The merchant reclaims the dagger to tap their chin with the handle.
“Since this is something special, I’m afraid the asking price is quite steep. Nothing you can’t afford, I assure you—but you may balk at it, all the same.”
You give them an expectant look, urging them to spit it out. How bad can it be?
“I would charge you an arm and a leg for this.”
No clarifying statement or mysterious laughter follows this pronouncement, and as the seconds pass with nothing but their blithe smile to soften the blow, you realize they aren’t joking. Tentatively, as if to test the fabric of reality against this incomprehensible statement, you ask if you can choose which arm and which leg.
“No, I’m afraid not. Oh, but don’t worry! I realize you'd be... indisposed to make use of your new purchase, were I to collect immediately. So I'm willing to defer payment... until a later date.”
