《Ugly Merchant [Business - Kingdom building - schemes]》


 Chapter 1 : Wealthy Yet Poor

    Being born into a quite rich family is a blessing; however, this blessing can turn into a nightmare that chases after you, either devouring you or forcing you to devour it.


    Jasper was a somewhat timid boy who lacked self-confidence. No, he wasn¡¯t like that¡ªhe was just trying to isolate himself. Why? Because he was ugly. Not just ugly, he was extremely ugly and scary. You could describe him as an unsightly thing, as his stepmother used to call him, but that was her last insult before his father divorced her.


    ...


    Looking at him with disgust was a beautiful woman in her early thirties with a poisoned tongue. Her sole purpose was to drive the kid insane or out of the house. His presence was like a thorn in her throat, preventing her from inheriting the fortune of his father. From the perspective of a local, that''s what it seemed like, but There''s a lot more to it than meets the eye.


    One day, the kid was strolling in the hallway of the house when the stepmother approached him menacingly.


    "Good morning, mothe¡ª" Jasper said in a soft voice, smiling. He didn¡¯t know that his smile was the scariest thing to witness.


    Slap!


    "What good morning? And what mother are you talking about, you unsightly thing, after ruining my dress?" she said, looking at him with murderous eyes and wiping her hand as if she had touched filth.


    "But mother, I never touched any of your dresses," Jasper confessed, tears falling. He was generally not the type to cry, but he had cried a lot since his childhood due to the mockery of his peers, who always bullied him for his ugliness and beat him until he grew numb to it.


    But a slap is way different from a punch or any other form of violence. One slap is enough to start a war¡ªit¡¯s a sign of humiliation that outweighs any other form of beating, especially when you can¡¯t retaliate or it came from someone who you loved so much.


    Tears, a mix of rage and sadness, streamed down the boy''s face, yet he remained silent. He understood his father''s deep affection for his stepmother and knew any resistance would be futile. This was the first time she''d struck him. What had transformed her so drastically in the past three years? It was a question that haunted Jasper, one he couldn''t answer. She had once been his loving mother, a source of comfort who shielded him from bullies. Now, she embodied the very image of the cruel stepmother.


    As the kid was lost in his own world of thoughts, trying to figure out how to avoid angering her even more, a raspy voice interrupted, bringing the action to a stop.


    "So, that¡¯s how it is, huh!" Kenan, Jasper¡¯s father, emerged from a room with an angry expression.


    Maida, who was looking at him with trembling limbs, said, "Honey, didn¡¯t you say you¡¯d leave for a deal with some nobles?"


    "Yeah, and that¡¯s the noble deal I did. I made you think I was out to check how you were treating my son in my absence. I noticed he was less active compared to the first time you came here. You know how much I loved you! You know how I treated you! I kept lying to myself that my Maida was a good woman who would treat my son as her own, yet my doubts were true. You repaid me by bullying my son, my only gift from my late wife. As for your freaking dress, it was stained by your snooty brat."


    "Snooty brat? He is our son, Kenan. How could you say that about our son?"


    "HE WAS NEVER MY SON! He is your son. I accepted him because I loved you, because I thought you would treat my son like yours if I did that. Yet, here you are, calling him an unsightly thing. Your son, that little fox who¡¯s trying to get rid of my son, will bring this family to doom if he stays here for even a second longer. From now on, he will never step into this house again."


    "NO! You can¡¯t do that. If you want to expel him, expel me with him," she said, trying to make him take back his words, knowing how much he loved her.


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    "Very well. From today on, you and he are no longer related to this family. It saddens me that you¡¯ve turned out like this. You used to be so gentle when you were poor. Now, I don¡¯t know what happened to the Maida I once loved. You are no longer part of this family. I¡¯ll give you 10,000 gold¡ªit will be enough until your great-grandson dies of old age."


    "Honey... You are joking, right? Please tell me that you are joking!"


