Partitio had heard that Wellgrove was the most hopping commerce hub in all the continent, but as he gazed around the practically empty square at the town's entrance, he had a feeling that someone might have been yanking his chain.

"Kinda quiet here, ain't it? I barely see a soul," he said, his hands resting on his hips as he frowned.

"Indeed," Osvald said, crossing his arms over his chest, "An odd place to find the richest noble in the west."

Partitio grinned and slapped a hand to Osvald's back. "Well, I guess we'll just have to investigate on our own until we find him, right partner?" Partitio's grin widened when Osvald chuckled and nodded. His hand lingered on Osvald's back for a bit as they started walking, and Partitio's heart fluttered when Osvald didn't immediately shrug him off.

Lately, it seemed like Osvald was starting to at least tolerate Partitio's showings of physical affection. He felt his cheeks heat up as he thought back to their time in Winterbloom, when Osvald had let him keep his arm over his shoulders for their entire stay at the tavern, and Partitio's heart still raced at the memory.

This small change in Osvald's demeanor gave Partitio hope that maybe his affections would be returned someday, but he didn't want to get ahead of himself. Temenos' advice was always at the forefront of his mind, so Partitio always tried his hardest to focus just on being a good friend and helping Osvald get his revenge.

"Hmp."

Partitio heard Osvald grumble beside him, and Partitio almost ran into him as he came to a sudden stop.

"Hey, what's up?" Partitio asked, his hand finally slipping from Osvald's back as he raised an eyebrow at him.

"Look."

Partitio turned his gaze ahead, where he watched as a merchant tried to sell a statue made of the 'purest silver.' Partitio crossed his arms over his chest as he scanned the statue with narrowed eyes. It was obviously a fake, and he wasn't going to just let this sketchy merchant get away with this.

"I'd pass if I were you. Genuine silver? Hah, buncha hogwash."

The potential buyer turned to Partitio, eyes wide, and the dubious merchant scoffed as he took a step towards him. "How dare you! That's a baseless claim!"

Partitio called the merchant's bluff with his expert knowledge, and when he showed off his silver coin, the color drained from the merchant's face. His face then contorted into a snarl and he took another step towards Partitio, his hands balling into fists.

"Why you-" he started to say, but Partitio heard Osvald growl, crack his knuckles, and take a heavy step closer to him, causing the merchant to immediately cower. Partitio could only imagine the look on Osvald's face right now, and from the merchant's reaction, he guessed that it wasn't a pretty sight.

"D-Damn!" The merchant made the very wise decision to make a run for it. Partitio turned to watch him go, and he noticed that Osvald was still glaring at his retreating back.

"I know that look, partner," Partitio said, pointing a finger at him as he shook his head, "No setting him on fire. I think you scared the pants off of him already."

"I don't think that was a sufficient punishment-"

"Osvald."

"...Fine."

Partitio snickered at the pout that had formed on Osvald's face, and he remembered that they were not alone when he heard unfamiliar chuckling next to them.

"My, my. You two are quite a pair." Partitio turned to find the man that the merchant had tried to swindle was still here, and he offered to treat him and Osvald to a drink as thanks, so they soon found themselves sitting at a table at the local tavern.

"Here you are," the man said as he poured two shots and set the glasses in front of Partitio and Osvald, "Our town is known for its spirits, so I do hope you enjoy it!"

"Oh, he doesn't drink-" Partitio started to say, but Osvald held up a hand and cut him off.

"It's just a shot. I don't mind sampling the local spirits." Partitio tilted his head as Osvald lifted the glass to his lips. He threw the shot back without flinching, and Partitio's face grew hot as he watched Osvald's Adam's apple bob with the motion when he swallowed. Partitio's eyes shot back to his face, and his mouth went dry when Osvald slowly swiped his tongue over his lips and hummed.

"It's…good," he said, glancing at Partitio out of the corner of his eye. Partitio's face flushed fully when he realized he was staring, and he quickly turned his attention to his own glass, which he proceeded to grab and down the contents in an attempt to chase away the dryness that had overtaken his throat. Unfortunately, in his haste, some of the liquid found his windpipe, and he started violently coughing.

"Easy." Osvald slapped a firm hand to Partitio's back a few times, helping him to clear the burning alcohol from his lungs.

"Ugh, t-thanks…" Partitio choked out, taking a few deep, shaky breaths as he wiped his arm over his mouth.

Osvald chuckled and raised an eyebrow at him. "What's gotten into you? You drink so often, I'd have thought that you'd know how to hold your liquor by now."

