The prince’s eyebrows rose with interest rather than suspicion. "How do you propose to address this... situation?"
He’s willing to negotiate rather than simply demanding satisfaction. Good sign.
"Allow me to demonstrate my commitment to customer satisfaction," Noah replied, gesturing toward his shop entrance. "If you would honour me with your presence inside?"
Move the conversation into my territory. Whether he is satisfied or not, he will have to follow my rules then.
Prince Malphas considered this invitation while his guards maintained ready positions. The Ed brothers watched every movement with alertness, prepared for violence but hoping for a peaceful resolution.
"Very well," the prince decided. "Let’s see what you propose."
Inside the shop, Noah gestured toward his transformed establishment with professional pride. The elegant display cases and spacious layout created an atmosphere that spoke to serious magical commerce rather than simple street vendor operations.
Time to demonstrate the full scope of my business. Show him this isn’t some fly-by-night operation, although it lowkey is.
"Your Highness, allow me to properly introduce my product line," Noah began, moving toward the bread display with showmanship.
Prince Malphas followed with interest that seemed genuine rather than merely polite. His royal guards positioned themselves strategically while maintaining respectful distance from the commercial presentation.
He’s actually curious about my inventory. Good sign.
"This is our healing bread," Noah explained, indicating the golden loaves that seemed to glow with internal warmth. "Accelerates natural recovery by thirty percent while providing superior taste."
Start with the foundation products. Build appreciation before revealing the premium items. Although he probably knows them.
The prince studied the bread with interest. "The enhancement rate remains constant regardless of consumer rank?"
"Completely consistent across all magical levels. Lasts for ten minutes."
No diminishing returns. Always a selling point that impresses practitioners.
Noah moved to the iced tea display, where the drink inside the glass bottles caught the shop’s lighting with prismatic beauty. "Mana enhancement beverages. Thirty percent increase to reserves and regeneration rate for ten minutes."
"Impressive consistency with your other products," Prince Malphas observed.
He’s recognizing the pattern. Uniform effectiveness across all items.
"The protein bar you’re familiar with," Noah continued, gesturing toward the display case where several units remained from the day’s production.
The prince’s expression tightened slightly at the reminder of auction complications, but his attention remained focused on the presentation.
Still sensitive about the pricing. Need to address that through superior customer service.
"And finally," Noah paused dramatically, "something exclusive that hasn’t appeared at any auction."
He approached the energy drink display with ceremony befitting legendary reveals. The container pulsed with contained power that made the air shimmer with potential.
This is my bargaining chip. Time to see if agility enhancement creates the same excitement as strength improvement.
"The Energy Drink," Noah announced with satisfaction. "Increases Agility attribute by fifty percent for twenty minutes, plus permanent enhancement of ten attribute points upon first consumption."
Same effect profile as the protein bar, different attribute focus. Perfect complement for combat effectiveness.
Prince Malphas’s eyes widened with genuine shock as the implications registered. His royal composure cracked slightly as excitement overrode diplomatic restraint.
Got his attention. Agility enhancement is just as valuable as strength improvement.
"Is this the only one?" the prince asked with barely contained eagerness.
"Currently? Yes. My stocks are always on display," Noah replied with calculated honesty.
It’s the truth. What he can see is what’s available right now.
The prince studied the energy drink with the intensity of someone evaluating his advantages. Enhanced agility would complement his protein bar’s strength improvement perfectly.
"I want it. How much do you want for it, shopkeeper Noah?"
Noah paused , allowing anticipation to build while his mind calculated optimal pricing strategies.
This is the moment. I need to price it right and resolve the auction complications permanently.
"Prince Malphas, unlike the protein bar, this will not be sold easily," Noah began with careful emphasis.
Creating scarcity perception through future availability rather than current supply.
The prince’s expression sharpened with understanding. Exclusive access to permanent enhancement carried value beyond simple monetary consideration.
He recognizes the implications. First access to new products before they reach market.
"The next time this appears in the market could be weeks, months, or years," Noah continued, watching royal interest intensify with each word.
Building value through uncertainty. Classic sales psychology.
"The price will be similar to the protein bar’s auction value. What do you think?"
Same price range as his previous purchase. Consistency in premium pricing.
"That’s fair," Prince Malphas agreed with satisfaction that suggested the pricing met royal expectations.
But Noah caught subtle signs that complete satisfaction hadn’t been achieved. The prince’s posture remained slightly tense, suggesting unresolved concerns about their business relationship.
Almost there. Need one more gesture to cement customer loyalty.
"Don’t worry, Prince. The price will be thirty percent off for the earlier misunderstanding," Noah added with generous magnanimity.
Customer service recovery through meaningful discount. Turn complaint into loyalty.
"This will cost one thousand golden coins or something equivalent."
Thousand coins instead of thirteen hundred. Significant savings that demonstrate good faith.
The prince’s expression transformed completely, tension evaporating as satisfaction replaced concern. His smile carried genuine warmth rather than politeness.
"Excellent," Prince Malphas declared with obvious pleasure. "This arrangement addresses my concerns perfectly."
The royal guards relaxed visibly as their leader’s mood shifted from potential confrontation to successful negotiation. The Ed brothers released breath they hadn’t realized they’d been holding.
Leo emerged from behind Noah’s leg, his juvenile instincts recognizing that the threat level had decreased significantly. The little lion’s tail wagged with relief.
"Shall we complete the transaction?" Noah asked with courtesy.
The prince nodded with a smile that carried genuine satisfaction rather than diplomatic courtesy.
Crisis resolved. Royal customer converted to satisfied buyer.
He motioned to one of his guards, a stern-faced demon whose armor gleamed with enchantments. The guard stepped forward, producing a leather pouch that clinked with the unmistakable sound of serious wealth.
A thousand golden coins..A hundred thousand dollars.