"The only property of this relic is that when any finger of the right hand touches it, the toucher sees the Silver Moon. The form of the Silver Moon they see differs according to its phase. This property is actually somewhat useful. If you touch it while trapped in an illusion, you may be able to walk out of it, given what the Silver Moon itself symbolizes. Fourteen pounds. For fourteen pounds, you can take it."
Perhaps because he knew the relic was not very useful, Old John's asking price was not too high.
"But what are its negative effects? And its containment method?"
Shade asked, already planning to buy it.
"Do not touch it continuously for too long, or you'll dream at night—strange dreams concerning the Silver Moon—and then descend into eternal madness. The containment method is simple. Before midnight every day, immerse it in a colorless liquid for more than three seconds. If you cannot do that, it may directly interfere with the holder's dreams."
The negative effects were not too severe, but Shade did not immediately say that he wanted to buy it. Instead, he put on a thoughtful expression and only asked after quite a while:
"Could you make it cheaper?"
"That is already the discounted price, because of that cane."
The old man shrugged.
"I normally do not give discounts."
"Five pounds."
"That's impossible. Is this how you usually haggle?"
"Five pounds and one penny? I learned my lesson last time I sold a cane."
"...Remember not to haggle with others like that in the future. Not everyone is as good-tempered as I am. Thirteen pounds and ten shillings."
Old John said, shaking his head.
"Six pounds."
Shade held up both hands to indicate the number six.
"Twelve pounds and seventeen shillings. That is the