Section 10: Old Dubai (Ⅰ) / Golden Prince

Okay, everyone! Today's sightseeing has been fun, but now it's time to visit the final area!

(Sigh...) I'm going to miss this trip when it's over just as much as the rest of you...

But for now, let's not worry about sad things like that! Let's focus on having the time of our lives!

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O-oh, gosh. Just hearing you react so positively makes me glad I got to be your guide all over again... Ehehe.

Ahem. Anyway, we're currently on our way to Old Dubai, one of the city's more historic areas.

The old-fashioned buildings are very distinctive, but the area's real heart and soul is its three major souqs.

Oh, "souq" is the Arabic word for "market."

Anyway, the three big souqs consist of the Gold Souq and the Spice Souq, which are both self-explanatory...

...and the Old Souq, which deals in more traditional goods like textiles and handicrafts.

Where would you like to start?

One of the best ways to tell how prosperous a city may be is by seeing how much gold it has at its disposal.

So personally, I'd like to start with the place I can do just that.

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I've never seen so much gold jewelry in a single store window before. And there are so many windows like this!

So much sparkling... It's amazing.

There sure are lots of similar shops all clustered together, though. Is there a reason they have to be like that?

(Ereshkigal seems the same today as she's been for the last few days.)

(Or at least, I get the sense she's still trying to act like she usually does.)

(Which would mean she and Master haven't made any progress on the situation, either.)

(It looks like we'll just have to stick with the plan of trying to gather information while we enjoy the trip...)

(It looks like Mash and the others are still unsure if the Beast even exists...)

(...but they're still trying to gather information while carrying out their mission.)

(I just hope no news continues to be good news...)

Ahh... I knew it. There really is nothing like the glitter of gold.

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Oh yes.

The heat and glow of this market is just like what I saw in the daily lives of the people I knew so well.

I feel very much at home here. Just watching the hustle and bustle is enough to raise my spirits.

？！

I find this place nostalgic as well, though I can't say why.

Agreed. This grounded vitality of daily lifethe fervor, the smells, the heartwarming din...

This is exactly the kind of cultural experience you can only get by visiting a place yourself.

It's wonderful. Truly wonderful.

It's a real hodgepodge here, but it does feel like a good place. There's lots of different kinds of people here, too.

Why don't we try going into one of these shops ourselves?

Let's say...that one.

Welcome. Thank you for coming.

We're proud to offer high-quality products at affordable prices.

In fact, we guarantee you won't find a better deal anywhere.

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Yes, of course.

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...That is a very good question.

To answer it, we would have to begin by defining our terms.

What is "real" gold? What is "fake" gold?

Structurally speaking, I can offer my full assurance that our products can most certainly be called "gold."

Bearing that in mind, is there truly any difference to be found between "real" and "fake" gold?

Is it the process by which their structures came about? Hypothetically, even if there was some sort of interposition involved

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Hey, wasn't that shop

It's probably best that we don't think too much about it.

Since its storefront sat on the main street, let's just assume they weren't breaking any laws.

Maybe this is what they meant when they said buying things in a souq isn't always a straightforward process.

From what I read, you need to understand the local purchasing customs before making a transaction.

That sounds right.

If only there were someone around who was knowledgeable about that sort of thing to give us pointers...

Someone knowledgeable, huh. I think I might know just the person.

I actually wound up here by accident the other day while I was going for a run on the beach...

...which is when I ran into him.

(You covered that kind of distance by accident?)

Hey, that's great. Then let's ask this person to show us around!

All right. Here, this way.

Hey, Boss, you sure we can just keep hanging out around here?

I know, I know. We shouldn't, but I just can't handle this heat!

Yeah, I get you. It's so damn hot here, it's freakin' pissing me off!

...You know, Boss, if we're gonna be swimming in sweat anyway, how about we go work up a proper sweat?

What, you want to go back to that gym? Are you nuts?

Have you already forgotten what that trainer did to me?

When I went there earlier, it was merely to take advantage of their free trial.

But then that woman came along with her pleasant smile and her perfectly chosen words of flattery...

...and subjected me to a tortuous "training" session like nothing I've ever seen. My muscles ached for days.

