Reborn As Noble Chapter 1307: Bone and Reflection ( 1307 )

A few moments passed in silence.

Mikhail gave a nod to Gorak and Jaigar before turning back towards 'Beggar Jee,' who was now standing and patting his enormous orange monster bird. The creature tilted its head, emitting a soft, dopey squawk as it nudged Javier’s hand, behaving like a playful, infantile being despite its immense size.

"Good Sir Jee," Mikhail addressed him with a genial smile, stopping before the man. "My partners have consented to compensate you generously for your assistance."

"Oho~ You hear that, Buddy!? We're going to feast well today!"

"Cuquawked!" Buddy responded with an excited, high-pitched cry, giving a little hop. His tongue lolled out to the side, a picture of goofy contentment.

"So..." Javier turned, a roguish grin spreading across his face as he rubbed his hands together. "What's the figure?"

"My partners have settled on five silver coins."

"Oho~" Javier rubbed his palms together with keen anticipation. "My task is merely to escort you inside, correct? Nothing more, is that right?"

"Ah... actually..." Mikhail hesitated, his expression shifting to one of mild embarrassment. "We intended to travel to Armand for some trade. The merchandise we carry is... well, it's not precisely what the elves favor, so we thought we might have better fortune in Armand. Given that we are new to merchantry and unfamiliar with these roads, we were hoping you could guide us all the way there."

"To... Armand!?" Javier's eyes widened, his demeanor shifting from surprise to evident displeasure. "Absolutely not! What sane person would venture into that desolate region? No, no, no..." He waggled a finger dismissively. "I will not do it."

"A... desolate region?" Mikhail's eyes widened in genuine astonishment.

"Indeed! Well... not entirely desolate, just like any other human territory. They're all cut from the same cloth." Javier crossed his arms, his face contorting into a sour expression. "The issue is, they do not permit individuals like me entry. I detest those places. Far too rigid, burdened by excessive regulations. I much prefer it here, where I can beg without imposition."

He narrowed his gaze at Mikhail before continuing.

"Furthermore, five silver coins for such a convoluted endeavor? That's insultingly low for a task that is so bothersome. If I depart from this gateway, there's no assurance of my readmittance. The inherent risk simply isn't justified."

Mikhail opened his mouth to reply, but before he could utter a sound, Gorak, who had been observing from a distance, finally succumbed to his exasperation. His expression hardened, and he began striding towards them, his footfalls heavy and deliberate.

The nearby elven guard, noticing Gorak's approach, instinctively moved to intercept him. However, he halted upon receiving a subtle signal from their captain in the distance. He gave a slight nod and remained in his position, his gaze fixed intently as he watched.

Gorak halted beside Mikhail, his arms crossed. A look of barely suppressed contempt twisted his features as he gazed down upon 'Beggar Jee.'

"Hark, lowly one. That was already a generous offer. A piece of refuse like yourself should accept it with gratitude. Five silver coins is more than sufficient for someone of your station."

Javier glanced up at the man standing beside Mikhail, then curled his left lip into a sneer, his eyes narrowing with irritation.

"And who might you be? I may be a beggar, but I possess discernment regarding value. For such a paltry sum as five silver coins, I could amass that much through begging within a few days. To forsake a paradise such as the Elven Nation for that meager amount? Unthinkable. It holds no worth."

Javier continued to take slow, deliberate bites of his bread directly in front of Gorak, maintaining unwavering eye contact. He chewed with exaggerated gusto, making sure to savor every mouthful. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he then cast a glance at Gorak's weapon and armor.

"You present as someone accustomed to fine dining daily and adorned with superior weaponry. Yet, your offer extends only to a paltry five silver coins? You ought to be ashamed. A person of your apparent standing, haggling with a beggar over pocket change?"

He wiped his nose with his sleeve, his gaze fixed on Gorak, a mocking glint in his eyes.

