Serah had on a black cloth dress that covered her whole body and she wore a black veiled hat, that completely covered her face. She looked like a mourning widow.

It was the evening and the streets were sparsely lit with candle lanterns that were soon expected to go out.

Serah walks into the office, hearing only the sounds of her footsteps. It was dim inside the room as expected. Sitting behind a desk was a man with a demon mask and a red robe.

Serah approaches and takes a seat across from the man.

“I have an item I would like to sell. I came upon it by chance, but I understand the sensitivity behind it. I was simply a random passerby and I have no wish to be involved in the implications of finding this item. But I very much want the coin that this item is worth. I’m willing to sell it to you and tell you the location I found it, but I very much require my identity to be concealed.” Serah says, jumping into business without a hello.

“Of course. All matters regarding the underground auction are strictly confidential. Now… What is this item you speak of?” The demon-masked man asks.

“It is… an enchanted dagger.” Serah admits. Yes, risking it for the money, Serah had decided to ignore the deity of war’s warning, and sell something using her enchanting skill. But I’m not completely lying! I did randomly find this dagger! This rusted thing was on the streets, abandoned, when I entered the city! Serah thinks, attempting to defend herself.

“An enchanted dagger?” The man asks, surprise clearly in his tone. “May I see it?” He asks, very curious. As far as he knew, enchanted items were only something the very upper class were privy to. He had heard all the legends; enchanted swords that pierced you with a beam of light, staves that summoned meteors, and bows that would hit their targets no matter the obstacle. These were feats that were usually only available if one had skills at the grandmaster level, but with enchanted items, any random person off the streets could wield such power.

Serah raises an eyebrow at the awe and wonder in the man’s voice. What’s so special about it? It’s an old rusty dagger that has a small flame enchantment. I kept it simple because I didn’t want to make any waves. Hopefully, this doesn’t get bigger than it has to. Serah thinks with some worry.

“We’ll arrange a drop when the details have been settled. But I don’t understand the hype behind such a thing. It didn’t seem so special to me.” Serah says, somewhat honestly.

“Of course it’s special! Every enchanted item could very well be the key to unlocking the secrets of that lost art! Or at least with enough samples, the scale would be tipped. For the correct person, of course.” The demon-masked man explains.

“Yes, yes. That’s all well and good. But I only care about the money. How much are you willing to pay?” Serah says dismissively.

“Hmph! Peasants. Doomed to live in the dirt. Very well. Could you explain the item? I’ll give you an estimate, and if it’s really as you say it is, there will be no issue in your payment.” The man says with no desire to help the helpless.

“It as an old dagger. Very rusty. But, when stimulated by a bit of mana, the small blade becomes engulfed in flames.” Serah says, describing the item.

“Hmm… That does seem a bit insignificant. But if it’s truly enchanted as you say, it will still be worth quite the heft sum. Just for its research value alone, I can offer you 3000 coins.” The man says, confident that this price would be enticing enough. Truly, his organization would be willing to pay at least 10,000 coins, even for a useless enchanted item. But for a peasant, this should be enough. He thinks with a smirk.

Serah’s eyes widen. 3000 coins! Hot damn! For a shitty dagger! No, no, play it cool Serah. Can’t let it go so easily. She thinks, feigning calm.

“3000 coins? Seems a little low for something so valuable. I’m sure I could find a place that would take it for at least 5000 coin.” Serah says with a veiled poker face.

“Don’t push too far, young lady. Now that you’ve revealed that you are in possession of such an item, you are already walking a dangerous path. 4500 coin and that’s final. Take your money and walk away from this matter in peace.” The demon-masked man urges with a strong tone.

“Fine. I don’t want any trouble anyway.” Serah says, settling for 4500 coins.

“Now, where did you find this item?” The man asks.

“I found it amongst some ashes in that green dragon’s forest. There were bones and other things littered about. I suspect a few people died there. As for why this dagger was burned along with them, I have no idea.” Serah says casually. Why lie and why this specific lie? Serah didn’t know and she didn’t care. All she knew was that she had to say something.

“Interesting. There’s likely a story there. But no matter, our people will be sure to investigate.” The man says before moving on. “This office will be empty in the morning. On my desk will be your payment. Come in silently, take your money, and leave the dagger. If you attempt to cheat us in anyway, your death will be decided.” The man explains before giving Serah a warning.

Serah stands up. “Understood.” She says before moving to exit the office.

Serah leaves and continues to walk with her veil. She had no idea what kind of weird skills people had that could uncover her identity so she tries to be as careful as possible. She exits the city as she was and goes back to the camp that she had previously set up. She would continue to stay clothed until the deal was done. Serah didn’t feel safe at all, and she had an inkling that she wouldn’t be able to do anything if this organization wished her any sort of ill will. But, like, a leaf in the wind, she could only go with the flow. Oh, money. How many have died to possess you? Serah thinks with some melancholy before drifting off to sleep.

…

…

“Should we send someone to follow her?” A voice asks from behind the demon-masked man.

“No need. She’s simply a peasant that found gold. If she wasn’t, she wouldn’t care to sell something so valuable so cheaply. At the moment, there is no value in learning her information. And, if things change, she’ll be back tomorrow.” The demon-masked man says dismissively.

“Understood.” The voice says before growing silent.

The demon-masked man smiles at today’s work. He very much expected a very big bonus for securing this deal. “4500 coins…” He says with an amused smile before letting out a laugh.