Chapter 41
One of the weird things about this world, or at least, this continent, was just how... geologically broken it was. It made almost no sense! It brought into focus how much this world acted like a game. Melromarc seemed to be a mix of 'grass', 'hill' and 'mountain' areas, where you could almost see borders between them. For example, some of the forests back near Riyute were almost ruler edged with mountain path.
Then there were places like Van's territory. A mountain next to farmland, with no evidence of volcanic activity. It was like someone had just plopped a massive patch of good soil next to it. Or the mines near Mirso. Apparently, the deeper you went, the better ore you found. Not just 'more' but 'different'. Clear transition lines in the rock between coal, lead, iron, copper...
Or this little patch of rock between Melromarc, Zeltobe and Siltvelt. It was a nice rocky patch of land, with good stone and basically nothing else. It was a great place for a fortress, but hopeless as a territory. Not even worth taking over it seemed.
A day on the road, and a bit of work saw the completion of a small magic furnace. It needed a person's magic power to heat up a small set of those little stones that were commonly used for alchemy, but if you had the power, or someone willing to donate their own, my little forge could get hot enough for iron, but more importantly, glass.
Sadly, the wagon was not large enough for a real workshop. I'd need to have made an entirely new wagon for that. But at the very least we could make as many enchanted trinkets as we wanted, arrow heads, fittings and buckles to maintain armour, and if this world had snow, heat the cabin. And being a magical fire, there was no way to actually set the wagon on fire unless you tried REALLY hard.
The second day on the road... As much as I wanted to just... take all the time on the little forge, I couldn't. I'd been neglecting my own self improvement for the last little while. The lack of proper down time was starting to eat into the time needed for other things.
Like the four new shields I'd unlocked, five if you counted the Raccoon Shield. Raphtalia's Shield, or rather, the one I unlocked when I tossed her hair into storage was a high level Shield, that... well... It had a rather unique but very situational effect. 'Hate reduction'. Being the tank of the party, I wanted all the attention. But, if I ever wanted to... I dunno... not be the tank...
Next, the Tyrant Dragon Rex Shield... For the low low price of my entire MP and SP gauges, I could have the mean looking dragon faced kite shield breath out a blast of fire. The stats were good, not incredible, and using its special ability shut off all my magic and special powers for about five minutes. And while I might be the wrong one to say it, the fire wasn't even that hot. But, it was VERY thick black and red fire that you couldn't see through. Maybe some applications for barrier breaking? Meh...
Then my three... personal shields.
The Black Messenger... Aside from the face of the shield looking like a fox that was all too pleased with itself, the stats were rather poor. But, it actually summoned a small black fox. Just one. That acted much like Loaner. Except, it couldn't return a message. It could be 'killed'. And it was only as fast as a filolial. Not nearly as reliable as my usual foxes, but I still sent a message to Van, just to let him know nothing was wrong.
The Golden Harvest... A big dinner plate shield with poor stats. However, it allowed me a similar, but lesser, ability to Haruhime's blessing. I could choose one person, and give them one of my three 'energy' bars. HP, MP or SP. Even in another world, I couldn't escape being a mana battery. But at least most of the Shield's powers ran off SP, but Melty and Usa wouldn't have to suffer from as much potion sickness the next time we got into a big fight. I could also use it for emergency first aid... Kinda...
And the Silver Guardian. A noble silver fox head face on a kite shaped shield. This one allowed me to summon... Well, a poor version of Fen-chan. Yes, a big fox guardian. Except it was more like a robot I could give simple commands to. No personality. It wasn't very strong either. But it COULD keep an eye out for things, and had a real weight to it. So I could at least use it for my favourite trick of 'making a car sized fox knock you over suddenly'.
Stupid Shield... mocking me like this... Before I came here, I could do everything it could do, only better.
Day three, and within sight of Zeltobe saw the completion of two projects.
First, and most importantly...
Poor Raphtalia still hadn't settled on what exactly to call me. "I'd been wondering why you put the flower pots on the corners of the wagon Boss."
We had stopped for breakfast just off the road to Zeltobe, even from here we could all tell it was a happening place, and our occasional peek over the walls because of the hilly terrain gave me a better picture of what the place was all about.
But back to Raphtalia. "Well, we happen to have the best giant bee in the world here." I said, my tail swishing at Kunshu as she watched what I was doing intently. "And I have a huge amount of those weird seeds, and a nice wagon to decorate."
