42 Salesman of the Millennium

Hearing the announcement, several of the guests were stunned. They couldn't believe that such a young man had crafted such fine dishes. It simply defied convention, had he started learning in his mother's womb? Or, was it that some people are simply born with divine talent?

"Haha, good brother Zanir, very good! Such a talented merchant and you can cook, as well. Surely your name will soar into the heavens."

Proposing a toast, everyone raised their glasses. Seeing such a prosperous young man reminded them of their youths. After the toast, he joined them at the largest table, with several of the important guests, sitting near Lord Martin.

Thanking him for the meal, they began chatting together. All of them were eager to talk to this merchant, as they'd seen the wares he brought earlier to the city lord. The people who were seated here were the heads of the important families in the area. None of them wanted to miss out on the opportunity.

A major deal could substantially boost that families income. Over time, the advantage would allow them to gain an edge on their rivals, eventually suppressing them. What's more, was that if their rival was able to get a huge deal, it would be a massive nail in the coffin for their family.

Thus, the competition was fierce. However, they didn't want to offend the city lord, by disrespecting him. He had no idea, that these people were on pins and needles, while he sat down and started chatting casually with Lord Martin.

"Brother Martin, I'm glad that everyone like my humble dishes. I'd hope to bring you emerald king crab, but he almost killed me."

*Pshhhh*

Several people, including Lord Martin, spit their wine out, upon hearing what he said.

"You mean, you actually met Ol' Green and survived?"

"Well, not entirely intact, he managed to cut off my hand. Here, let me tell you what happened."

Retelling the story, without mention of the space, he went over how the men had stopped in the nearby cove. That after meeting the trading fleet, they were attacked by the emerald crabs, narrowly escaping, after capturing the smaller ones. All of the guests were riveted, as he retold the event.

Seeing that his hand was fine, a large man sitting nearby was curious.

"How is it, that both your hands appear fine today?"

"Ah, it's actually an illusion, crafted by one the founders of my company. They sent it over, as soon as they heard about what happened. I'm sure dignified people like you, wouldn't want to see something gory, right?"

Many of the guests who heard the story, were lamenting what a tragedy it was, how such a young man lost his hand. Conversations could be heard throughout, as it seemed that almost everyone present, had either lost someone or knew someone, who fell victim to that king crab.

Patting his back, Lord Martin tried to comfort him.

"Aye, we've lost several squads of men, to that cursed crab. I'm glad that you got out alive, show me how bad it is brother Zanir. Unless you don't want to, nobody here will make fun of you, or I'll tan their hide."

"Alright, if anyone is squeamish, I suggest you look away. I will show you what my company sent me, to cast the illusion for my hand."

Pandering to the onlooking crowd, he held his right hand up, as the color turned to a solid jade green. Gasps could be heard, as they looked on in amazement. Focusing on the hand, the solid jade color got lighter, eventually fading away entirely.

Seeing the beautiful jade dragon figurine attached to his wrist, the guests couldn't help but move in for a closer look. Admiring the quality, they asked about the hand, and how it worked. It would be easier to demonstrate.

"They told me it's called a 'Ghost Hand', I haven't read the instructions yet, but it's pretty useful."

Phasing the hand in between colors and opacity, he wowed the crowd. Seeing that they were having fun, he decided to show them another function. Pretending to concentrate on the hand, he morphed it into a dragon.

Reaching out like a green tentacle, it soared a few feet, 'biting' a drink off a nearby server's platter. Pulling the drink off the tray, it retracted, forming back into a hand that was still holding the drink. As he raised his glass to toast, everyone erupted into cheers.

Only when the noise died down, a few moments later, was Lord Martin able to address him.

"Brother Zanir, it's truly a miracle, no wonder you're taking the news so well."

"Yes, I have to thank brother Martin. The jade you provided was a key component needed for the device."

"It's my pleasure, to be of assistance, but that is to say, they have already received the jade? I only gave that to you the other day."

"They have ways of retrieving small objects, so they were sent right away. Which reminds me, they sent back a gift, along with your jade, on the trade ship."