    He looked at her with an angry yet sad expression.


    "No, Kenan. Please don¡¯t do this to me. I know it¡¯s all my fault. I¡¯ll turn over a new leaf; I¡¯ll never do such a thing again. Please don¡¯t abandon me."


    "I said, get out of my face!"


    Maida started crying loudly and then fell down. Kenan, who was close, tried to check on her in the heat of the moment but held himself back, calling for the servants and maids to take care of her.


    Jasper, who was shocked by the scene he had just witnessed, didn¡¯t know what to do or how to feel. The father he thought had abandoned him turned out to be the opposite¡ªhis father had always been on his side. He had simply trusted Maida to take care of him.


    Initially, Maida had been kind and gentle, treating Jasper as her own son out of genuine care, not mere pretense. However, as time passed and she attended tea parties and social gatherings, the conversations often revolved around how handsome and successful their children were, while mocking those who were unattractive or troublesome. Jasper became a frequent target of ridicule among the women, who insulted him as a way to pass the time.


    For years, Maida tried to defend him, but she finally found herself isolated and abandoned by influential figures for standing up for the boy. Fearing the loss of her social standing and a return to a life of hardship, she began to join in their cruelty. It was at this point that Jasper¡¯s life descended into a living nightmare.


    In front of the mansion¡¯s gate, Maida and her son, who were crying and yelling over the loss caused by their own actions, entered the carriage that was taking them to their homeland. Staring at the carriage, which little by little shrank into the horizon, Kenan¡¯s face looked empty as if the life had drained out of it¡ªonly his wet eyes were a sign of life.


    A few seconds later, he fell down unconscious. His love for Maida was so great, but he couldn¡¯t turn a blind eye to what had happened to his son. Jasper, who was beside him, didn¡¯t know what to do. He started shouting, "HELP!!!" causing all the maids and butlers to come running. They put their master on his bed and called the doctor.


    After a full check-up, the doctor tilted his head right and left, saying, "It¡¯s unavoidable."


    "What do you mean, unavoidable? Is my father going to die?"


    Albert¡ªthe doctor¡ªavoided looking Jasper in the face out of fear and said, "Your father was in a miserable state the moment your mother died, but he got healthier when he married your stepmother. I don¡¯t know what happened to him that made him like this. Did something happen that gave him a shock or anything like that?"


    "They... They just divorced today."


    "Sigh... I won¡¯t pry more into other people¡¯s private lives, but I think your father¡¯s unstable condition is due to shock and sadness. His heart won¡¯t resist much longer. I¡¯ll prescribe some medicine that might help him a bit, but I¡¯m not sure when his heart will stop if he continues to grieve."


    Jasper felt as if he had been struck by lightning, not knowing what to say or do. All he could do was cry beside his unconscious father.


    A few hours later, Kenan woke up, feeling as if mountains were pressing down on him and oceans of sadness were overwhelming him. Looking at his son, who was sitting next to him, he extended his hand with difficulty.


    "I¡¯m sorry, son. I didn¡¯t know how hard life was for you. I¡¯m sorry for not noticing from the beginning. She wasn¡¯t like that before; she was really a warm and gentle woman," Kenan said with a sad expression.


    "Yes, I know she genuinely loved me. I was shocked when she changed one day."


    Suddenly, his expression and voice turned to anger. "It¡¯s all because of those cruel noblewomen! No! It''s probably their husbands commanding them to manipulate Maida. I¡¯ll never forgive them¡ªNEVER! They mocked you, her, and our entire family. They brainwashed her to ruin our family!"


    "Father, please calm down. You won¡¯t hold on if you keep getting agitated. If you want, you can bring Maida back. Your health is more important to me."


    "I¡¯m sorry, son. They poisoned you when you were only two years old, ruining your face. They¡¯ve always targeted me through my loved ones. Those nobles and cunning merchants are the devil himself. Even though Maida was just a victim of their schemes, I can¡¯t tolerate her for making you suffer all this time. She needs to be punished."


