You will pardon me if I want to stay in the spotlight a big longer. Don't fret, though; after this, you can return to one of the two... I don't know what to call them as "nitwit" would be too much a compliment. In fact, "dunderhead" was downright flattering, but I don't want to be as crass as them and simply say... Well, the M-word. It's far beneath me and you fine ladies and gents partaking in my sweet nothings.

Hmm? "Who may I be talking to," you wonder? Why, that's a secret for me to know, Fred, for your head is already so twisted and lead, I would not wish to harm you with the knowledge I think I possess. Besides, you already believe yourself going mad, and I don't want any more evidence given to support it.

For now, focus on what you are going to say to Jack. What's the best way to approach it? After all, the land is still yours in Norela. Do you simply give it up, set up shop, or perhaps keep a rolling season. Sure, it's more strain on you, but at least it keeps you mov- what? No intention of returning to Norela? Don't be so quick to jump to conclusions. After all, they are your friends, your neighbors; you can't simply turn you back on t-

"They already did to me," he grumbled. "Where were they when the apothecary was being vandalized?"

"Hmm? You say something, lad?" Jack said, looking up from his stand, the sign on its front still reading Closed. He flipped a lever and, sure enough, it turned, now Open.

"N-no, sir... Sir?"

"Yes?"

"I... I was offered a job here... as the new alchemist."

"You sure you want to get back into that life so soon? After all, what had happened-"

"As long as I keep my mind focused... as long as I work... I need to work," Jack... Why the break? Easier to remember if only given one name. If you heard his real name now, it'd just confuse you... Not you, Fred. "R-right. Not m- ignore that, sir. I need to-"

He held up his hand, flicking the sign back to Close before ushering him to the back of the cart, leaning against it.

"So what's the deal?"

"I am on temporary work until a profit can be seen. She gets 40%-"

"She? She who?"

"The... The bartender... She has the deed to the land beside it which used to be the apothecary before... poof."

"Poof, huh? Like-" Fred nodded, and Jack scoffed, shaking his head. "What has been getting into these old alchemists' heads as of late... So, she gets 40%..."

"And I get four ales a night and a room to sleep it off."

He hummed, rubbing his goatee, his eyes sparkling a little as he began to pace, mumbling to himself. Why, dear Lilah, you returned just in time to see your father mull over business. I'm surprised you haven't asked yet what he is grumbling about or why he shook his head so, but I guess this is common- even hitting his own cart? I heard a bit of glass tinkle; no respect for the work you put in, dear Fred.

Oh. He stopped.

"What's this woman's name?" He blurted.

"That... I didn't get... There were other things on my mind and-"

"Go get it."

"What?"

"Introduce yourself. Have a nice talk. If you can't exchange small talk, that's a huge sign... Go on."

"Y-yes, sir. L-Lilah, want to come along?"

"Nope. I have to stay with daddy. The store is about to be open- should be open- why isn't it?"

"Because..."

And the rest was lost as we trudged through the town once more. Oh, my. I didn't realize they had a tailor initially. It was well hidden by the cobbler beside, but now that its grandest treasure waltzed before the window, it was all too clear for me. My, how he worked that mannequin, how his arms stretched, measuring the coat to place on it, how that sheer cloth held to his succulent chest, tracing every ab, both pecs.

I could have you stare all day at that, Fred, but I know you much prefer the fairer sex. Just leave me to my daydreams, if you will. I'll keep them as far away as I can from your thoughts- but did you see that hat. It would look absolutely fabulous on you. You'll need one, anyways, if you actually get the deal. This place gets far more son than Norela-

"Why must you bring that up again?" He spat... Fred, I can hear you clear in your mind. You have no need to say it a- "When can I, with you constantly prattling away?"

"Who's prattling away?"

He shook his head, and he was in the tavern, the bartender standing behind the counter, her arms crossed.

"Oh, uh, sorry. Arguing with myself," he said, scratching his head, chuckling as he sat down... sighing as she laughed too, leaning over.

