Trickcal: Chibi Go story · Apostle stories
Sist's Story
I ask Sist about why she's running a business, and she says it's to pay for her medicine. Taken aback by her answer, I take my wallet out to support her business, when...
6 scenes, 339 lines
1. Merchant's Motives
52 linesMerchant's Motives
Where Fire and Water Meet
I catch Sist hard at work scamming Jade again.
Jade seems to be happy about the deal as she hops off with a satisfied smile on her face.
Yo, Sist, what else have you sold her today?
Why, Master, would you care to buy something, too?
Sist seems happy as she lays out her wares with a wide grin on her face.
Nah... I'm good for today. By the way, you don't seem to collect amethyst, do you, Sist?
Hmm? Do you need amethyst?
No... that's not why I'm asking. I just noticed that all the other dragons collect ores, but you run a business instead.
Ah, I see... Would you like to see my wings and horns?
Amethyst breaks too easily, so as a dragon born of amethyst, I, too, am weak...
Sist sighs.
Therefore, in order for me to afford my meds, I have no choice but to work hard at selling my wares.
Buy something.
...I didn't know...
After hearing about Sist's heartbreaking circumstance, I quickly look for my wallet.
I-I'll buy something! What do you recommend?
Ask how much her meds cost.
O-Oh wow...! How much pain are you in?!
The thing is... because my body breaks apart so easily...
Sist looks at the ground gloomily.
Painkillers... and glue...
P-Painkillers? That's how much it hurts?!
Bewildered, I expressed concern for Sist... until something felt suspicious.
Painkillers, I understand... but glue? As medication...?
Why you little...!!! How can you joke about something like that?!
I almost fell for it and bought something. Sist, that dangerous little...
Amethysts aren't worth anything, so I don't collect them.
I can make more money by selling goods, you know?
Ah, you have your wallet out, so have a look at this miracle cure!
That's just candy, so gimme a discount.
I buy two pieces of candy begrudgingly and pop one into Sist's mouth.
Don't joke around like that again... You almost gave me a heart attack.
Heehee, okay.
Also, about the amethyst... Umm... On Earth, only nobles were allowed to wear amethyst clothes in the past.
Amethyst is also pretty precious actually a precious gem.
Oh? Are you trying to make me feel better, Master?
How about you buy another one of my wares instead?
Nah... I'll pass.
I start looking through Sist's wares as I eat the candy.
Sist observes me for a bit and then falls deep into thought.
...I see. In the Master's world, amethysts are precious gems...
Mhmm. Therefore, you're also precious—
Aww... If only there was an easy way to travel to Earth. I could strike it rich...
.........
So unfortunate...
It seems worrying over Sist is only a waste of my own time and energy.
I wonder if there's an easy way to get to Earth... No, I should just...
I can hear the cogs turning in Sist's head and there's a twinkle in her eye. Yup, no need to worry about her at all.
2. Door-to-Door Sales Code of Practice
71 linesDoor-to-Door Sales Code of Practice
Sprite Village
Ooooooh!
Now, if you look over here... and this here...
Ooooooooooh!
How about this one? Well, let me show you how this works...
Surprisingly, Sist and Erpin are together today.
What are you two doing? Are you going to buy something, Erpin?
Huh? No. I'm just looking because they're interesting.
What? Tch. You're not going to buy anything?
Sist starts to put her wares away quickly.
But I'm not done looking!
Now, If you're not a customer, the exit is on the left. Now, off you go.
Aw, whyyyy?! Let me look some more!
Erpin starts to throw a tantrum as she holds Sist's hands and prevents her from packing up.
Urgh... Erpin... you're an obnoxious customer...
Can't really even call her that because she's not even buying anything...
At least an obnoxious customer still buys something. Argh, go away!
Sist brushes off Erpin, who is clinging to her, and packs the rest of her things while cursing under her breath.
Hmph. Why don't you visit Sprite Kingdom more often, Sist?
It would be nice if you did... Then I could browse your goods more often...
What? There's nothing to sell or buy but baked goods there!
Hmph!
Also, for a queen, you don't even have money.
That's so out of line!
Ask how she knows.
How did you know that Erpin doesn't have money?
