72 Cannot Trust Even a Punctuation Mark (1/2)
”Lord Sherlock, you are saying that your friends are archaeologists and want to participate in the archaeology work?”
The Gnome shopkeeper hesitated for a while as his long green fingers tapped on the table.
”Yes, exploring the ruins carries certain risks like traps and Magical Beasts. Without experienced archaeologists, it's easy to have accidents. To gain access to the ruins requires professionals.”
The Gnome nodded and said, ”Unfortunately, this matter was already taken up by the Merchant Alliance.”
”I understand, I have seen it on the small pamphlet. The Merchant Alliance is wary against superior Devils. If I recommend someone, the Merchant Alliance will most likely decline them. Why don't you handle the recommendation? As a Magical Item expert, a Merchant Alliance member, and even the discoverer of the Ancient Ruins Key, if you strongly recommend someone, they will agree.”
Sherlock shrugged his shoulders and noticed the Gnome's awkward expression. He immediately said, ”I know it's not easy for you to trust a Devil's recommendation. I won't make things difficult for you. I'll discuss your benefits. One, FeelAtHome Magical Item Shop will be Eternal Kingdom's collaborative merchant, and you will have priority in our collaboration. Two, I'm willing to share half of my loot in the exploration of the Ancient Ruins.”
The Gnome stood up in astonishment. He pushed his monocle violently and then took it out impatiently. He looked in disbelief at Sherlock.
”Lord Sherlock? You've said that you're willing to share the loot from the exploration of the Ancient Ruins with me?”
”Correct, after the opening of the Ancient Ruins, I'm willing to share the loot with you. You may also explore the Ancient Ruins with me to ensure a fair and just distribution of the loot.
Sherlock patted his knees and casually said, ”We can sign a contract. As long as you are willing to recommend that archaeologist.”
The Gnome made gurgling sounds and paced worriedly before asking, ”Does the archaeologist have a certificate?”
”Quality tertiary certification.”
”Does the creature have archaeology experience?”
”Several Ancient Ruins archaeology experiences, guaranteed rich experiences.”
The Gnome was deep in thought. Then he sat down and grabbed his forehead as he asked, ”But why? Lord Sherlock, I don't understand why you are paying such a high price to recommend an archaeologist? Though you are willing to sign a contract to assure me, I still don't understand.”
Sherlock spread out his hands and said, ”Shopkeeper, I'm not in need of money, but I'm afraid of trouble. When I obtained the Ancient Ruins Key, I could have located the ruins by myself. However, because it's troublesome, I sold it. Don't be mistaken. I'm not in need of money, but I'm wary of trouble.”
”As such, I'm a little interested but not into it. Actually… I'm interested in a female Devil. Though she's not a superior Devil, she's very bad. Smoking, drinking, tattoos, hair perming, abortion. Apologies, you might not be able to understand. Anyway, she's bad to the core. I feel I have to seize the opportunity and not let her slip by.
”This kind of girl is hard to woo. Coincidentally, she has just graduated from Archaeology College. I hope to attract her attention. If I give up half of the Ancient Ruins loot for an opportunity for her to owe me a favor, I think it's worth it.
”I know what you want to ask. Don't ask as I'm too smitten and rich.”
Sherlock was rather convincing with his low-profile but classy appearance, his superior Devil and Dungeon Lord status, and his nonchalance when he sold the Ancient Ruins Key.
The Gnome shopkeeper believed him.
As long as the contract was signed, it didn't matter if Sherlock was lying, he would have half the loot!
Reneging on a contract had serious consequences.
The Gnome lifted up his head and said confidently, ”Great! Deal. You have to sign the magical contract now and ensure that the recommended archaeologist is certified and highly professional. The most important thing is your promise.”
”Don't worry, once the Ancient Ruins is opened, I'll share half of the loot with you, and it will be written in the contract.”
Sherlock stood up and took out a contract document with the detailed terms written out.
The contract was obviously prepared beforehand.
The Gnome was stunned by the prepared contract. He examined it carefully and gave a weird laugh. He signed the contract and handed it back to Sherlock.
”Lord Sherlock, if there was no magical contract, I wouldn't dare make a deal with you. How did you figure out what terms I would be asking for in advance?”Find authorized novels in Webnovel，faster updates, better experience，Please click visiting.
”I only have an hour to be out. There's a large group of Goblins waiting for me to take care of them at home.”
Sherlock casually signed his name and extended the hand that was holding the contract.
”Time is money.” The Gnome shook hands with Sherlock, and the magical seal appeared on their hands before vanishing.
”Lord Sherlock, happy collaborating.”
…
The Winterfell Sun simulator continued to give out heat. Even the crowd in front of the FeelAtHome Magical Items Shop were feeling hot and frustrated.
Perhaps the frustration was caused by their failure to clinch the Ancient Ruins exploration rights.
When the shop opened its door, Sherlock walked out gracefully with his cane.
He stood on the high platform and surveyed the crowd before walking off.
Rowdiness erupted from the crowd again.