"That's understandable. I do it once in a while, myself. So... have you come to an agreement?"

"Well, uh..." He cleared his throat. "I'm Fred. Fred Bala."

"And I'm your friendly neighborhood tavern lady."

"Right, but what's your name?"

She giggled, leaning in close, not more than a breath away, biting her lip.

"I'll tell you it, but you got to promise me one thing."

"W-what?"

"Later on tonight, when we're up in your room, you yell it as loud as you can. Don't worry. I'll return the favor..." She guffawed, cackling hard as the rest of the tavern joined in, tables ringing under heavy hands and heavier flasks. She touched his cheek, pinching it. "Don't worry. You won't have to... yet. I'm Emry. Emry Bastiladen."

"Heh. No wonder you asked for it to be screamed. That'd be one helluva rallying cr-"

I stopped... I... Me. Not Fred. But...

She cooed, and kissed his forehead, giggling still.

"Oh, I see we're going to have a lot of fun. In fact... How about we change the deal from 40% to 20, and I'll even throw in a meal at night."

… He gripped her hands as he stood. "One moment."

"Oh, you tease. Fine! I'll be waiting, Darling."

She cackled once again, latoshi whistles and jeers following us far out the door and down the path, that line echoing in both our m... his mind. We are one mind. I may be a voice, but that doesn't mean I can think on my own. That'd be silly... But then how does that explain that lapse? Were we, perhaps, in sync? It was seen before with Frisk, sure, but not perfect synchrony.

At least we can put it behind for now, if Lilah can forgive us for closing her father's store one more time. His visage was not happy, though, with the better deal, his brow furrowed, teeth gritted. Lilah even looked a bit worried, a trait most rare to pass on that lovely f-

"She wants you. Bad." He stated.

"Pardon?"

"20% on someone she just met, with those kinds of perks? This smells rotten... How brave are you, Fred?"

"Why?"

"Because you are going to have to be for what I'm about to propose."

"What's up, daddy?" Lilah said. "You're scaring me."

"I'm starting to scare myself... Fred... Take her deal."

"What?"

"Trust me on this. I'm going to be sending out a messenger bulema to the guard captain of Coradoona, as well as getting in touch with the local garrison."

"You believe this is related to Chastity?"

He nodded, reaching into the wagon and withdrawing a sword, handing it to him.

"Just in case... You know how to use one, yes? Pointy end at the one you want to hurt."

"Will it really come to such?"

"If we are not careful... Once more, go. Tell her you agree."

He nodded, and wasted no time in dashing through town, sword knocking against his knees and waist again and again, pulling at his sash so, knotted there with fine cord. This time, though, he needn't enter the tavern; she was waiting out on the deck, three scrolls before her, as well as two different ink phials and quills. One was deep sapphire, made from the petals of the local melandramas, the other plain black.

"I take it this is your final journey back and forth," she said as he sat, beaming.

"Y-yeah. Sorry."

"It's fine. Never hurts to have someone to consult, even if but a simple friend. I take it they liked the deal." He nodded, and she pushed the middle contract towards him. "Good. This is a land contract. You'll be leasing the right to use the land as you see fit for an allotted time. At that time, you are either evicted or granted permission to lease again or outright buy it." She pushed the other two towards him. "These two are but simple legislation stating what the conditions are, of which we have already discussed."

"I still think it wise to read it," he said... looking it over... indeed. Nothing hinky. Nothing out of the ordinary. Plain as day... suspicious. "So... You must really want an alchemist in town, huh?"

"If you are as good as you allude, very much so. That, and it'll be nice to have a good looking man around here for once."

Flattery. Clear, and oh, so devious. He simply nodded and hummed, signing where she pointed, crossing his i's dotting his t's, and having to redo them because his name had neither... I jest. It was done, and she stood, offering her hand. He stood, as well, reached for it-

She pulled him in, kissing him, giggling.

"Sealed with a kiss. Welcome to your new home, Mr. Bala."

New home, new verse... Let us simply hope it is not the same as the first.