"Yeah, yeah…" Partitio waved a hand at Osvald and pouted, averting his gaze with his embarrassment. One measly shot normally wouldn't have been a problem for Partitio, but every little thing that Osvald did was so damn attractive that it distracted him from even the simple act of taking a drink. Stupid sexy scholar…

"A-Anyway…What were you looking for at the markets?" Partitio asked the local man, wanting to quickly change the subject. He continued to converse with the man while Osvald silently sipped on his coffee, and Partitio frowned as he talked about Wellgrove's current plight. It was a similar tale of what had happened to Oresrush at its lowest point, and Partitio decided that he wanted to help in any way that he could.

Partitio asked about Alrond, and the man said that he didn't meet with just anyone. He heard Osvald snort beside him, and he finally spoke up for the first time since the subject had changed.

"I don't think you have to worry about that," Osvald said, and Partitio's eyes widened as Osvald leaned back in his chair, stroking his beard. "You see that music machine in the corner there?"

"Ah, yes. The tavernkeep bought it off of a traveling merchant about a week ago. A curious oddity, don't you think?" the man said, and Partitio's lips slowly curled up into a smile as Osvald nodded.

"Indeed. It's called a gramophone. And do you know who came up with the name?" When the man shook his head, Osvald gestured to Partitio. "This man right here. When that merchant who sold it to you didn't know what to do with the thing, Partitio was the one who suggested recording music on it."

"And," Osvald continued, turning to look at Partitio with a smile on his face, causing the latter's cheeks to flush pink, "he even gathered up the musicians himself for the recording session. I think that's an achievement in itself."

"My, my, that is quite the achievement indeed!" the man said, clapping excitedly as Partitio rubbed at the back of his head and averted his gaze.

"O-Osvald, that was a bit much…"

"Nonsense." Osvald rolled his eyes as he took a drink of his coffee. "You worked hard to turn Audley's foolish impulse purchase into something worthwhile. Honestly, I think that the average person would not have had the determination, creativity, and patience to see it through. You are truly an extraordinary merchant, Partitio."

"Osvald…" Partitio was left speechless at his words, and a fond smile crossed his face as butterflies took flight in his stomach. Osvald had commented on his mercantile skill before, but had never heaped quite this much praise upon him all at once. It made him more than a little giddy that the man that he held so much affection for thought so highly of him.

"Well, I'm convinced," the man said, a beaming smile crossing his face, "You really are a true merchant, Partitio! And I'm sure that Alrond will feel the same."

"All right! Didja hear that, partner?" Partitio delivered a friendly punch to Osvald's shoulder, and the latter chuckled as he shook his head. Partitio turned back to the man and gave his hand a shake. "Thankee kindly, sir!"

With that, the man bid them farewell and left to secure their meeting with Alrond. Partitio sighed and fell back in his chair, rubbing at the brim of his hat as he turned to Osvald.

"Shoot, this is mighty exciting stuff, ain't it, Osvald?"

"Yes, actually. I am curious to see what kind of man this Alrond is."

"Me too, partner. Oh, and thankee kindly," Partitio said, and he chuckled when Osvald raised a curious eyebrow at him, "Well, I think it was your rousing speech about the gramophone that really sealed the deal."

"I see…You did all of the work, though. It truly was a distinguished achievement, Partitio." Osvald hummed as he sipped his drink. "The search for capital is a difficult and treacherous venture." Partitio nodded in agreement as he lifted his mug of ale to his lips.

"...Poverty nearly proved my demise once upon a time."

Partitio's eyes widened as he paused mid-drink, and he set his mug down while casting a dubious glance at Osvald. "Huh? You were poor once too, partner?" He found it hard to believe that the accomplished scholar would have had any trouble earning enough leaves to get by.

Osvald nodded and tugged at his beard, gazing at Partitio over his glasses. "When I was a student, yes. With only a few leaves left to my name, I was forced to choose between bread and books." Partitio had a feeling that he knew what Osvald had chosen.

"Despite knowing that it would lead to great suffering, I chose the latter," Osvald continued, and Partitio sighed as he shook his head; he had guessed right.

Osvald frowned, and his gaze lifted to the ceiling. "Hunger I can endure, but my thirst for knowledge can never be sated. In the end, I fainted from malnutrition and had to spend a tiny sum on treatment from an apothecary."

Partitio barked out a laugh and slapped a hand to Osvald's shoulder. "That sounds just like you, partner! Castti'd throw a fit if she found out!"

