‘Can we get straight to it?’
‘Of course.’ The man pulled a green-bound ledger from the pouch at his belt, opened it and jotted something down. ‘In accordance with procedures, I have verified your financial standing and found no objections to the execution of your assets management.’ He wrote something down again. ‘Please check and sign the record.’
The dragon looked at the book, in which all information concerning the young dragon and his property had been meticulously noted. He read through it and signed. The official closed the book and turned towards Horvater, who was approaching them.
The merchant and the Hunter had been talking to each other for quite some time. Several times they had confirmed something in the book and checked it. The merchant presented the documents, which were again verified against others taken from the bag. Finally, Armanas addressed both parties to the transaction.
‘In accordance with applicable law and the guidelines of the Central Bank, I, Hunter Itwen Armanas, hereby confirm the validity of the contract for the sale of a bess concluded between Mr Bovart Horvater and Mr Draco Ignis. The contract is for forty-five Crystal Crowns, which will be transferred from Mr Ignis’s account. Furthermore, I certify that the funds to cover the transaction have already been secured and will be transferred to the account specified by Mr Horvater immediately upon completion of the formalities. The agreement comes into force upon signature.’ The Hunter pulled out three copies of the agreement and handed them over for inspection. ‘Do you gentlemen have any questions?’
Draco shook his head and signed the documents. The merchant did the same. Finally, the Hunter stamped all three copies and handed one to each of them, keeping the last one for himself.
‘That's all from me.’ Armanas turned to the dragon. ‘Is there anything else I can help you with, young master Ignis?’
‘Could you wait a moment?’ Draco noticed out of the corner of his eye that bess, lying nearby, had perked up slightly and twitched his ears.
‘Of course, I am at your service.’ The Hunter bowed
