The Great Crestmaster

Aldrich took a bite of the cake, it wasn't that bad, "Next is the local reputation, the source of which, is your family's name Fizznick. Old, established and trusted by the community.

After you leave the regulars will start leaving one after another. Some might still come once in two, three months. That's another 30% of value."

Marl couldn't take it anymore and responded, "these are mere speculations on your part, my apprentices coffee is well regarded by others. You may not like it but that does not mean that others won't, people have different tastes, you know."

Marl took another puff of his cigarette, "what about the reputation? I admit that things might get a little rocky at first but as long as you guys continue to preserve you will build your own reputation.

You know what, let's agree on 20 gold, and we both walk out of here winners there's no need to be too greedy."

It may look like Marl was still stubborn with all that talk but he was actually conceding. This meant that his plan was working.

Aldrich sighed and lowered his head sadly, "unfortunately it looks like we won't be coming to an agreement. To be honest with you mr. Fizznick I was given a budget of 10 gold that I simply don't have the authority to increase. *sigh* it's too bad."

"W-wait 18! No, 15 gold! That's all I ask for, that's the lowest I can go."

Marl didn't see Aldrich's smirk as his head was lowered. Marl was desperate, not only because he had a debt to pay but because he also had to pay if off by the end of the month.

Two days ago Marl received a notice that the payment was moved forward to the end of this month Instead of three months later. A little she-devil pulled some strings to make it happen.

It was a good business he couldn't allow someone else to snatch it.

Aldrich suddenly raised his head and made a 'aha!' Sound as if he thought of something.

"W-what? What did you think of?"

As expected Marl swallowed the bait, hook, line and sinker.

"I just got an idea that I guarantee will work out for both of us." Replied Aldrich with an honest and sincere look.

"What is it?"

"Well, it's still 10 gold but, you will keep working here as the operations manager. A position that will yield you 17 silver coins a month in wages and you can continue to run things here as normal. It'll be like nothing has changed at all."

"Well, this… I," Marl mumbled incoherently unable to come up with a response.

This was enough to tell Aldrich that he was tempted with the idea. And how could he not be, 17 silver coins! A gold coin is 30 silver coins.

Not only would he be able to pay off the debt that haunted his family for generations he can also get a well paying job and continue on with his life as if everything was as usual.

It was not getting rich over night but it was a tempting offer. Better yet, it was the only offer. An offer that he can't refuse.

Marl looked to be struggling for a minute and Aldrich didn't interrupt, he just sipped his coffee it was actually not as bad as he made it out to be.

"25 silver coins!"

"20, that's my final offer."

"Fine, we have a deal."

As he said that mr. Fizznick looked like he aged ten years. Aldrich laughed and shook Marl's hands firmly.

"A great choice! A great deal! I assure you our company isn't interested in micromanaging at all. You will truly continue to be the boss here, our only concern is the financial profitability."

"I hope you stay true to your word. I am putting three generations of my family's efforts in your hands."

"You made the best deal of your life. If you prove yourself you might even get funding to redecorate the place at that time it will get more exposure. You will just have to add our company's sigil by the front board."

"I'm fine with that. So… about the payment procedure. I don't want it to be a complicated thing, and it has to be as soon as possible."

"You don't have to be concerned about that at all, I have the money right here. I also have all the necessary paperwork prepared after singing we just have to go to the city hall to finalize the deal."

Hearing that the money was already prepared and seeing that Aldrich wanted the deal done as fast as he wanted it put Marl in a relieved state, Aldrich put a beautiful pouch bag on the table and motioned for Marl to open it.

Marl had an uncomprehending look on his face when he saw the unfamiliar coin but he was glad that it was stamped with the sign of authenticity, meaning that it was legal tender.

"It's unfamiliar coin I know, but you can exchange it for imperial coins wherever you want. Here's the letter of reference."

Aldrich had this letter written by the appraisal shop so that Marl can be at easy. Wouldn't want him pulling out at the last moment now would we?

"The Holy Grail, you guys didn't forge this to trick me did it?" Marl asked a dumb question, but when you were selling multiple generations worth of effort, that was to be expected.

"Why would we go so far to do something that could easily undo us? I can together with you to the bank when you exchange it for imperial gold. How does that sound?"

"That sounds… good. I trust your company of course, I just merely want to make sure everything is where it's supposed to be."

"I understand, it's a big transaction. No need to feel any apprehensions if you feel the slightest bit that we mistreated you, then don't hesitate to inform me."

'My god, this whole thing is a scam.'