The summer heat was very strong today, the shade didn't help much.
Linus was walking down Isgränd in Stockholm. Together with Astrid, they were heading towards a store that was looking for a change of owner ship.
Astrid had looked for ways to expand to Gray business into other countries and Isgränd. Owning a store here could bring in large amounts of galleons. A resource badly needed. The gray family wasn't short on funds, not at all in fact, they were the richest family in Scandinavia. But the influence money had was undeniable, donations and gifts are a very good way to get into favorable positions high and low.
Stepping into the book store. It was a bit run down, floor was worn, the ceiling looked like it would collapse at any moment. It smelled like paper and ink.
Behind the counter stood an old man, maybe in his early 60s.
Linus walked slowly towards the counter while looking over the books and shelves. 'there must be so many good ones in this old store' he thought as he looked at books varying from spells to potions.
"Never thought a Gray would find themselves into my humble store." The old man said with a smile. His voice gentle, like the kind of voice you would hear from santa almost.
"You must be Göran I assume?" Linus said as he stood in front of the counter
The old man nodded slowly. "That's right"
Linus reached out his hand for a hand shake. "My name is Linus Gray." The man shock his hand. "I heard you were thinking about selling the store?"
The man sighed. "Yes, its correct, I'm getting to an age where I can't keep taking care of the store."
Looking around the store, there would be some things to change. But the location is good, it has history and seem to be a favorite for school materials.
"How much would you like to get for the store?" Linus asked as he took out a book from one of the shelves.
The man thought for a moment. "Well…" he started, he seemed nervous. "I would need money for my retirement. I know the store is run down and will need some fixing. I think 15 thousand galleons sounds fair."
That price was a steal for this shop. But Linus isn't about to ruin a mans life because of some money.
Linus walked up to the counter again. "I will give you 25 thousand for the store. What you said would have been robbery and I can't accept that."
The man looked at Linus with a shocked expression, it almost seemed like he was about to cry. "Thank you, thank you Lord Gray."
Linus stepped out of the small store about ten minutes later. Astrid was talking to the owner and fixing the paper work. Isgränd was full of activity during this time of summer. Students who would start their first year already picking up supplies.
After a while Astrid stepped out of the book store. "The transfer is done, the name of the store will be kept. And I will send for a renovation team to fix up the store." She said as she stepped beside Linus.
"Good work." He said as he started walking. "As you know, I'm heading to France in two days. So, the house is in your hands again."
Astrid nodded. "Don't worry, I will take care of it." she said with a smile.
The two walked down Isgränd slowly.