17 Some Women Love to Gossip (1/2)
The three people and one shapeshifting fairy had various degrees of success searching the building. Alene found many miscellaneous metal items such as brass lamps and silverware. However, she also collected things like shards of glass and dented tankards.
In one of the rooms upstairs, Mei had found several rolls of fabric, including various colors of silk as well as fabric woven from monster furs. Liliana, on the other hand found several books and a small lockbox that was hidden in the kitchen filled with quite a bit of money. Both also found various other random things that added up to a somewhat pretty sum of money. Lili was ecstatic when Kalin displayed the various liquors and wines he found in the basement, many of which were worth at least hundreds of gold per bottle. The biggest find, however, was the seemingly empty barrels in the basement.
Several of the numerous empty kegs in the basement had false bottoms. After carefully prying off the outer layer, the treasures within were revealed. Packed tight with sawdust, most of the barrels were filled with monster cores, jewelry, gemstones, and other small ornaments. Inside others, they found troll's blood, unicorn horns, phoenix tears, and other highly regulated items. In one barrel, they even found flasks of alcohol with labels saying it was made from dragon dick.
Of the jewelry and accessories, and even ornamental blades, many had the crests of nobles from several different countries. These heirlooms could grab a pretty penny in auction, or by returning them to their owners. The most notable item in the barrels was an enchanted key with the image of 3 stars on it.
After taking inventory of their loot, they proceeded to sort through what they'd keep and what they'd sell. In the end, they decided to auction off anything with a family crest on it. Even though Lili and Mei could handle it, it would be annoying if they had to deal with aristocrats that want their heirlooms back. Rather than dealing with the hassle, they would rather auction them to collectors or some other rich fools. It wasn't their problem if the objects made it back to their original owners. As for all the other jewelry and accessories, they decided to keep them.
Because the monster cores and materials didn't seem to have arrived in the city in the most legal fashion, they decided to keep them. Though they didn't have a current use for them, most were highly regulated items that would probably be seized if they went to sell them. Not wanting to see their treasures disappear, they decided such. They also decided to keep most of the books, fabric, and booze.
They decided to sell all the miscellaneous objects to the guild, including the brass and silver ornaments and surviving furniture. Though they could arguably keep some of the beds, tables, and chairs, they decided against it. Mei also didn't really like the idea of using beds that were used for prostitution or by strangers.
After gathering all the objects for sale, Lili placed them all in her storage bag. Kalin praised Alene by patting her on the head. Changing back into a fox, she rubbed her face against his hand before climbing back onto his shoulders and disguising itself as a dark fur scarf.
After leaving their future home, they headed over to sell some of their items, as well as submit others for auction. There's only one place where they could do that, the Merchant's Guild. Lili went off by herself to do this, as well as inquire about finding somebody to clean their home. She was much better at negotiating than Mei, so she took charge of this.
This left Mei and Kalin without much to do. It was still several hours before dinner, so it was probably too late to finish a quest. Though, it was still too early for them to want to return to that small room at the inn. At the request of Kalin, they decided to first stop by a fabric store.
Although Kalin was now highly proficient as sewing clothing, many of the tools for it were actually his mother's. He decided to go buy his own with the money he earned through working at the eatery the past 4 years. Through that, hunting, and gathering, Kalin had amassed himself a hefty sum for a 12-year-old.
Although it had been about a decade since living in the city, Mei was able to find a textile shop. Opening the door, a bell rang as a middle-aged lady greeted them after looking toward them, ”Welcome, what can I get ya?” Though she was slightly surprised by the mismatched pair, a small succubus and a giant barbarian holding hands, she didn't faulter in her speech. A little on the plump side, but well-dressed, she had a very friendly air around her. Though, she did look like the type to get caught in gossip, as several similar-feeling ladies filled the store. Though they seemed to be shopping, the vast majority were standing around in groups of two to three, covering their mouths with their hand as they spoke of everybody else's business.
Though Mei didn't look like she enjoyed these kinds of shops, she actually quite liked dresses and frills. She just didn't feel they looked good on her. Kalin on the other hand, felt completely comfortable pretty much wherever he went. He immediately bounced up to the counter with a cheerful smile on his face and said, ”Hi! I'm here to buy needles and threads. While I'm here I'll also look around.”
”Oh?” responded the shop lady, ”Aren't you the sweetest thing?” Her gaze traveled up and down Kalin quickly, ”Are you new to this part of the city? I'd definitely remember such a cute customer!”
Kalin was quickly dragged into the woman's gossip. It didn't take long for the other ladies in the store to start listening in to find any juicy pieces of information. After hearing about her complaints about young people not appreciating sewing, like her daughter, and gossiping about some of her customers, Kalin was eventually able to escape to the part of the store that sold threads and needles. During this whole time, Mei couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable, and only spoke when she was directly asked a question.
After sighing, Mei said, ”I'm used to being around rough adventurers and fighters. I can't really handle those kinds of women.”