****(POV)

We are now sitting at a table in a private chamber meant to receive guests.

While small it is completely soundproof and always has servants assigned to it.

He is still wearing the same old clothes, looking out of place.

I first ask him about his success rate.

When he replies 100%, I'm almost doubting my hearing.

I have been a merchant long enough to learn to read people's body language.

That is how confident and how natural he seems.

My first reaction is to doubt myself rather than to doubt him.

Afterward, he nonchalantly adds that he doesn't mind saying 99% if it freaks me out less.

That is not the issue!

How can someone that godly even exist?!

That is without even using magic too!

What the hell.

That's when he asks about food.

For some reason, I almost get the feeling that's the only reason he followed me here.

No, it can't be.

I signal someone to come tend to us.

This will be a nice distraction.

The girl comes with a tea specially prepared for this occasion.

One extremely valuable that boosts one's mental faculties.

The best thing ever for any negotiation.

There are two approaches to such a thing.

Some would use drugs that give their target a false sense of security.

This is an easy way to get someone to sign anything.

There is one issue with that, however.

Anyone truly worth working with won't fall for such an easy trick.

Once they realize it, they will cut all ties for sure.

Then your competitors gain a potential ally easily.

No, we do things differently.

By showing a token of good faith.

Being the tea he is now sipping.

I casually ask him if it is to his liking.

Me asking is just a formality haha.

No one has ever complained about it.

He asks if he can be frank.

Then he starts complaining about how bland it is.

Suggesting we should get alcohol instead.

What?!

While I'm at a loss for words, the girl dutifully comes back with some.

Then he starts to chug.

Quickly and giving a satisfied expression afterward.

I have seen many things in my life.

Not that.

Rule number one of negotiation is you want to keep your head clear.

Meanwhile…

He's requesting more!

This is insane!

I call for some food.

Now the next part is going to be crucial.

Time for some questioning.

At first, I was going to be subtle about it, but now I feel like it would be a waste.

"What brought you to this city?"

[It seemed fun and less crazy than the outside world.]

"What brought you to the Mystery Gems House?"

[It seemed fun.]

Is that his default answer to everything?!

Is he messing with me?

"How long have you been an appraiser?"

[One day.]

"You must be joking!"

[Right, like a few hours only.]

What the hell?!

"If you are not an appraiser usually then what is your main profession?"

Usually, I'd be trying to deduce that, but I'm lost.

I can't think of anything that lets one be that amazing.

[Hehe, I'm a professional …baker!]

…. What the hell?!

How is there are a link between the two?!

Should I visit every bakery in search of hidden talents from now on?

As I'm about to lose my cool the food arrives.

I especially arranged for some special stuff.

Some high-level rank 3 creature steaks.

This is bound to impress him!

He gives some to his wolf.

Wait, has his pet been here all this time?

I kinda forgot about it.

I'm not sure if it's my mental state that is crumbling…

Or if there is something weird with that creature itself.

One thing for sure, it has been a long time since I lost track of my surroundings.

Also who shares such valuable food with a pet?!

Gotta calm down.

I see him finally take a bite.

[Oh? Pretty good. Almost as good as what I used to eat with the sectmaster.]

What?!

The only ones that should be able to eat stuff like that are the truly wealthy or powerful.

"Is that so? So it is not the first time you have that chance that is great!"

[Indeed. Ah, but be careful after a month of eating the same thing it starts to become boring.]

Did he just imply he has eaten similar food in the past for a whole month?!

I'm the leader of this branch and I would never be able to afford even a week!

"So, what kind of baker are you?"

He looks extremely proud.

[I bake pies! The best ones in the city!]

…normal regular pies…

As time passes, he keeps requesting more alcohol.

This is crazy.

I'm not even sure how he is still standing, eh sitting.

"Right, would you be willing to work for us as an appraiser?"

[Sure if the pay is good, I can do that part-time.]

"It would pay more than being a baker for sure!"

[No can do. I already told the old man I'm taking over the place. Can't let him down.]

"What if we offered whoever that man is money so he can retire?"

[It's not a matter of money. It's a matter of dedication.]

"I see…"

I have no freaking clue what he is talking about.

This man is an impossibility.

He looks extremely poor.

He hangs out with a kid from one of the most powerful families there is.

Albeit that one I'm not sure if he knows his identity.

He is but a simple baker.

Yet he is able to recognize a treasure instantly.

He also doesn't bat an eye when confronted with valuable food and drinks.

"What could I do to convince you to work for us?"

This is the more direct approach there is.

I don't care anymore.

[Well if you guys want me to inspect some stuff just bring it to the bakery. I'll do it once I'm done with my batch for the day.]

It is at that exact moment that I give up.

This man is an enigma.

There is no way we can parade across the city all of our secret items.

That would be the most foolish thing ever.

We finish our dinner, and he leaves happily.

Telling us to go find him if there is anything.

I am used to negotiations failing.

I am not used to this feeling, however.

For once I have no clue what I can do to influence him.

At all.

The worst is that I spent so much time here that I now have tons of work awaiting me.

*Sigh* This sucks.

Should I just do as if I had never met him?

Maybe ...