>>5430219>>5430228>>5430244"Of course. As a lord of Ilos, I am obliged to consider to any request to any that show conviction, purpose, and competence. How does noon tomorrow sound for the duel? It should give you ample time to prepare. As per the usual rules, if you impress me enough, I shall provide you with the loan." You challenge him to show his worth, to which he swiftly declines.
"W-w-wawawait a minute! Have you seen me carry a blade with me? I'm a merchant, not a fighter! Negotiations is all I can offer you." He nervously sweats as he knows he would fight a battle he could not win.
"Ah, pardon my ignorance. What other competences could you offer me." You give him ample time to recompose his arguments.
"Ahem. Is this island you are headed to the same island of Skellig rumored among sailors as the legendary island of elves?"
"Affirmative."
"Elves... the creatures that appear in all countries' fairy tales! I would be skeptical of their existence, but after seeing a harpy steal my lunch the other day, I can't say I have room to argue. Of course, I'm all aware of your secrets after eavesdropping onto your friends' conversations..."
"Y-You have?" He manages to surprise you, wondering what he could know that could prove of a detriment for your journey enough for him to blackmail you.
"Of course, I know you are carrying with you The King Of The Elves himself, Master Puck!" He shoves the small blue midget from out of his pocket, who was bearing a beard and a cane resembling the old king himself.
"All hail me!"
"Master Puck has given me all the knowledge I need, as well as permission to establish my name by conquering the island! Swarms of elves! All mine! Selling them to royalty and nobility across all countries will popularize them and build up a market for them! The children will love them! We'll paint every few hundred of them green and gold so they look more rare and add imaginary monetary value!"
"Tsk tsk! What kind of idiot would fall for these cheap tricks!?" Puck keeps his royal persona, though he makes sure to whisper inside your mind.
"Don't worry Vlad! Becchi wouldn't let me sell out my buddies at home like this! I'll keep him busy while you prepare for the final battle against Magnifico!"
Ah, good to know this was a huge waste of your time...
"What do you say, Vlad? Being my first patron along with Roderick, I would advise you to invest your money wisely. We can split the money with you receiving a small percentage of the sales. It won't sound like much at first, but the reward program you could receive as my affiliate would be higher than the sum of several years budgeting your worth on the Vandimion Banks. Moreover, once I establish myself as the richest man of Midland, I will use my position as head of the family to-- Wait! Where are you going!?"
"Go find someone else to play your comedy routine." You walk off, interested in seeing what the crew was worrying over with their binoculars on hand.