"...and she won't, if a certain excitable merchant knows what's good for him." Osvald's tone was dark, and his narrowed eyes told Partitio that he was not kidding.

"H-Hey now, I never said that I'd go tellin' her anything!" Partitio let out a nervous laugh and tugged at his collar.

Osvald chuckled. "I'm just teasing you, Partitio."

"Er, right…" Partitio believed him, sure, but he didn't want to test that belief, so he'd keep his trap shut. "Anyway, I was pretty poor myself once too, you know."

"I didn't even have the leaves to worry about how I'd spend 'em," Partitio continued, with Osvald watching him intently, "Day after day, I chewed leaves and sipped brackish water…"

Partitio hummed as he leaned back in his chair, flicking up the brim of his hat. "Still, for all the pain I suffered, the experience taught me to appreciate what I had."

"More than that," Partitio said, a bright smile crossing his face as he turned to Osvald, "it made me want to share and share alike. Especially precious things."

"Hmm." Osvald hummed and gazed at Partitio over his glasses, that scrutinizing look of his appearing in his dark eyes, causing Partitio to blush. "An interesting outlook, and valuable insight. I have no desire for material wealth. Knowledge is all that I seek."

Partitio laughed at how serious Osvald's tone was, and rest his elbow on the table and set his chin in his hand. "Erudition is an asset too, partner. One that's priceless." And it was definitely one of the many things that Partitio admired about Osvald. He held up his mug, and he smiled when Osvald followed suit, not waiting this time to see exactly what they were toasting.

"To erudition!" they said in unison, and Partitio's laughter filled the tavern as they finished off their drinks.

"Well, Osvald, whaddya say we go and meet this Alrond already?" Partitio said, and they both stood up when Osvald nodded.

"Yeehaw!" Partitio's eyes sparkled with determination as he threw his arm over Osvald's shoulders. "I just hope that my discerning customer bites."

"He will," Osvald said, and Partitio's eyes widened with shock. "You've shown your prowess as a merchant many times now, Partitio. If anyone can do this, it's you, and you alone."

Up until now, Osvald had been vocally opposed to Partitio's agreement to buy the steam engine rights for a whopping 80 billion leaves, so this sudden declaration of support was especially touching. Partitio grinned as he placed his hands on Osvald's shoulders.

"Wow, Osvald, thankee kindly! Hearing that from you means a lot to me!"

"...R-Right. Let's…, ahem, get going."

Partitio tilted his head, perplexed when Osvald suddenly averted his gaze. The distinguished scholar didn't usually trip over his words like that and…wait, was he blushing?

Osvald lifted a hand to his face and moved to leave the tavern, but he couldn't hide the obvious reddening of his cheeks from Partitio. He covered his mouth with his hand to stifle a laugh as he followed the object of his affection, and he hoped that he could bring himself to focus on how he was going to persuade Alrond to help him before they got to his manse.

"Shee-oot! Just look at this place!"

Osvald glanced over at Partitio as he whistled, and Partitio's jaw dropped as his eyes darted around the outside of Alrond's estate. Osvald himself was even in awe at how extravagant it all was. The two men walked in silence up the stairs, flanked by a pair of beautifully sculpted statues pouring water into the pond below.

"Wow, Osvald…It really is incredible," Partitio said as they reached the door. Osvald gazed up at the front of the estate, where the golden accents seemed to shine especially bright against a background of white paint.

"Indeed." Osvald glanced at Partitio and chuckled; his eyes were practically sparkling as they darted over the outside of the manse. Osvald waited a few moments, and when Partitio didn't move an inch, he sighed and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Let's get inside already," Osvald said, giving Partitio a firm shake. Partitio snapped his head in Osvald's direction, and his face flushed as he rubbed at the back of his neck.

"Whoops, sorry partner!" he said, letting out a nervous chuckle as he pulled the brim of his hat down to obscure his face, "I got a little star-struck there."

"A little?" Osvald teased, and he chuckled when Partitio playfully swatted his arm. Osvald tried to ignore the way that his heart raced when Partitio looked at him with that beaming smile of his, but that was proving to be a trying task. Partitio reached out to take a hold of Osvald's sleeve, and he let himself be dragged through the door.

"Richest noble in the west, huh? Guess that wasn't an exaggeration…" Partitio muttered as Osvald gazed around at the extravagant decor, including a couple more statues and two shimmering chandeliers that hung from the ceiling on either side of the staircase before them.

"Ya know…" Osvald turned to Partitio, whose brow was furrowed as he rubbed at his chin, "We never did ask that young fella how he knows Alrond."

