“Took both together, how much?”

“Two and a half gold coins!” the shopkeeper answered honestly.

“You think I can’t do math?” Thunder glared at the shopkeeper.

“Hehe, then let’s say two gold coins and thirty silver coins for you, customer.”

Chapter 10 Buying Slaves

“Shopkeeper, I have to say, these two items you made are really too plain. If it weren’t for our Tiffany being so pretty, they wouldn’t look good on anyone else.” Thunder carefully examined the hairpin and bracelet as he spoke.

“That’s true, but precisely because of that, they’re worth the price, aren’t they?” The shopkeeper nodded and smiled.

Thunder curled his lips and shook his head. “Shopkeeper, look at this bracelet. The surface shine is fine, but inside there are casting burrs and sand holes, hmm, quite a few, actually. The lines aren’t very clear, and the patterns aren’t very natural.” He touched it with his hand. “Smooth? Just average. If you feel it carefully, it’s even a bit rough to the touch.”

“You really know your stuff, customer.” The shopkeeper stared at Thunder in surprise for a long moment. When an expert makes a move, you can tell right away! Just a few words from Thunder left the shopkeeper astonished.

“Give me an honest price. Fael City doesn’t have only your jewelry shop.”

“One and a half gold coins!” The shopkeeper gritted his teeth, his muscles trembling.

Tiffany looked at Thunder with her beautiful big eyes, full of admiration.

Thunder was still shaking his head. “Shopkeeper, I know all merchants are a bit sly, but you’re making too much. The materials for these two items aren’t anything precious. Even with labor and forging costs, it shouldn’t be that much.”

“Customer, I’m just a small business, you have to let me make a little profit, right?” The shopkeeper was almost in tears. Thunder’s haggling had drawn a crowd of jewelry buyers, and if everyone learned this trick, how could his little shop make any money?

“One gold coin, that’s already a good profit for you!” Thunder held up one finger.

“You’re a god, I can’t afford to offend you. One gold coin and thirty silver coins, that’s my lowest price.” The shopkeeper looked as if a few pounds of flesh had been cut from him.

Thunder nodded. Not bad, he’d basically cut the price in half. Even though he had money now, that didn’t mean he could spend it recklessly.

After paying, Tiffany followed behind Thunder with her two new pieces of jewelry. The little girl had figured out Thunder’s temperament by now: if the young master wants to give you something, just take it; if you don’t, be ready for a scolding.

“God, take care!” The shopkeeper bowed and nodded behind them.

After walking for a short while, Tiffany called from behind, “Young master, wait up.”

When Thunder turned around, the little girl had already darted back into the jewelry shop like the wind, and soon came running out again. Thunder thought she’d returned the jewelry and was about to scold her, but then saw the hairpin and bracelet were still on her.

Tiffany, cheeks flushed, came up to Thunder, panting heavily. Without a word, she squatted down and fiddled with his clothes for a bit. When Tiffany stood up again, Thunder noticed a jade pendant hanging from his waist.

“You bought this?” Thunder picked up the jade pendant and glanced at it.

Tiffany nodded.

“How much was it?”

Tiffany held up two fingers.

“What was his asking price?”

Tiffany held up four fingers.

“Not bad!” Thunder gave Tiffany an approving look. She’d managed to get something priced at four gold coins for just two. Tiffany lowered her head, fiddling with her clothes in silence.

“She must have learned from you, young master.” Uncle Oak said proudly from the side.

Thunder shook his head gently. He’d just given the little girl two gold coins, and she’d spent it on this. Oh well, he was a young master after all—he needed something to show his status.

With the two of them in tow, he walked forward. About ten minutes later, they arrived at the Fael City slave market.

Slavery was very common in this world. Slaves mainly came from prisoners of war, children from poor families, people who broke the law or were implicated by association, and of course, the major slave-hunting groups who captured beautiful women and strong men from other countries. The most valuable slaves were beastmen. Whether as warriors or beautiful women, beastmen were several grades more expensive than humans.

Last night at dinner, Thunder and Uncle Oak had discussed in detail that the household should at least buy a few guard-type slaves, as well as a few maids.

As soon as he entered, Thunder was stunned by the sheer size of the slave market. The entire place covered at least several thousand square meters, bustling with people. In the center was a huge platform, with many people gathered below, some sitting, some standing. A man holding a whip stood on the stage, loudly announcing something. Beside him, a row of young, beautiful women stood in a line.

“What’s going on?” Thunder asked Uncle Oak.

“Looks like they’re auctioning slaves,” Uncle Oak replied. “In the slave market, some of the better-quality slaves are put up for public auction to fetch higher prices.”

As they spoke, the man on stage cracked his whip, and the beautiful women all prostrated themselves on the ground, raising their hips, pursing their lips, and staring wide-eyed at the crowd below.

Thunder was instantly electrified, a wave of heat rising from deep within.