Usa spoke up, giving the Empress Bee the headpats I couldn't because my hands were dirty. "I thought you were going to grow medicinal plants in them?"
"I am. But if I've gotten this right..." I summoned up a watering can from the Shield's inventory (Clive was really good at domestic metal work) and poured a bit of water on the weird looking seed pod, "Kunshu? Stick to the wall and guide the vines around the pegs?"
At attention instantly, she stuck herself to the wagon wall... and a few seconds later the seed I'd planted sprouted, and started to creep upwards. Moments later, with careful nudging and shifting from Kunshu, the vine had crawled its way up the wagon, onto, over and around the roof, then back down another corner. Dutifully, with me continuing to water and sprinkle fertilizer into the flower pot, Kunshu chased the vine around the wagon until it had gone all around its edges, up and down both sides, and then back down to 'terminated' in another pot.
"Okay, cut the end off, and put it in the soil over there." I said.
"buzz?" Like so?
"Now, here's a funny thing some very bored people did where I'm from." I said, "I want you all to take a few seeds and a little knife, and carefully plant them all over this nice vine."
The end result? A vine that was spliced with dozens of flowers and medicinal herbs. The editing that the Bio-plant shield allowed me to do meant I could make a vine, that could support all these 'parasite' plants that were now spliced into it. Now Kunshu had all the flowers she could ever want, and unless someone set our wagon on fire, we'd never want for medicinal plants. It also smelled nice.
But, after all of us took a moment to appreciate our super colourful wagon home, we looked to the northeast, "Well, lets get on our way."
The second project was met with less fanfare, but was still pretty important. I'd seen a few already, and decided to make my own, mostly since our entire party had been making all kinds of enchanted items.
It was an 'identification loupe'. Because of the Shield I had it 'built in'. But not everyone in the world did, and well, I did say I 'could crash the market with enchanted items'. All those simple metal tags of iron, bronze, copper and silver had been used up by the entire party, and now were worth...
Well, unless something stopped us, I might try and figure out the net worth of Melromarc and just buy it out from under that stupid twit on the throne.
"Of course..." I sighed as we got to the thick granite walls of Zeltobe's border.
There wasn't a line, thankfully, but there were guards, and of course, they looked like they wanted to fleece me for money. One thing I did notice though, was that the guards were using really good equipment. It wasn't that it was 'super bright and shiny'. No, the two guards outside the gate were wearing 'well loved' plate armour. But it was precisely that. This was personal armour, not 'mass produced' generic stuff that Ake and his squads used.
"Papers and reason for visiting." He asked as I gave Tetsu the smallest of tugs on the reins. "And... where did you get this beast?"
To his credit, he didn't even flinch when Tetsu turned her long neck around to glare at him. "I got her from an egg about the size of your head." I replied, tugging the merchant pass out from between my breasts, something I was still getting used to having again. "I'm sponsored by Riyute village, and I'm here to sell metals, enchanted crafts and medicine."
He looked at me, looked at the party (Usa was sitting beside me, while Clive and Melty were in the wagon, and lastly Raphtalia was on Melty's filolial looking like a mercenary sword lady), then looked back to me to 'read' my license that was still dangling in front of my cleavage.
"I'm not that kind of merchant." I said.
His fellow guard laughed while the one next to me turned and coughed into his hand, "Ahem. I suggest you go to the merchant hall first. New merchants are... welcome but there are rules." He held up a hand to stall my question, "Past the gate, down the street, past the coliseum. Second biggest building in Zeltobe, can't miss it. I also suggest heavily that you don't spend any money until you get there an announce yourself."
"Thank you." I said, tucking my license away, "That it?"
"We don't get paid to antagonize the new merchants, and there's more than enough things in the city to spend money on." He shrugged. "Just tell them the afternoon watch sent you."
"Aha, finder's fee for giving directions." I nodded, "I'll do that."
The entire party was acting a bit like a tourist line as we went down the main street of Zeltobe. This place was... energetic. It was almost like there was something in the air itself. People were walking from place to place with an easy quick pace. The beggars waved cheerfully to people, even if all they got was a dirty look in reply. The merchants (not many on this street) were full of energy as they advertised. The adventurers (mercenaries? I was told this was a mercenary stronghold of sorts) walked with confidence...
There was none of that under the skin tension there was in Melromarc. If I had to compare it to anyplace... it almost felt like home on the last day of a festival weekend or something. That 'last minute energy'. Yeah.