"I will not undertake this task. Simply return and seek an alternative passage. I’m quite certain it will be 'effortless' for individuals of your supposed might. You can reach Armand via the Human Nation, correct? Well..." Javier smirked, his voice laced with derision. "You'll find yourself unable to gain entry regardless. Armand's northern frontier remains resolutely sealed~"

Gorak's jaw clenched, his knuckles audibly cracking as he balled his fists.

Mikhail's face drained of color. He swiftly moved forward, offering 'Beggar Jee' a disarming, placating smile.

"Ah! Esteemed Sir Jee! Pray, forgive my companion's uncouth demeanor. He is unaccustomed to negotiations. Let us converse with decorum, shall we? If the offered sum is insufficient, please, state your terms. We are entirely open to reaching an agreement."

Javier's face brightened into a delighted grin as he looked at Mikhail, then deliberately shifted his gaze to Gorak.

"See? This is how you should converse. You ought to learn negotiation and etiquette from your merchant leader here." He cast a pointed look at Gorak before redirecting his attention to Mikhail.

"Hmm..." Javier stroked his chin, his gaze drifting towards the heavens before settling on the horse-drawn carriages. He looked back at Mikhail and gave a dismissive shake of his head.

"If we opt for those, it will consume excessive time. Furthermore, I lack the disposition for a leisurely journey. Additionally, we would need to switch to Armand pekko-drawn conveyances, as they offer superior speed."

"P... pekko?" Mikhail inquired, his expression tinged with curiosity.

"Ah... a pekko is akin to this one." Javier patted Buddy's flank with affection. "They are substantial, robust, and swift. I shall ride this mount. Your horse-drawn carriages will prove too sluggish for my preference, and I dislike confinement within them."

"Oh..." Mikhail nodded, his understanding evident.

"So... hmm..." Javier tilted his head back, finishing the final morsel of his bread. He deliberately held it aloft, presenting it to Gorak before popping it into his mouth. He chewed deliberately, relishing the taste, while feigning contemplation on a suitable price.

Just as he prepared to utter words, Jaigar advanced, arms crossed, a conceited smirk adorning his features.

"How does ten gold coins strike you?"

Javier's eyes gleamed with eager anticipation, a broad grin stretching across his face. He brought his hands together, rubbing them with palpable excitement.

"Now that is what I deem a worthy proposition! Do you see? This is the manner of communication befitting a genuinely affluent individual. Not like certain parties who proffer paltry sums and anticipate miraculous outcomes." He directed a significant glance at Gorak before returning his cheerful gaze to Jaigar. "We are now engaged in genuine commerce!"

Jaigar offered a smirk and glanced towards Gorak, whose countenance was contorted with displeasure, before turning his attention back to 'Beggar Jee.'

"So, I presume the agreement is finalized? May we proceed?"

Javier extended his open palm towards Jaigar while industriously excavating his nasal passage with his pinky finger, flicking the residue towards Gorak. "An initial deposit of five gold coins is required before further discussions."

"Very well." Jaigar smirked, retrieving a coin pouch and presenting it to Javier.

"Oho! Leave the task to me, Big Boss!" Javier grinned, executing a mock salute before turning and making his way towards the guard post.

Gorak clenched his jaw, fixing Jaigar with a venomous glare. "Why did you so readily expend half of our funds on such a worthless individual?"

Jaigar emitted a chuckle, tapping his temple with an air of smug satisfaction. "Who stated that I intended to squander my resources? Employ your intellect for once, you imbecile. I find it astonishing that you are aligned with Julius's faction given your profound lack of acuity."

He pivoted and began to depart, then halted, casting a glance over his shoulder. "Are you familiar with the adage? A covetous canine forfeits its prize when it perceives its reflection in the water, mistaking it for an additional morsel to seize."

He smirked, his eyes devoid of warmth.

"I have furnished him with the gold he demanded, and I shall reclaim it... by dispatching him prior to our arrival in Armand. There is a certain satisfaction in reclaiming what one has bestowed. And if your intellect is truly this deficient, Gorak, you would be better served discarding your title and divine armament and embracing a life of mendicancy."