Both the human and the young elf were surprised by the change in the butler's attitude, who now had a much more cordial tone and looked them in the eye when speaking to them.

"Of course, sir, I know in advance what I want, and I'm sure it will be a price you can afford," Alex responded. The butler nodded and guided them to a room deep within the villa. Along the way, they could see all sorts of luxuries and extravagances, paintings, ornaments, beautiful sculptures, and fine porcelain vases, until they finally reached the room where the marquess awaited them.

To everyone's surprise, the room was much smaller. Although it didn't feel crowded, the decorations here were more austere and functional. As for the Marquess, he was a man of imposing presence. His refined bearing and sharp gaze made it clear that he was accustomed to command, and traces of a powerful commander were visible. He dressed elegantly, in an outfit that emphasized his position and power in society. Despite his apparent old age, his posture and energy revealed that he was still in full control of his domain. His features were aristocratic, with a well-groomed beard and eyes that seemed to scrutinize every detail.

"Alex, my butler has informed me that you wish to sell me a few herbs. I trust that what you've shown is not all; otherwise, my presence would not be merited," said the marquess, although his voice didn't sound accusatory but rather filled with curiosity that couldn't be hidden.

"Of course, that's not all. We also have some even better things. But I would like to start discussing the payment," Alex replied with great courtesy, signaling one of the gnolls to show what was in one of their improvised small bags.

When the herbs in it were revealed, the butler's expression changed to extreme surprise, and the marquess wore a broad smile of evident satisfaction with his butler's decision.

"A Sun Spherule, you have some extremely rare items, young man. Now, I'm even more curious about what you want," said the marquess.

"It's not much," Alex responded, and he proceeded to give an extremely long and detailed list of everything they should give him in exchange.

Since entering this villa, Alex had decided not to ask for money. He wasn't willing to accept the losses that would come from negotiating personally, even though it would improve his skills in the long run. Initially, the marquess and the butler thought there were only a few things, but the list kept getting longer. The butler grabbed a pencil and paper and started writing down all the requests.

Towards the end, they furrowed the brows of both for different reasons. The butler suspected Alex of taking advantage and went to get a herbologist to inspect the gnolls' items. For the marquis, even if the price was slightly high, it wouldn't hurt his treasury. The real issue was acquiring a significant amount of weapons, armor, and cultivation elements without attracting attention or leaving evidence. However, nothing that couldn't be resolved by calling in some favors.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

When the herbologist arrived to inspect the gnolls' delivery, the marquess seized the opportunity to ask some lingering questions.

"It's clear that you plan to train many warriors and lead a war. May I know where and against whom? It would be very problematic if you were to attack neighboring cities or their trade routes with weapons from this city."

"Don't worry, Marquess. I don't plan to go against this city or its neighbors. My objective lies within the forest, both deep in the forest and in the mines," Alex replied with determination in his eyes.

"Deep in the forest? In the mines? Could it be that you're going against them?"

"That's right, sir."

"And what do you plan to gain by facing such a powerful force?"

"To free my people."

The marquess couldn't help but burst into laughter; it was truly unthinkable that an insignificant human would be planning to wage war against one of the dominant forces in the region.

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to disrespect you," the marquess replied. Alex's response had taken him completely by surprise, and he had lost his composure.

At this moment, the herbologist finished his preliminary inspection and privately conveyed the results to the marquess. He considered his specialist's response and weighed Alex's shopping list and concluded that, although what they were selling was extremely valuable, it was not even half the value of what they were asking for.

"Young man, even though what you bring is valuable, it doesn't cover even half of what you require," the marquess casually commented. Still, he was curious about what miracle this young man would produce in this situation, which Alex did not disappoint.

"Well, I would also like to request a heavy suit of armor and a high-quality greatsword, and I have this to pay for the rest," said Alex, taking a small leather pouch from his waist and handing it to the butler. "Oh, and the fee for your services," he added, pointing to the young elf who had acted as their interpreter all this time.

On the other side, the three old elves were surprised to hear Alex ask for more things, but when they received the pouch, everything changed.

The butler examined what was inside and stood frozen in place. Not a single wrinkle moved on his face, and his breathing was slightly agitated. The marquess tried to get his attention to find out what was in the bag, but he was unresponsive.

Finally, the marquess decided to deliver a hard blow to the table, which snapped the butler out of his trance. He finally realized his lapse and returned to his lord's side to reveal what was inside.

"I trust this will be sufficient," Alex said.

The marquess, in contrast to his butler, had a slight smile. "More than sufficient," he then patted his butler's cheek and said, "Make sure to acquire everything as requested by our guest promptly."

"Sir, it will take us days to prepare everything," the butler said, with a cold sweat running down his back.

"Then also start preparing rooms for them. Ensure they are well taken care of," the marquess said, in good humor.

"Sir Marquess, if we have to spend time here, I would like the cultivation materials to be partially delivered. I don't want to waste my time," Alex interjected.

The butler stood in disbelief. Who did this human think he was to say such things in the presence of his lord? Did he not realize the rudeness of his words? However, the marquess himself did not take offense and responded calmly, "Of course."

"Do us a favor and serve us my special liquor to celebrate this great deal," the marquess told the butler.

Both groups celebrated a successful business deal.