The merchant should be an easy bargain

Merchants make a living of doing deals, borrowing his cart is nothing more than just another deal. This should be easy.

You take Aegis with you to the inn and find the merchant’s cart and horse. As you walk up to them, a fancy looking man walks out of the in.

“Excuse me.” You say, waving at him to draw his attention. “Are you the merchant who supplies Thomas?”

“Indeed I am, beautiful maiden.” The merchants greets you. “My name is Miller, traveling merchant around these parts. Is there anything I can help you with?”

You are surprised at how charming Miller is. Had you been a few years younger, you might not have been able to suppress a giggle.

You smile and say “I believe you can, Mister. Do you perhaps know Murt?”

Miller cocked his head and said “Old man Murt? Of course I know him, he is a regular at this inn. I wouldn’t say we are the best of friends, but I did share a few beers with him.”
Miller leans against his cart gives you a warm smile.
“So what is the old codger up to this time?”

“I’m helping him move out a closet.” You tell the merchant, hoping he will fall for your lie. “It’s old and much of it is rotten, it needs to go and be replaced. Though it’s quite heavy and we can’t carry it away by ourselves. We would need to make use of a cart.”

“Ah, I see.” Miller replies. “And you would like to borrow this cart of mine?”

You offer the merchant a warm smile of your own and say. “It’s just for half a day. You can have it back after.”

Miller rubs his chin and thinks about it.
“If me and Murt were better friends, I’d loan it to you for free. But as things stand, I’m afraid I’ll have to ask for some form of payment.”