Silas stood there, uncertain of his next move. He had the funds to open his shop, but the process wasn't straightforward.
He couldn't simply conjure a shop into existence. Silas needed the city's permission, then he had to either buy or rent a space and set everything up. Only after all that would he begin the task of attracting loyal customers who would frequent his shop daily or weekly.
"I also need to study the market," Silas mused as he navigated the crowded streets of New Castle.
His phone and system allowed him to purchase any type of item, but that didn't guarantee those items would sell well in this particular city. He needed to observe what other shops were selling and identify affordable products to start with.
According to his calculations, after covering the initial costs of setting up his shop, he wouldn't have much capital left for expensive inventory. Therefore, careful planning was essential.
The first hurdle for Silas was obtaining the necessary permission to open his shop. The process seemed simple enough: he had to visit the relevant administrative building, pay the required fee, and secure the permit.
However, before heading there, Silas needed to improve his appearance. In his current attire, people wouldn't believe he had the money for a shop. They might even have the guards arrest him. That's how crucial appearances were.
Silas located one of the cheapest taverns he could find. The bartender, a middle-aged man, was wiping down a wooden mug.
"Is there a room available?" Silas asked.
The bartender glanced around the empty saloon. "Look around. Of course, there's a room available. How long are you planning to stay?"
"One day, for now."
"Ten bronze coins."
Silas paid for the room with the money Meredith had given him and went upstairs. The room was basic, containing just a bed and a desk. There was also a window offering a decent view of the streets.
His reason for getting the room was to use his phone discreetly. Silas still felt it was best to avoid using it in public.
He opened his exchange app, where he could convert various currencies. There, he exchanged his dollars for the coins of this world, opting for only gold coins.
The coins materialized in front of him. Silas collected them and placed them in the leather sack Meredith had given him.
Afterward, he left the tavern. The city streets were bustling with people in the midday sun. There were shops, stalls, and vendors offering goods on the sidewalks.
Silas noticed many people walking with their sons and daughters. The city had several magic academies, and it was the time of year when new students arrived and returning students came back from their break.
The sheer number of people on the streets made it difficult for Silas to walk without bumping into someone. He also observed the tight security. The usual number of guards was quite high, but during this time of year, it was even greater.
No one could easily cause a disturbance without being spotted by the guards. Perhaps a truly skilled individual could, but most of the common thugs couldn't.
Silas saw a well-dressed man with his daughter, looking like someone of wealth. He approached them, trying to be as polite as possible.
"Excuse me," Silas said, "could you direct me to a good clothing shop that sells luxurious attire?"
The man looked Silas up and down and for a moment considered calling the guards. In fact, he didn't even need to, as the guards had already noticed Silas and were slowly approaching.
Silas's clothes were simple, and his approach to a wealthy-looking man made everyone suspicious.
"Why do you want to know where a shop like that is?" the man questioned. "It's not like you have the money to buy those clothes."
The man's daughter decided to help. "There are some good shops in that direction," she said, pointing.
"Thanks," Silas replied.
He had seen the guards getting closer, so Silas decided to leave as quickly as possible to avoid trouble with the authorities.
Silas walked in the direction the girl had indicated. He arrived in a district of the city with numerous shops. Some offered affordable clothing, but there was also a place that sold luxurious attire. That was what Silas was looking for.
The luxurious shops in the district all had guards stationed at their entrances, ensuring no trouble-makers entered. When they saw Silas approaching in his simple clothes, the guards were immediately wary.
"There are other shops you can afford," the guard said, his tone dismissive. "I don't want to have to kick you out."
Silas disliked the way he was being treated. He made a mental note to remember everyone who treated him poorly, planning for future retribution.
He simply smiled. "The money I possess could pay your salary for a century. Please don't bother me while I'm shopping."
The guard's anger flared at the remark. He reached for his sword, but someone emerged from inside the shop.
"Let the customer come in," the attendant instructed.
Silas ignored the guard and entered the shop. The interior was stunning.
The entire three-story building was constructed of stone, and the white, marble-like floor exuded luxury. Paintings adorned the walls, and soft music played in the background.
All the staff members were impeccably dressed, but they were reluctant to approach Silas and offer assistance. They clearly didn't believe he would purchase much, if anything at all.
Silas didn't mind. He wandered around the shop by himself, searching for the clothing he needed. It wasn't until they noticed him selecting a large number of items that someone finally approached him to offer help.
"May I help you, sir?" a gorgeous lady inquired.
Silas described the clothes he wanted. He needed some casual outfits for everyday wear and more refined attire for special occasions, such as when he would apply for his shop permission.
The lady assisted him in gathering all the clothes he requested. She was apprehensive that he might not be able to pay for everything, but when she saw the gleam of gold coins inside Silas's leather sack, she visibly relaxed. That meant she would get her commission…
After purchasing the new clothes, Silas returned to the tavern to change. He now sported a leather outfit with a long jacket, giving him the appearance of someone with means.
His next objective? The administrative building to obtain his shop permission. Once there, much to his surprise, he encountered the man he had asked for directions earlier. He was there with his daughter.
When the man saw Silas now dressed in expensive, stylish clothing, he was taken aback, not knowing how to feel about that.