Osvald shrugged. "Does it matter? That is irrelevant, as long as he was able to get you an audience with him."

"I guess so-"

"Master Partitio, I take it?"

Osvald and Partitio turned towards the voice in unison, and saw a well-dressed man standing next to the stairs. The man offered to lead them to the study, and after they exchanged a glance, they eagerly followed.

"Huh?" Partitio cocked his head to the side when they entered the study and saw who was standing behind the desk. "You're that fella from earlier?" Osvald went tense and narrowed his eyes; he hoped that this wasn't some sort of trick.

Osvald let Partitio do the talking for now, but remained on guard in case of any funny business. His eyes went wide when the young man revealed himself to be none other than the Alrond, and Osvald hummed as tugged at his beard. He watched as a flabbergasted Partitio tried to get a handle on the situation, and a smile crossed his face; he looked rather…charming in this flustered state.

"Don't think ill of me, Partitio," Alrond said with a dramatic flourish of his coat, "I had my reasons for disguising myself as the everyman."

"Indeed," Osvald commented, "I wager that it is easier to talk to the common folk when they think that you are one of them."

"Right you are, Osvald!" Alrond barked out a laugh and placed his hands on his desk. "And, it is also much easier to judge someone's true character when they think that you are nothing special."

"I see…" Partitio mumbled, and he continued his discussion with Alrond while Osvald silently looked on. He concluded that, while a bit eccentric, Alrond seemed to have a good head on his shoulders, and hadn't let his wealth go to his head.

Osvald cracked a smile as he listened to Partitio pitch his reasoning for wanting to buy the rights to the steam engine. When he had first made that deal with Roque, Osvald had thought it ridiculous, illogical, and absolutely inane of Partitio to agree to such a thing. How could someone ever come up with 80 billion leaves in one lifetime?

Yet, as Osvald spent more time with him, he realized that Partitio really was a special, one-of-a-kind person. His incredibly pure, selfless intentions with the steam engine combined with his mercantile expertise now had Osvald convinced that he really could do any damn thing that he set his mind to. It was that kind of grit and determination to make the world a better place that made that small warmth in Osvald's chest grow ever-so-slightly larger.

"Before I invest, I need a closer appraisal of your caliber," Alrond said, and Osvald snorted as he crossed his arms over his chest. He was sure that whatever kind of test that Alrond had in mind, Partitio would pass it with flying colors.

"Er…Do you want me to take my shirt off or something?"

Osvald pulled a face as he jerked his head in Partitio's direction. He hoped he didn't hear what he thought he heard come out of his mouth. Partitio couldn't be that dense…could he?

"Partitio, what-"

"Ah, hells, but that won't do it for me," Partitio continued, laughing as he threw his arm over Osvald's shoulders, "Osvald here's really got me beat when it comes to some impressive muscles!"

"P-Partitio, that's not…Gods help me," Osvald sputtered, his face flushing with his embarrassment as he shook Partitio's arm off and loudly cleared his throat. Partitio cocked his head at him with an eyebrow raised, and Alrond's roaring laughter filled the room.

"Oh, does he now?" Alrond said, his laughter tapering off as he exchanged a sly look with Misha, "I would be very interested in how you know this, Partitio, but now is not the time." Something finally seemed to click for Partitio, because his face suddenly turned a bright shade of red and he frantically waved his hands in front of him.

"W-W-Wait, that's not-That doesn't mean anything, we've just, you know, bathed together a few times and-"

"Together you say." Alrond seemed to be greatly enjoying this incredibly embarrassing situation, and Osvald groaned as he dragged a hand over his face.

"...I think this conversation has gotten off topic." Osvald's eyes were narrowed into a glare as he looked between Partitio and Alrond. From the way that Alrond laughed nervously and Partitio averted his gaze, Osvald deduced that they had gotten the message.

"Y-Yes, quite." Alrond cleared his throat and turned back to Partitio. "Anyway, you both can stay clothed, please, but if you were to remove something…" A wistful look appeared in his eyes as Alrond wandered to the window, and Osvald shared a glance with Partitio as a serious mood fell over the room.

"...Let it be the veneer off Wellgrove."

With a new challenge to complete on his journey to bring prosperity to all, Partitio and Osvald found themselves heading to the markets to see what they could do. Partitio was determined to get this town back on its feet, not just to get Alrond's money, but because it was the right thing to do.

