Arwin did as he’d promised. He told Olive about the gemstone and the Adventurer Guild’s betrayal, not just of him, but of the entirety of the Kingdom of Lian. He told her of how he’d woken up beside Milten with his new class, and about how he’d met Reya. He told her about the way he’d come to learn that Lillia wasn’t the monster he’d thought her to be and he told her about Zeke. By the time he’d finished speaking, nearly thirty minutes had passed. Olive hadn’t said a word the entire time. She stared at him, silently working to process everything he said. Even if she hadn’t been close to the Adventurer’s Guild, they were meant to be the saviors and protectors of the kingdom, not its slavers. Even after Arwin fell silent, his story finished, Olive said nothing for nearly a minute. Finally, she gathered her words. “The new Hero and Demon Queen. They’re… what, puppets? Just like you were?” Olive asked. “I don’t know,” Arwin replied. “It’s possible. The fact of the matter is that I’m not strong enough to find out. None of us are. No matter how much I want to save everyone, I’ve realized that I need to focus on saving the people I can.” The look Olive sent him made it clear she knew he’d learned that sentiment through experience. She gathered herself again, then shook her head. “It’s hard to see you as the Hero… but at the same time, it kind of fits. I can’t say why, but the more I think about it, the more it makes sense.” Olive caught herself, then frowned. “No. Makes sense isn’t the right word. None of this shit makes sense… but I think I understand. It sounds like you’ve been through a lot for a planet that isn’t even yours.” “It’s mine now,” Arwin said with a small laugh. “I remember so little of Earth that I don’t think it’s anything more than what once was. I’ve lived almost all of my life in Lian.” “What will you do, then?” Olive asked. She gestured vaguely around them. “Is this whole guild the beginnings of your way to destroy the Adventurer’s Guild?” They sat on the top of a building overlooking a shaded alleyway, where they’d been for the past ten minutes. Arwin has to be playing a prank on me. There’s absolutely no way this idiot is a merchant. I’d say it’s a miracle he hasn’t pissed off someone important and gotten himself killed, but he seems to be in the process of doing that. “That was a pitch,” Madiv said. A flicker of anger passed through his haughty features, mixed with more than a little frustration. “I do not understand what is wrong with it.” “I am always serious.” “Then you’re an idiot,” Reya said. “Why would anyone buy from you after that?” “Their fear of my power and appreciation for my magnanimousity.” Madiv squinted at Reya. “Are humans truly this stupid? It is clear.” “It might have been clear to monsters or whatever, but there’s absolutely no way anyone will ever take you up with that approach. First off, you need to be respectful. Second, scrap the threat bullshit. Nobody will think you’re actually going to kill them if they don’t buy from you.” “If I do that, then why would anyone purchase from me? They have no motivation.” “Well two ways. Either you’ve got something they want or you convince them politely. It’s called being persuasive.” “Was that not what I did? Was my tone too aggressive?” “It wasn’t your tone. It was your words. Look. We’re going to act this out.” Reya pulled out a plain dagger and held it so Madiv could see it. “Pretend you’re a normal man that’s in the market for a dagger.” Madiv nodded. “I want your dagger. Give it to me.” Reya flashed him a welcoming smile. “I’d love to try and help you get something, sir. What kind of dagger are you looking for?” “I — okay. Pretend you’re looking for a dagger in general,” Reya said irritably, dropping her smile. Madiv nodded his understanding. “I am searching for a dagger that may not be yours.” “Well, I can assure you that you won’t get a better price anywhere else. At the Infernal Armory, we guarantee that you’ll be satisfied,” Reya said. She stepped closer to Madiv and spun the dagger around, a soft smile on her features as she held the weapon out to him. “Please, give it a try. See how it feels in your hand.” Madiv frowned and took the dagger from her. Her eyes flicked to the coin pouch at his side and it took everything she had to suppress old instincts. This is normally where I’d rob you blind. I might not be qualified for this job. I’m not a merchant. I’m a thief. Fortunately, I guess the two are kind of the same thing. “This is a dagger,” Madiv allowed. He held it back to Reya, but she caught his hand and wrapped his fingers around it. “Two gold.” Reya beamed. “Maybe you’d like to try it out on something first?” Madiv blinked and nodded. “I — very well. That would be permissible.” Reya released his hand and plucked the dagger from it, her fake smile falling away as she arched an eyebrow. “See? I’m not saying I’m a master at this, but no threats. Just… get them to talk to you.” Not sure if that’s even possible with how stiff this dude is. He’s like a walking plank of wood with the personality of a stuffy nobleman. “Fascinating,” Madiv said, his brow creasing in concentration. “You are seducing your target.” Reya sighed. “No. I mean, I guess it’s not all that different. You want them to like you. The more someone likes you, the more likely they’ll be willing to buy something. But that’s probably a step farther than we should be going right now. Figure out how to talk to someone like a normal human. Then we can get more advanced.” “I understand. I understand why you are in the Dem—” Madiv cut himself off and sent Reya a sharp look. She sighed. “I know who Lillia is.” Madiv blew out a relieved breath. “Good. I see now why you are in her retinue. You are a skilled temptress. I will endeavor to reach your heights.” Did literally nothing I say actually pass into this stiff idiot’s head? At least he’s being respectful now. “I — great. I’m sure you will,” Reya said. “Go ahead,” Reya said. She tossed Madiv her dagger and he caught it from the air. “Sell me the dagger. Pretend we’re inside the Infernal Armory and you’re a merchant for it. That’s Arwin’s smithy, by the way.” Madiv nodded. He drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. His features stilled and his back straightened. For several seconds, the vampire didn’t budge. Then he blurred. Reya flinched back as she lost track of Madiv for an instant. He arrived before her and dropped into a deep bow, fairing one hand out behind him.