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“What’s a captain without his treasure map?” You grin and shrug, “Although, I’ve already got the most valuable treasure right here.” You look over at Sasha.
She smiles back in her inscrutable way. It’s the only reaction that could make someone with your confidence feel even the slightest bit of embarrassment at the cheesy line. Did she like it? Was she cringing? It was impossible to tell.
“Er… That is, a map of the imperial territory could be useful.” You slowly recover your swagger, “We can chart out any challenges we find along with their value and the number of players needed to start them.”
“Smart. Where could we get something like that?”
You grin a toothy grin. “I haven’t the faintest idea, although I know someone who might. Let’s go to my room.” You start back towards the palace apartments.
As you walk back, you talk to her about your plan for the challenge. “We should keep our mind open to teaming up with others, but only once we learn about their personalities and abilities. I figure the best way to do that is to simply compete in some challenges.”
Sasha nods along, having little to say about your plan and seeming content enough to follow along with what you want to do. She keeps her body close to you as you walk, close enough that you occasionally touch.
As you approach the apartments, you begin to hear a growing murmur, and when you turn into the broad apartment hallways you see its source: a crowd of well-dressed men and women. Some are standing by hastily put together stalls covered in weapons, armor, and other supplies. Others are standing in groups and having hushed conversations. They crowd seems to be radiating from a particular doorway, although you’re not sure to whom it belongs. As you pass through, heads turn towards you.
“Prince Kabot! Lady Toussle! A word!”
“Do you have a supplier for your weapons?”
“I have thirty good men outside ready to scour the capital for challenges.”
You push through them, “It seems the leeches have arrived.” Nonetheless, they could come in handy later.
Sasha grins back, almost seeming not to notice them.
You finally make it to your door, which was apparently at first rather unattended to but growing increasingly crowded with your arrival, and head inside.
(cont.)
