

I was taken aback. This kid established and planned the design himself. He even measured every inch like a seasoned designer from the royal famly's architect.

We started talking, I realized he wasn't just talented in architecture, but also in bargaining.

My first impression of this youngster was actually quite fond of his style of straight manners, but when it came to business, I found it even more ridiculous.

I wouldn't have let this kid follow me inside if it hadn't been for the one in ten thousand chance. What service could a youngster no older than fifteen years old provide me? wait is he at least fifteen?  Besides, he is well-versed in iron cores.

I almost forgot, this kid said he's a craftsman, right? I should definitely ask him about it.

"Kid, you said you were a craftsman, didn't you?" I inquired of him.

The child smiled on his pretty face, and I could tell he clearly enjoyed thinking. After all he was too young, right now instead of talking business he was interrogating.

"Yes. I am. My father is a skilled craftsman. So, I learned the commerce from him." he said.

Even for a youngster, this kid has a cute and adorable face.

When I found out this kid was a hereditary craftsman, I couldn't help but be impressed. I'm curious about his father!

"It's like that, huh?  You don't sound like you're from around here based on your accent.  Did you move your family to Atlas City?" I asked him.

"No," the kid said, shaking his head. "My name is Atlas! and I'll be attending the Atlas Academy soon!"

Wait? is this kid a mage?

"Attend the Atlas Academy? Are you a mage?"

It seems that I have lowed this kid's value. He is accepted into the Atlas Academy! the academy is the best school all over the continent. It seems I have an important customer today.

"Kid could you tell me your name and your age?"

"Yes, My name is Ethan. Ethan Asher! and I will be twelve this comming December!" he replied.

You've gotta be kidding me. He is....12?

\*\*\*

ETHAN ASHER'S P.O.V:

Bulat sized me up and smiled as he spread the plans on the desk after asking my name and age.

He carefully examined them once more and stated, "From the plans, the things you want are all extremely elaborate. It's not easy to forge them. Furthermore, the fee is not insignificant. Despite the fact that our workshop is on a smaller scale, four hundred forty gold coins is still a significant sum to us. How do you intend to work with us?"

I had already thoroughly considered the method for collaboration on the way, so let's see if this works.

"Boss, I'll make an initial payment, and you make one of these, and if there's no problem with the quality, we'll go ahead and make the other one.  I'll be able to pay about a hundred gold coins at first. There will be enough time for you because I will start school the following month!" I said.

I knew that making a pistol could take much more time, but there are enough materials in this workshop, and with the iron core t create them, it would take half a month or so. So, if the other one can handle make in the other half a month, it will be ideal!

Bulat, the boss, frowned. "Ki...nah.. Young man, Because you are already a craftsman, you should be aware that many meticulous tasks necessitate the creation of molds. These molds also have the highest manufacturing costs. I'll even lose money if I only make one, let alone if I can't give you a discount. Although one hundred gold coins are adequate for an initial payment, I hope you can include a guarantee. I suppose I should ask you since you're here. Can you come and supervise the project because we are unfamiliar with what you are requesting? Our collaboration can begin as soon as I confirm there are no issues!"

That makes sense.

"Of course I will assist you Boss!" I replied as Bulat smiled in relief.

"Boss, if it's not too much trouble, do you know anything that only reveals one's mana core rank at a lower stage than their original one?  and also to conceal the elements?" I asked him, hoping not to stand out in the academy with my dark yellow stage mage and all.

"Why would you want that?" he questioned.

"Oh, just because one of my friends asked!"

"Then, yes, I know some items about that, but they're not often sold. I'll give you an address to a man who makes them, he's a craftsman too, or more like a freak who does many crazy things, and he's my friend, so go ahead and say you're my nephew!" he said.

That's all I have to say.

"Thank you boss. I will do my best to assist you in makin my orders for me and for the items!"

"Aii! Don't bring it up, kid! After all, we are friends now. Remember to come back and order your designs whenever you want. You should know that I love a good challenge! hahah!" With a confident smile, he said.

Pistols...Check. I'll need a sword next, but that can wait until I get into the academy. I heard there's a store inside the school, so I might be able to get a good sword to use.

I should probably go back home now.

"I'll be back tomorrow, boss!"

"Of course Son! Please take care!"

Man, I pulled out many lies today. Let's go back to home and eat. I'm starving! And, yeah I should let Jin out of the pocket dimension of my Lifeful ring.

***CHAPTER 45***