    "But father, you¡¯re punishing yourself as well by sending her away."


    "It¡¯s for the best¡ªfor me and for her. She would end up dead if she stayed here. How I wish I could send you away too, but they would find you and threaten me."


    Jasper was shocked by all the information his father was revealing for the first time.


    "Son, it¡¯s bound to happen that you¡¯ll make enemies when you succeed as a merchant. My fault was being naive as a schemer and good as a merchant. Ironically as a merchant, you have to be a good schemer. I wasn¡¯t that kind of person. I gained my clients by being honest and sincere, and even if I went back in time, I¡¯d do the same. But you, my son, you have to be vigilant so you don¡¯t fall like your father did. You will find yourself in a miserable situation after my death, but you must stand on your own feet. Keep learning from every mistake, it''s all part of the experience that will build a stronger and more mature you."


    Kenan said those words and fell silent, uttering nothing more. The days and nights passing with only his tears and apologies to his late wife, Jasper, and his divorced wife escaped in his sleep.


    Three months later, Kenan wasted away, his body reduced to little more than skin and bone, a frail ghost of the man he once was. Each breath was a battle, each movement a torment, and Jasper could only watch in helpless agony as the father who had once stood strong now crumbled before him. He sat by his bedside, gripping the cold, bony hand that once protected him, whispering words of comfort that felt hollow in the face of death. And then, one night, with a final, shuddering sigh, Kenan¡¯s suffering ceased, leaving behind only a husk and a silence so deep it threatened to consume Jasper whole.


    A day passed, and the fragments of his shattered heart still lay scattered, unhealed from his father''s death, when ominous footsteps, bearing yet another burden, drew near and knocked on his door.

 Chapter 2 : Trust

    A single day had passed since Jasper''s father, Kenan, had been laid to rest. The mansion, once bustling with life, now felt hollow, its halls echoing with the weight of loss. Jasper, barely able to drag himself out of bed, moved like a shadow through the house. His legs trembled with every step, as though the grief had physically chained him.


    Then, a knock at the door.


    Two visitors arrived, demanding to speak with the mansion''s owner. The head butler, Cuthbert, ushered them into the guest room without hesitation. Why? Because one of them was Ferdinand, Kenan''s longtime friend and business ally. Ferdinand had always been there for Kenan, offering help in both business and personal matters.


    Cuthbert hurried to inform Jasper of the visitors, then busied himself preparing tea. Jasper descended the stairs slowly, leaning heavily on the handrail. His eyes were swollen from crying, and his legs shook beneath him. He tried to compose himself before entering the room, but his appearance was unsettling¡ªpitiful yet terrifying. The guests couldn''t help but shiver as he walked in.


    "Hello, Uncle Ferdinand," Jasper said, his voice soft but steady.


    "Ah, yes, hello, Jasper," Ferdinand replied, his tone tinged with regret. "I''m sorry I couldn''t be here before Kenan passed. My condolences."


    "Thank you," Jasper said, forcing a polite smile. "I appreciate your presence, especially since you''re such a busy man."


    "It''s my duty to be here," Ferdinand said, his expression growing serious. "Listen, Jasper, I know you''re grieving, but you need to be strong. While you''re in this state, merchants and nobles are already plotting to take over your father''s business. They''ll come here tomorrow with fake contracts, demanding you sign them or give up everything. Either way, they plan to leave you with nothing but the clothes on your back."


    Jasper fell silent, his mind racing. Something about Ferdinand''s words felt off. After a moment, he spoke.


    "Uncle, it''s not easy to fake a contract. I may be young, but I''ve read enough to know how these things work. And I''m the son of a great merchant. I''m not entirely clueless."


    Ferdinand smirked, leaning back in his chair and steepling his fingers. He gestured to the man behind him, who moved to guard the door.


