Chapter 18 Fleecing Retainers
Pops' predictions about the potential for profit were uncannily accurate, Dominic decided, as the first four of the noble retainers entered the shop, pretending to be customers.
"Welcome, welcome. I knew when I saw you that you were a discriminating group. We have the finest of gear in the city right here for you to peruse. What can I help you find today?" He greeted the group, who smoothly transitioned from investigative mode to pretending they were here on legitimate business.
The sudden shift in demeanour nearly made him laugh, but Dominic managed to keep a straight face as he made his way out from behind the counter to pull them into his trap.
"Do you perhaps have a skilled masseuse on your Mistress's staff? We have the finest of silver needles for acupuncture here, made to the most exacting of standards." He suggested.
They weren't intended for that purpose, the silver needles were for tailoring damaged magical clothing, where other metals could interfere with the enchanted cloth.
"Oh, I see that you have quite a few prepared. I am not an expert in the art, but perhaps the masseuse might like a set." One of the servants agreed.
"As I said, a truly discerning eye. They are only one small gold coin a piece, but I can offer you a small discount if you purchase a full set of fifty. Only forty-five small gold coins for the set."
Dominic pretended that he didn't notice when the man blanched a little at the price, but the man didn't want to make his Mistress seem cheap in front of the others present, and his hand went to the coin pouch at his hip.
The others looked around quickly while Dominic boxed up the needles and wrote up an official receipt for his first customer of the afternoon.