Signaling Bruce, the ogre made his way over, presenting them with a large briefcase. Seeing a large ogre walk over, dressed in a suit and holding a briefcase, the crowd was stunned. They were even further impressed, when he smoothly opened the briefcase, uttering a simple statement.

"Special Delivery"

*Clack Clack*

The sound of two latches opening, one right after another, could be heard. Pulling back, the interior of the case was revealed. Inside there were several beautiful jade pieces, of varying sizes, but the central piece definitely stood above them.

Towering above the other pieces, sat a life-size bust of Lord Martin. While it was only the head and some of the neck regions, as opposed to the entire body, it was incredibly detailed beyond belief.

The photo-realistic depiction used his measurements as a basis but had also taken inspiration from the various paintings around the estate, that featured Lord Martin in his youth. When people saw the end result, a gallant and regal looking Lord Martin, they were swept away.

"Haha, brother Zanir, this is too good, too good I say! The spitting image of me in my younger days, how did your people do it?"

"Look at the engraving, they made it as a gift, I merely described your appearance."

Pointing to the bottom of the bust, everyone saw that there was a message engraved.

'Dedicated to City Lord Roger Martin, ally to the Dragon's Den, and honorary brood member for his valued contributions'

Seeing the engraving, Lord Martin was moved. So were the nearby guests, it seemed that this company really valued their trading partners. Everybody was thoroughly impressed, several times over in fact, which was right where Zanir wanted them.

Now he could begin to hobnob with the wealthy and propose trade deals. One of them was bound to have connections to a larger city, he would make plans to journey farther. He'd have to stop home first, to let his parents know. If they wanted to come he'd bring them along.

"This means so much to me brother Zanir, let me introduce you, to some of the fine people of this city, after all, I can't hog all of the goods to myself."

"Haha, of course, but before we forget, only the bust was a gift the other pieces are for sale."

Laughing together, Lord Martin motioned his men to appraise the other artworks. The value of art was always subjective, or so they thought. When the old appraisers moved in, inspecting the artworks, they were astonished.

"This is art within art!"

Examining the piece in question, it looked like a carving of a simple forest painting, upon initial inspection. Looking closer he had noticed, that it was actually a mosaic, comprised of countless smaller paintings.

"This one is only made with vertical lines!"

Carved into the painting of a castle, it looked rather ordinary, but when they looked closer, it was true. Everything was made up of tiny vertical scratches onto the jade. Nobody had ever seen a carving technique quite like.

Besides the paintings, there were little animals and a few jade knives with scabbards. Seeing so many priceless pieces, they were overloaded. Who was carving these beautiful jades? So many pieces, who could just lay them out like cabbages for sale?

Seeing the reactions, he couldn't help but tease Lord Martin.

"See, even your people know it's good, if you don't want them, I'm sure some of the other guests would love to buy one."

"I'll pay, I'll pay, how much do they want brother. These are all priceless."

Worried that he might actually sell them, he replied quickly. Letting him know it was just a tease, he patted Lord Martin on the back, addressing the crowd.

"That depends on what you can afford brother."

Everyone broke out into a fit of laughter, once they calmed down, he made another quip. Not knowing the value, he just put out a casual suggestion, to test the water.

"How about a bag of gold for each one, since it's easy for my company to carve them. Remember, we take materials and requests, that also goes for any art lovers here."

Soon, he was inundated with requests for artwork. Answering people's questions, he directed them to Terry. Standing by with a clipboard, he took down the orders and customers contact information. People wanted traditional canvas paintings, wooden sculptures, and glasswork.

Assuring them that it was all possible if they brought materials and compensation, some were also curious about other things. They wanted to know about the suits, could he do fountains, what other goods did he bring.

Smiling, he continued to answer as the opportunities kept rolling in. As more of his men took up notepads, they tried to keep up with people's requests. At this rate, he'd need to have the system design sales forms.

While this was going on Lord Martin had several bags of gold brought over, eager to finalize the jade transaction. He also sent over a few more pieces, know that he knew how formidable their craftsman was.

As the money changed hands between the guards, he received a prompt from the system.

[Host has sold one million dollars worth of trade goods. The Trading Post has been unlocked.]