No doubt she's the kind of twisted deviant who gets her kicks out of legally sanctioned persecution of royalty.

...Achoo!

...Why do I get the feeling someone's talking about me behind my back?

Anyway, I just don't feel like doing anything.

If only something fun would happen... Something that would give me a real jolt of motivation!

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Hm?

Oh, it's Karna! You're back!

And you brought Master with you, too. Welcome, welcome!

Looks like you're all here today. You came to tour the markets?

Something like that.

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Can't you tell? I'm relaxing in a beautiful place befitting my royal person and perfectly suited to my taste to boot.

I bought it to serve as my home base during this summer vacation.

At first, I thought it was a bit...common for someone like me. But, since it's located near the Gold Souq...

...I had convenient access to purchase enough beautiful and luxurious décor that it finally began to feel like a second home.

I know it's so dazzling in here, it's actually painful to try to take it all in at once, but it sure suits the boss, yeah?

Heh, you did always love the glitter of gold.

Well, of course. Why do you think they used to call me the Gold Prince? I'm just as brilliant as gold!

But it's still not enough. Not nearly enough.

One of my dreams is to buy as much gold as I possibly can, use it to decorate every corner of my dwelling...

...and build a golden city that even rivals Indra's own kingdom in the heavens.

What's that? You can't wait for it to be completed? Imagine how I feel! Wahahahaha!

While I have an undeniable appreciation of gold, that would make for a very...crass way to build a city.

Imagining it now, I can't possibly see any way it could be beautiful.

Hey, forget your imagination! Trust my impeccable sense of aesthetics instead!

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Hm? You don't know how to go about buying things in the souq?

Wahahaha! You really are just a hopelessly ignorant commoner, aren't you?

Very well. Then I, history's strongest, most esteemed, and master-of-all-trades-including-shopping, prince...

...shall deign to teach you how to make the most of your time in this market.

You must learn the fine art of haggling. That is the key skill you will need here.

Oh, that reminds me!

Every guidebook I read said that shopping in the souq area involves negotiating the price of your purchases!

I think they said a lot of the things sold here don't even have price tags...

...so if you just accept what the merchant tells you something costs, you'll end up overspending every time.

Ah, yes.

Haggling is one of the most enjoyable parts of shopping at local markets.

That said, it can be difficult for those who aren't used to buying things that way.

Hehe. Fortunately for you, I'm willing to teach you my methods. Be grateful for that.

I'm glad to see the boss is finally feeling motivated again.

I was starting to get bored of just hanging out here, so you'd better believe I'm joining you!

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Fine. I can't say I understand exactly what it is he's planning...

...but this would hardly be the first time he's gotten swept up in a situation.

Haha, you can say that again.

Man, how long's it been since the three of us were all out together? It's gotta be ages.

So we're adding two to our party today? Well, the more the merrier, I guess.

Now that you mention it, there ARE a lot of people here. Too many.

The souqs have a lot of narrow paths, and I hate feeling confined.

So some of you will need to stay here to guard my home and gold while I'm gone.

I'll stay. Wasn't exactly excited about wandering around in the heat anyway.

I will, too. I can handle normal shopping just fine, but I'm not cut out for haggling.

Oh, don't worry about me. I am happy to take in the souq experience just by walking around the nearby area.

(Plus, this should make it easier to investigate the city further, too.)

Then I think I'll do the same.

Are you sure? I thought your pirate business skills would come in handy here.

Unfortunately, our negotiating skills were more focused on selling than buying.

And I'm still used to acquiring my cargo via more...direct means.

When it comes to getting something at a steal, you can't beat the scents of gunpowder and dried blood on a cutlass.

Like any self-respecting villain, I agree. "Reach for the sky. Your red beans or your life."

That's what you have to say to get all the sweets you could want for free. I don't know how it works, but it does.

All right, let's start with the Gold Souq, since that's the closest one.

Follow me!

Beast? Don't know, don't care! Let animal control handle it!

I see...

I can smell it around here somewhere, but it's been weirdly hard to pin down.

Feels like it's near and far all at once. Pisses me off.

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Ohhh, right. I know what you're thinking.

