“I’m sorry,” Adam said, sighing.

He held his head in his hands, shaking his head, sitting opposite the rest of his party in the corner of the Adventurer’s Guild.

“I was the one who wanted to do this and I ruined it for everyone,” he said, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hands gently.

“You defended our honour,” Jurot said, raising a mug of ale to him.

“We didn’t realise you cared so deeply about our people,” Kitool said.

“Isn’t it obvious that I’d care?” Adam asked, sipping on his drink, before poking the food before him, unable to taste the stew.

“If he had gone for me, I wouldn’t have cared, but the fact he wanted to rope you guys in…” Adam rubbed the back of his head. “We lost so much gold because of me.”

“There is always a chance to make more gold, but it’s not every day that you impress two pretty Iyrmen,” Jaygak said, wrapping an arm around the back of his neck, a wide grin plastered on her face. “I knew you were a good guy.”

Adam threw her a look. “Did you think I wasn’t?”

“Gold is still nice,” Dunes said, a small pout on his lips. “I don’t mind much, though. It was quite a fun month.”

Lanban and Aizaban appeared from nowhere, sitting down beside them. There were many Adventurers who noted the Iyrmen, throwing respectful nods their way.

“The Dragon was not part of the pay,” Lanban said. “Would you like for us to return the Dragon parts back?”

“Your payment is more than enough even to deal with the Dragon,” Aizaban said, her eyes almost slipping down towards Lightsear, but she kept them up.

“No, no,” Adam said, waving his hand. “You guys worked hard so you deserve it. I’ll split my part with Fate’s Golden.”

“With us?” Dunes asked, furrowing his brows.

“We didn’t do anything,” Jaygak said, leaning in to check his eyes to see if he was tipsy.

Adam pushed her head away from him. “Of course I’m going to split my part with you guys. You remained back to protect Sir Harvey, even if he didn’t appreciate it. I was able to fight freely because you guys covered the rear.”

Jaygak smirked. “So you really did fall for my horns.”

Adam grabbed one, causing her to quickly pull away. “Perhaps I did.”

Jaygak grinned wildly, before slapping his back repeatedly. “Adam, you’re such a funny guy! I’m so glad you brought us along.”

Adam chuckled, almost wincing from her strong hand striking his back.

Kitool wondered for a moment if Jaygak was aiming for Adam. ‘No,’ she thought. ‘He has no horns.’

“Adam,” Paul called, dropping down beside his wife, sighing as he leaned back.

“Yeah?”

The Vice Master remained silent for a moment, until he bolted up as Aizaban pinched his side. “How do you want to deal with the quest for Vandra?” he said, rubbing his side.

“There was a quest for her?” Adam asked, before blinking. ‘Of course there was.’

“Of course there was,” Paul said, shaking his head. ‘There’s no way he didn’t know… No, if it’s him, I could believe he didn’t think about it.’

“Uh,” Adam said. He didn’t expect that there was going to be a reward for the White Dragon, even if it did make sense. “Give the credit to Aizaban and Lanban, and add a small footnote that Fate’s Golden assisted.”

“We did not assist,” Jurot said.

“Yes we did,” Adam said, offended by the Iyrman’s words. “I am a part of Fate’s Golden too, aren’t I?”

“We did not, though,” Kitool said. “You were the only one who fought the Dragon.”

“Like I said,” Adam said, slapping the table gently. “You guys covered my rear. You protected Sir Harvey, even if he was ungrateful, that…” Adam cleared his throat, noting Paul’s glare. “That was still a part of taking down the Dragon. Plus, I was mostly lucky, so I can’t exactly say I did much.”

Jurot stared at Adam, but decided against thinking too hard.

Lanban also stared at Adam. ‘Didn’t do much?’ He recalled how the Half Elf cut the Dragon’s neck clean through.

‘What a queer young man,’ Aizaban thought, noting that Lanban was thinking the same thing.

Adam furrowed his brows before he leaned in to Paul. “What is the reward for Vandra?” he whispered.

“Are you keeping the carcass of the Dragon?” Paul asked.

“Are we?” Adam asked, throwing a look to Aizaban and Lanban.

“We are,” Aizaban said. “A Dragon’s carcass is worth too much to the Iyr.”

“Then the reward is five thousand gold,” Paul said. “She didn’t have much of a chance to bring terror around.”

Adam coughed. “Excuse me? So that would be, what, split… eight ways? Twelve?” Adam recalled White’s Grace had done so much work dealing with her.

“White’s Grace handwaved the reward,” Paul said.

“Sweet!” Adam hadn’t realised they would have been paid for the quest. “So eight ways?”

“You can split it between yourselves,” Paul said. “Lanban and Aizaban are happy to leave the reward to you since they’ll be gaining the kill.”

