“Thirty? Possible, but I believe you are attempting to inflate the price by quite a bit. While that amount means little to me, being cheated infuriates me!” Joe’s friendly demeanor dropped with the final statement, his eye’s flat with the memory of the interaction with Muonooan, the partier that had tried to price gouge him badly

The woman did nothing, but she did raise her hand to stop the men who’d all risen to their feet. The men froze, waiting in expectant silence before the woman finally nodded, “A woman has to try!”

“And offend people around her? Sounds like a road leading straight to hell.”

Her eyes quirked at his statement, “You believe in hell? You do not seem to be a very… religious man.”

“A descriptive statement. Nothing more.”

She nodded at that and continued, “Twenty cores.”

Joe stared at her for a moment before he finally sighed and shook his head, “You still test me.”

Joe turned and walked away, “Come, Zilnek. Where there is one, there are hundreds more.”

Zilnek seemed to freeze a bit before turning to scramble after him. They almost reached the door before she called out.

“Wait!”

Joe turned and looked back at her, the haughty attitude replaced by grim determination, “The information is worth fifteen cores. I have need of twenty. Are there other services we could offer you for the last five.”

“Honesty is … my preferred currency.”

The woman stared at him for a moment before nodding her head, “Rare amongst those with power.”

Joe smiled, “I’m rare.”

The woman smiled slightly but said nothing in response and Joe considered for a bit, “How about everything possible about jobs, job skills and titles.”

The woman grimaced at that before nodding, “That is only worth a single core, at best. What we offer would likely already be known to you.”

“There are no… secrets unknown to the public?”

The woman shook her head, “Secrets of the nobles but the secrets of the nobles are known only to the nobles and can be spoken of only by and to the nobles.”

“Nobles?”

“Those of the clans.”

“So they won’t share their knowledge with the petty commoners.”

The woman opened her mouth and looked to start shaking her head before she seemed to freeze, unable to move as her entire body locked for a split second before she snapped out of it and shifted her body to another stance, moving to hide her full body stutter. Joe’s eyes widened at that and he came to a sudden realization. She really IS nobility… of some kind! She saw his eyes and immediately realized, both staring at each other for a moment before Joe smiled and bowed his head.

“Clanner’s are bastards who hoard everything for themselves, aren’t they,“ Joe grinned evilly at her and she hid her own grimace.

“Evil exists everywhere.”

“True, but most easily seen and expressed in the powerful.”

She actually took a moment to reflect before she nodded, her eyes taking on a subtle respect, “That, I would agree with.”

The both held the moment in mutual understanding before Joe broke it as they were not alone, “I am uncertain of what I can find at this time. How long would you need?”

The woman sighed at that and nodded her head grudgingly, “I’ll need a week.”

Joe nodded in response before getting ready to leave, then stopped, “Let us meet for a meal at the adventurer’s guild to discuss. I’ll pay.”

She smiled cynically at that but bowed in acknowledgement. Joe then turned to leave and this time actually made the door before he stopped and turned around, reconsidering a moment, “Sixteen cores, right?”

She nodded.

“If I may, why do you need twenty?”

She paused for a moment, eyes narrowing and face flattening before she seemed to come to a decision, “To save a life.”

Joe nodded and thought for a moment. Do I take the chance? Maybe… think I can… I’m pretty sure she’s a noble… and if she’s down here… she’s not likely doing well, so…

“Get it to me within four days and… tell me of nobility. How does one become a noble? After doing so, how does one take on subjects? If you do so, I’ll pay you twenty. Oh, and… which god or goddess… or which temple do the priests of Mimir… or Mimir himself, not like. Which temple does Mimir and his priests not like to associate with or have interactions with.”

She gasped slightly at that, obviously happy at meeting her need for twenty cores, but still seemed cautious at the added questions. She stepped forward before nodding, more open and hoping to express it.

“As a sign of good faith, Saga and Mimir… are not known to enjoy one another’s company. It… extends to the priesthood as well. Now, how will we contact you if we can get it before four days?”

Saga, huh “Thank you for your trust. For contact, inform us at the beginner’s dungeon on the first floor. If your people are even half as good as they seem, they will easily learn of us and where we usually are on the first floor. We will meet for supper that evening at the adventurer’s guild to discuss and exchange information.”

“You are not concerned being seen with one of ours?”

“Like I said, your people are good enough. They will be able to inform us without others seeing. Or, is the beginner’s dungeon a danger to you and yours?”

She grimaced at that before shaking her head, “I have two or three who could handle the beginner’s dungeon.”

Joe thought for a moment, “Do you know what a bandanna is?”

“A face covering?”

“Ah, no… well, yes. But it can also be worn rolled on the forehead and tied around the head in back as very weak protection for the eyes against sweat and blood. Is blue an appropriate color?”

“What?”

“Is blue an appropriate color? Does it signify anything… strange or dangerous if an individual wears a blue color?”

“No.”