    "I admire your intelligence, Jasper. You''re shrewd for a 14-year-old. But you''re underestimating the situation. You''re up against high-ranking nobles and a traitor within your own home¡ªsomeone who could steal your father''s seal and use it against you."


    Jasper stared at Ferdinand, his gaze piercing. The longer he looked, the more uncomfortable Ferdinand seemed. Jasper wondered: Is he guilty, or is it just my appearance that unnerves him? Should I trust him?


    Finally, Jasper sighed. "So, what''s your plan, Uncle?"


    "My plan is simple: trust. Give me control of your father''s business for the next four or five years. Once you''re older and capable, I''ll hand it back to you."


    Jasper''s eyes narrowed as he studied Ferdinand. The man''s sharp features, curled mustache, and pointed beard gave him the look of a cunning merchant¡ªor a scheming noble. Jasper closed his eyes and let out a long sigh.


    "Uncle, do you know what I''m thinking right now?"


    "What?"


    "That this is like a grown man trying to steal candy from a child. The scale is just unimaginably different. Only a fool would take your words at face value."


    Ferdinand winced. "That hurts, Jasper. I know my proposal sounds suspicious, but that''s why I said it''s about trust."


    "Trust takes time to build," Jasper countered. "And even then, I''d need some guarantee that you won''t betray me."


    "Your father would have trusted me without hesitation."


    "No," Jasper said firmly. "My father trusted no one but himself to manage his business. I''m not my father, but I know my life is at risk. He warned me about that."


    Ferdinand leaned forward, his expression earnest. "So, are you agreeing?"


    "Yes."


    "Without a guarantee?"


    "Yes."


    "Are you sure?"


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    "Yes. But if you betray me, I''ll make sure you regret it."


    "Don''t worry," Ferdinand said, smiling. "I know my limits. Now, sign here, and trust me."


    As Jasper signed the contract, he glanced up at Ferdinand, his expression unreadable.


    "Just so you know, I''m capable of managing my father''s business on my own. I don''t need help. But I don''t know how dangerous it is to go up against nobles and other merchants. I''m afraid they''ll kill me for no reason. I just hope you''re as trustworthy as you claim. Either way, I''ll stand on my own feet, even if you betray me."


    The moment the ink dried, Ferdinand''s tone turned mocking.


    "Thanks for your trust, little Jasper. Just make sure your legs aren''t shaking when you try to stand on your own."


    Jasper smirked. "Thanks for the advice. And thanks for distracting me from my father''s death."


    "My pleasure," Ferdinand said, his voice loud and triumphant. "Just be sure to leave my house in two weeks. I''ll be staying here after dealing with some matters."


    "No worries, just be sure to take the deed before leaving you seem to forget about it out of excitement."


    "How thoughtful little jasper."


    The contract transferred all of Kenan''s property to Ferdinand. Jasper left the room, his smile sending a chill down Ferdinand''s spine. Outside, he found Cuthbert arguing with the man who had guarded the door.


    "Young master, are you okay? This man wouldn''t let me in. He threatened me with his sword!"


    Jasper''s eyes filled with tears. "I''m not your young master anymore, Cuthbert. Please take care of the mansion and the servants. My stupidity cost me everything my father built. I''ll be leaving in one or two weeks."


    "What do you mean, young master?"


    Jasper didn''t answer. He simply walked upstairs to his chamber, leaving Cuthbert bewildered.


    The next day, a group of merchants arrived, waving contracts that claimed they were obligated to take over Kenan''s business since his son was too young to manage it. They demanded Jasper''s signature.


    Jasper glared at them. "You''re all the same¡ªvultures feeding on others'' suffering. I have nothing left to give you. If you want anything, go talk to Ferdinand. He took everything from me."


    The merchants'' eyes widened in shock. "What?! That snake Ferdinand tricked us! He delayed us by a day so he could trade the business to Grand Duke Roland for a noble title and his daughter''s hand! Let''s go after him!"


