The Frugal Mage

"I'm thinking of including Mind Pulse and Magic Hand… They're incredibly rare Spell Rune Models for Tier 1 Mages. What do you think?" Carlo added as he looked at Rayven.

Those two spells are hard to come by. After all, aside from the Arcanum Circle and a few individuals, no one really had access to the Spell Rune Models of the two Tier 1 Spells. Normally, the Arcanum Circle could only give it to those members of the group, but for special occasions, they could use it as a bargaining tool.

For a Tier 1 Mage, this offer was definitely enticing as each rare Spell Rune was worth more than 2,000 gold coins.

However, Rayven wryly smiled at the offer.

Two Spell Rune Models? That was supposed to be impressive.

To most mages, it would be. Tier 1 Spell Runes like that were rare, expensive, and essential for casting anything beyond the basics.

Some cost five hundred gold coins, others soared past a thousand, depending on complexity and rarity. They were the lifeblood of any serious spellcaster's arsenal.

But Rayven wasn't a normal mage.

His Coinbound System didn't require Spell Runes at all. He could cast spells directly, as long as he paid the gold cost.

Still, he kept his expression neutral, letting Carlo believe his offer had weight.

"I appreciate the gesture…" Rayven said calmly, "but I'm not interested in Spell Runes."

Carlo was surprised as he didn't expect that Rayven would be so idiotic about this decision…

"You're young. You might not realize what you're turning down. These aren't common runes… They're refined models, tested and optimized. Mind Pulse can affect the mind of your target, basically stopping them from casting spells as long as you're in range... The other is Magic Hand... That's better than Telekinesis since it has a longer duration and it could carry heavy objects… as much as 20 kilograms!"

Rayven nodded. "I'm sure they are amazing…"

Carlo's smile thinned. "Then why refuse?"

Rayven shrugged. "Because I don't need them."

That answer clearly didn't sit well.

Carlo's tone sharpened.

"You're running a food shop. You're not a guild-backed mage. You don't have a tower or a research license. You're not even registered with the Mage Guild... What exactly do you plan to do with that recipe? Keep selling jars to locals and adventurers? It will take you years just to earn a thousand gold."

Rayven didn't flinch... "That's the plan."

Carlo sighed as he realized that Rayven was a great negotiator...

He was sure that Rayven just needed more money… That was the purpose of establishing the business anyway.

It seemed that he had to offer more..

"Hmm… You're wasting potential. How about this… We could mass-produce this mayonnaise product that you have. Distribute it across the capital. Package it for expeditions. You'd earn a royalty, of course. But the recipe would belong to the Circle."

Rayven's eyes narrowed. "So I'd be paid… to watch someone else profit?"

"You'd be paid to let professionals handle it…" Carlo replied. "We have infrastructure. You have a kitchen."

Rayven didn't respond immediately. He let the silence stretch.

Guildmaster Warren, still seated at the head of the table, watched quietly. He didn't interrupt.

Carlo tapped the pouch of coins and added another small bag…

"Seven hundred gold. Two Spell Runes of your liking within our list. And a formal partnership with the Arcanum Circle. You'd be listed as a contributor. That's a rare honor."

Rayven finally spoke. "You're offering a lot. But you're also asking for everything."

Carlo's jaw tightened. "We're offering what it's worth… And you will be compensated."

"No," Rayven said. "You're offering what you think I'll accept."

Carlo stood, pacing once before turning back. "Fine. Let's adjust."

He reached into his coat again and placed a third pouch beside the first. Then a fourth…

"Nine hundred gold. Three Spell Runes. We get to be the only one who can produce it but we'll let you retain partial rights. You'll receive ten percent of all future sales."

Rayven raised an eyebrow. That was a harsh condition, but that was also generous if he would convert the three Spell Rune Models to gold coins.

Which meant they wanted it badly.

'Is there something I'm missing? Why are they so desperate to get this?' Rayven was confused.

Well, with the existence of his Mayonnaise, it shouldn't be that long before they realize how he was able to make this product by reverse engineering it or something…

But even if they learned the ingredients, they wouldn't replicate the flavor. Not exactly. Not without his process…

Perhaps, selling it now and earning a huge profit would be a good idea.

However, hearing just one offer may not be the best option right now.

He believed that he could sell it for more if really needed.

"Why this much?" Rayven curiously asked.

Carlo hesitated only for a moment before he answered. "Because we tested it. It holds up in mana-rich environments. It doesn't spoil even when exposed to dungeon air. That's rare. Most food breaks down under ambient mana pressure. Yours doesn't."

Rayven's heart skipped. He hadn't known that… He didn't even use a special ingredient for it.

'Well… Whatever… That means I can sell it for more.

Carlo continued. "We want it for long-term deployment. Not just for taste. It's stable. That makes it valuable."

Carlo then continued talking about how he could still manage his own shop and sell his products, but not the recipe or method to others.

Rayven sat back, thoughtful.

Nine hundred gold. Three Spell Runes. Ten percent royalties…

It was tempting.

But it was also permanent.

If he accepted, the recipe would be out of his hands. Even with partial rights, he'd lose control. And control was something he valued more than coin.

"I'll think about it…" Rayven said as he planned to get another offer from a different organization or person.

Carlo frowned as he realized that Rayven was still not giving it up... "You have three days."

Rayven nodded. "That's enough."

The meeting ended without a handshake…

Soon, Carlo left the room.

Rayven stayed as the Guildmaster signalled for him to stay.

"Good job. The crown prince's representative also wanted to meet you. It might be related to the same product… Now, let them know about the Circle's offer to you. I'm sure they'd give you more if they learned about the Circle's plans to take that product for themselves." Warren said, giving Rayven a shock.