"Er, hey, Osvald?" Partitio suddenly stopped walking and took off his hat, holding it over his chest as he forced his gaze to meet Osvald's. Osvald turned to him with an eyebrow raised, and Partitio sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"I just wanted to say…I'm sorry for, ya know…my careless words back there." Partitio felt his face heat up as Osvald stared at him over his glasses. He felt like such an idiot for not only embarrassing himself, but more so for embarrassing Osvald as well. Osvald's heated glare had been like a punch to the gut, and Partitio winced, hoping that he wasn't too mad…

"...'s fine."

"Huh?" Partitio blinked and stared at Osvald, who pushed his glasses higher up the bridge of his nose as he averted his gaze.

"It's fine. I was just…caught a bit off guard." Osvald chuckled, and Partitio's heartbeat quickened at the sound. "You really don't think before you speak sometimes, do you?"

"I…guess not." Partitio laughed as he scratched at his chin. "I reckon it's one of my character flaws."

Osvald's hand fell onto Partitio's shoulder, and the smile that crossed his face caused Partitio's heart to leap into his throat. "If that's the worst of your flaws…then I think you'll be alright, Partitio."

"Osvald…" Partitio breathed, and he swallowed thickly to try and chase away the dryness in the throat. Osvald broke their eye contact all too soon to gaze around the marketplace, causing a frown to cross Partitio's face.

"So, what's your brilliant plan to bring some life back to this place?" Osvald asked, and Partitio replaced his hat before crossing his arms over his chest. He clicked his tongue as he looked around, before spotting a rather tired merchant trying to sell his wares. Oh no, this wouldn't do at all…

Channeling all of his mercantile know-how and natural charisma, Partitio proceeded to school the merchant in how to properly sell his wares. After he had managed to help him sell a few rugs, Partitio had grasped the root of Wellgrove's woes.

"Bifelgan the Trader, huh?" Osvald mumbled when Partitio returned to him, "It would not surprise me if you were a vessel for the god of commerce himself." A smirk had graced the scholar's face, and Partitio barked out a laugh.

"That sounds a bit weird coming from a logical, scholarly type such as yourself." Partitio grinned as they made their way to the tavern. "But, if I'm Bifelgan, then you must be channelin' ol' Alephan the Scholarking, with the way you're always flingin' those spells of yours with such ease."

"...Let's just chalk it up to us being very passionate about and dedicated to our respective professions," Osvald said, and they both paused when they reached the tavern. "So, did helping that merchant spark any ideas?"

"Boy howdy, did it!" Partitio winked as he nudged Osvald with his elbow. "I've got a handle on this pickle now."

"I knew you would." The earnest way that Osvald spoke made Partitio's smile grow, and they both entered the tavern. Partitio was glad to see that the rest of their companions were gathered around a table. He was going to need all the help that he could get to pull off his plan…

Osvald didn't know how he did it, but Partitio continued to punch through every single obstacle in his path, no matter how daunting it seemed. Turning in place, Osvald took in the incredible sight that was Alrond's Department Store. It had taken a lot of work from a lot of different people, but Partitio had managed to bring so many merchants together in one place to sell their vastly different goods.

After they had secured an abandoned building as a location and Partitio had hired the local merchants to renovate the place, their group of travelers had split up to go and find some quality goods to sell.

Osvald had joined Partitio on a tropical excursion to Tropu'hopu and had secured a supply of coffee beans, much to Osvald's own delight. Temenos and Throné had been tasked with finding something in Clockbank, and they returned with a heaping pile of pocket watches. Ochette and Castti made their way to Oresrush, where they managed to get their hands on the finest silverwork that they had to offer. Agnea and Hikari had stayed in Wellgrove to help with the final renovations, and now the department store was well-stocked and ready to open.

"Heya, Osvald!" He turned to see Partitio rushing towards him, and he skidded to a stop in front of Osvald, almost tipping over in the process.

"Easy there." Osvald grasped one of Partitio's shoulders to steady him, and he sighed and shook his head when Partitio laughed as he slapped his knee.

"Shee-oot! Thankee kindly, partner!" Partitio grabbed Osvald's arm and tugged him towards the door. "C'mon, it's time to report back to Alrond 'n' let him know the good news!"

"Oh, oh! I wanna come too!" Ochette suddenly appeared upon her favorite perch: Osvald's shoulders, "I wanna see where Ron-Ron lives!"

"Uh, Ron-Ron?"

"I would like to join you as well." Partitio startled slightly as Temenos suddenly appeared beside him, and Osvald raised an eyebrow at him. "I too am curious about the residence of our favorite eccentric nobleman."

"Fine, just don't cause trouble, you two," Osvald warned, but he had a feeling that his warning fell on deaf ears as the two in question ignored him to chat among themselves.

