Ah, Oblivion. A land of dragons, Daedra, and delightfully amoral possibilities. The question on every aspiring thief's mind: can you fleece a merchant dry, then... retire them permanently? The short answer is yes, but with caveats.
Yes, you *can* sell your ill-gotten gains (or legitimately acquired goods!) to a merchant and then, well, eliminate them. But be warned, murder has consequences! Expect a bounty on your head and potentially angry guards.
Here's the breakdown:
* **Sell first, stab later:** Obviously, maximize your profit before any drastic action.
* **Consider the consequences:** A dead merchant means no more buying/selling from them. Think long-term! Are they a key vendor?
* **Disposition is Key:** High disposition means better prices. Charm spells are your friend!
* **Alternatives?** Blackmail and theft are less… permanent. Perhaps consider these routes first.
So, go forth and conquer… responsibly (or not!). Just remember, the Emperor is watching (probably).