"Oh? Something amusing?" Melty asked, her hands taking hold of my tails before they could swish at her.
I looked over my shoulder, "The atmosphere is completely different. Feels more like home."
"This is a major trade hub." She said, "I only know the basics, but it's not run by nobility, but merchants. If they happen to be nobility, it counts for nothing unless they have money."
"Ah, oligarchy. Hmm..." I scratched one of my ears.
"See this, ma'am Melty? This is her thinking face." Usa remarked, "If you let her tails go..."
I ignored them as best I could as my tails went to perch on people to tap thoughtfully. If I arrived with 'self importance' in front of these merchants, I'd likely be squashed, or threatened, or any number of things to be 'shown my place'. If I arrived all humble and hangdog, I wouldn't be taken seriously until I started making money, then likely end up in the first situation if I wasn't careful.
But if I had a sponsor...
"See? She's come to a conclusion now." Usa said as I perked up.
"You're taking some of my fun out of this." I said to him. "But today's lesson is, you are who you know." I rubbed at one of my horns, this time getting an almost pleasing tingle through them, "We're going to make a little detour. Tetsu? Remember the guy in the silly hat?"
Knowing we were trying not to be discovered just yet, she looked back at me and nodded. Such a good girl she was.
"Think you can sniff out that perfume he was wearing?"
It was of little surprise that the Ringmaster's uncle peddled his 'wares' near the coliseum. The big difference though, was he didn't need to hide anything about it. He also didn't need to hide anything about his merchandise, leaving some of the slaves for sale all but naked on the auction block. But, the slaves on display right now were human, and not my problem. Now, if we found more of Raphtalia's villagers...
Now, public displays aside, he still had the circus theme going on, with the big round tents and muscle clowns. Being a place that was big on fighting though, these ones were professionally armoured and their makeup was more 'Metallica' instead of the more traditional white with red. It made them look much meaner.
And just like before, after we 'parked' the wagon, the squat little man in the purple suit and silly top hat seemed to appear out of nowhere.
"Welcome! I hardly expected you so soon! No... Ma'am." He said with the exact same smile as the other one.
"Are they twins?" Raphtalia asked.
I presented the card I'd gotten from the Melromarc Ringmaster, "I'm curious about that as well."
His eyes went wide behind his round rimmed glasses as he accepted the card and to my surprise bit the corner. His teeth left a sparkling outline, not of metal, but magic. "Ah, I see my nephew has given you his full endorsement! You must have brought him a lot of business! Yes Ma'am!"
"We did." I nodded, "I'll be plain, and say I find the flesh trade distasteful. But, I'll also be honest and say I wouldn't have done so well as I have without it." I looked behind me, then back to him, "None of them are for sale, ever. Do not ask."
"A great shame! But I understand! It is not uncommon for a generous master to gain true friendship from a former possession." He nodded to himself, "But, if you find my business distasteful, what brings you to the very core of my empire?"
"That is something to be discussed off the streets." I said, "If you would invite us in, we can talk business."
"If your wondrous dragon could be so kind as to move your wagon over this way, I will gladly entertain your offer over tea!"
He reminded me of Ganesha. It had taken a moment or two to pin down the feeling, but yes, both this and the other Ringmaster reminded me of Ganesha. Bright, cheerful, a bit silly, but those hid a razor sharp mind and wit.
So, while our party had tea and biscuits, I told him the short version of what brought me here. It was clear on his face, and I had no doubt he was relaxing his 'guard' a little to actually let me read his expressions, that he was putting together a lot of the 'whys' for my treatment.
Then I got to the last part...
"So, we're here to get my party through the Class Up ceremony." I finished, setting down my teacup carefully.
"My my, I can certainly see why you are here, yes Ma'am. But they do not give the Class Up ceremony here. No Ma'am." He shook his head.
I looked him in the eyes and smiled, "Then we'll buy it. But one way or another, my party is going to visit the town's hourglass, and they are going to get their Class-up."
He frowned, shaking his head, "I doubt even a Hero could come up with the-"
I set down one of our newly made Appraisal Lenses, and motioned to Clive. "I made this. Do not touch the string and the crystal at the same time." I motioned to Raphtalia, who very carefully set down the Atma Weapon, "Don't touch this at all." then to Kunshu, who didn't come closer but one of her remaining 'swarm' detached from her forehead and landed gracefully on the table. "This is just super sharp, safe otherwise."
