It has now been some time since the end of the New Year’s Festival. On the last and 15th day, she leisurely tried getting acquainted with some of the merchants affiliated with the Min Household and a few other individuals. Of course, she tried to be very subtle and discrete by making it seem more random. Other than that, she simply relaxed and stayed home for most of the day.

Now, Ame was thinking of starting her plans for various interests.  Instructor Goro wisely proclaimed that the young Miss needed to meditate to increase her chances of cultivating. The direct result was that Ame’s training had slowed down to a trickle. It wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, but Ame had ceased to gain physical improvements as a result.

However, this can work for her too. Personal training was out of the question within the manor as there were too many eyes watching her. Showing off her planned type of training and her physical abilities may tip off others before she is ready. No suspicious actions could be found out, especially not until she can confirm the motive behind the constant poison in the tea parties.

 Ame appeared to be a quiet girl for her age to those watching eyes. When not in her quarters, training or with the twins, she would weekly go out to the city accompanied by Dara to sightsee, much like a young mistress. She was a light spender but enjoyed very much seeing the sights and most especially the myriad of food.

One such trip, Dara led her to a large store that was connected to nearby auction house. A young attendant came forward and immediately offered drinks and snacks. Dara, with a wave of his sleeve, gestured for the boy to move away. The boy does so as an older attractive attendant comes forward and greets the familiar personage. “Greetings, Sir Dara, how may we be of service?” The fair young man charmingly asked.

“I am here to see Park Yoo,” Dara swiftly replied.

 The young man nods in understanding and just as smoothly answers, “Of course, please follow me.” Ame eyes the items on sale as they pass by. Although, it is obvious that they are valuable items based on the high level of the store, but she is interested in their worthy according to the market.

However, more importantly was what she could “see.” After all, she doesn’t have a normal eyesight and could what others shouldn’t be able to see. Thus, Ame was inwardly surprised at what was being showed to her eyes. ‘Are these items related to that?’ She thought, remembering about a certain subculture found in Asian nation.

‘The question is whether they follow the depicted Eastern version or not.’ She continued to ponder. The value of such items would thus likely be greater than imagined. It was a bit troubling to learn, because as soon as a merchant saw Ame with guards or Dara, the price would immediately increase at least double its original price.

  The young attendant knocked before opening the door and allowing them to enter. A short, thin man with long ginger hair that is tied back in a rough ponytail scans the documents before him. He swiftly halts and glances up with cunning eyes that sparkled even more upon spotting their quarry.

Dara warningly whispers, “Little Mistress, don’t fall for that cunning badger’s old tricks.”

 “I’m certainly no badger.” The man snorted as he walked towards them. His eyes squinted, and his lips curved into charming smile. He then adds, “This old wily fox surely exaggerates, Young Miss. After all, I’m merely a humble merchant known as Park Yoo the Honest!

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 “Honest? Hmph, you claim to never tell a lie, but you never tell the truth either…Honest but never fair.” Dara retorted against the Park Yoo. However, the latter never batted an eye and simply smiled in return.

 Park Yoo suddenly concentrates his gaze and raises his eyebrow at Ame. “You brute, please introduce this charming maiden to me!” Park Yoo whimsically said, though there was a knowing look in his eyes as he finished assessing his client.

From the looks of things, it hadn’t taken him more than a second to determine the identity of his visitor. Ame couldn't help but be amazed in various ways.

Dara importantly straightens up and flatly introduces them. “Lady Ame, this is merchant Park Yoo, an old friend, and despite his behavior, he is loyal to the Min Household,” Dara drily finished.

Park Yoo clasps his hands and says, “It is an honor to meet the youngest miss of the Min Household.”

   Ame solemnly bows back and graciously answers, “It is an honor to meet you as well, Merchant Park Yoo.”

 “And how may I be of service today?” Park Yoo asked with a sly glint in his eyes, reflexively straightening his hands to keep them from rubbing together evilly.

  Dara nods at Ame to ask as Ame politely says, “Merchant Park Yoo, I wish to learn how to appraise items and sell. I understand that you will not teach without any profits, so I will pay 5 gold coins for each lesson on what you consider as the basics…. I will also request for certain books in the future.

Park Yoo, for the first time since their meeting, makes a shocked expression but nods his head at the offer nonetheless. Money was nothing to him. He was already part of the Sky Lapis Auction House which possess considerable authority and wealth among the city despite being a relatively small business as compared to others of the same trade.

Rather, Park Yoo only wished to accept exceptional talents for this trade. He wanted those with the proper patience, cunning, and allure to entice more sells out if others, but most nobility tended to be quite unsuitable for these kinds of roles. Park Yoo grudgingly glances at Dara who makes a pleading expression.

 Park Yoo motions silently towards Ame to which Dara makes a small hand clasp motion. Park Yoo sighs and says, “Lady Ame, I will agree to this bargain under two conditions. One, you must begin selling your own wares or products within three months. And secondly, I expect absolute obedience when assigning an assignment or teaching a lesson. Should you fail, I will terminate the lessons. Is that understood, Lady Ame?”

     Ame moves in a confidence. She clasps her hands and answers, “Yes, Merchant Park Yoo.”

Park Yoo sighs and says, “First lesson, never be on the losing barging end. That will be 5 gold coins.”

 Ame winces after feeling Dara’s ominous glare at Park Yoo. ‘I guess they don’t exactly have the same view on things.’ She thought.

With a pained expression, Ame reaches into her pitiful wallet and hands over 5 gold coins. With a twinkle in his eye, Park Yoo pockets the coins as swift as the wind itself and then pulls out thick, large manuals.

“Study and memorize as much information in these books as possible. They explain the prices and values as well as rarity of various items, and I even included a few catalogs of our basic sale items along with the acceptable price ranges for each item according to our and the surrounding provinces.” Park Yoo calmly said.

“You should also review some of your historical knowledge. I don’t know exactly what kind of trades you will be interested in, but even if you plan to go into alchemy or anything else, having some basic capability as an appraiser won’t hurt in the long run. No one likes getting scammed by fakes after all.” Ame’s eyes widen, but her expression doesn’t falter.

Park Yoo nods in approval and motions for Dara to take the pile manuals and leave. Dara apparently frowns in disapproval at such a frivolous behavior, but he easily carries the twenty manuals away before storing it in his spatial ring and leading Ame away.

Park Yoo graciously waves goodbye before returning to his work. After all, times is money, and no one is paying him to rest. Ame can at least admit that he seems hard working.