"Aw, they'll be fine, Osvald!" Partitio said, snickering as they all headed out of the department store, where Mahina was quick to join them. "It'll just be a quick trip, what could go wrong?"

Apparently, something could, Osvald deduced as the group approached Alrond's estate. Mahina let out a distressed hoot, and he felt Ochette immediately tense up as her grip on his shoulders tightened considerably. Osvald's eyes narrowed as an odd fog rolled up around them.

"Weather's all wrong for a fog bank to roll on through…" Partitio mumbled beside him, and Temenos nodded.

"Indeed," he said, his tone unusually serious, "Something feels very wrong here."

"What in tarnation…" Partitio said, and Osvald's eyes narrowed as he looked at Alrond's manse, which was shrouded in the thick, white fog.

"Something smells…rotten, and it's not meat…" Ochette's voice was quiet as she sniffed the air, and Osvald clenched his teeth as he pushed up his sleeves.

"Let's go. Now." Osvald said, and the group didn't think twice before charging headlong into the eerie mist. They entered the manse to find the interior also blanketed by fog, and Osvald heard Partitio crack his knuckles beside him.

"The hells? It's even misty inside. It ain't right…"

"M-Master…Partitio…"

Partitio immediately sprinted up the stairs, with Osvald and Temenos close behind, while Ochette continued to cling to Osvald's back. They found an injured Misha at the top, and Temenos was quick to administer his healing magic. Ochette jumped down to help hold Misha up as the cleric tended to him.

Osvald's eyes narrowed when Misha explained what had happened, and Partitio growled as he pointed towards Alrond's room. "Hold on Alrond, I'm coming!" With that, he suddenly took off, and Osvald cursed under his breath as he followed.

"...But why's there steam in here-" Partitio was saying when Osvald rushed into the room, but he didn't stop until he placed himself in between Partitio and whatever Osvald had spotted trying to hide in the thickest part of the mist. Suddenly, something came flying out of the steam and hit Osvald hard in the chest, causing him to wince in pain as he fell to one knee.

"Osvald!" Partitio had knelt down beside him, one hand on Osvald's back and a look of absolute panic on his face. Osvald grunted as he pushed himself back to his feet. Ochette, Mahina, and Temenos burst into the room at that moment, and they both took on their battle stances without a word.

"I'm…fine. There's our assailant." Osvald chose to ignore the sharp pain that pulsed through his shoulder as he pointed to the figure hiding in the steam, and he watched as Partitio's gaze locked onto the enemy.

"Fire it up!" Partitio thrust his hand in front of him, and a ball of flame burst forth, hurtling right into the midst of the steam. Osvald heard a startled yelp, and a man fell forward out of his hiding spot.

"Impressive." Osvald's heart swelled with pride at the beautiful display. Partitio was truly turning out to be quite the expert at fire magic. It looked like Partitio would get a chance to truly test his magical prowess, as their assailant wasn't going to give up without a fight…

After quite a brawl with the former Roque Company employee, Thurston, they had emerged victorious and rescued Alrond. Ochette had dragged 'Ron-Ron' off to the department store, with Temenos and Mahina following close behind.

"I can't believe you actually offered that cretin a job," Osvald said as they left Alrond's manse. Partitio shrugged and flicked the brim of his hat.

"Mister Roque would never have hired him if he wasn't a good employee. Just a little misguided is all." Partitio then turned to Osvald and crossed his arms over his chest, an oddly serious look crossing his face.

"But, more importantly, are ya alright, Osvald?"

"...I don't follow."

"That hit ya took, protectin' me from that sneak attack." Partitio frowned as he placed his hand on Osvald's arm, and the latter bit his cheek as he averted his gaze.

"I'm fine, really."

"If you're sure, but…" Partitio paused for a moment, and Osvald forced himself to look him in the eye. "Why'd ya go and do something so reckless like that?"

"I…don't know," Osvald lied, "It was…illogical of me."

It truly was, as Osvald hadn't given himself time to think before he acted. It was reckless, dangerous, and against all that was logical by his calculations. And yet…the urge to protect Partitio at all costs had been at the forefront of his mind at the time, and Osvald found it odd that he would risk his own health for someone else. Well, he wanted to believe that it was odd and inexplicable, but he knew deep down that those pesky feelings of affection that he held for Partitio were to blame for his actions.

Partitio barked out a laugh. "That's pretty odd, Osvald. You're usually all logic, all the time!"

