Chapter 86: Team Rocket Officer

After much consideration, Cain decided on the maximum amount he would sell.

Geocentric cleansing milk is an extremely valuable and scarce resource. Selling too much at once could attract unnecessary trouble, but selling too little wouldn't get him enough Pokédollars to buy what he needed. So, this amount seemed just right.

The stern appraiser showed a slight expression of surprise when he saw what Cain had taken out.

Without changing his expression toward Cain, the appraiser focused all his attention on the jar of milky white liquid. Although he had a hunch, he couldn't be completely sure, as it was rare for someone to sell such a thing.

Carefully, he removed the cork from the jar, and a soft mist escaped from the neck of the jar, emitting a faint aroma. The appraiser's expression turned to astonishment.

He took a silver needle from his toolkit, lightly dipped it in the liquid, and brought it to his nose to smell. Then, carefully, he touched it to his tongue for a slight taste.

His eyes lit up immediately. He set the needle aside, closed the jar with the cork, and returned it to Cain.

"Excuse me, are you looking to sell this or just have it appraised?" the appraiser asked in a harsh, raspy voice, unaccustomed to speaking much.

His job was tedious and dull; most people only came to have their items appraised. So, he would usually give a price and let the customer decide whether to sell or not.

However, if the item was valuable, he would turn into an attentive merchant. In addition to the base salary, they received a significant bonus for sales, and the amount depended on the value of the appraised item.

When Cain took out the geocentric cleansing milk, he knew it was one of the most valuable items he had appraised. If he managed to buy it, his bonus would be much higher than his salary.

Cain, under the black cloak, responded with a dry, raspy voice, evidently modified. "Sell."

The appraiser was pleased, though he hesitated a bit before saying, "This is geocentric cleansing milk. I assume you know its value. The current market price is 10,000 Pokédollars per drop. Your jar contains approximately 200 drops. We can offer you a market price of two million Pokédollars."

The price of 10,000 Pokédollars per drop was a scam, used to trick the ignorant. No expert would sell at that price. The appraiser just wanted to test if Cain knew the real value.

Although the small jar seemed to hold a lot, geocentric cleansing milk is much denser than water. Cain had already confirmed that the jar contained about 200 drops before bringing it in.

"If you're not interested, I can sell it to someone else. I'm sure many would be willing to pay more," Cain responded without flinching.

The appraiser immediately understood that Cain was not someone easy to fool, and a fleeting expression of discomfort crossed his face.

Having been an appraiser for over a decade, he knew this was just a probing tactic. If the seller didn't know, the shop would make a lot of money, and he would get a nice commission. If the seller knew, the real negotiation would begin.

Cough... "Then, how about 15,000 Pokédollars per drop? That's the maximum I can offer," the appraiser said, maintaining his composure.

Negotiation requires a good dose of boldness.

This new price was already more reasonable. 15,000 Pokédollars per drop was fair, although still below the 20,000 he could get with time. But selling at that price would take more time than Cain was willing to spend.

"18,000," Cain responded.

The appraiser didn't get upset; in fact, he was pleased. It didn't matter that the price was high; what mattered was that Cain was willing to negotiate. If Cain responded, it meant the offer was within an acceptable range.

The appraiser hesitated a bit before saying, "Sir, please wait a moment. This exceeds my authority. I need to consult with our manager."

"Fine, but make it quick," Cain said, gesturing for him to hurry.

The appraiser nodded repeatedly and hurried out of the room.

Cain sat in the chair and closed his eyes to rest. Murkrow remained quietly on his shoulder. In this black market, keeping a low profile was best.

After a while, the appraiser returned, accompanied by a middle-aged man with a prominent belly and a smile on his face.

Cain observed him discreetly, pausing on the Team Rocket insignia on his chest. Unlike the others, this man's insignia was more distinctive, with a gold border and two slots with the letter "R."

It was the emblem of a Team Rocket Officer!

"Sir, this is our manager and Team Rocket Officer, Mr. Ishida," the appraiser introduced respectfully.

Cain slightly raised an eyebrow at the introduction. A Team Rocket Officer? Since leaving Trial Island, it was the first time he had encountered someone of that rank. And being the manager of such a prominent store in the black market, he surely had substantial backing.

Ishida, the middle-aged man, maintained a friendly smile, showing none of the typical arrogance of his rank.

"So, you're the one who wishes to sell this geocentric cleansing milk. Please, join us in the conference room," Ishida said with a smile, gesturing toward the room.

"Let's go," Cain nodded, signaling them to lead the way.

With his constant smile, Ishida led the way to the conference room, followed by the appraiser and Cain.

The conference room wasn't much different from the rest of the establishment. It was a separate room with a low table and a leather sofa. After everyone entered, a maid brought tea.

(End of chapter)