    As the merchants stormed out, Jasper sat alone, piecing together the truth.


    ''So that''s why Ferdinand gave me two days. He wanted me to stay here while he made his move. ''Trust,'' huh? Either way, I couldn''t have held onto my father''s wealth. It was too much for me to handle, and the nobles would have killed me for it. By giving it up, I saved my life, even if it makes me look awfully foolish, I don''t care. I look awful anyway; being stupid won''t change that. It''s time to stop hiding and face life head-on. I''ll hide my face, start my journey, and show them all how an ugly merchant fights back. It''ll take time, but I''ll make sure they regret crossing me. Just to be clear, I am still trusting Ferdinand, even though he appears to be a trickster.''


    A few hours later, the quiet of the mansion was shattered by the arrival of unwelcome visitors. They stood at the gates, demanding to see Jasper. Now stripped of his title as the mansion¡¯s owner, Jasper couldn¡¯t command the servants to usher them inside. Reluctantly, he stepped out to face them.


    The men were armed, their swords glinting in the sunlight, and their postures radiated arrogance. Jasper studied them carefully, noting their hostile tone and the way they carried themselves¡ªlike predators circling their prey.


    "Take off your hood!" one of them barked, dispensing with any semblance of courtesy.


    Jasper hesitated. "I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll appreciate what you see if I do."


    "Shut up and comply," the man snapped, his voice sharp and impatient.


    Confused by their hostility, Jasper reluctantly removed his hood. The reaction was immediate. One of the knights¡¯ horses reared up, neighing wildly, while the men themselves struggled to hide their fear. Their trembling hands betrayed them, though they tried to maintain their composure.


    "Yeah, he¡¯s the one," one of the knights said, his voice tinged with disgust. "Come with us, you monster."


    "Where to?" Jasper asked, his voice steady despite the tension.


    "That¡¯s none of your business. Get on the horse, or we¡¯ll drag you like a slave."


    Realizing arguing was pointless, Jasper complied. They led him to a nearby city, where they were met by a man of obvious high status¡ªBaron Buck.


    "Baron Buck," one of the knights announced, "this is the son of Kenan. He claims Ferdinand tricked him into giving up all his property."


    The Baron eyed Jasper with a cold, calculating gaze. After a moment, he turned away and issued a chilling order.


    "Beat him until he confesses what really happened."


    Jasper spoke up quickly. "There¡¯s no need for that. I already told your knights the truth¡ªFerdinand tricked me into giving up my inheritance because my life was at risk."


    The Baron raised an eyebrow, his tone dripping with mockery. "Oh ho? And how, exactly, is your life in danger? Enlighten me."


    Jasper took a deep breath. "Ferdinand said my father¡¯s business was targeted by powerful figures. If I didn¡¯t give up my inheritance, I¡¯d be killed."


    The Baron chuckled darkly. "Hmm, that¡¯s a convenient excuse. Knights! Beat him! Let¡¯s see how many punches it takes for him to change his story. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s working with Ferdinand."


    Fear gripped Jasper, but his expression remained stoic. He knew no amount of reasoning would sway these men. The knights descended on him, their fists relentless. Each blow left him more battered than the last, but Jasper refused to change his story. He repeated the same words until the pain overwhelmed him, and he fell unconscious.


    When the knights finally stopped, the Baron was furious but powerless. He had watched Jasper plead for mercy without confessing to anything.


    "That cunning Ferdinand," the Baron muttered, his voice seething with anger. "We¡¯ve been played right into his hands."


    "Master, what should we do with the boy?" one of the knights asked.


    "Throw that monster outside," the Baron said dismissively. "He¡¯s useless now. Giving up all that wealth for free¡ªhow stupid can he be?"


    Hours later, Jasper awoke in front of the Baron¡¯s mansion, his body aching from head to toe. A guard stood over him, his voice harsh.


    "You, cursed thing! If you¡¯re alive, get out of here. If the Baron sees you again, you¡¯re dead."