'Not when it comes to you.' Osvald wanted to say, but he held his tongue. He didn't want to worry Partitio, so he would grin and bear the throbbing pain in his shoulder for now.

"Come on, you don't want to miss seeing Alrond's reaction to your latest and greatest achievement, hm?" Osvald said, and Partitio snapped his fingers and took off towards town.

"Yeehaw! You're right, partner! Let's go!"

Osvald chuckled as he made to follow, and Partitio's overwhelming enthusiasm was almost enough to chase his pain away.

Almost…

"Whew, what a day that was, eh Osvald?"

"It was quite eventful, to put it lightly."

Partitio nodded as he closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath of the cool night air. The department store had finally closed up for the evening, and he and Osvald were one of the last people to head out. Partitio had been busy for a good hour or so, talking with merchants and customers alike to get their honest feedback about how Alrond's Department Store's opening day had gone.

He had been surprised when he saw that Osvald had waited for him the entire time, claiming that he wanted to make sure that no one else tried any funny business, after their ordeal with Thurston. Partitio was touched that Osvald seemed to care about his safety so much, so much so that it made his heart skip a beat.

"So, did you acquire any good feedback?" Osvald asked, and Partitio nodded as he waved a notepad in his direction.

"Sure did! I wrote all of the positives and negatives! I'm gonna go over the details with the other merchants before we leave town."

"That's a good idea-hng!" Osvald groaned as he suddenly fell to one knee, and Partitio let out a gasp, his heart sinking as he quickly crouched down next to him.

"Osvald!" Partitio's voice cracked slightly with his worry, and he watched as Osvald clutched at his chest, his jaw clenched tight as he sucked in air through his teeth.

"Damn…" he hissed, staggering a bit as Partitio helped him back to his feet and quickly guided him to a nearby bench. Partitio sat him down and moved Osvald's hand out of the way before pushing his shirt open so that he could examine his chest.

Partitio sucked in a sharp breath and his eyes went wide. The skin on Osvald's left shoulder and part of his chest had turned black and blue, and a shallow cut sat in the middle of the bruising, which seemed to bleed slightly with every breath that Osvald took. Worry was replaced with anger as Partitio snapped his head up, his eyes narrowing into a glare when they met Osvald's.

"Gods damn it, Osvald! Why'd ya tell me you were fine?!" Partitio exclaimed as he tugged at Osvald's coat until the scholar gingerly pulled his arm out of the sleeve, allowing Partitio to push his shirt further out of the way.

"...I'm sorry, Partitio." Osvald's voice was quiet and laced with guilt, but he did not break eye contact. "I did not want to worry you-"

"Well that didn't work out for ya, did it? 'Cause I'm worried enough for the both of us now!"

Osvald went silent and finally tore his gaze from Partitio's to stare at the opposite side of the bench, and the latter let out a deep sigh as he shook his head. He felt bad for his angry outburst, but he wasn't upset because he was mad; he was upset because he was scared. It had scared him terribly, seeing the man that his heart longed for so much collapse like that, and he wondered why Osvald hadn't just asked Temenos to heal him when he first sustained the injury. Ah well, it was all in the past now, and right now Partitio needed to focus on fixing Osvald's reckless mistake.

"Aw hells, I'm sorry, partner," Partitio said softly, and Osvald turned back to him with an eyebrow raised, "I didn't mean to yell at ya, it's just…It scared the daylights outta me when you collapsed like that."

Osvald shook his head as he tugged at his beard. "No, you are right to be upset. In hindsight, I should have alerted someone of my injury. I thought that I could hold out until the excitement died down."

"Well…at least I'm here to take care of ya," Partitio said, rubbing at his chin as he looked closer at Osvald's wound, and he was glad that he had the light of a nearby lamppost to help him see, "It's an itty-bitty cut, so I might be able to close it at least, until we can get the expert to look at it."

"Hm?" Osvald gazed at him over his glasses, his eyes narrowed with confusion, and Partitio chuckled as he rolled up his sleeves.

"Yep! You're lucky that Castti taught me some of her healin' magic." Partitio's brow furrowed with concentration as he held his hands over the cut. "It'll be alright…"

A soft, glowing light enveloped Partitio's hands as well as the cut, and Partitio glanced up to see Osvald's eyes slip shut as he let out a relieved sigh as the magic did it's job. Partitio's lips curled up slightly as he turned his attention to the wound, which slowly but surely knitted itself shut.

"You…are a good healer, Partitio," Osvald said when Partitio had finished with the magical part of the process.

