The Law of Frigid Winds scale easily entered the Commander’s spatial ring, but the other two scales resisted fiercely and expressed their disagreement. They flooded the room with their auras that contained their intent, and though no thoughts were transmitted, the two understood what each scale expressed.
“So it's like that…” Zaman mumbled in awe.
Sol was also shocked. “Orna didn't say this would happen.”
The two scales flat out refused to be given away and had different conditions for such a thing to occur. The Law of Dragons scale said it would only obey those who were recognized by a dragon. Obviously, such a condition couldn’t easily be met, so Zaman briefly considered if he could take it by force, but his instincts told him his odds of winning against this inanimate scale were not in his favor. The Law of Trades scale, on the other hand, refused simply because it didn’t want to be given away for free. For it to change hands, the scale needed to be traded for something else of value.
As for why the Law of Frigid Winds scale obediently entered the Commander's spatial ring, it just didn’t care who its owner was.
The Commander didn’t blame Sol and found this situation more interesting than the fruit he originally wanted. “It’s fine. Nothing can be done about one with the Law of Dragons, but we can at least negotiate for the Law of Trades scale.”
Sol nodded; he wouldn’t say no to more merits.
“Hmm… How about 500 merits for the scale?”
The moment Zaman made his initial offer, the Law of Trades scale began to levitate and hovered over the two.
Sol was stunned. “Is it… overseeing the deal?”
“It seems we know what this one does. It probably has a similar effect to what that dragon did to your squad and the orc when you made the deal.”
The scale then vibrated as if in agreement but released its intent once more to express it was still dissatisfied.
Zaman frowned. “I need to offer more? For an inanimate object, you sure have a lot of guts.”
The scale expressed it was worth much more than simple monetary value and that other benefits should be added.
As Sol understood its intent, he made a weird face. ‘Wasn’t I the one that had to negotiate? Why is it negotiating on my behalf?’
Feeling left out, Sol had a suggestion. “How about on top of the merits, I also receive access to the third floor of the Royal Library?”
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“The third floor?” The Commander made a serious expression. “The third floor contains kingdom-level secrets and information. What sort of information are you searching for there?”
“I heard there was information on something called Ophis there.”
Sol didn’t mention it was Lapis’ final wish as he was unsure how the Commander would react.
After considering it for a moment, Zaman nodded, “I will allow it, but you can only choose one book and you can't remove it from the library either.”
“Then we have a deal, right?” Sol asked.
The scale emanated its intent, still unsatisfied.
Zaman almost fell out of his seat in shock. “You want more?!”
Sol looked at the scale and thought, ‘This might take a while.’
…
Half an hour later.
“1000 merits, one Royal Library third-floor book, free and complete access to the second floor for your entire squad, 10%- no, 20% discount in the merit shop, the right to choose and accept any mission, and finally three weeks of paid leave. Is that finally enough?!”
The Law of Trades scale expressed a somewhat reluctant acceptance. It conveyed that his offer barely reached its minimum value, and it would accept it if Sol agreed to as well.
Zaman let out a sigh of relief as he felt his entire body ache. As to why he was in such pain, it was because the scale got tired of Zaman slowly increasing what he offered and unleashed a powerful electric shock that hurt not only his body but his soul as well. Before, the Commander thought the Law of Dragons scale was the strongest of the three, but that was only because it didn’t conceal its power. Once the Law of Trades scale began punishing him, he realized it was just as strong and that he was helpless under its attacks.
With every punishment increasing in power, Zaman carefully considered what he was able to offer in exchange for the scale. At no point did he consider giving up, especially when he was shocked mercilessly. In fact, it made him more determined to obtain it. It not only had some level of sentience but also was much stronger than him, who could be considered among the stronger A-Rankers.
Relieved the scale was willing to allow the exchange, Zaman turned to Sol with pleading eyes.
Sol nodded. He would have accepted long ago if he could. He felt pity but was also impressed his Commander was able to endure such punishments repeatedly.
With both of their confirmations, the scale glowed brightly, and the two felt an invisible connection form between them. They subconsciously both knew that failure to uphold either side would result in a deadly version of the previous punishments.
The Commander then attempted to place the scale in his spatial ring once more, and this time it obeyed, entering without resistance.
Having that as confirmation, he was finally able to relax.
“Hah… that wasn’t easy, but its power is indisputable.”
Sol agreed. “It would be especially useful for merchants and nobles to guarantee whoever they make deals with upholds their side.”
After witnessing the power of the Law of Trades scale, he felt it was useful but knew he would never be able to get the most use out of it. Only someone who frequently made deals with other parties could truly benefit.
A smile grew on Zaman's face. “You're absolutely right. Don’t tell anyone, but I plan to give this to the princess. Right now, more than ever, she needs allies she can trust.”
“Should you be telling me this?”
He let out a short laugh. “Haha! No, I suppose not. Regardless, this took longer than expected. I will make sure to arrange everything for you by tomorrow. I have other matters to tend to, so for now, you're dismissed.”
“Yes, Commander.” Sol stood up from his seat and gave a salute before heading out of the office.