    Groaning, Jasper pushed himself to his feet. His body felt heavier than ever, but he forced himself to move. He stumbled toward his secret hideout, his mind replaying the events of the day.


    Instead of crying, Jasper laughed¡ªa bitter, hollow sound. Tears streamed down his face as he muttered to himself, "Yeah, I¡¯m alive. What a miserable life to live. But I¡¯ll survive. I¡¯ll make it back. And I¡¯ll show you all how Jasper, the son of Kenan, deals with you all."

 Chapter 3: Good Catch

    Whoosh-shush! Tick-tick! Whoosh-shush!


    Jasper pushed through the branches and leaves guarding his secret refuge. Deep in the forest near his former mansion lay this hidden sanctuary, concealed by dense foliage and towering trees¡ªa place of solace whenever despair found him. At its heart stood an ancient tree, its massive roots seeming almost in motion, as if the tree itself was slowly walking across the forest floor. Beneath one particularly twisted root, he had hidden his treasure: a money bag prepared for the day his father might cast him out. Though his planning had seemed excessive then, he couldn''t blame himself. After all, only God knows what tomorrow brings.


    For years, he had squirreled away whatever coins he could conceal in his clothing, building his emergency fund coin by coin. Now, counting his wealth¡ª936 gold and 50 silver coins¡ªJasper felt both pride and uncertainty. For most fourteen-year-olds, this would be unimaginable wealth, but for the son of Zoliland''s greatest merchant, it was merely a trifling sum.


    Lost in contemplation, his body suddenly reminded him of its injuries. The fresh bruises throbbed painfully, driving him toward a nearby pond. As he gazed at his reflection, he confronted the reality of his appearance. His face was ghostly white, drained of all vitality. Thick, twisted veins in shades of crimson, emerald, and sapphire spread across his skin like the roots of a dying tree, pulsing faintly as if carrying some unnatural poison. His brow was bare¡ªno eyebrows, no lashes¡ªgiving his face an unsettling, unfinished quality. His eyes told their own horror story: whites webbed with angry red veins, pupils unnaturally dilated into pools of darkness. His lips, cracked and colorless, occasionally twitched as if attempting speech that wouldn''t come. Without hair, his features appeared even more alien, his skull-like visage enhanced by the sickly glow of his veined, translucent skin. Every part of his face seemed to writhe with quiet malevolence, as if poison within him was alive, transforming his humanity into something otherworldly and terrifying. Though his hands had protected his face from the beating, no new bruises could worsen what was already there.


    "Famous for my ugliness," he murmured to himself, "I still can''t appear in public like this. I need to hide my face and find someone to help with my business. I think I need to buy some slaves." He stripped off his clothes, hoping the cold water might ease his aching body.


    Feeling refreshed, Jasper reclined on a rock, submerging his body with only his head above water. He closed his eyes, contemplating a future where he could rely on no one but himself. After a few minutes, he sank completely beneath the surface, allowing the cool water to caress his face before emerging. Fortunately, the afternoon sun still hung high, perfect for drying quickly. Soon dressed, he hefted the heavy money bag¡ªabout five kilograms of coin¡ªand headed directly back to the city he''d just fled.


    "This bag grows heavier with every step," he sighed. "If I weren''t leaving for good, I wouldn''t have taken everything."


    At the city entrance, a rookie guard spotted someone with a hooded face carrying a large bag and attempting to skip the line. He blocked Jasper''s path with his spear.


    "Where do you think you''re going? Remove your hood, identify yourself, and pay the entrance fee," the guard demanded proudly.


    "Huh?" Jasper responded.


    A veteran guard noticed the confrontation, recognized Jasper''s distinctive silhouette, and hurried over. His eyes widened in recognition before he smacked the rookie on the head.


    "What are you doing, you fool?" he hissed, then turned to the hooded figure. "You may enter, sir."


