Crimson Princess stepped outside, and Annan turned back to the fat shopkeeper. "Allow me to introduce us. I'm the Princess Knight. That Lady is the ruler of Scarlet, Councilor of the Blood Council, Crimson Princess, and an honored guest of the City Lord."
"Wonderful! Nothing could suit her better than this gemstone." The fat shopkeeper rubbed his fleshy hands together.
"What I mean is, how much do you plan to charge the City Lord's honored guest?"
"670 gold coins!"
Annan bargained. "Too expensive. That's almost enough to buy a Magic Ring."
"What matters most about a gemstone is its meaning. This Crimson Heart is the pride of the shop..."
"How much is the meaning worth?"
The fat shopkeeper stopped puffing out his chest. At that moment, his narrow eyes shone with conviction. "To someone who loves it, it's priceless!"
That line might fool a young man too embarrassed to bargain, or a lover blinded by love, but it wouldn't fool Annan.
"Then keep the meaning. I only want the gemstone."
"Uh..."
The fat shopkeeper nearly fell into Annan's logical trap. "The meaning and the gemstone are inseparable..."
Annan wanted to walk straight out, but when he turned, he saw Crimson Princess leaning against the carriage window, gazing into the shop with anticipation.
Annan softened a little. "Come down on the price."
"I really can't. This is already..."
"You know we're honored guests of the City Lord, don't you?" Annan interrupted. His gaze swept the shop with a hint of threat. "If I go back and tell the City Lord..."
It was late at night, and the fat shopkeeper was alone. The jewels lay quietly on their shelves as though asleep.
"All right, 660 gold coins." The fat shopkeeper gave a little ground.
"The City Lord's reputation is only worth ten