He first looked through the lens I'd provided, then took out one of his own (framed in gold, not iron like mine). But as my party and I picked up and set down items for him to look at, I could actually see him start to sweat.
"Ma'am..." He almost stammered the word out, "Are you aware of just how dangerous a game you are playing?"
"Good Sir." I replied, my breath frosting in the air as I spoke, "During the last wave, all four heroes were nearly killed. I am not concerned overmuch about the 'games' of 'the people'. If your world is destroyed, I cannot return home. And if you think the items I've shown you are impressive..."
With a rasping scrape, I removed one of the hundred or so teeth we'd pulled out of the Dragon Tyrant's skull from the Shield's inventory, and pressed it through a cobblestone. Yes, I did. With no attack power worth mentioning, I put the point of the tooth through stone.
"You give me some time and a reasonable workshop, and I will produce wonders you'd only see in legends." I smiled, "I need a known entity in this city, to get the attention of whatever passes for leadership in this town, so I can gain the power my party needs to save your world."
He looked at the glossy black tooth, the sundered stone under its point, then past me to my party. "Is she always like this?"
They all nodded, most of them sighing. I tried to keep my expression fixed, though I'd pout later at them.
He sighed as well, but looked me in the eyes a moment later, the manic grin returning to his face, "If that's the case, I think I can accommodate your request! But-"
"Money will be involved, of course." I said, "And, if you have anyone my second in command knows, we'll be sure to buy them. I do not want to spend long here though."
He considered a moment, "In that case, I will come up with a plan. As of now, consider yourselves my guests. Rest, relax, and by evening I will have almost everything in order for you to begin tomorrow."
I looked to the party. The overall look was mixed. Clive was mostly unreadable, but both his eyes had shifted to focus on me. Usa didn't like the idea of staying, but his hand gripped the handle of his whip in determination. Melty... Well, she wanted words with me, but was too polite to let it show past the look in her eyes. Raphtalia... She almost looked hopeful. I could of a few reasons why.
"Very well. It's been a while since we just... stopped for a rest." I replied.
"Excellent." And he snapped his fingers, a Metallica Clown appearing from the shadows, "Our dignitary rooms, and have the workshop swept out." He looked up at me as I stood, "It's only ever been used to make things for the animals, and I've since had that work outsourced to someone else since the former smith died in the arena."
"My teacher only needed fire, a hammer and burning passion." I smiled, "And I have seven able hands to assist me."
"It will be ready by morning. Follow him, and dinner will be at sun down." He laughed, "My little nephew thinks you're worth his endorsement? We will put that to the test, Ma'am Hero." He turned, clapped his hands, and said, "Bring my logbooks!" And tottered off.
We followed the Metallica Clown a moment later, "Sir... I'm not sure this is a good idea." Usa said, "He seems clearly motivated by money, but..."
"We're both taking a gamble. But with all of you helping me, we've convinced him the gamble is worth taking." I looked to Melty. "Hmm?"
"We cannot stay here long." She said, "I thought-"
"We are." I said, "Your mother is next on the list of people to save. But we need that ritual for all of you. And if this town really is a place of mercenaries, we can also use the money to buy a few, and rescue her by force if needed." I looked over my shoulder, "Kunshu? Return to the wagon, bring Tetsu. Fluffy beds for both of you tonight." Then ahead, "Hey! Going to bring one more along."
The big scary Clown stopped, looked at me, then at Kunshu as she buzzed away, extended his index and pinkie fingers, nodded seriously, then continued to walk.
The 'dignitary' rooms were... well they were pretty incredible. Located a little behind the big tent and just out of sight of the main road, it was a small manor. Comfortable, quiet, nice windows, carpets... This was probably the place the Ringmaster put his exceptionally rich guests. For him though, it probably meant people like Idol, who couldn't decide on the kind of slave they wanted until after a good sleep.
But I didn't mention that, or think on it more than I had to.
Food was incredible. It was a little weird to see a kitchen full of Metallica Clowns doing the cooking, but I couldn't find a single flaw in the food. Usa's inability to eat red meat was taken into account. Melty's leaning towards sweeter foods was handled. Clive's food was sliced into small easy to eat bits without making it look like a kid's meal...
