Training as a Slime (52)
Returning to the workroom, Cori and Sam stood at the trainee's accommodation helpdesk in front of a granny dwarf who looked condescendingly at them, "So he's late to apply too?"
"Haha," Sam laughed awkwardly, "he's here on the duchess' recommendation."
"Ya ya ya. And I'm working here because I am the Queen!" the granny scorned, "So what is your business? What do you want?"
"How much is the accommodation? What's the price range, and how do I customize it?" Cori asked.
"Customization? You will be lucky to have a room. The cheapest we have is 1 silver coin for the whole year, take it or leave it."
"How much is the most expensive room?" Cori asked.
"Hahaha, I doubt you can afford it. We only have this room left, 5 gold coins," the granny dwarf laughed and mocked.
Sam said, "I think you better take the 1 silver room; it is more economical. Besides, you can renovate it after you move in."
"Well, you get what you pay for," the granny dwarf said impatiently, waiting for a reply.
Cori looked at the two catalogs; the one that costs a silver coin is smaller but does not come with its own bathing facilities. However, the larger room has its own ensuite facilities and additional study room, living room, kitchen, and a small dining area. Cori said, "I have decided but I don't have 5 gold coins."
Sam looked at Cori with pity, "If you don't have enough, I can lend you some."
"Don't have enough? Don't waste my time and just get a camping set," the granny dwarf scolded.
Cori took out a platinum gold coin and asked, "Is this worth 5 gold coins?"
The old dwarf broke into a smile, "Aiyo, grandson, why didn't you say it earlier. Would you like me to help you with the customization? Dwarven technology is the best. 1 platinum gold coin should cover your whole stay here plus renovation; we can even arrange delivery. You know what, we have a unit with a very nice view and with nice neighbors and luxurious facilities. Laundry service is also provided."
"How much is 1 platinum gold?" Cori whispered to Sam.
Sam replied, "That's like a bushel of gold coins! Why are you walking around with so much money?"
"Bushel?" Cori said, confused.
"That is like 7 thousand to 8 thousand gold coins!" Sam replied, "Did no one teach you anything? Ughh, this is so frustrating. Ok, look... 10 brass coins make up 1 bronze coin, 10 bronze coins make up a copper, and 100 coppers gives a silver, and 2000 silvers makes a gold. And 100 golds gives a platinum, and 80 platinum coins equal 1 platinum gold coin."
The granny dwarf complained, "You brat! If you ain't here to help. Don't interfere with my business!"
"Who you calling brat! Stop reaping him off if you want his business, you leprechaun!" Sam huffed, slamming her leg onto the chair like a gangster.
"Fine!" The granny grabbed her abacus and a stack of documents in anger.
"Fine!" Sam, satisfied that she had protected her future investment.
"Here, grandson, write what you want here and I will calculate everything fairly for you," the dwarf said with her professional salesy smile and tender voice.
"Erm. I don't know how to write," Cori replied sheepishly.
"You don't? Aren't you a prince?" Sam shouted with surprise.
"I never said I was one; I think everyone just assumed," Cori said.
"Don't worry, just tell me what you want, and I will write it down," Sam said.
After writing down the requirements, the dwarf did some calculations, "3 platinum coins with upgrade, renovation, and some liaising. Not to mention the paperwork. They will finish the place by tomorrow's noon. Here's the key for the complimentary unit for you to stay tonight before you move in, and here's the other key for your unit."
After thanking the granny upon completing the transaction, Sam brought Cori to the trainees' admission counter to collect his training schedule. "Here, you can contact me through this card if you ever need my help," Sam passed him her business card, "So you just put in some of your mana and talk into the card. I will receive your message."
"Cool," Cori said and thanked his senior, excited for the new day.