“Then have your three people wear blue bandanas on the first floor. If I see them, I’ll wear a red cloak, acknowledging that I have seen them and will meet at the adventurer’s guild that night. Have them take off their blue bandanas while I am watching them so I know they have received the message and they are not a random group wearing blue bandanas.”

The woman looked at him in some confusion, shock quite evident, “Are you a spymaster?”

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

Joe smiled, “No. Read a lot of books.”

“Red… books… what are… books? Are they usually red?”

Joe laughed and shook his head, “You would need to pay me for that information.”

She laughed at that and waved him out.

“Expect our team on the second or third day.”

“Quite confident. Good.” Joe smiled and bowed slightly before turning and heading out the door with Zilnek. She did nothing, simply watching him leave before bursting into action, calling out to her people in rapid fire instructions.

Joe lost most of it when the door shut behind him, but they walked away and it was Zilnek who seemed as giddy as Garnedell usually was, and spent the walk back to the inn excitedly recapping what Joe had done in pain staking but excited detail. Joe pondered his options.

Saga… so… if I do go with Saga, they won’t likely interact with Mimir at all… then Kukurnal won’t hear of it… And if I’m leveling so fast… some would worry… but the leadership might… they might get greedy… hope to dig out the secret from me? Maybe … hmm.

When they made it back to the inn, Zilnek regaled mostly Garnedell of Joe’s actions describing much more danger than was actually there, but Zilnek was unwilling to take Joe’s corrected descriptions while Garnedell simply ignored him and focused on Zilnek’s play by play. Kilniara seemed more nervous throughout the description, but was just as heavily invested in Zilnek’s story telling. After the story was finished, Joe stood and beckoned Kilniara out of the room with a subtle nod of his head. The two boys looked up at this then simply turned away, unconcerned with what was happening.

Kilniara leapt to her feet and quickly followed after, hiding her nervousness, certain of what was to come. However, Joe remained silent until they were out into the streets and Joe began to lead them deeper into the city. Kilniara look up at him and decided to seek some answers.

“Where are we going?”

Joe glanced back down, “Oh… I’m sorry. That… was.. I was really rude.”

Kilniara’s concern vanished and she giggled, “I don’t mind taking a walk with you anywhere… so it’s fine.”

Joe chuckled, “I figured we could head to the Freya temple. You said they might help, yes?”

Kilniara grew quiet, then excited, “You are willing?”

Joe smiled, “Still… need time. But after this counseling session, I will see.”

Kilniara’s eyes widened some more and her smile grew with them, “Tonight?”

Joe chuckled, “Tonight.”

Kilniara remained silent on the trip but was excitedly bouncing by his side, and he found his own joy soaring in response to hers. He glanced down at her a few times as they walked and they soon were at the temple. He had to ask where the Freya temple was, but the quickly passed through the temple plaza and were soon walking up the steps to the temple of Freya. As usual, nothing distinguished it from all other temples.

He entered and quickly sought out the attendants that offered other services than the typical job change ones. Kilniara trailed happily and excitedly after him and they soon stood before the two helper priests that were there. They were both busy, so Joe waited patiently for a time until one became clear. With that, the priest turned towards him.

“How may I help you, sir?”

“I seek counsel for two, both individually then together after meeting with one another individually.”

“Counsel of what kind?”

“Counsel for a couple seeking marriage.”

His statement brought a deep flush to Kilniara, her entire body flushing red and Joe quirked a humorous eyebrow at her and he turned back to the priest.

“To clarify, we are not getting married, nor are we even considering such quite yet. But we wish to make certain our desires are honest and truthful for one another and that we will honestly be able to grow with one another. It is to see if the chance of marriage is a meaningful possibility or if such is foolish and unwise.”

The priest nodded at that, “A seeking of courtship.”

Joe cocked his head at that, “If… that is what it is called?”

“You seek to ascertain if a courtship is viable for both.”

“Yes.”

The priests nodded, “Certainly. Please follow the runner.”

Joe turned to find a young man beckoning him and he quickly followed after. Kilniara came to his side and the two followed after the runner at a rapid pace. Five minutes of walking and Joe thoroughly lost in the depths of the temple before the runner had them before an odd room, the door open and awaiting them. The runner waved them in then turned and sprinted back the way he came.

Joe raised an eyebrow at that then headed into the room. It was as odd as he’d expected it to be. There were two half rooms, a man and a woman on each side. They stared at him and the man grew a bit short.

“Well, come on then. What are you waiting for? You sought a seeking of courtship, yes?”

Joe blinked in surprise and looked over at Kilniara for guidance but already saw her sitting before the woman, the woman speaking to her with a kind face, but no words coming forth. Huh… silence barrier then? Odd… so…

Joe turned to the man and sat down in front of him, glancing back at the open door then shrugging. If I can’t hear Kilniara… no one’s going to hear us… so…

“So, why do you need a seeking.”