    As Jasper passed through, the rookie complained, "Ouch! Why did you hit me, Captain?"


    "Because you deserved it. Do you have any idea who you just stopped?"


    "Who was it?"


    "That was Jasper."


    "Jasper?" The rookie repeated, confused until sudden recognition dawned. "D-d-don''t tell me... Jasper the... the Plague?"


    "Yes, that''s him, you idiot."


    "But Captain, I heard someone say he was beaten and thrown out of Baron Buck''s mansion, and nothing happened," the guard stammered, trembling.


    "Keep listening with those same ears to learn what happens to anyone who mistreats him. I don''t need to remind you how many people who touched or beat him met terrible ends. He may be weak, but he''s cursed."


    "Captain," the rookie sniffled, "I''ve only been working here long enough to sew commoners'' sleeves. I don''t want to die!"


    "Don''t exaggerate. You didn''t touch him¡ªyou only blocked him with your spear. Just be more careful next time."


    A slight smirk crossed Jasper''s lips as he walked away. Though he''d never actively harmed anyone who bullied him, somehow they always ended up in miserable circumstances¡ªdead, paralyzed, or deathly ill. While he didn''t appreciate being called "cursed" or "plague," these labels coupled with the mishaps gave him a satisfying taste of revenge.


    Crossing the city toward the slave market, the heavy bag exhausted him, but Jasper pressed on until he reached his destination. Before him stretched iron cages filled with people, while others stood chained together by their necks. Men, women, and children of all ages¡ªa painful sight, yet so common that people had grown numb to it, even considering these captives lesser beings. Jasper saw parallels to his own situation: he was free but weak and hideous; they were enslaved but beautiful and strong. Yet one thing united them all¡ªmisery.


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    As he surveyed the market, something unexpected caught his eye.


    ''A barbarian? As a slave? How is that possible? Barbarians would rather die than be enslaved. The last person who tried to capture one was skinned alive.''


    Jasper approached the merchant quietly and asked, "Excuse me, how can a barbarian be a slave?"


    "Hmm? Oh, you mean this big bear," the merchant replied, turning to face Jasper after noticing his quiet voice. He smacked the barbarian''s back confidently. "Don''t worry, he won''t bite. As you can see, he''s calm and follows orders. It took quite a while to tame him."


    Though the barbarian appeared furious, he concealed it well.


    "So, how much for him?" Jasper inquired.


    The merchant assessed Jasper from head to toe. His clothing suggested middle class¡ªperhaps a merchant''s son or a knight''s offspring.


    "May I first ask why you''re hiding your face, dear customer?"


    "Don''t concern yourself with that. My face is burned, so I keep it covered."


    The merchant shrugged. "Well then, he''s 150 gold coins."


    "What?! The highest price ever paid for a male slave was 80 gold. How can you ask so much?"


    "Oh ho, quite knowledgeable, aren''t you? But there''s never been a barbarian slave before. This one will never betray or harm you. Look¡ª" He struck the barbarian repeatedly. "See? He''s stronger and more capable than any ordinary male slave."


    The merchant smirked, thinking he had Jasper trapped. But Jasper quickly countered, "Impressive! I almost fell for that. You''re working with this barbarian, aren''t you? He''ll either kill me and run, or take my money and give it back to you. No, wait. That doesn''t make sense. Barbarians are honorable. Tsk, I can''t figure out what you did to make him a slave. Something''s definitely off, but I can''t put my finger on it."


    As he spoke, he turned to the barbarian, who instantly avoided eye contact.


    "What?! What is that all about?" The merchant looked bewildered.


    "What if I announced that you''re trying to sell a bloodthirsty barbarian? A wolf in sheep''s clothing. Would anyone believe he''s as tame as you claim? Buying a barbarian is life-threatening¡ªthere''s never been a case of a barbarian slave before. You trampled on his honor. I''m afraid he will kill me along with you. Do you take people here for fools?!" Jasper raised his voice with the last statement, making the merchant nervous as onlookers turned to stare.


