After wandering around the Kingdom of Matei for a while.
I began to feel a little more accustomed to the atmosphere full of tricks.
Everything here seemed to have an unreasonable price and promises that were too good to be true, like the campaign promises of a president in some country.
However, I still hoped to find something that made a little more sense.
That morning, I stumbled upon a rather eye-catching "Eye Healing Shop." The wooden sign was engraved with the words: "Fix Your Vision in 5 Minutes! Only 10 Silver!"
"Ha, this... if I buy this, maybe I'll be able to see the future too," I muttered, stepping in with a half-skeptical attitude.
A young man, dressed neatly in a tie that seemed too formal for an eye healing shop, greeted me.
"Welcome! We have the perfect solution for your vision problems! In just five minutes, you will be able to see with clarity like you've never experienced before! Only 10 silver, and you can enjoy a clearer world!"he said with a very confident smile.
I stared at him, feeling a little doubtful. "So, with just 10 silver, my eyes will be as good as new? No side effects?" I asked, though deep down I knew it sounded too good to be true.
"No side effects at all! Just the simple magic of our special potion!" he replied, still with that broad smile.
I paused for a moment.
Too easy.
This felt like an offer that was just too good.
But since I was already tired of trying to find ways to pass time in this kingdom without getting truly scammed, I decided to give it a shot. If it didn't work, at most I'd only lose 10 silver.
"Alright, I'll take one package," I said finally, reaching into my pocket to pull out the money.
However, just as I was about to hand over the silver, the man suddenly extended his hand.
"Ah, of course, Miss. But before that, allow me to show you our unique method," he said, guiding me toward a chair in the corner of the room.
"We'll use a special healing technique that combines natural remedies with mystical energy. Very effective for all types of vision problems!"
I sat carefully in the chair. "Hmm, mystical energy technique? So this is some kind of magic, right?"
"Oh, not at all! Everything is scientific and natural. You just need to trust the process," he answered seriously, as if he were explaining something very logical.
As I sat in the chair and the man began preparing the potion, I started to feel a little uneasy.
Why did it feel like I was being led into a trap? I didn't feel comfortable.
That feeling only grew stronger as he began pouring the liquid from the glass bottle into a small bowl.
"So, after this, I'll be able to see better?" I asked again, trying to make sure.
The man smiled with full confidence.
"Oh, of course. Just sit back, drink a little of this potion, and you'll feel the change immediately."
I observed the liquid. It was somewhat grayish in color and looked a bit thick. This was clearly not something I'd drink without question.
Then, as my eyes noticed.
I saw a tiny label.
Almost invisible, on the potion bottle.
It read in small letters, "Only effective for those who believe 100%. Results may vary."
I immediately stopped.
That was definitely a subtle scam.
Quickly, I stood up and took a few steps back, trying to maintain some distance from the man. "Actually... I just remembered something important I need to do. Thank you, but I think I'll look for another method."
The man looked a bit surprised, but quickly adjusted his face to appear friendly.
"Of course, Miss. If you change your mind, we're always here to help."
I left the shop with quick steps, feeling a little relieved. Just before I got caught.
After several encounters with merchants and strange shops.
I began to feel that the longer I stayed in the Kingdom of Matei, the clearer it became that not only its citizens were good at lying—but even the kingdom's officials seemed to possess extraordinary skills in deception.
One bright morning.
I heard a big announcement from the Government of the Kingdom of Matei.
Apparently, the kingdom was holding a "Citizen Welfare Enhancement Program," offering "One Gold Social Assistance" to all of its less fortunate citizens.
This reminded me of welfare systems in the real world—sometimes just a facade for something shady going on.
"One gold for social assistance? Wow, that sounds… too good to be true," I muttered, a little suspicious.
Without hesitation, I headed to the government office located in the town's central square.
The building was grand, with a design that seemed inspired by royal palaces—full of decorations and a bit excessive.
As soon as I entered the reception area, I was greeted by a government official dressed neatly with a broad smile.
"Welcome, Miss! Thank you for coming to our social assistance program! How can I assist you?" he asked with great enthusiasm.
"I heard there's one gold social assistance?" I replied directly, without any small talk.
"Oh, of course! The assistance is available immediately. We just need to verify your data, and the process is very fast!" the official answered with a sweet smile.
I sat in the provided chair and began filling out the application form.
Everything seemed too quick and easy—perhaps too easy.
But since I was already tired of walking around and my mind was overloaded with lower-level scams, I started to feel that this might be an opportunity to gain a little something from the situation.
A few minutes passed.
And finally, the official returned with my completed form.
"Congratulations, Miss! You qualify for the one gold social assistance!" he said with a big smile. "However, because this is a very popular program, you must pay an administration fee of five gold first."
I stared at him, almost in disbelief.
"Five gold... for an administration fee?" I asked in a flat voice, trying to hold back the frustration that was starting to surface.
"Yes, this administration fee has been approved by the kingdom to prevent misuse of the funds," the official replied confidently. "All the assistance will be provided after the administration fee is paid, of course. This is a long-established policy."
I almost laughed. The kingdom's government really knew how to exploit the system.
"So, I pay five gold, and I'll only get one gold, right?" I asked, realizing how absurd this situation was.
The official nodded confidently. "Of course! That's the standard procedure. We process it very quickly."
I immediately stood up and grabbed my small bag. "Thank you, but I think I'll pass on this assistance," I replied, taking out my money and placing it on the table.
"Five gold… for what?" I thought to myself, growing more aware that this government was even trickier than I had imagined. "Social assistance turned into a tool for extortion."
The official looked disappointed but didn't mind. "Of course, Miss. But we'll always be here to assist you if you change your mind," he said with a smile that wasn't quite genuine.