12 Lucien’s First Eighty Fells (1/2)

Chapter 12: Lucien’s First Eighty Fells

Translator: winniethepooh, Kris_LiuEditor: Vermillion

“Get out. We don’t need anything from you.”

It was the third time that Lucien got rejected. These fancy tailors always hated poor guys like Lucien. Even when Lucien showed the lace, they were still not willing to waste a second on him.

It was a big market. More than ten streets that crossed with each other. There were lots of different shops ran by humans, dwarves, and elves.

Soon, Lucien found another neat little tailor’s shop, at the end of a street.

Standing behind the counter was a fifteen or sixteen-year-old shy looking blond boy.

“Hi, I’m Buster. Anything I can help you with?”

“Um… Yes, could you take a look at this lace, please?” Lucien placed the veil on the counter.

Buster gently rubbed it with his fingers under the light and got surprised.

“Sir, it’s the Black Nightingale from the Kingdom of Holm! Where did you get it?”

Like other tailors, Buster knew Lucien could not afford this lace. Sometimes, even rich people might not be able to buy a small piece of Black Nightingale. All noble ladies wanted it.

Lucien lowered his voice, “Don’t worry. It’s clean.”

“Clean?” A thirty something year old man walked out from behind. The thin-faced man was McDowell, the owner of this shop.

Lucien was surprised that they did not immediately drive him away, which was a promising signal.

“Yes, yes! I swear in the name of God! You see… there’s a hole in it. It was abandoned by a noble lady and I just happened to find it. Turn it into a decoration on a dress or a band. I think with your hands, you can definitely make it become eye-catching again, sir.” Lucien added eagerly.

Taking the lace from Buster’s hands, McDowell had a close look. After a moment's thinking, he asked calmly.

“How much do you want, then?”

Lucien clenched his fists in excitement but did not dare show it in his face.

“Come on, Lucien… you fought with the huge crazy rats before. Stay calm.” Lucien secretly consoled himself.

“You offer, sir. I believe your price wouldn’t let me down.” Lucien smiled and answered.

Looking into Lucien’s eyes, McDowell paused a little bit.

“Forty Fells. It's not much use to me with a hole in it.”

“A Nar. A fancy dress with a Black Nightingale on it, even distinguished ladies and madams will fight for it.” Lucien more than doubled the offer.

McDowell shook his head and handed the lace back to Lucien.

“Fifty Fells. I cannot go any more than this.”

“Um… I’m sorry, but thank you anyway, sir.” Lucien calmly turned around and was ready to leave. Actually, he was very nervous. He was worrying that he might lose his only chance for being greedy.

Step by step, Lucien dragged his feet towards the exit. When he was about to leave the shop, McDowell’s voice suddenly came from behind.

“Eighty Fells. My last offer. I’m only paying this much because the lace is a perfect match for one of my dresses.”

“Great!” Lucien waved his fist joyfully and then he turned around and smiled.

“Deal, sir.”

Tinkling coins bulged Lucien’s pocket. For Lucien, nothing was more lovely than getting rich.

“I don’t know you. And I don’t care either. But, if in the future you got some good stuff like this, you could bring it here, as long as it’s clean.” McDowell added.

“Sure, sir. Thank you.” Lucien slightly bowed and smiled.

After stepping out of the shop, Lucien found the sunshine was very brilliant under the amazingly blue sky. Breathing the fresher-than-ever air, Lucien found this world was kind of lovely as well.

Eighty Fells was pretty decent for him. For Lucien, he found his idea of collecting money actually worked. This was even more important to him!

……

Iven was waiting for Lucien near his home. He waved his hand as soon as he saw Lucien coming, “Lucien! There you are! My mom sent me to invite you for dinner. My brother’s home!”

“John? Iven’s elder brother?” Lucien tried to recall, “John’s a… yes, knight squire in training.”

It was not really safe for him to carry so much money everywhere with him.

“Just a moment, Iven. I gotta wipe my sweat a bit.” Lucien smiled.

“Sure, Lucien.” Iven looked more excited than usual, “You know what? John brought a piece of beef from Lord Venn! We’re gonna have beef stew tonight!”

His little dirty face was full of excitement and expectancy.

“I haven’t had any meat stew for quite a while!”