The early morning market was already bustling. Roland squatted before a stall, picking up a bracelet strung with rare, local colorful stones and squinting as he examined it in the morning light.
"How much?"
His tone was casual.
The stall owner was a lean, middle-aged man. His eyes darted about, and he held up three fingers.
"You've got a good eye! Thirty Copper Coins. For this craftsmanship and quality, it's an absolute bargain!"
Roland gently set the bracelet down with a faint clink.
"Five Copper Coins."
He countered, his face devoid of expression.
"Fi…five?"
The stall owner looked as if he'd choked on the word, and an exaggerated look of anguish spread across his face.
"Sir, you must be joking. That won't even cover my costs! Twenty-eight Copper Coins, lowest I can go!"
"Seven."
Roland's tone remained perfectly level, but his eyes scanned every subtle twitch of the man's expression.
"Twenty-five. I really can't go any lower!"
"Nine."
Roland turned to leave.