There's something called merchant intel.
That's supposed to be a secret! Who is your informant?!
Sist puts her finger to her mouth, says it's a secret, and gives a cheeky wink.
Wow... now that I see it in person, she's really pisses me off...
What do you mean that it's a secret! Give me a name! Spill it!
Uh-uh. I don't sell intel to penniless fools.
What the...?!
Sigh.
Sounds like everyone and their pets know that you don't have money, Erpin...
Who is it?! Who spread that rumor?!
If I tell you, will you pay me? Do you even have the money to buy the intel?
Er... Um... D-Do you do credit...?
The word "credit" is NOT in my dictionary.
Master! Help!
Erpin... So you don't deny that you don't have money...
Because it's true! I don't deny the truth!
Umm... Okay... But really, who told you? I'm curious too.
Ner told me. She told me never to sell anything to Erpin since she doesn't have money.
Why did you show her your wares now then...?
I thought she might have some rainy-day money stashed away or something without Ner knowing. It seems she doesn't, though. Tch.
By the way, you bought some intel, so it's only right you pay up, right, Master?
All I did was ask!
And all I did was sell intel. So, let's go, cough it up.
Grumbling, I take out my wallet and pay for the intel.
Erpin grabs onto Sist, who quickly tries to pack her goods and leave.
Where are you goooing?! I still want to take a look at interesting stuuuuff!
Argh, I don't entertain those who don't have money!
How much? How much will be enough?!
Browsing is 30,000 Gold, sucker—I mean, valued customer.
Sist suddenly fixes her stance and starts treating Erpin with respect.
Erpin... You don't have money...
It's alright, there's a copy machine in the palace!
Once Erpin says that with all the confidence in the world, Sist flips the table.
Are you really a queen? What kind of queen lacks commercial ethics?!
Copy? Cooooopy?! A queen making counterfeit money?!
Eek... Does it matter as long as it's money?
Counterfeit money isn't even up for negotiation! I, Sist, don't associate with counterfeiters!
Not only that, but a copy machine?! So you can't distinguish counterfeit money from real money without professional equipment?
Preposterous! The foundation of business is trust! I'm not selling anything to you!
Sist pushes off Erpin with disgust and leaves.
Waaaaah...! Let me browse everything before you go!!!
Hey, c'mon. Get up before I go tell Ner.
Erpin is throwing a tantrum on the floor. I'd better pick her up and take her to Ner.
I'd better tattle about the counterfeit money, too, while I'm at it.
3. Ultimate Fortune
58 linesUltimate Fortune
Where Fire and Water Meet
Do you have a dream, Master?
What? All of a sudden?
For me... I have a grandiose dream.
Sist is talking about something that's not business-related...?!
Feeling moved, I sit up straight and start listening attentively to what Sist has to say.
Mhmm, yes? What's your dream? I'm all ears.
My dream is... to create the ultimate fortune.
The ultimate fortune...? What's that...?
Hehehe... So, I mean...
Sist's eyes gleam dangerously.
Sprite Kingdom and Werebeast Forest. I want to buy both of them...!
Wh-Whoa...
That way, Elias will be in the palm of my hand!
Whoa...
I look at Sist with a disgusted look on my face.
Why would you have such a troublesome—I mean, grand—dream...
Don't villains usually dream of taking over the world like this...?
No, villains usually aren't like that.
Villains usually don't buy the world with money...
Really? Then how do they take over the world?
Umm... they usually try to achieve it for free, I guess...?
No. That would lack commercial ethics.
Ah, sure...
That should never happen, got it?!
Got it.
Ask if she knows that she's a villain.
So you admit that you're a villain...
Hehe, all merchants are usually villains.
That's not true...
How so? The purpose of selling goods is to make a profit, is it not?
W-Well, yes...
Then that means that they are selling something cheap at a higher price. Isn't that what villains do?
I... suppose...?
It feels like I'm playing into her argument, but strangely, she kinda makes sense.
But if you manage to take over Elias...
Ahhh, just thinking about it puts a smile on my face.
What about your business?
Huh?
Sist suddenly flinches and tenses up.
I mean... if you manage to take over Elias, everything would belong to you...
