The middle-aged man in deep red robes stood to the side, silently watching as Ron alternated between loosening and tightening his grip on the fishing rod, slowly draining the fish's stamina.
His expression gradually darkened.
Ron dragged things out for nearly twenty minutes before leisurely reeling in the fish, which was now foaming at the mouth as it had just run three thousand meters.
"So… sir, what brings you here?" Ron didn't even look at him properly. He simply began cleaning the fish with practiced ease as he spoke.
The man watched as Ron slit open the fish's belly, processed it skillfully, then tossed it into the boiling hotpot.
He took a deep breath.
"Your Highness Ron, I've heard that you are in urgent need of shop properties. As it happens, I have a few suitable ones on hand. I can let them go at cost price. Would Your Highness be interested?"
"Pfft." Ron couldn't help laughing.
He rolled his eyes slightly and asked, "I quite like the location on Central Street of Peace Square. Do you have one there?"
"Yes. 1,500 gold coins," the man replied in a low voice.
"Hmm… I also quite like the shop by Lake Impash. Convenient for fishing. Got one there?"
"Yes. 2,000 gold coins." The man suppressed his irritation.
"What about Queen's Street? Especially Monlis Street—I hear the properties there are quite collectible."
"…Yes. 5,000 gold coins." The man clenched his teeth.
"Oh~ I see." Ron nodded thoughtfully, turning the fish over in the pot with his chopsticks. The rich aroma of fish broth drifted outward, whetting the appetite. "Apologies. I've been a bit short on funds lately. I'm afraid I won't be able to buy."
"You—!"
"What 'you'?" Ron looked at him in surprise. "Business requires mutual consent. You're not trying to force a sale, are you? You were the one who came to promote these to me. I merely asked about the price."
The man took another deep breath, steadying his surging emotions.
"Then what price does Your Highness consider appropriate? We can negotiate."
"Truly negotiable?" Ron asked curiously.
"…Yes." The word seemed forced from between clenched teeth.
"1,000 gold coins."
The man hesitated, then gritted his teeth. "If it's the Central Street property, 1,000 gold coins is acceptable!"
Fearing Ron might still refuse, he hurriedly added, "Or the one on Moonview Street by Lake Impash—that would also be fine."
The Central Street shop had cost 1,500 gold coins at base price, and he'd paid 1,800 to secure it.
The Moonview Street property had a base cost of 2,000, but he'd paid a full 2,600!
Selling either at 1,000 meant heavy losses.
His heart was bleeding.
But considering the pressure from those above him, he swallowed the loss. Compensation would come later.
Ron, however, shook his head and looked at him oddly.
"I meant 1,000 gold coins for all three shops combined. Who said I was buying just one?"
"Pff—!"
The man nearly choked on his breath.
He glared viciously at Ron. "Your Highness… don't go too far!"
"How am I going too far?" Ron looked aggrieved. "You're only giving up three shops. I'm offering a full 1,000 gold coins!"
"I've only got 1,000 left to my name. I'm putting it all out to buy your shops. Doesn't that move you even a little?"
The man froze stiffly.
In all his years, he had never seen someone so shameless.
Was that even human speech?
"Three shops for 1,000 is out of the question!" he said firmly. "Central Street or Moonview Street—choose one. 1,000 gold coins. Final offer!"
"You're just opening one flower shop. Why would you need three properties? For decoration?"
Ron's expression turned strange.
"Then why did you buy three? For decoration?"
"I—!" The man felt his chest tighten. "What I do with them is none of your business! Just tell me—are you buying or not?"
"I am. 1,000 gold coins for three shops. The condition's already stated." Ron sprinkled seasoning into the pot, scooped up some broth, and tasted it with satisfaction.
The man stared at him.
"So there's no agreement, then?"
"You can buy a prime property below the cost price, and our previous matters can be written off. Don't push too far."
Ron chuckled lightly, entirely unruffled.
He ladled a bowl of fish soup and held it out.
"Don't be so harsh in tone. Come, have a bowl. Cool your temper."
"No need. I didn't come here for entertainment," the man said stiffly—though his nose twitched slightly at the enticing aroma.
"What a pity…" Ron withdrew his hand and blew gently over the steaming broth before sipping it slowly.
On the frigid lake, a bowl of warm fish soup instantly spread warmth through his stomach.
After finishing, Ron stood up slowly beside the hotpot.
"Sure, you don't want a bowl? It tastes quite good."
The man finally snapped.
"Enough nonsense! 1,000 gold coins for either the Central Street or Moonview Street property. Deal or no deal? Give me a straight answer!"
Smash!!!
The man jumped, eyes widening as he looked down at the shattered porcelain bowl at his feet.
Before he could erupt in anger, Ron's expression had already darkened.
His voice turned icy, like frost on a winter night.
"If you're not selling, then get lost."
"Don't mistake courtesy for weakness."
"When you were buying shop after shop right in front of me, I didn't shamelessly run up begging you."
"Now that you're the ones seeking peace—seeking reconciliation—at least show the proper attitude of someone asking a favor."
"You're here begging me to buy your shops to stop your losses, yet you still act high and mighty."
"Do you even remember who you're standing in front of?"
"You think I'm happy to spend 1,000 gold coins on your properties?"
"Give it a few more days. Do you believe that by then, not only will you get no 1,000 gold coins—you'll have to present those three shops with both hands?"
"So now—1,000 gold coins for three shops. Are you selling?"
"And if you're not—"
"Then get the hell out."