Coldsnap: The Billionaire Alpha's Fated Pregnant Princess (GL)
Chapter 152 - Color Changing Glass

Chapter 152: Chapter 152 - Color Changing Glass

I’m not entirely sure how much money I’ve used of hers so far, but this sort of amount should already cover it. Surely. As well as probably leave some left over. But the way he is behaving is bothering me.

"That’s... unexpectedly generous. Why such favorable terms?"

The owner’s smile became slightly... knowing.

"Let’s just say I believe in treating certain customers fairly. Word gets around - and good relationships are worth more than short-term profits. Plus, I have a friend who will likely be interested in this one."

He tapped on the most expensive coin and I can’t help but wonder if my estimation of him is wrong. There is still a good chance I am getting ripped off by some amount more than I realize. I guess the question becomes... am I happy with the funds I’m getting?

"A friend, you say?"

"Exactly. Works at a local art gallery and has collected for decades. So for this, think of me as acting more like a broker and taking a smaller fee because the risk is low."

"I still haven’t the faintest idea why you would be willing to take less money when I’m not acquainted with anyone who would give me more."

> This really has Kyrie written all over it. Somehow, she’s made it known that I should be treated well, even to this human. Was he threatened? <

Vrika stood and paced with a happy wagging tail... but such thoughts both irritated and touched me. On one hand, I was getting an excellent deal and on the other hand - it felt like another example of Kyrie’s white cage extending all around me.

Weighing my options leaves me without any good alternatives. I could try to find other buyers, maybe get closer to full retail value eventually - but that would take time I might not have to wait on.

"Fine. I’ll take your offer."

He began preparing paperwork rapidly, pulling out forms that looked official and detailed. So I did the same, planting just my driver’s license on the glass surface since the sign I dreaded before was still posted behind him.

[NO STOLEN PROPERTY - WE CHECK IDs AND REPORT TO POLICE.]

"Oh, thanks."

He examined it briefly, made photocopies, and had me sign several of the forms. I tried to get it close to how BoundaryKeeper forged it onto the license, just to be consistent. The whole process felt remarkably normal and professional.

"Cash alright? I can do a check if you prefer, but that might take time to process at your bank."

"Cash is perfect, thank you."

He disappeared into the office room and left me alone in the shop again. I couldn’t help but glance toward the back entrance area, imagining that the Alpha was staring at me and about to come make me feel all... confused. Again.

But she didn’t - and he returned with a substantial stack of bills. Hundreds, mostly, neatly bundled with a seal that was broken in front of me. Seventy of those were counted out from it and the last $1800 was given as twenty fifties and forty twenties.

"$8,800 total. And here is a receipt for your records."

"I appreciate it."

Tucking away the over half inch stack into the clutch, a significantly clunkier addition than the thirty bills I picked up at the casino... I found myself looking around the shop. With the eyes of a person with money to spend.

Items that had seemed random and cluttered during my first visit now appeared more carefully curated with a calmer eye. Some quality pieces to draw attention were mixed with ’lesser’ goods in a way that suggested the owner knew how to attract his business well.

Before I could talk myself out of it, I picked out two of the more interesting things and brought them to the counter. A decorative red jewelry box with a suspiciously familiar symbolism to my world... and a ’frosted’, ’art-deco’ glass bottle that was a beautiful lilac.

> Probably just a used perfume container... but it’s pretty! Stop judging me! <

"I’ll take these, please."

I inform him while wrestling with the wolf in my mindscape. My cheek and eye twitching as I continue to lose the play fighting over and over, even if I shift and make my fox size as big as Vrika!

"Excellent choices. Alexandrite glass... here, take a look at this."

The red haired proprietor reached for a small fluorescent light bar and plugged it in, reminding me that I was thinking of arranging for warm light LEDs on the ceiling of the shipping container. But I stop picturing that when the pretty color glass turns a... still kind of pretty pale ice blue.

"The neodymium oxide used in the glass gives it these color changing qualities. A little darker violet out in direct sun, the lighter kind you saw under incandescent and some other artificial lights, and this blue under fluorescence. Cool, right?"

"...Yes, quite cool."

I’m not actually sure I like the idea of a lilac changing into a blue given my situation, even though it is strangely fitting - but I’d already decided to buy it. As bad of a habit as it may be, I rarely change my mind on purchases.

Even for a hundred dollar item I have a complicated feeling over now and never had an intended use for, other than to say I bought it for me. He opens the jewelry box and places the bottle carefully inside it before sliding the items back over.

"There you are. And please, feel free to come back anytime you have other items to evaluate. I’d be happy to take a look."

For a minute I stare blankly at him. Then I realize what is going on and raise my chin with a sneer. My fingers work the clutch open and pull out $200. Tapping it on the counter with as little force as possible, thanks to Composure.

"No."

I don’t clarify that I simply meant that to be a refusal about taking the items ’for free’. He can stew in any other meanings he wishes as I grab the box and turn around.

Like over whether I’ll ever come back here and bother him again.

Over whether he has done well to gain my favor.

It doesn’t matter if Kyrie ordered it or it was his own idea. Just because someone dangles the strings doesn’t mean I have to agree to be wrapped up in them.

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