You're thinking the boss is the kind of guy who'll just cough up whatever the seller asks for without a second thought, right?

Well, yes. He doesn't strike me as the kind of person concerned with saving money.

In general, Duryodhana only pays the asking price when he's buying something genuinely valuable.

Damn straight. He doesn't mind paying for quality. Plus, he's always happy to show off how generous he can be.

But, he's also real sensitive to being ripped off, or even just when things are marked higher than their worth...

...'cause just being willing to swallow the sticker price like that means you don't know how to tell quality from garbage.

That's when the boss utterly dismantles them with cold, calculating logic. By the time he's done, you almost feel bad for the merchant who tried to rip him off.

Hey, Karna. Remember the time Duḥśāsana almost bought that lame-ass jacket before the boss stopped him?

Remember what happened to the merchant who tried to pull a fast one on him?

I do. In the end, Duryodhana got him to promise he would make new clothes for all of his younger brothers. He was in tears when we left.

Haha, that's the one. I guess you could say the guy was asking for it, but

What's that? Are you gossiping about me back there? If you've got something nice to say about me, speak up and share it with the world!

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Oh? Well, I'm okay, I suppose.

I mean, I'm the greatest prince who ever lived. Obviously I have a keen eye for the truth and the real value of things.

It's perfectly natural. Don't make such a fuss over it.

All right... Let's start with this store.

Hey there. Welcome toOh! It's you, Master!

This is your store, Kintoki?

Nah, I'm more like a part-timer that got promoted to manager.

So how 'bout this market, huh? Talk about golden as far as the eye can see!

I was just bummin' around takin' in the sights when I happened to hit it off with this shop's owner. One thing led to another, and now, here we are.

It's one of those things where you get to mix business with pleasure. Pretty sweet deal.

Anyway, just so you know up front, I take this job seriously, so don't expect any discounts 'cause we're friends.

That said, I ain't gonna try and pull a fast one on ya, either! Ya gotta be fair when doin' business, after all.

Uh-oh.

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Well...like I was saying, the boss's got no problem with haggling things down to fair prices.

But I'm honestly not sure what he's going to do when prices start out as fair as they can get.

Since he's here to show us how to shop at these souq places, wouldn't he haggle anyway then?

Nah. He'd never act against his own principles.

I really dunno what he'll do when two of his principles conflict with each other, though.

I don't know. But I suspect that's why we're here.

...Yeah.

All right, let's see what happens.

... ...

Hm? What's up, sir? Whatcha lookin' at?

Wait. Dude! I just noticed those sweet golden accessories you're wearin'! Awesome stuff!

Those are some of the finest pieces of jewelry I've ever seen! You got great taste, sir!

Oho. You can tell, hm? You clearly have a discerning eye yourself, then.

And I see your store has an excellent selection as well. This necklace, for instance, is exquisite.

Right? This shop's all about providin' quality goods at reasonable prices!

(...He's clearly telling the truth. These prices are all very reasonable indeed.)

(But...that doesn't mean there's no wiggle room.)

What about this? It could be a little cheaper.

Huh? I know you heard me when I said "reasonable prices."

And it wouldn't be golden of me to lower them without the owner's approval.

Pay attention, Master. It's time for your first lesson.

When you look at an item, look at its seller as well. That's the basis of all negotiation.

Take this man here. I can see exactly what to do to get him to bring down the price.

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That said, I don't love using this method, since it reminds me of a certain someone I absolutely can't stand.

But, nothing I can do about that. The point is, I know how to work men like this.

I read him as the kind of guy who values strength above all else, and loves testing his own against others.

In which case...

How about this, my good man?

If you can't work with us on the price now, why don't we play a game first?

...Oh?

This one of those things where we flip a coin or somethin', and if you win, you get the discount you want?

That could be kind of cool...IF the store was runnin' some kinda campaign to drum up business to go with it.

But it wouldn't be golden of me to accept a customer proposin' that withou

How about a sumo match? You like that kinda stuff, no?

!!!

If we win, you'll lower the price. If you win, no discount necessary.

Oh come on. You can't expect me to... To...

... ...

