Duncan had expected Morris' reaction, and he raised this topic just to confirm it.
As he had previously learned, ordinary people like Morris had no idea of the existence of the fire - that sea of fire only existed in Nina's and his own memories.
Or strictly speaking, until she took control of this body, the fire existed only in Nina's own memory.
The topic was quickly brought up, and Morris did not have any questions about this inexplicable topic. He then introduced Duncan to some information about Nina's studies and classes, and asked about Nina's family situation.
It can be seen that this old gentleman who cares about his students wanted to know all this a long time ago, but Nina's uncle's previous terrible and decadent life delayed all this until today.
Duncan inherited limited memories from his body, and he actually didn't know many of the old man's problems, but fortunately he had a flexible mind and could deal with the past based on his existing memories and sufficient brain-filling ability. As for those things that he really couldn't deal with... he just attributed it to his decadent life and alcohol harming him, and he would definitely change his ways in the future...
He is experienced in home visits and knows the teacher's general questioning habits and focus areas. Although he has changed his world and identity now, these experiences can still be used to some extent.
And when the "serious business" in this regard was finally discussed, Mr. Morris's attention unsurprisingly fell on his second concern.
The old man looked at the well-preserved antique dagger on the counter, and everyone could see the eagerness in his eyes: "This thing... for sale?"
Duncan immediately smiled: "This is an antique shop."
Of course the antiques displayed in antique shops are for sale.
He finally understood at this time. Although this dagger came from the Lost Homeland, after careful consideration, there seemed to be no hidden danger in selling it - there were many things on the Lost Homeland, and not all of them were related to the supernatural. A dagger like this would be just an ordinary antique if thrown somewhere else... What was there to prevent selling
Compared to the pile of fake goods in the store, the warehouse of Lost Hometown is a good way to make money!
As soon as his thoughts were sorted out, he felt that the world was vast and his heart was immediately open. He suddenly realized that he had been sitting on a treasure trove all along - those things he regarded as junk were just treasures placed in the wrong place, just waiting for a rich and destined person to come. Look at the old Mr. Morris in front of him... Isn't this a destined person
Morris had no idea what was going on in the antique shop manager's mind. His attention was now focused on the well-preserved dagger in front of him. After hesitating for a long time, he cautiously asked, "How much?"
Duncan: “…”
The world is not wide enough because he doesn't know how much to set.
Even if he inherited all the memories of this body, he didn't know how much to ask for - this store had never sold any real items since the day it opened... and there was no set pricing for antiques, so he was a complete layman. What was the right price to ask for at this time
Duncan thought quickly, and first ruled out the option of paying two or three hundred thousand for it according to the price tags in the store - because even if the dagger was real and in excellent condition, it was only a hundred years old. At the same time, according to what the old man had just revealed, although there were not many daggers like this one from a century ago, they were not unique. The sailors at the time used them as tool knives... This meant that the value of this thing was limited.
It is relatively recent, not a unique piece, and has no special historical background. It is a modern product with excellent condition but average collectible and ornamental value. The old gentleman seems to like it very much, which can increase the price a little, but no matter how much the price is increased, there is a limit - he is Nina's teacher, and this relationship must also be taken into consideration.
Duncan thought about it for a whole circle, which took less than a few seconds. In the end, he shook his head and said with a smile: "You name the price - Mr. Morris, you are Nina's most respected teacher. I really can't name the price like an ordinary customer."
He was clearly aware of the limitations of his knowledge. It would be harder for him to make a reliable offer at this time than to keep a goat silent for three days. Asking too high or too low would show that his level was not good enough. It would be better to give an excuse and let the old man in front of him help him make a decision.
He believed that Mr. Morris could probably guess his intention.
As for whether he would suffer a loss in this transaction... Duncan is quite open-minded about it.
How much can he lose in a business with no capital? He was able to get an unexpected income without any preparation, and he was able to gain some experience and get to know a professional in the field of history. In any case, it was a profit.
Morris thought seriously.