    Being new to this market, the merchant didn''t know how to respond with so many eyes upon him. He rubbed his hands anxiously and lowered his voice. "Now, now, dear customer, no need to shout. I''m running an honest business. You don''t know how much effort it took to tame this barbarian and bring him here. As a sign of goodwill, I''ll reduce the price to 140 gold."


    "Reducing by mere 10 gold coins shows no goodwill. Look, I''m taking an enormous risk. At any moment, he could kill me if he regained his senses. One hundred gold is my offer."


    "You jest! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" he exclaimed, putting his hand to his chest. "And yet, I assure you, he won''t dare disobey, even if you spit on him. Therefore, one hundred thirty is my final price."


    "I don''t buy empty promises. One hundred gold, or no deal. I guarantee no one will buy any barbarian¡ªeven for 50 gold. The risk is too high."


    The merchant''s expression darkened, but he couldn''t argue further. He knew selling a barbarian wouldn''t be easy. After all his effort to tame the warrior, his dreams of massive profit were crumbling into a mere 15-gold gain.


    "Fine. It''s a deal."


    As Jasper opened his bag to count out the coins, he glimpsed someone in a cage behind the barbarian. The massive warrior had blocked his view before, but as Jasper crouched to reach into his bag, he caught sight of a radiant face. He quickly closed the bag and hurried toward the cage.


    "How much for this woman?" he asked the slave trader.


    "Let me see... which one do you mean?"


    "That one, with blue eyes and black hair."


    "Oh, I''m afraid she''s not for sale here. I''m saving her for next week''s auction."


    "Then why keep her here?"


    "I have nowhere else to put her."


    "I offer 210 gold coins, which is the highest market-recorded price for a female slave."


    The merchant began sweating nervously, his hands trembling. "Well, at auction, her price could be much higher..."


    Without hesitation, Jasper increased his offer: "Three hundred sixty gold¡ªequal to the highest auction price."


    "If I were to sell her at auction, I could earn even more," the merchant said, no longer able to control his expression.


    Jasper fell silent momentarily, then replied, "Your greed will be your undoing one day."


    "She''s virgin, you know. Someone so beautiful and untouched is rare."


    Jasper closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. "Let me ask you¡ªwhen did you acquire her?"


    "What do you mean?"


    "I''m not a fool. She hasn''t been a slave for even a month¡ªnot even ten days."


    "Sharp eye! To be honest, I got her just a week ago. She was fleeing bandits, and I bought her from them for a considerable sum. They couldn''t touch me when they saw my barbarian, which made negotiations quite smooth."


    "Four hundred gold. No one in all of Zoliland would offer such a price."


    "I can recover what I lost on the barbarian deal!" the merchant thought aloud, giggling.


    "At least keep your thoughts to yourself and control your expressions when dealing with merchants. Just advice from a fellow merchant," Jasper sighed.


    ''Not that I''d expect better from a slaver,'' he thought privately.


    "Huh? Hehehe, sorry, dear customer. She''s yours¡ªno questions asked."


    Jasper opened his bag and counted out 500 gold coins¡ªa substantial loss, but worth it. He hadn''t chosen the girl solely for her beauty; at his young age, he already possessed remarkable foresight. He saw what others missed.


    "Now, give me the bill of sale." He then asked the people to witness the trade.


    Despite the mockery for his costly acquisition of two slaves, he paid no heed. Whether driven by their true value or youthful recklessness, he was resolute.


    When she stood and approached him, Jasper felt his heart constrict, nearly bursting. He took a deep breath, handed the bag to the barbarian, and continued strolling around the market.


    As they walked away, he moved closer to the woman and whispered, "I''ll be in your care, Miss Witch."


    <hr>


    Jasper.


    Profession: None(Self-proclaimed merchant).


    Coins: Gold 436 Silver 50 Bronze 0 Copper 0.