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"Oh! Artifacts like this one?" Bertha took out the Stop-Watch.
Todred looked at the artifact with intensity. He then asked if he could take a closer look at the artifact, and you allowed it.
"Horologium Mechanicum" Todred said under his breath, then gazed at you questioningly. "Where did you obtain this artifact?"
"Looted it from the Bandit King." You answered succinctly. "He didn't say where he got it, other than it being a pain to repair."
"It's an ancient artifact." Todred elaborated. "Created in the time by the Everlasting Empire. Only four are known to have survived. Five, now."
"Huh." You said, immediately you looked at Aila. "Think you could use this for what we talked about?"
"Probably." Aila looked conflicted. "But we already have one of those at the palace archives. It'll appease my cousins if they can get their hands on it, I doubt you'll ever see the artifact again. It might be in your interests to just make an artifact or two in your spare time, Master, instead of parting with something so valuable."
You considered her words. While it was true that making an artifact would take you less than a day, this stopwatch would be extremely helpful for her.
>Aila was right. The Stop-Watch was basically an instant-kill button, and had tons of other uses. It was too valuable to part with.
>No, you had to disagree with Aila. Having those noble cousins of hers distracted was crucial. That watch would give her much needed time.
>(Write-in).
"I'd rather you not involve me in elvish schemes or politics." Todred huffed. "I've had enough of those to last me a lifetime."
"Where?" Bertha asked. "I though you were retired?"
"I am still an advisor to the Board and the Principal, not to mention the constant requests I get to put out their metaphorical fires. Mostly metaphorical." Todred grumbled. "This fiasco with the wands is merely an aggrandized version of the usual."
A small silence reigned for a few moments.
"Will that be all?" Todred said.
"Well-" You began, but were interrupted by the old halfling.
"If you have inquiries, make them quickly." Todred grunted. "I must soon return to my research."
<span class="mu-s">(Ask up to three questions)</span>
>"What more do you know about Rostchilde's influence in the Academy?"
>"What are your feelings about the Academy in general?"
>"What do you know about the Thieves' Guild?"
>"Is it true that the Artisan's Guild will act as a neutral arbiter?"
>"Can you tell me about the professors in the Academy?"
>"How exactly is the Mage's Guild affiliated to the Academy?"
>"I'd like to know your opinions on the factions of Centria."
>"I've heard rumors about there being ancient spells being held somewhere in Centria. Do you know anything about that?"
>"I don't want to take up too much of your time."
>(Write-in).
After talking with Todred and saying your goodbyes to him, you went to do something else for the day.
(continued next post)
