SARAH'S RESOLVE

A day before the merchant duo has arrived, Gus has meticulously prepared for the Merchants' arrival. Gus used his negotiation skills he learned back on Earth to make sure he gets the most out of their offer. Early beforehand, Gus told Sarah and the Kids that he would act as a prop and stand at a corner of the room. He will be listening throughout their conversation. He told them to accept the merchant's offer if he purposely drops his arm and immediately serve the Caramel flan afterward.

Gus made the Flan using his newly acquired Sugar, along with the Eggs and Milk from the Towns' kind donation. He knew he had the upper hand as he possesses items that are not supposed to be available to this world. He already has the winning hand even before the deal has started. The tricky part is maximizing his winnings.

The moment Nico had a spoonful of flan, he realized his miscalculation. He didn't expect that she also wanted him to sell sugar. Nico underestimated Sarah. If this all works out, she knows that she can help not only the town but the whole Citadel itself! He was impressed with her determination to see this to the end.

"I will have more commodities up for sale very soon. But for now, I will only be selling Salt, Sugar, and Potatoes." said Sarah.

"No matter Ms. Sarah, I believe that this will be a long-lasting business relationship. If it's alright with you, I want to see the merchandise." said Nico.

Sarah nodded and first presented the potato in its raw form on the table. She then took out a small wooden box underneath the table. She opened the box and grabbed 2 small containers and presented it to Nico. As he opened the 2 containers, he took out his monocle and examined the products carefully. Nico also took out a small wooden spoon from his pocket and scooped both the sugar and salt. He rubbed the two products between his fingers and put a little bit on his tongue, one after the other. He put down his monocle and just sighed.

"Ms. Sarah, in all my dealings with Salt and Sugar, These are the most refined products I have ever laid my eyes on. The Salt has no muddy taste and doesn't even have a single speck of dirt. As of now the current value of 1 kilogram of salt is equivalent to 40 gold coins and a kilogram of sugar costs 60 gold. As for the potato, will you please give me a bit more time. It's the first time I have seen this crop and I have to evaluate the market to price this properly. How about we split the profits of about 70/30. 70 is our cut."

"Ahh...umm... Let me think...." Sarah said as he looked at Gus. She noticed Gus has no reaction, it only meant that he didn't agree to the cut.

"60/40! That is my final offer." said Nico as he fiddled a coin between his fingers.

"I've never seen Boss being cornered like this. The only times he does that, is if he's nervous himself." thought Rhoanne.

"KLANG!"

The Armor dropped its hand once more. Rhoanne's quick reaction made her jump in front of Nico again with her dagger drawn. Then she remembered what happened earlier and shamefully sat back down.

"I'm really really sorry! It dropped again! I should really have Mister Gusford's hand fixed!" said Gretel with a bright smile, showing her big white teeth and all!

"Aww... It's okay little girly! I hope Mr. Gusford gets all better! Where did you find Mr. Gusford anyway?" asked Rhoanne.

Sarah, Gretel and the rest of the gang shuddered. Gretel was on her wits ends, looking nervously at Gus and Rhoanne. But at the moment Gretel was about to say something, Sarah jumped in and said.

"We would gladly take that offer, Mr. Nico, seeing that you are the ones taking more of the risk after all." said Sarah.

Gretel heaved a sigh of relief as she looked at Ms. Sarah with great appreciation. Her quick thinking has distracted them away from Gus. Sarah then extended her hand towards Nico, to seal the deal with a handshake. He finally admitted defeat and offered Ms. Sarah the best benefits they can get.

Total partnership.

"You would've turned out to be a fine merchant Ms. Sarah. Would you consider changing your profession?" asked Nico with a smile.

"I have to decline Mr. Nico. I believe I am where I should be." said Sarah as she smiled.

"Then I also believe a celebration is in order, Ms. Sarah! Welcome aboard The Great BlueFox Company." said Nico as he sealed the deal with a firm handshake.

"Then I guess we would hold a town feast! I do recall the Minotaurs and Orcs are part of the deal, Am I correct?" asked Sarah.

"But of course! I will have them delivered immediately! Ms. Rhoanne if you please." said Nico.

"Yes boss!" said Rhoanne as she stood up.

"I can't wait for this feast! Coz' that means i get to eat dem delicious food again!" said Rhoanne as she still remembered the bacon taste that was once in her mouth.

"Minotaurs and Orcs?!" shouted the kids.

"Is there really, Ma'am?!" asked Griffin.

"Yes, there is! You wanna see 'em? I killed them myself you know! and just call me Big Sis or Sis Rhoanne!" boasted Rhoanne.

"Yes!" shouted the Gang.

"By the way, I wanna ask you kids! Who's the genius who cooked all the delicious food? I really want to meet him!" asked Rhoanne excitingly.

Sarah and the kids were back shuddering once again. Even the armor moved a bit making Nico wonder if he was just seeing things. He shook his head and thought maybe he was just tired from his travels not to mention the stress from the deal earlier.

"Urm, Big Sister? Can you carry me? Little Sage is scared of Scary Cows and Pigs!" said little Sage as she flashed her big Green eyes at Rhoanne. She even went as far as to try and hide behind her favorite book. Rhoanne's heart went full throttle and picked up Little Sage in a heartbeat. She even gave her one big hug as she couldn't contain herself any longer.

"Don't worry Little one! This Big Sister will Kill all the Scary Cows and Pigs! I'll slaughter each and every single one for you! Hang tight to big sister, okay?" said Rhoanne excitingly.

Little Sage gave her favorite book to Cindy and extended her cute little arms towards Rhoanne.

The redhead adventurer quickly picked little Sage up and placed the little girl on her shoulders, giving her a piggyback ride.

"How did you kill them Bis Sis?" asked Gretel.

"How heavy is your sword big sis?" asked Griffin

"What weapons did they use?" asked Cindy.

Ray was just silently watching them as he walks alongside them with a smile on his face.

"Well, I'll tell you everything while we walk! You see, this all started when..."

Rhoanne and the rest of the kids started walking away as she told them her great battle. Little Sage quickly turned her head around and gave a big thumbs up towards Ms. Sarah and Gus.

"What a cunning kid. She will go a long way." thought Gus.

Sarah simply smiled and waved at them.

"Well, That was exhilarating Ms. Sarah. I hope you don't mind, but while my bodyguard is busy being dragged away at the mercy of your children, I hope you won't mind if I rest for a little bit." said Nico.

"Mr. Nico, We have plenty of unused rooms in the Orphanage. Please follow me." Said Sarah, as she opened the door letting Nico step out the room first. But before stepping out herself, Ms. Sarah took a glance back at the room and bowed deeply at Gus before guiding Nico to a vacant room.

Gus finally moved around a bit to stretch. "I really should think up of a way so I can move around."

Then An Idea hit Gus. If he does that, he would have no problems moving around later during the town feast!