Shopkeeper, how much is this black space ring?" Nereus finally said after looking over the wares.
"Good eye, this black space ring is extremely spacious. It can hold up to a 10 x 10 room worth of items. Thirty silver coins, final offer" The shopkeeper said as he smiled.
He had seen the "Vorteesi" symbol on Nereus's tunic.
Within the Vorteesi sect city like compound, those who were actual Sealockes for the sect acted with total dominance within the city.
"Thirty silver coins?", Nereus's face became slightly ugly but he still kept his regal tone as he deeply said, "Can it be a little cheaper sir?"
The shopkeeper smiled faintly: "Hmm fine, I will give you the lowest price, eighteen pieces of silver."
"How about eight? To be honest sir, I am low on money, but I give you my word that when I get more within the next two days I can pay you double, even triple if necessary."
"Eight silver coins? That's quite low and is absolutely no profit for me..."
The shopkeeper turned silent and thoughtful for a moment as he seemed to mull over Nereus's offer, looking him up and down a few time he eventually he bit his lips before saying: "Uh okay, you seem to be a Sealocke for the Vorteesi sect so I'm hopeful you'll be noble and just and keep your word. You have two days, no more."
Nereus couldn't believe it.
"Thank you!" he said gratefully.
Just as Nereus was planning on completing his purchase the shopkeeper became distracted by another customer who had just approached.
Standing at about 5'4 the young mermaid had sparkling light gray eyes and thick cascading locks of silver hair. Her heart shaped face was complete with a set of dimples and skin that was pale and white like jade.
Appearing no older than 16 or 17, Nereus felt she was a child really in his eyes.
She was dressed well and expensively in a fine hand embroidered lace blouse complete with a hand embroidered shell brassier. Without saying a word she exuded an air of confidence and entitlement that mirrored his own.
After giving her a quick once over Nereus could tell she must come from wealth or have some type of significant backing.
"Hello, Mr. Rong" she spoke warmly to the shopkeeper with much familiarity, "How is your family doing?"
"Quite well Ms. Silver thank you for asking! What might I help you with today?" the shopkeeper replied enthusiastically.
'Silver'... Why does that last name sound so familiar'
At that moment a rush of Argent's past memories assaulted Nereus, presenting him with images of the young mermaid seen at high class events within the sect and being referred to as the young miss of the Silver Siren Trading Company.
The company was one of the strongest influences in this undersea world.
It was a family company ran by the patriarch of the Silver family and essentially represented the interests of some of the wealthiest merchants in the undersea world. It's shops and stalls had branches in every major sect, kingdom, and town.
Although they were an organization and not a nation or kingdom, they dominated the world of commerce and as such had a comparable frightening degree of wealth and influence.
But despite their massive power they prided themselves on fairness and doing good business above all else, it's one of the reasons they've lasted so long.
'So that's who she is!' his eyed widened slightly.
Nereus then extended his hand to quickly pay the silver coins and claim his prize, but suddenly her melodious voice cut through the din of the market. "Wait!" it exclaimed, drawing his attention.
"You can't possibly give that space ring to him," the mermaid insisted, her voice carrying the weight of authority.
Nereus arched an eyebrow, intrigued by the sudden interruption. "And just why shouldn't he?" he inquired, his tone laced with curiosity.
Six armored sea knights in silver tunics then slowly approached, their authoritative movements drawing gazes from onlookers.
"Because I want it," she declared, her gaze unwavering, " And I'm sure you know that with my backing, taking it from you would be an easy task"
Nereus's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Ah, I see," he remarked, his voice tinged with amusement.
"But surely you understand that for me, I actually have a need of this space ring. You see, I have recently discovered a trove of valuable silver starfish in the depths of the ocean—a discovery that could prove quite lucrative, I assure you. "
The mermaid's expression changed suddenly, her determination and sheathed hostility washing away like sand in the tides. "Did you just say silver starfish?" she leaned in close.
'Silver starfish?!' she thought to herself in disbelief, ' There's no way he could be talking about the extremely rare and equally valuable Seagentum Starfish that are only found in the open sea?!'
" Do you swear it?! Where?!," she said grabbing Nereus and speaking in hurried whispers, her eyes flashing with money signs.
"Yes! I swear it!"
Suddenly, an idea sparked within Nereus's mind—a solution that would satisfy both parties involved. With a knowing smirk, he addressed the mermaid once more.
"What if we were to share in the profits of my discovery?" he proposed, his tone laced with diplomacy. "We could enter into a mutually beneficial arrangement, I could supply us with the goods and you, with your family's trading connections, could sell them. "
The mermaid regarded him with a mixture of surprise and intrigue, her earlier incredulous excitement giving way to cautious consideration. "A shared arrangement, you say?" she mused, her expression softening slightly. "And I would just need to concede you this one space ring...It is an intriguing proposition, I must admit."
Nereus nodded, his confidence unwavering. "Indeed," he affirmed. "Together, we could maximize the profits from my discovery, benefiting both our endeavors in the process."
After a moment of deliberation, the mermaid extended her hand in agreement, a tentative smile gracing her lips. "Very well," she conceded. "Let us enter into this partnership then, and may it prove fruitful for us both."
With a sense of satisfaction, Nereus clasped her supple hand in a firm handshake, sealing their newfound alliance. As the shopkeeper looked on, a sense of relief washed over him, grateful that the tension had been resolved amicably.
"Mr. Shopkeeper here is the agreed upon amo-" Nereus started while handing over the silver coins before a soft and delicate hand lowered his. Looking over he realized it was the young miss of the Silver Siren Company.
Her face had softened into a genuine expression of goodwill as she extended a hand towards him. "Let me purchase this space ring for you as a gesture of goodwill, marking the beginning of our partnership in the realm of commerce."
Nereus hesitated for a moment, his pride warring with the practicality of the mermaid's offer. Yet, as he glanced into her eyes, he saw a glimmer of sincerity that resonated with his own sense of duty and ambition.
With a reluctant nod, Nereus accepted the mermaid's gift.
She quickly paid the shopkeeper and was handed the small ring in a cloth before handing the cloth bundled ring to Nereus.
"I am Marina," she said, "Marina Silver", her voice echoed with the weight of her family's legacy as she handed it over.
Nereus inclined his head in acknowledgment. "A fitting name for one as graceful as the sea itself," he remarked, a flicker of cheekiness crossing his features. "And I am Argent, where shall we meet again Marina?"
Marina smiled, before gesturing to a large silver tent far down the aisle. "At my family's shop in town works, how about three days from now? That should allow you time to prepare everything I assume."
Nereus nodded, committing her words to memory. "It shall be done," he declared, his voice carrying the weight of a solemn oath. "Until then, Marina. I'll take my leave first."