Then doesn't that mean that you won't have to sell your goods to anyone anymore?
Uh...
Frozen, Sist starts to tremble. Her eyes tremble violently, too.
Sist breaks out into a cold sweat.
Wait... you didn't think that far ahead?
Th-Then... I have to be a roaming merchant forever...?!
Taken aback, Sist mumbles to herself and doesn't seem to register what I say anymore.
Is doing business forever the ultimate fortune...? Maybe I shouldn't take over the world...?
It appears that Sist has fallen into a state of confusion. I think she'd crumble right now if I were to poke her...
Umm... Sist? I think I made a mis—
...Umm, sure. Good luck...
Whatever, I'll deal with it after I take over the world!
4. The Beginning of the Bet
56 linesThe Beginning of the Bet
Sprite Village
Hey, Master!
Sist has come to visit just when I was about to take a peaceful nap today.
Huh? Sist? What brings you all the way to the Sprite Kingdom?
Hehe, I'm here because I've got some good stuff.
Sist starts humming and lays out her goods.
They all look useless though...
Nonsense! Take a look at this brand-new product!
What's that? Looks like junk to me...
Oh, Master... You have no eye for quality, do you?
Now I'm starting to get mad.
This is a radio soldering kit that even kids can use.
With this, even a chump... I mean, a champ like you can craft a classic retro radio.
Sist subtly changes her phrasing when I give a glare at her choice of words.
That'll be 90,000 Gold, with 6-month installment plan at 0% interest!
I'm selling this one interest-free just for you!
Hmph. I'm afraid crafting something like that is too hard for a chump like me.
Master, you're a bigger fool than Erpin if you can't even craft this...
H-How dare you say something so terrible?!
Oof... how brutal... That one is going to sting a lot.
Ner suddenly pulls out a wooden board from nowhere, with "10 points" written on it.
Don't give such nonsense a perfect 10... More importantly, when did you get here...?
So, how about it? Isn't your pride hurt? Aren't you itching to craft one now?
My pride isn't hurt!
Forget about it! I've crafted this kind of thing countless times on Earth!
Huh? What a ridiculous excuse...
Do you even know about the science kits we have there?!
Huh? I never heard about such things.
But are they expensive? What are the science kits? Come on, tell me.
Still not gonna craft it! I mean, not gonna buy it!
No! I'm not gonna buy this!
Ah, so you don't think you can handle crafting this, huh?
Don't be ridiculous! I've crafted this kind of thing countless times on Earth!
Ah, but you failed every single time you tried to craft one, didn't you?
And that's why you're not feeling up to the challenge, right?
I'll play right into her hands if I keep reacting to her ridiculous taunt.
Huff, huff... Hmph, I won't fall for your taunt! I'm not buying useless goods!
Hmm... Isn't it just that you don't have any money?
Come to think of it, the Sprite Kingdom's finances are always on thin ice, aren't they?
That is defamation based on facts.
Hey... Hey! It's true that the kingdom's finances are at rock bottom, but that doesn't mean I'm broke!
What is the difference?
Ner, whose side are you on?!
I take a deep breath to calm my anger for a moment.
Ha... Hahaha. Fine. It's a showdown, then.
If you're such a great merchant, then let's have a contest.
Oh? You think you stand a chance?
Sist snorts and looks down on me. You... you little brat!
The goods for sale are me and you. It's a contest to see who can sell themselves for the highest price!
What's in it for me if I accept your challenge? Why should I take part in the contest?
If I lose, I'll give you all my earnings!
But if I win, I'll take all your earnings!
Oho...? Well then. Fine. I accept this contest.
Master... To sacrifice yourself so much for the kingdom's finances...! I am moved!
You're wrong! This is a battle of pride!
5. The Showdown
49 linesThe Showdown
Sprite Village
Let's have a fair and square contest.
Understood.
No forced selling or anything like that.
Ugh, fine, I get it.
After making a bet, we immediately set off to find someone who would buy us.
Hmm... but who would even buy us?
A fence, perhaps?
Then...
That's right. There's only one who fits the bill.
Are you sure about this?
Umm... you see... about that someone...
Yes?
Are you sure you're not gonna regret this?