It was clear the Ringmaster was buttering us up, but also that he didn't know us. We said we would, and thus we would. But I wouldn't turn down the good service. It was a little sad that the slave traders of the world treated us better than the royalty who summoned me here.
"I hope you have enjoyed your meal?" The Ringmaster entered as a Metallica Clown (in a maid outfit) took our plates. "I have come up with several avenues towards the greatest profits, and given a little warning to some of my more skittish associates, so they can support me, to support you." He grinned, "Of course, you know I will be taking a cut of the profits you bring in, yes?"
"For use of your contacts, and your backing, of course." I said, looking away to address my party, "See? You are who you know."
"A good life lesson! Yes Ma'am!" He grinned while my party nodded. "Now, I will admit I assumed somewhat to you and your party's ability. But if anything on my list of profitable paths seem impossible or distasteful, speak up, and I will strike them from the list." He tapped his cane to the floor to halt the first thing I was about to say, "No Ma'am. That kind of business is not on my list!"
"Good. Carry on then." I nodded.
The plans for profit were quite simple. We could sell things, obviously. This would bring in stable and good profit, but we'd be in competition against others who sold what I had. Medicine, was already a 'big item' here since the fighting arenas were in constant use, almost without pause.
We could take commissions. Fewer customers, more risk with payment (though the Ringmaster doubted we'd have problems), and we'd probably had more than a couple... less tasteful clients who wanted things they really shouldn't have.
We could just put things on display as we made them. With my skill, and the capabilities of my party, we could just flood the market with 'reasonably cool things'. However, this was a mercenary town, and it was already loaded with 'reasonably cool things'. We'd be the 'new guys in town' and have to rely on the Ringmaster more for advertising.
The fighting pits were the next 'thing'. We were all capable fighters, and while the arenas deaths were rare, every so often they had 'that one guy' who decided to permanently end a career. There were actual pits for that, but not everyone followed the rules. There were other risks too, like hidden magic items, corrupt officials, you know, the usual dirty tactics. But, I wouldn't say no if anyone in the party wanted to try.
After all the silly gestures, assurances of aid, and confident swaggering from the Ringmaster, a silence fell over the dinner table.
"Well, I can assure you that my party and I are capable of all these things." I nodded, "Do you have a place for us to sell our wares?"
"Of course! At your word, I can have it set up however you wish." He grinned, "I've heard rumour of the Lucky Dragon and the medicines it carries around-"
"Yes! I am the lucky dragon. But you don't give headpats, do you?" Tetsu asked the Metallica Maid, who looked like he REALLY wanted to, but alas, was under orders to do his job and no more.
"But, I was sure the Hero of the Shield was a man." The Ringmaster mused.
"So long as people keep thinking that, the longer I can stay and profit." I said, "The Shield is exceptionally unpopular in Melromarc, and has been forbidden by the King from leaving its boarders."
"Well Ma'am! Since I see no Shield on you, you can't be him. No Ma'am." He grinned, likely perfectly aware the Shield was stuck to my back under my cape. "And since I dare not be wrong about whom I am supporting, you are simply a woman of exceptional talent with item craft! Yes Ma'am!"
I looked to Melty, who took her cue, "Ah, good Sir. Has there been any word on my request?"
"Ah yes! Young lady who is certainly not the princess of Melromarc. I can have your message sent at any time."
Melty looked to me, "Tomorrow morning." I said, "After breakfast, since it's going to be a long run."
The Ringmaster laughed, "Very well! Would you like to be shown your workshop now then?"
The workshop was... serviceable. It had most of the things I would need, a LOT of dust, more than a few spiders, and a small vase with a long wilted flower in it sitting on the anvil.
Thankfully, the things it didn't have were in the Wagon, the dust wasn't filth and easily cleaned, and Kunshu liked spiders.
However, I told them to leave the vase there until we were cleaned up.
"And so, a smith returns to the shop, hoping to do the former owner proud." I said, putting in a fresh flower and setting the little vase by a window. "May your soul rest easy, and the fire of the forge guide you." The well loved hammer that was hanging on the wall by a bunch of other dusty tools joined the little flowerpot.
Four out of four worlds knew about 'a moment of silence', and my party simply observed as I said my little prayer.
But, now that I'd said it, I turned towards the furnace. "A hammer, a fire, and burning passion!" And with a somewhat smokey 'whoosh' the coal in the furnace ignited with foxfire. "Raphtalia? What's the store look like?"