He didn't think too much about it, as most of his attention was now on the dagger.
"Three thousand... three thousand four hundred solas, that's my estimate," Morris finally spoke, and he seemed to have considered it for a while before deciding on this number. "Mr. Duncan, you may think that this price is a bit too low, but you have to consider the age of this dagger and its historical position... This kind of collection that is not unique will have a huge discount in the market. Of course, it is in good condition, which is rare, but you also have to consider that not all collectors will be interested in it..."
The old man seemed to be trying to explain the reason why he set this price. While Duncan was listening, he had already started to calculate rapidly in his mind -
In the Lower Town, the total monthly expenses of an average family of three only add up to more than 200 solas - and most civilians in the Lower Town have almost no surplus in their monthly income and expenditure, or very little.
This dagger is almost equivalent to the annual and a half income of an ordinary family in the Lower Town.
This is the value of a "real thing" here, and it is a "real thing" that is not that expensive.
He didn't know whether he should lament the state of the antique business where "three years of closing, three years of profit after reopening" or the astonishing gap between the lives of ordinary people in the downtown area and the so-called "decent hobbies of the upper class."
Perhaps he should sigh that the old man in front of him is really rich.
"Deal." He breathed a sigh of relief and said to the old man with a smile.
He didn't consider wasting effort by haggling.
In any case, this is a huge sum of money for Nina and him now - reporting a cult den is far less than that.
He was still thinking about ways to make money not long ago, but now he found that this matter seemed not so urgent anymore.
Nothing works as planned.
Morris felt that Duncan agreed too readily, and he even felt a little apologetic: "Actually... you are at a disadvantage with this price. According to normal estimates, based on the number of daggers in existence and their quality, it should be at least 10% or 20% more expensive... But..."
The old man touched his nose, looking a little embarrassed: "I have spent a lot of money on collecting antiques recently, and I have a little money..."
The old man was more candid than Duncan had imagined.
"I think this is a very good price. Let's just consider the difference as 'fate'," Duncan said with a smile. Then he seemed to suddenly remember something and stood up and walked behind the counter. "By the way, to celebrate this 'big deal', I have a gift."
Morris watched with curiosity and anticipation, and saw Duncan take out a small amethyst pendant from a compartment behind the counter.
The old man had sharp eyes and noticed at a glance that the label of a glass workshop on the pendant was still there.
Morris: “…”
"This pendant has the effect of calming the mind and exorcising evil spirits. The crystal has been blessed and can point you to the right direction in illusions and curses. Ancient hypnotists used it to protect their spirits and to deal with the dangers hidden in the dream world." Duncan pushed the pendant over with a serious expression. "It has protected generations of masters. Now it is destined to be with you..."
Morris hesitated and pointed to the pendant's label. "But it says Johnny's Glass Workshop..."
"I know, I forgot to take it off," Duncan said expressionlessly as he took off the label. "This is a gift. How can I have so many genuine products as gifts in my store?"
Morris was stunned for a moment, and couldn't help laughing. "Well, that's true - thank you very much for your 'gift'. With this thing... I hope my daughter will nag me less."
As he spoke, he took the pendant, then fumbled in his arms for a long time and took out a checkbook: "I didn't bring that much cash when I went out - this check can be cashed at the Plande City State Bank in the Cross Street District or the Upper City District. Do you think it's okay?"
Duncan smiled and said, "Of course."
As he said this, his eyes fell on Morris's check.
He had some doubts when he first heard Nina mention her history teacher. After actually meeting Mr. Morris today, his doubts arose again.
Whether from his dress, daily words and deeds, or his professional knowledge in history and cultural relics, this old gentleman is obviously not an ordinary person - even if he doesn't know the situation in the upper city, Duncan can judge that such a scholar should appear in a university in the upper city rather than in a public school in the cross street.
Even without considering other factors, there is an obvious problem:
Can an ordinary public school history teacher so easily spend the annual and a half income of an ordinary person in the downtown area to buy a collectible that he happens to like