Just when Jon was complaining endlessly about this in his heart, he noticed out of the corner of his eye that several female customers in the shop didn't share his feelings at all; instead, they paid openly and generously.
After that, the beautiful young women walked to the back of the shop for the tailors to take their measurements, obviously for minor adjustments in size.
Seeing this scene, Jon suddenly felt like a country bumpkin who had never seen the world, and the female clerk's follow-up comment made his heart ache even more.
"Of course, if My Lord's budget is tight, we also have special offer products..."
"Damn unscrupulous merchant, do you take me for a fool? What kind of clothes can be sold so expensively? Call your boss out! I'm going to exercise my rights as a lord... no, a noble right now!"
For this reason, the transmigrator subconsciously touched his waist, ready to call the boss out and let him see if his Valyrian steel longsword was sharp or not.
However, before he could continue, a voice as crisp and pleasant as wind chimes rang quietly beside him.
"This Lord, since you actively walked into my territory, you should maintain etiquette like a guest!"
"Etiquette? Sorry, this is how one should treat unscrupulous merchants!"
When retorting to this sweet voice, Jon was naturally full of anger, and his words were extremely sharp.
However, when he saw the other party's appearance clearly, he had to admit that the owner of this voice really had some capital.
The first thing that caught Jon's eye was a head of thick, flame-red hair like a waterfall.
It was definitely not that docile ochre or dull copper red, but the purest, most vital color of flame—like rubies soaking every strand of hair, refracting nearly burning golden light in the sun.
But what attracted Jon even more were those almond-shaped emerald eyes. The corners of the eyes tilted slightly upwards, resembling a fox in the forest, carrying a sly and mysterious liveliness.
The exquisite bridge of the nose gave her full confidence, and her lips were plump and enticing, carrying the curve of a smile.
And that wheat-colored skin revealed a healthy luster, which was not common in Westeros.
Looking at this fox with slightly upturned corners of her mouth in front of him, Jon had a premonition in a trance that he was probably going to be "eaten" by the other party.
Sure enough, after the two looked at each other, the girl's lips parted slightly.
"How disappointing!" The girl's eyes contained recognition of Jon's appearance, but more of it was disdain. "Has Tampa completely degenerated into a nest of country bumpkins now?"
Hearing such a perfect counterattack, Jon's originally somewhat expectant mood completely died.
"I disappointed you. Country bumpkins also have the right to enter the shop to buy clothes, right?"
"Humph! Then thank you for your patronage. Fifty-five Gold Dragons for two pieces of clothing. You just give fifty."
"Fifty Gold Dragons? You might as well go rob someone!"
"We only sell clothes, no interest in being bandits. If you can't afford to pay, please leave now."
"Are you kidding? Fifty Gold Dragons for two pieces of clothing, what is it if not robbery?"
"Expensive things have their reasons." The girl finally started to explain patiently.
"All clothes in this shop are custom-made in Essos and come from the craftsmanship of master tailors. Just shipping them to Westeros is a huge expense. Unless you are a noble, there is a discount only for the first visit..."
"Wait, how much for a noble?"
"Ten percent tariff reduction. So are you a noble lord?"
"Naturally..."
Hearing this warm advice, the transmigrator's scant self-esteem suddenly rose at this moment, and then he took out Gold Dragons from his purse and handed them over.
"Take it! Keep the rest as a tip."
However, after the red-haired girl counted them, she found that there were exactly fifty Gold Dragons, no more, no less.
As for the extra, it was just one Silver Stag.
Such a tip, let alone in King's Landing, even in this remote Tampa, was definitely not generous.
But the girl showed no abnormality, still maintaining a professional smile, and beckoned the clerk to take these two customers to the back for measurements.
Less than the time it takes to eat a meal later, the master and servant were dressed neatly, finished changing, and walked out with a brand new image.
Although Jon leading the way didn't have much expression, the Bull following behind couldn't stop being a little excited.
Just as the female clerk introduced, the Dorne cashmere robe on Gendry was indeed light and soft in texture. Wearing it felt like a girl's fingers gliding across his skin, making the squire hum involuntarily.
Seeing the Bull's spineless appearance, Jon was naturally angry.
Although he wasn't a stingy master, now that everything was just starting, money was needed everywhere.
But because of a moment of anger, he let that vixen rip him off. Thinking of this, the transmigrator's eye corner twitched involuntarily.
However, recalling himself in the dressing mirror, and indeed under the foil of these gorgeous clothes, he showed a temperament completely different from before, Jon could only comfort himself that these Gold Dragons were not wasted.
Although Jon could reveal his identity and use the rights of the lord of this place to win back a round, until the end, he chose to keep a low profile.
Since he was determined to build the territory into a free trade capital, Jon naturally wouldn't act recklessly and destroy the market environment here.
Even if he was somewhat dissatisfied with these high-priced goods, as long as there was no forced trading, even if it seemed unreasonable, it was by no means a reason to suppress people with power.
Just as Jon was admiring himself in the mirror, he saw the Bull in the reflection staring straight at the other side.
Seeing Gendry's idiotic look, Jon suddenly became thoughtful and turned around to follow the Bull's gaze.
Then, he saw the few women who were in the shop just now. Looking at these gorgeously dressed and glamorous women, Jon didn't even need to step forward to ask to smell the professional scent of devouring Gold Dragons on them.
Then, Jon's gaze went back and forth between the Bull and those women.
When the new baron withdrew his gaze, he already had an idea in his mind.
At any time, just giving benefits is far from enough to win over subordinates, let alone hoping to maintain loyalty.
As for a deeper emotional connection, for Jon and Gendry (note: text says Jaime, likely typo for Gendry/the Bull), it would still take time.
But right now, Jon thought of an opportunity that perfectly met the Bull's current needs.
Then, the corners of the transmigrator's mouth grinned slightly, and he immediately stepped forward and slapped the back of Gendry's head.
"Idiot! Your eyeballs are about to fall out. Don't embarrass me."
After saying that, Jon walked forward quickly, not forgetting to wave his hand to signal Gendry to keep up.
Although the Bull was a bit confused, seeing that the lord had spoken, he instinctively chose to follow.
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