Moment of silence over, she snapped to attention, "Ah, it was less dusty, and has plenty of shelf space." She paused, "But..."
"We're just covering our options. I think I have a bit of an idea, but first, I must make good on my promise to Melty. I'll need one volunteer, but the rest of you can go back and see if the baths are as good as they looked."
Raphtalia stayed behind to help me. After... well not betraying her hopes that I was a man, but something close, I had expected her to become a little more distant. I mean, more distant than I was keeping her already.
For the first half hour, while we got the glass furnace all set up and bubbling, she was simply helping. Tidying up the last bits of the workshop, helping measure white sand, or crush the glass we'd gotten in that sad little town.
"How long were you going to keep it a secret?" She asked suddenly, not pausing her work even though I nearly dropped the hollow metal tube I'd be using for the glass.
"I still plan to." I said, recovering, "At least for a little longer. But to you and the party? I don't know really." I opened the lid of the little glass furnace, then closed it. "And I told you, I'm married. And if my wife gave me permission? Well, I'm still a woman, so you'd have found out anyhow..."
This time it was Raphtalia who nearly dropped what she was holding. "I... well... that is..."
"It's a bit weird for me too." I admitted, "I mean, technically, I never had a childhood in this body. I started full grown, with a lifetime of experience already in my head. If you want to get technical, this is my third 'lifetime'. Kinda... Sorta..." I sighed, not knowing how to 'let down' a hormonal 'adult' demi-human who wanted what I didn't have (at least, without a full moon and a bit of random chance).
Raphtalia didn't know either it seemed, and she just sat in silence.
"It's my hope, Raphtalia, that you stay by my side a bit longer. No matter what, you're a trusted friend. Our party wouldn't have done as well as it has without you. Before we leave Zeltobe, we'll check to see if anyone from Lurolona is here, and we will free them." I didn't really know how else to assure her.
"What about after?" She asked, her tail lashing back and forth.
"We can take them to Van's territory, and hopefully they'll be safe there." I replied.
"No. After that, after everything, after the waves."
"I must return home." I said, "If you want to follow me there? There will be a place for you. It wouldn't be the first time I've brought people home with me from a trip like this."
"Clive? Usa? Tetsu? Kunshu?"
"If there is an option for it, they'd be welcome too." I said seriously, "To be honest, I have no idea if it's possible. The only clue I have that it is, is the book I read that got me here. It made no mention of 'others'. Or how they returned home. So... if I can, and any of you want to."
There was a bit more angry tail lashing, but she finally said, "So long as you promise to try."
"I promise." I said, "Don't lose sight of the path in front, while you look at the goal ahead." I reached over and put a hand on her shoulder, "If it makes you feel any better, you're a good Big Sister."
She laughed a little bitterly, "Except you're the big sister now."
"Nah, you can keep doing it. Like making sure I don't stay up too late getting this to work. Give me a hand, and I'll show you how to make an Occulus. We need to make... six sets I think."
The next morning, after we'd finished breakfast and had a bit of a chat on 'the plan' for the next few days, the Ringmaster arrived in the dining room. Bright and cheerful as ever, likely more so since we were technically under his employ, he asked, "Have you decided on how to proceed?"
"We'll be doing everything." I said, the rest of the party nodding.
"Clive and I will work with your... um..." Usa scratched his chin, "Master of wagers?"
"Myself and Kunshu will be working in the store proper." Melty said, reaching over her shoulder to give her bee backpack a headpat.
"Tetsu and I will be in the workshop." I said, "I'll have a few things made by noon or so, and accept commissions."
"And I will be moving about as needed." Raphtalia said.
"Splendid!" The Ringmaster nodded, tapping the tip of his cane to the nice tile floor, "Ma'am Melty? Do you have a message then?"
"Not exactly. But this box here must make it to my mother as quickly as possible." She set a small latched metal box that I'd made last night on the table. About as big as a fist, the padded inside held one half of an occulus pair.
The little box vanished under the Ringmaster's hat, "It will be done. How long do you think it will take before you are ready? Zeltobe doesn't sleep very much, so the money is always flowing."
"An hour for the store, a half hour for the workshop." I said.
"Very well! I look forward to your success!"
"Well, obviously, since it would be your success too." I replied, standing up, the rest of the party following suit. "Stay alert, stay calm."
"Yes Ma'am."
Notes!
Next episode? New faces, new equipment, new problems, old solutions!
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