Arthur's Point of View

The Slums

"Feel free to grab a booth like last time." Sherry told us.

"Should I help you put on the chairs down?"

She looked around and shrugged. "If you're offering, I will gladly accept."

Tapping Austin on the shoulder, we got to work as she went behind the counter and started prepping stuff for tonight. Moving from table to table, the two of us lowered the chairs for the entire tavern. Given its size, it did take a few minutes. Eventually, we sat down in the same booth where Cassidy and I ate.

"This is so exciting! Ah've always wondered what it was like in here!" Austin said with a large smile.

"Glad you're enjoying yourself." A small smile came to my lips as I looked at him.

"So, where did ya go earlier?"

Leaning back, I replied as I looked over at Sherry. "Had to take care of something. Knightly business if you will."

Austin nodded in understanding. "Ah! A secret mission!"

Chuckling, I leaned forward in amusement. "Something like that."

Sherry went to the back and came out a few minutes later while Austin and I were talking. She set down a few drinks for us, which we thanked her for. Putting down her tray, the owner pulled a chair from one of the nearby tables and sat down at the edge of the booth.

"So, what business do you have with me?" Sherry inquired.

"Well, I was wondering if you would be interested in an investor of sorts."

"Investor?"

Pulling out a pouch of coins, I jingled them in front of her. "To sum it up, I'd like to give you some money with the idea of making a profit in return. A small percentage depending on how much money I invest."

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She gave me a confused look. "Why would you do that?"

Setting the pouch aside, she turned her full attention to me. "Have you ever thought about expanding the Rainy Helm or making some changes but don't have the funds to do so?"

"I think almost everyone has, hon." She answered honestly but clearly didn't see where I was going with this.

"I'd like to help this place with whatever it may need. Expanding, creating a second floor, menu, drinks, and many others." Then I gestured to the pouch. "To put it simply, I'd like to provide the funds you might need to do any of these things for a small percentage in return."

Sherry seemed more interested now. "How big of a cut are you looking for?"

"How much are you looking to do to the Rainy Helm?" I asked back. "Last time I was here, it seemed like you looked around your place with ideas, but I could be wrong."

"You're not wrong, but I am nervous about this deal and proposition of yours." Sherry replied honestly.

Crossing my arms in thought, I eventually gestured towards her. "I can assure you that I am not trying to rob you or cheat you in any way." Grabbing the pouch, I placed it in front of her. "Money has very little interest to me, so I would rather invest it into places that are already successful but can be more so."

"That makes sense." Sherry got a thoughtful look on her face. "So, how big of a cut are you looking for?"

"To be honest, I can't make that decision because I don't know your financial situation, nor do I know how well the Rainy Helm does for itself." I told her. "However, I would like to help in more ways than just money. Knowledge is a powerful thing when catered to a specific industry, and I've noticed that there are several foods missing from Lestrania that I quite enjoy."

"So, you want to introduce these items to the menu at the Rainy Helm as well?"

I nodded. "If they interest you or win you over."

She looked me up and down in a stumped manner. "I'm not going to lie; it never crossed my mind that you could cook."

"While I don't claim to be the greatest cook in the world or even one of a higher caliber, there are dishes that are simple to make while also being delicious." Then I smirked and gestured around the tavern. "Food that could bring in a lot of customers if done correctly."

Sherry looked more and more interested as a small smirk came to her lips. "I was thinking of expanding the second floor."

Leaning in, I smiled more honestly in response. "I think that's a wonderful idea."

Sherry's smirk turned into a smile, but before she could reply, the door opened. "We're not open! Come back later!" She called out; however, it would seem the person didn't get the memo. "Hey! I said we're cl-" The Rainy Helm's owner didn't respond before she stood quickly and kneeled. "Priestess Elincia! I didn't realize it was you! I'm sorry!"

Elincia moved next to the booth and waved a gentle hand at Sherry. "There is nothing to forgive. Instead, I must apologize for so rudely entering your place of business without your permission."

"It's no problem! How can I be of service!?" Sherry inquired in an alarmed tone.

"I am here to speak to my Knight." Elincia turned to me with a blank expression. "He seems to have a habit of hiding somewhere, but it looks as though I was able to track him down this time."

Sherry bowed and quickly stood before gesturing to the booth. "Shall I get you something to drink?"

Elincia sat down next to Austin, who smiled up at her. "That would be lovely." The Priestess replied with a smile sent towards Austin before she looked back to me. "I assume you know why I am here?"

Gesturing to Austin, I answered. "You wanted Austin; I know. It was clearly all his idea. A child coming to a place like this is downright-"

"Wha!?" Austin stood in alarm and pointed at me. "He brought me here!"

"Slander!" I immediately pointed at him in return.

Elincia didn't seem in the mood for games. "Arthur, this is serious." Leaning forward, she lowered her tone. "What you have done is not to be overlooked."

Rolling my eyes, I waved a dismissive hand before leaning back. "It was a couple of spies! Who cares?!"

To my surprise, Elincia actually shook her head softly before bowing before me. This action surprise all of us present as Austin looked at me in shock. Sherry was so stunned she dropped the tray she was bringing out with refreshments. I was slightly on guard just because of how often I've been screwed over by these people that Elincia's tears truly surprised me.

"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for saving Lucia and General Alwin." Elincia told me in a grateful tone.