Unexpectedly, Mr. Chekhov looked far younger than both Mr. Edmund and Old John. More specifically, he appeared to be only a little over fifty. Though he had white hair, most of it was actually black.
When Shade pushed open the door and entered the shop that afternoon, he immediately saw that the Kartherian Language editions of the Detective Hamilton Story Collection had been placed in the most prominent spot in the Old Bookstore. They were definitely new books. It seemed Dorothy's novels really were popular.
The shop itself was not large, so it had no clerks. Sitting behind the counter, restoring old books, was Mr. Chekhov. Hearing Shade, the old gentleman looked up at him, only to see Shade place a letter before him.
Mr. Chekhov unfolded the letter and read it through. After frowning slightly, he looked at Shade again:
"An acquaintance introduced by Old Dad John, huh? Since it bears the signatures of all three of them, of course I can discuss business with you. But I had not originally planned to sell that relic."
He put the letter into a drawer beneath the counter, then brought over a teapot and prepared the cups before speaking with Shade:
"What should I call you?"
"Um... John Watson."
"Very well, Mr. Watson. The value of the Star Sword Stone does not lie in the item itself, but in the special alloys produced as a byproduct of it. It took considerable effort to bring it here from the islands. If you wish to discuss the price, I certainly can. But forget about Gold Pounds or Crowns. I only accept barter."
Shade nodded in understanding. He had already discussed this with the Witches. This relic certainly would not be easy to obtain, so the Witch Council would pay the price for it.