"Haha, thanks!" A cheeky grin crossed his face as he pulled a roll of bandages from one of his inner coat pockets and started wrapping Osvald's wound. "See? Settin' things on fire ain't all my magic's good for!"

"…Unlike mine," Osvald mumbled, and Partitio shook his head.

"That's not true! You can also freeze things, and zappy-zap them with lightning!" He held his free hand up and wiggled his fingers, causing Osvald to snort to suppress a laugh, and he winced in pain

"D-Don't make me laugh...Hurts…"

"Kinda hard not to when you look so cute doing it-"

The words tumbled from Partitio's mouth before he could stop himself, and his face flushed a bright red as Osvald stared at him with wide eyes.

'Aw hells…' Partitio thought, cringing internally at his careless words. Osvald was probably going to scoff at him for even suggesting such a thing…

Instead, to his immense surprise, Osvald began to chuckle, before dissolving into a full-on laughing fit. Partitio watched him, mouth agape, as he continued laughing until tears started falling down his face. A wide grin slowly spread across his face. The sight before him was incredibly rare, and so, so beautiful. Partitio wished he could make Osvald happy like this all the time.

When Osvald finally composed himself, he let out one last chuckle as he lifted his gaze to Partitio's.

"You're…odd, Partitio," Osvald said as he readjusted his askew glasses, and Partitio barked out a laugh himself.

"Well, better odd than boring!"

"...Indeed."

Partitio finished his mediocre bandaging job and stood up. "Well, we should get you inside so you can rest, and get a real pro like Castti to look at ya," he said, offering Osvald his hand to help him up. Osvald took it and was pulled to his feet, wincing slightly as he leaned against Partitio to steady himself. Partitio relished in the warmth of Osvald's hand in his, and was going to miss the feeling when Osvald let go.

However, Osvald did not let go, even as they started walking down the street towards the inn. Partitio's heart hammered hard in his chest, and he couldn't stop a goofy grin from crossing his face. Maybe…maybe there really was a little hope for a love-struck fool like him…

The travelers had quite the adventure in Wellgrove, but it was time for them to move along. Osvald stood at the entrance to town, gazing out at the road ahead as he waited for the rest of his companions to join him. He was feeling impatient and tense, for the group had decided that Montwise was to be their next destination.

"Harvey…" Osvald practically spat the name, like it was poison on his lips. The time for his vengeance was drawing near, and Osvald would get it, one way or another…

"Osvald?"

He turned to find Partitio walking towards him, with Hikari and Agnea close behind. He stopped beside Osvald as the other two went on ahead, and merely the site of Partitio's smile caused the tension to ooze from his body. It was a perplexing physical effect, but it seemed like everything was perplexing when it came to his relationship with Partitio.

"You look like you're wound tighter than a two-leaf pocket watch," Partitio said, a concerned frown crossing his face. Osvald huffed and looked away.

"...I'm fine."

"Hmm." Partitio placed a hand on his hip and wagged a finger at Osvald. "I recall you saying that before…and you remember what happened then, right?"

Osvald felt his face heat up as he cleared his throat. "I am not injured again, if that's what you're implying."

"Well sure, not physically anyway." A sad smile crossed Partitio's face as he took Osvald's hands in his and gave them a squeeze, "But don't you worry, I'm gonna do everything that I can to help you get back at that dastard Harvey!"

"Are you sure that's what you want? You have your 80 billion leaves now." Osvald barely resisted the urge to rub Partitio's fingers between his. "You could go and complete your contract now."

Partitio shrugged and shook his head. "I could, yeah, but…I promised to help you, and that's what I'm gonna do."

Osvald wasn't convinced that this was in Partitio's best interest, but he knew that it would be futile to sway the stubborn merchant from his current path. That wasn't really what Osvald wanted to do anyway, as he enjoyed Partitio's company too much, despite his futile attempts to tell himself otherwise.

"If you're sure." Osvald chuckled when Partitio jabbed him in the side with his elbow.

"'Course I am! Let's hit that dusty trail!" Osvald noted that the rest of their companions had joined them, and he turned to start heading down the road after them, with Partitio by his side.

He also noted that Partitio was still holding one of his hands, and Osvald curled his own around it, as he had that night when Partitio had tended to his recklessly-obtained wound. His other hand fell over his chest, where he could feel his heart beating at a rapid pace. Neither man had said a word about their newfound closeness, and Osvald knew that it wasn't the right time for that conversation. Until that time came, he would cherish the fleeting warmth of Partitio's hand in his for as long as it lasted, no matter how illogical that seemed.