Chapter 165: Sealing the Deal

    My badge? Derek asked.

    Geoffrey snorted. Of course, your badge. Thats an Onyx Badge. Do you know what a contractor would do to get in good with an Onyx Ranked Adventurer?

    Apparently, make a very low bid for a shop. Derek replied.

    And then some. Geoffrey replied.

    I see

    Listen, Mr. Hunt. Geoffrey leaned forward with his hands resting on his chin, elbows on the table. I know, and Im sure everyone else in here knows, that you do not currently have a lot of gold, and that you are new to having an Onyx Badge.

    Damn I was doing my best to hide my excitement at the bids. Derek thought. Was I that obvious? He asked.

    Geoffrey smiled broadly. No, not at all. In fact, you barely had any reaction to the bids while you were here. The reason I know all this is because you are here at all.

    What do you mean? Derek asked.

    Well, you chose materials that, while good, were on the cheaper end. You also chose contractors that are midrange in the Employment Centers big book. That lets me know that you are not flush with gold. The problem is that badge. Geoffrey said.

    What about it?

    Not including the gossip that a someone passed the Onyx Ranked tests in the Adventurers Guild yesterday, most Onyx Ranked Adventurers would know some of the benefits that are included in that rank. Now, Im not talking about actual benefits given out by the guild, but unspoken benefits by the public. The sleazy man continued.

    Now, when we were all contacted today, we didnt know wed be dealing with someone of your status. I cant speak for the others, but Im sure they were just as surprised to see that badge on your arm as I was. For your building, if you were a regular person, the bidding would have started at 50,000 or more, and theres no way it would have gone for below 30,000 unless you brought in contractors who really hated one another. I mean, we are dealing with 2,500 or more square foot.

    Instead, Billy started the bidding at what it would have sold for to anybody else. Unfortunately for both Billy and Lewis here, they do not have the finances to offer you a huge discount. In fact, the best I can do is construction at cost. If Wendy here really wanted to help you, she would have told you to go with someone from the front of that big book they always lug around. Geoffrey explained.

    Why is that? Derek asked.

    Simple. Lewis cut in. Those guys can afford it. Getting on the good side of such a powerful person is more than enough to cover their fees.

    Thats right. Geoffrey shot Lewis a glare. Obviously, he didnt like being interrupted by the gruff man. I imagine most of the top guys would have done the job for free, even. Hell, they may even do it with better materials than the ones you chose. Of course, if they do the job for free, the Employment Center wouldnt get their typical percentage, would they?

    Geoffrey looked over at Wendy. Wendy, what is two percent of zero gold? Im sorry, Im just not that great at math these days.

    Wendy scoffed but did not refute.

    Of course, but like I said, you will get a much better deal from someone else. Plus, I will have to stick to the materials you requested instead of any upgrades. Geoffrey replied, rather surprised.

    Good, then well do that. Derek said. Follow me to the hotel so we can draw up a contract. He then looked at Rudy. Rudy, I expect a decent contract from you.

    Of course. Rudy said. My contracts are always great. Im alive, arent I?

    Soon, they were all sitting at a table in the hotel. Rudy was magicking a contract in front of everyone, and Geoffrey had called his own contract writer to look over the details for him. After some time, Rudy put the final touches on the contract and slid it over to Geoffreys man.

    The weasel-like man with brown hair and pointy nose took the contract and began reading. The longer he read, the bigger the frown was on his face. Eventually, he looked up.

    Boss, are you sure about this? He asked Geoffrey.

    Whats wrong? Geoffrey asked.

    Well technically, nothing is wrong, but are you sure about the price? Just the cost of materials? Is this a favor? If it is, why are we even making a contract?

    Geoffrey snorted. Judd, you are making too many assumptions. Is the contract good or not?

    Its good. Sorry, boss. He slid the contract over to Geoffrey.

    Geoffrey put his hand on it and injected his mana signature into it before sliding the contract over to Derek.

    We good? He asked Rudy.

    Rudy nodded. Of course. Its a pretty basic contract, no special clauses needed for anything. Were not trying to pull a fast one on Geoffrey here, and I dont suspect him to try to pull a fast one on us. He looked at Geoffrey. Well, I dont think hell pull a fast one on you, at least.

    Geoffrey clicked his tongue. Now, I do not understand why everyone is always so vigilant around me.

    Like it was arranged beforehand. Everyone at the table, including Judd, Brandi, and Mal, all chimed in at the same time. Your clothes.

    Geoffrey stared at everyone, aghast. Before long, Brandi broke out in laughter and everybody followed suit.

    Calming down, Derek sent his mana signature into the contract and stood. Geoffrey, I look forward to seeing what you can do.

    Geoffrey nodded. Ill have my guys at your lot within the hour. Youre welcome to oversee the building process yourself. Actually, I prefer it. You may see something you want to change, and its easier to do so while in the construction process than after its finished.

    Derek nodded. I have to swing by an alchemy shop first, but Ill be there after.