Joe saw the man become very serious and quickly laid it all out. It took quite a bit of time to explain his concern, especially in regards to his position and the man immediately dismissed Joe’s concern. Joe, however, remained patient and insisted on explaining it until finally the man seemed to catch Joe’s concern. The epiphany was interesting to see, and it was Joe’s turn to relax and give the man time to think and wrestle with the ramifications.

The conversation grew much more fruitful after this and they quickly came to a conclusion but Joe wasn’t quite sure how they did so. He soon realized that the two priests were somehow connected as Joe was getting odd questions that he’d never raised and in that moment realized the odd layout of the room. It was a personal counseling with both priests privy to both sides. It was an odd format but Joe quickly realized how powerful such a counseling session could be, even if it raised concerns for privacy that Joe found unpleasant. That said, it proved powerful and helpful.

The two priests then swapped and began counseling again, crossing the genders. This was a nuance that Joe found he actually liked, and the counseling began again, but quicker and somehow more poignant, driving directly to the issue much more quickly. When they were done, Joe was pleased to see that all four came into one room and they finally offered a more informal conversation and counseling to both Joe and Kilniara. It was… much longer than he expected, but ended much more quickly than he realized. That… time flew… that was…

“That… was wonderful. Thank you. Truly.”

The man smiled at that, finally, and Joe couldn’t keep the humor from his face. The man didn’t notice Joe’s humor so simply took his smile at face value and replied favorably.

“You are quite welcome, young man. Quite wise to seek us out. And thank you much for advising us on the potential dangers of apprenticeships. This… will have to be considered carefully. It will be quite a change amongst our counseling efforts.”

Joe grinned happily at that, “I’m simply glad that it is understood. It’s not an easy concept to grasp.”

“I find myself troubled by… several aspects now… it is worrisome.”

Joe reassured the man, “Your society has survived for thousands of years… it is obviously not too destructive to your people. It is not fun for those in it, but a wise careful thought before changes are made may save significant problems later.”

The man pondered that as he nodded, “Then, with thanks. Please be on your way. Our next session should begin soon.”

Joe nodded, “Could we know your names when we come again?”

The man seemed shocked, and the woman equally surprised. She responded first.

“Was our counseling inadequate?”

“No! No. Truly. It was wonderful. That is why I seek more.”

“More?”

“Hmm… our relationship is… in dangerous territory. It is wise that we have outside insight guide us so as to not make foolish decisions or fail in our relationship. I wish it to grow well… healthily.”

The man paused at that, considering, “You wish to … regularly check your relationship?”

Joe nodded, “It is common amongst my people to meet with counselors regularly… monthly or even weekly.”

“Truly?”

“Yes.”

“Interesting. Hmm…”

The two turned to one another speaking cautiously before the woman turned back to Joe.

“Why do you seek us?”

Joe smiled, “If we do not have to explain again and again our situation, we will be able to quickly learn and grow together as you will know us well.”

The woman quickly nodded at that, instantly understanding his meaning and turned to look at the man. The man quickly nodded excitedly as well and the two offered their name to Joe and Kilniara before they left the temple for the evening. Joe was exhausted and did not wish to continue much longer. He really needed to sleep.

Despite that, their return to the inn proved much more exciting and deeply calming. On their way there, Joe came to his decision, much more certain of it. He did cautiously consider one last time. Could I tell Dad? Mom? Would they understand? He paused at that, considering deeply. He slowly began to nod to himself. If I explained it … Yeah… I think… Dad would even be proud at how I handled it… maybe not some of the things… Joe flushed red in embarrassment remembering some of their kisses and moments but then took a deep breath and calmed himself. He was quite certain, that at least of this, his father would think he’d done well of Kilniara while dealing with the issue wisely. He nodded then turned to Kilniara.

“Yes.”

Kilniara had been walking silently by his side the entire time so glanced up at him with surprise, “Huh?”

“Yes.”

“Yes what?”

“Yes, I am willing to court you.”

Kilniara stared at him, then grinned, then leapt, crashing into him before wrapping her arms around him.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“No more uncertainties again?”

“Not right now.”

“Good.”

Joe had stopped to hug her in return, their pause blocking traffic and he stepped back from the hug and took her hand instead. They walked down the street together in silence for a time before he glanced down at her.

“But slowly.”

She looked back up at him and her grin grew while softening to comfort, “But slowly.”

“And you’ll need your own place.”

Kilniara paused at that, glancing at him, “I cannot…”

Joe smiled, “You’re going to be pretty wealthy, to be honest, with all the cores you got with us.”

Kilniara didn’t seem pleased, “Possibly? But, …”

Joe frowned, “I… you have to lead your own life.”

Kilniara’s face cleared up at that, “Ah. I see. Then, tomorrow? After the beginner’s dungeon?”

Joe paused, “You need help?”

Kilniara laughed then shrugged, “No. But it is late and I want to sleep

Joe returned her smile and they fell into easy conversation until they returned home, separating to their own rooms.

Joe slept very well that night.