There were some ways Pendulum sourced its products such as hiring various craftsmen, or the Orcenza family would make the jewelry by themselves from exceptional materials supplied directly from the mine. These were to ensure quality and singularity in the pieces no other store could offer. But with how things had transpired, the recent generations had to practically buy cheap stones and scraps from a third party, or in other word, a charlatan.
"G'day there!" A man with stubbled jaw and disheveled outfit walked into Pendulum, grinning ear to ear. The dirt from his boot crumbled to the floor "Lookin good as always, how's business?"
Niel was startled awake from his nap, the shock almost caused his chair to fall backwards "...You really can't go any louder?" he grumbled.
The charlatan ignored the sarcastic remark and pulled up his briefcase onto the desk, it made a soft thump as he clicked it open. His purpose was to sell stuff after all, don't bother with chatter and went straight first to business
"I know ye like those with a bit o' colours and all, so guess what? ye are real lucky. These are some real top grade gems someone like ye would love!" He proudly showed the collection of gems sitting neatly against the padded bottom of the briefcase.
10 or so gemstones were arranged neatly in lines, their hues and brilliance contrasted nicely against the red satin wrapping them. The colours ranged from dark shade of crimson to luminous blue with light-reflecting qualities. Some had been already cut and shaped into standard like round and vintage-style cushion, while some were still rough with surfaces that appeared dull. The way they glinted under the light would surely catch anyone's eyes with interest, believing only the highest of price befitting such quality.
But gems were Niel's trade. Not specifically, but he had been around his father and grandfather long enough to know the duds. He didn't bother to examine one up close. Even from the distance of three hundred yards, he could still see these 'top-grade' gems were bullshit. The cuts were improper, the surface uneven, and the brilliance was duller compared to a genuine high-quality gemstone. The charlatan had most likely bought these cheap stones in bulk from another guy.
"I'll take three. This, this, and this" Niel pointed. However much he wanted to bitch about the quality, he knew this conman was the cheapest option out of everything else. So, he immediately took out 10 silvers and pushed them forward.
The charlatan looked dissatisfied at the amount of money "They are 30 silvers"
"Why? I'm not buying all of them" Niel sneered "You know how I do business. Take it or leave it" He gave a mocking smile, reaching back for the money. But the charlatan acted quickly, grabbing the man's wrist to prevent his loss of income.
"Fine, fine. I'll take it. Yer as cheap as yer ol man" The charlatan muttered. Then he paused for a few seconds, as if realizing something "Where's yer pa? Got sick or somethin'?" His head spun around in search for another cheapskate he'd been acquainted with.
Niel laughed in derisive manner "He's gone now-"
"He was a kind man, he was" The charlatan nodded solemnly.
"No, not like that" Niel cut with a huff as he slumped back against the chair, eyes closed for a moment "He's retiring. Now he's on vacation to travel up to the mountain and go through forest"
"Oho…so yer the owner now?" The charlatan patted his shoulder, whether it was to express encouragement or to pay sympathy, it was unknown "Yer young and strong. I'm sure ye will hold up fine. Here, let me give ye somethin as a gift"
The charlatan rummaged something from his pocket, leaving Niel curiously peeking over to catch a glimpse of what it would be. Money? Lucky trinkets? He didn't expect anything grand, but it may as well be a decent gift.
His expression dropped when it appeared to be a pitch black stone.
This was even more worthless than the scrap gems.