...Sumo. Sumo, huh...

...Who would I be competin' against?

Me! I'll do it!

I've heard all about Sakata Kintoki and his Monstrous Strength, and I've been wanting to test it myself for a while now!

So come on! Let's have a good, clean match!

Hell no!

Huh?

Um... Look, it's just... You know...

Know what?

Too close! Dammit, this is the whole problem with summer Spirit Origins...

Look, uh, you didn't do anythin' wrong. This is my issue. I still got a long way to go in this area.

My point is, I couldn't go all out if I had to fight you! I'm sorry!

Aww.

Personally, if we do this, I'd be real interested in facin' off against you yourself, sir.

I've had some real great sumo matches with Bhīma and they say the two of you were rivals!

You fool. Why did you have to say that name? I was already in a foul mood just thinking about him.

Also, we're not rivals. He and his cohorts are just a bunch of ne'er-do-wells who refuse to stay in their place.

(Still, if he can keep up with Bhīma and his ridiculous strength in a sumo match...)

(...then it'd be a real pain for me to face him myself.)

(I mean, I'm sure I wouldn't lose since I'm perfect in everything, including raw strength...)

(...but if I did somehow lose, I would look an utter fool! No little trinket is worth that risk! But if not me, then)

I'll handle this, Duryodhana.

What? You, Karna?

I get why the boss wouldn't wanna do this, but looking at our builds, wouldn't having me do it make more sense?

No. Sumo may be a contest of strength, but that doesn't mean the larger contestant will always win.

It all comes down to balance. Grasping it. Protecting it. Disturbing your opponent's. And so on.

If you can do that, victory is in your grasp.

Hmm... Well, you do sound like you know what you're doing.

I do. Lately, I've been observing how something large, heavy, and unusually shaped moves with its complex center of gravity.

I now know very well how it moves, and how it does not.

I can see those sorts of things very clearly. So let me handle this.

Hahaha! I have no idea what you're talking about, but I like that confidence! I knew I could count on you, my friend!

All right. I leave this in your hands!

So you're saying there's more to sumo than just power and bulk, huh... I like that.

You're on, Karna! You're as worthy an opponent as I could hope for!

Let's have a good match. No need to hold back.

(Damn, he's at a level where build don't even matter! His Spirit Origin's practically burstin' with power. And that light in his eyes...)

(Oh man, oh man, oh man, this is gonna be so FUN!!!)

All right, let's do this thing! Time for a super golden battle, baby!

...(Gasp of realization)

Stop! Stooop!

What is it? Neither of us have landed a decisive blow yet.

I know, but... Dammit, I can't believe this!

We said we were gonna do sumo! So why're we usin' our weapons!?

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Damn. Sorry. I didn't even realize what I was doin'.

Your fighting spirit was so golden, I had my axe out before I knew it.

I must say the same, though I don't mind you using it.

Thanks, but let's save that kinda fight for another time. Hehe, y'know, I bet you'd make a pretty good Berserker.

Anyway, that was a nice golden sweat I worked up thanks to you!

Our match may have ended without a winner, but it was a great workout, so...

All right, you win! I'll give you the discount on that necklace!

Oh?

Good, good! Glad to hear it!

I considered creating a baseless "who drew their weapon first" argument, then using sheer momentum to shut down the spat and make you lose by default...

...but it looks like that won't be necessary.

Wahaha!

(That's the boss for you. You could say he never misses a trick, or that he doesn't know when to give up...)

(...but when he's got his sights set on something, he'll always come up with a way to make sure he gets it.)

Thanks! Come again!

So, what do you think? We've got this beautiful gold necklace, and at a bargain, no less!

And it's all thanks to my resourceful negotiation tactics and willingness to get my hands dirty.

I think we might need to recheck how we define "resourceful." Also, you didn't actually do any of the work.

What do you mean? Karna's achievements are my achievements! I mean, we're talking about Karna here!

...Heh.

Right? Right?

Yes, exactly. Once you understand that, it opens up all sorts of other options.

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All right, let's head to the next souq.

How about the Spice Souq? I bet we can find another good shop to teach you more about haggling there.

No objections here. Please, lead the way!