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nA bead of sweat dropped from Julius's face when I stated my condition.

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"What? But t-that is...

" Julius said, losing a bit of composure.

nPerhaps I should have broken it down to him, since I merely told him my intention.

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"Relax Julius, what I really mean is not possession, but rather access.

" I said in a calm manner.

nJulius calmed down a bit, but from his expression I can tell that he still doesn't fully understand my intentions.

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"I want access to everything your Auction has, even the hidden goods that are not available to others. Everything!

" I said.

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"Just access? That is all?

" Julius asked in surprise.

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"What ever else will depend on your response...

" I said.

nJulius became calm upon hearing this and fell silent. My bet is that he is weighing his choices and trying to reason a way to come out profitable and balance the scales.

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"While it isn't all that difficult to do, what you're asking goes against the company's bureaucracy. Premium Membership allows the members access to almost all goods, but the Royal Membership guarantees access to all. That is what you want

" Julius said, looking uncomfortable.

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"Exactly

" I responded, playing along with him.

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"But, you see... That Membership is exclusive only to the Royal family and those with deep ties to them. Even those with enough money to qualify, some of the richest of our customers can not obtain it. It's simply exclusive to the Royals.

" He said.

nI understand what he is trying to do. From the minute I made my objectives clear to him, he already accepted them. What he is doing now is just groundwork. If he accepts too hastily it will make him seem too desperate, which will in turn make him lose his bargaining power and standing... Something he can not afford. It's fine though, I'll allow it.

nIt all works in my favor anyway.

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"However, I am willing to make your case the exception

" Julius said.

nI knew it. For the price of 5 million ancient coins who wouldn't abandon protocol for such an opportunity? I also understand he is trying to make it seem like he is doing me a favor by granting me this membership. Such a shrewd man, I like it.

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"That's good. And in the spirit of that, I will tell you the specifics of my immediate desires.

" I said.

nJulius payed rapt attention.

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"First, a proper Coin Card. As you must already know, I do not possess one. Though I could certainly use this Relic I have for that purpose, I would like to avoid standing out too much. Can you make that happen?

" I asked.

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"Of course. Usually, Coin Cards are acquired through certain process in order to be guaranteed for only affluent people, and it might get difficult or tedious of you're not as famous as others. However, Imperius Auction House offers these services. Using the reach of this establishment, I can easily obtain one for you. It depends on the one you would like...

" Julius said with a smile.

nThe look on his face tells me that he's surprised by the little requests I'm making for such a huge amount of money. Don't worry about that Julius, I intend to fully collect.

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"I want the best possible one. Also, link the Coin Card account to your Auction House. This means that my money will be under the management and security of this establishment. In essence, you're my bank.

" I said.

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"That can be arranged

" He said.

nThis way, there will be no stress in managing my finances, everything will be handled by Imperius. Also, this makes me a huge stakeholder and well respected customer, deepening my connections with this establishment. Good...

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"Anything else?

" He asked.

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"Yes, both my membership card and Coin card will be under an Alias. You should understand what I mean

" I told him.

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"I understand. After causing such a stir earlier, you don't want your identity to be connected to this new one, thereby giving you a fresh start in the Auction House

" He said.

nGood, he gets it.

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"So far, calculate the costs incurred for all the things I have mentioned. How much do they remove from the Ancient Coins I have?

" I said.

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"Not even up to a thousand. You still have plenty more to spend

" He told me.

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"Good, then I'll be requesting for one last thing. The main reason I'm in your auction house... The Fairy Wings merchandise you intend to auction

" I said.

nHis eyes widened at my statement.

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"Surprised? I'm sure you're wondering how I know this. You haven't even publicized it yet. Well, don't bother thinking about it. The important thing is that I want it

" I said with a casual smile.

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"Ah, well... About that...

" He said, trying to play coy again.

nI am not about to play this game with him concerning this particular subject matter.

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"Let me make this abundantly clear to you. If I do not obtain those wings, all our earlier discussions and bargains are meaningless. I might as well just leave now

" I said, rising from my seat.

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"Wait, I understand the situation. But its not as simple as that

" He said to me.

nI remained standing, staring at him and expecting an explanation before my patience runs out.

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"The thing is, our priviledged members already know of the Fairy Wings, and it is going to be the 'Main Item' of next week's auction. Selling it to you now will not only reduce the profits this organization will gain, but also the credibility. As for profits, I am aware you are able to fully compensate us, but there's the master of trust and credibility. The auction business operates on good name and trust.

" He said.

nWell, these are all within my expectations. However, there is always a loophole. That is not for me to figure out, after all... I'm not the desperate one. If push comes to shove, I can just obtain the wings by force. Though that will be distasteful. This is more fun.

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"However, there is a way we can go about it...

" He finally said.

nThe words I have been waiting to hear.

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"Go on

" I said, returning to sit down.

nHe heaved a sigh of relief. It is clear who has the power in this negotiation.

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"I can guarantee the item is yours, but can you still allow it to be up for auction. No matter how high the bid gets, you can always bid more. The money will be taken from your account with us, so there is nothing to fear.

" He proposed to me.

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"Nice Idea. See? You can always find a way if you try

" I said with a smile.

nHe laughed nervously.

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"Well then, that about concludes it. How much is the total estimated expenses?

" I asked

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"Approximately 2,000 Gold coins, including the estimated budget for the wings. That still leaves 49 Million and 998 Thousand coins left.

" He said to me.

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"Okay. I'll sell them to you at the market value price, just as you offered. You can just fix my money into my account with you. That way, I can just withdraw on demand.

" I said.

nJulius looks so surprised and happy. The deal appears to be in his favor since he can decide to pay me in installments, after all I won't spend all the money at once. There's also the fact that there was no way he had the entire money to buy the whole 50 million coins from me in the first place. This actually benefits both of us.

nI can finally sort out all the messy details without getting directly involved. I have a connection with an influential person and company... Plus, right now... He owes me!

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"I can't believe it

" He said to me.

nNormally, he would try to hide his excitement, but I'm sure after our negotiations it has dawned on him that I'm a more superior bargainer and it would be wiser for him to just be straightforward with me.

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"If there's nothing else, then...

" I said to him, standing up.

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"You have a deal, sir!

" He said to me, rising up as well with a smile.

nHe stretched forth his hand to shake me, well... Why not? I shook him back.

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"Just in case...

" I thought.

nI used a Hex to enforce the deal we just made, thereby binding him to our contract. This way he won't go contrary to any of the terms stipulated. I doubt he will do it of his free will, but still, I have learnt that being careful never hurts. That's how I'm still alive today.

nHowever, this Hex is more effective when there are clear and express terms to follow, that's why I'll need us to have a written contract and not just oral agreement.

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"Indeed, but just for reference sake, let us review the contract in detail

" I said to him.

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"Sure, but lets do so in my office. It will be more fitting

" He said to me, guiding me to his office.

nAnd just like that, I have an additional pawn.

nObtaining Talia's Fairy Wings, getting the best membership at the best auction house, getting the best coin card and an almost unlimited supply of funds and establishing an influential connection... All without lifting a single finger or Hex.

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"It sure feels good to be rich

" I said to myself, leaving for Julius's office to sort out the details.

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