Hmm... Sure, it's a bit unfair, but that's a handicap I'm willing to take.
Alright!
You're not gonna complain later that it was unfavorable, are you?
Don't you think such a handicap is needed to make this a fair contest?
Oho... You're quite confident, aren't you?
Heh. It's more than enough against a rookie merchant.
You're gonna regret saying that...!
Back Alley, Sprite Village
After staring at each other, we bravely head off to visit the merchant who would buy us.
Mayo! Are you there?
Mayo! I've come to sell myself!
Mayo comes out of her home and looks at us with gleaming eyes.
Human... already part of my collection.
No! Not yet!
I feel a sudden chill from Mayo's sly gaze as she looks me over.
...Perhaps this was a mistake.
We decided to settle things with a contest for some reasons.
Uh-huh.
It's supposed to be a fair contest, so set the price fairly. Okay?
Hmm... Got it. Understood.
...Something feels off about this.
Anyway, let's begin.
Seeing Sist acting oddly calm makes me think she's got something up her sleeve. I'm getting nervous.
Hehe, but I'm the one and only human in Elias!
Uh-huh.
Look, I can plow the fields without using magic!
Uh-huh.
I can eat Bean Logs instead so you don't have to. And see how long my fingers are? I can use them for all kinds of work!
I spread my hands wide in front of everyone. Sist claps after looking at them.
Ooh, you're pretty good at business, Master.
Ahem. See? Huh...? Something feels a bit...
Why is Sist acting strangely calm...? Something's... off.
I feel a sudden, ominous shiver go down my spine.
Did I... make some kind of mistake...?
6. The End of the Bet
53 linesThe End of the Bet
Back Alley, Sprite Village
Now it's your turn, Sist!
Huh? Are you already done with your self-promotion?
After enthusiastically promoting myself, I pass the turn to Sist.
Hmm... it's my turn, huh?
Sist... She's acting suspicious...!
A cold drop of sweat trickles down my back.
I give up. I can't think of anything good. I tried to come up with anything, but I just don't have any advantages over the Master.
...Huh?
You won, Master! Wow, you really have more strengths than I imagined.
Huh...?
You're here to sell yourself, human. At last, you've become my precious...
Uh...? What's this...? Huh?
Sist and Mayo shake hands, both looking pleased.
Uh...? Are they shaking hands...? Huh?
Hey, hey! Stop shaking hands! What's this all about?!
Huh? I told you already. You won this contest.
Hehe, the winner is the human.
What's up with that wicked expression, you two?!
Get mad.
Hey, what is this?! This was a showdown! You said it's a fair and square contest!
Yes, and I lost fair and square, didn't I?
Then why are you two shaking hands?! Hey, stop shaking!
They're shaking hands with ominous smiles... It's very, very... unsettling...
Take a step back.
W-What is this? Something's fishy. Hey, what's up with that expression...
Huh? What about my expression?
Human. Victory.
I'm so jealous! You won, Master! Congratulations!
Sist and Mayo clap for me. Now I feel a bit better.
...Uh, thanks. No wait, that's not the point...
Human gets five Bean Logs.
Huh...? What?
I take five Bean Logs that Mayo hands over to me.
...I won? Really?
Of course! You won, Master. You have a knack for business.
And... this belongs to Sist.
Sist gave up. Why are you giving it to her...?
It's just extra income. One, two... Good, exactly 90,000 Gold.
I finally realize why I'm having this creepy uneasiness.
N-No, don't tell me. You guys... From the very beginning...?!
Hehe. That's right, this is what being a broker is all about!
How.... How could... You... Sist... How dare you...!
Mayo said she wanted to claim the ownership for real this time, so I put in some effort.
Hehe, nicely done, Master. My business here is done, so have a good time.
Sist, having pocketed the broker's fee, leisurely walked off into the sunset.
Wh... What? Hey, wait a minute. Take me with you. Take me with you!!
Mayo approaches from behind, holding a leash in her hand. A sinister, wicked smile subtly graces her lips...
N-No! Take me with you. Sist? Sist!!!
Hehehe... Human, now you're truly my precious. Hehehe...
Oh... no!
Hehe... Hehehe...