“Are you guys sure?” Adam asked. “I don’t mind it, honestly.”

“You may have it,” Lanban said.

“Just accept it,” Aizaban said, slapping his back. “What a darling young man you are! If you are unmarried, why don’t you marry my niece?”

“Sorry,” Adam said, raising a hand. “I have a beautiful dem-“

Jurot slapped Adam’s mouth with a piece of bread, stuffing it into his mouth.

Adam blinked rapidly, staring at the Iyrman, full of confusion.

Jurot stared at him. “You cannot mention that here.”

Adam, bit into the bread, glancing around to the various parties, some of whom would be eagerly picking up information from one another whilst pretending not to.

“Thanks,” Adam said, finishing the bite.

“Are you certain you wish to split the reward with us?” Jurot asked. “It was your kill.”

“What a troublesome fellow you are, Jurot. Just accept the money, I won’t take no for an answer.”

“I’ll happily accept!” Dunes said, raising his mug, and the group toasted to their success.

Quest Complete: Aurochs Hunting

Quest Complete: Dusk Hawks Hunting

Quest Complete: Slay Vandra

Quest Complete: Escort Sir Harvey

XP Gained: +1300

XP: 1970 -> 3270

Stamps Gained: +4

Stamps: 18 -> 20 (MAX)

Currency Gained: +5220GP

Gems: (7) Onyx -> (27) Onyx

Currency: 28GP -> 72GP

“Fufufufufu,” Adam half giggled, staring at the gems. “Oh, wait…” Adam rubbed his chin. “We need to take out money for the Iyrtax and the Party Fund.”

“You are too queer,” Dunes said, sitting on his bed beside Jaygak, who was rifling through her own coins. “Though, I do like that part of you.”

Adam smiled. “Thanks. I’m not sure if following me is the best idea, but I promise to do my best to assist you guys.”

Dunes smiled. “How long are we staying here?” Dunes asked. “I need to pray at the Jaghi High Temple and I’d like a couple of days at least.”

“I should probably head to the temples some time too,” Adam mumbled quietly. “We’ll stay here for at least a couple of days for you.”

Dunes nodded. “Thank you.”

“I can’t wait to go back to the Iyr though,” Adam admitted.

“Why?” Jurot asked.

“So I can give Aunt and Lanarot their gifts, of course!” Adam declared. “I miss them so much.” He sighed.

“They will enjoy our stories,” Jurot said.

“Stories?” Adam raised his brows. “I want to squish Lanarot’s cheeks so bad! She must be so big now!” Adam leaned back on his bed. “Do you think she’s forgotten about us? It’s been a little while…”

“She will not remember us,” Jurot said. “She is a baby.”

“Yeah, but…” Adam frowned. “I should probably get something for them from this place. What’s Jaghi known for?”

“Their gems.”

“Really?” Adam said. “Let’s go buy some tomorrow then!”

“I would like to buy an axe made of Jagite,” Jurot said.

“Jagite?”

“It is a metal which is worked by the Smiths of Jagji. Powdered gems are crushed and added to the metal before it is worked into a beautiful weapon.” Jurot’s lips twitched into a smile for a moment.

“That sounds cool,” Adam said. “I want a weapon made from it too.”

“I should buy one too,” Dunes said, taking out his blade and noting how worn it was.

“You prefer longswords, right?” Adam said.

“Yes,” the Priest said.

“So, are you going to be a member of our party?” Adam asked. “Officially, I mean.”

“If you’ll have me,” Dunes said. “If you promise me a good fight, I’m eager to join.” He smiled wide, but it faltered for a moment.

“Are you alright?”

Dunes nodded slowly, meaning he wasn’t, but he didn’t want to speak about the matter.

“Alright,” Adam said, patting his shoulder. “Who else should we buy gifts for? Ah, Jurot… shouldn’t you get something for Pam?”

“I should buy items which will assist us in our adventuring,” Jurot said. “There is no need to waste money on trinkets for others.”

“Ha?” Adam raised his brow, a playful smile appearing on his face. “So you’re going to replace your magical battleaxe which was gifted to you with a nonmagical battleaxe for yourself, but you won’t even buy a small souvenir for Pam?” Adam leaned in close to Jurot’s face, who avoided the Half Elf’s gaze.

Kitool and Jaygak stared at the Iyrman, who avoided their gazes too.

“I will make her something,” Jurot eventually said.

“Do they have different wood around these parts?” Adam asked. “We could buy a bunch of wood. If I could get some Jagite, then maybe we could make new weapons too?”

Jurot’s eyes lit up. “We can make a battleaxe for mother.”

“Jurot!” Adam said, patting his shoulder. “You’re a genius!”

Kitool and Jaygak glanced between one another. ‘Boys…’

There was a knock at the door, and Adam’s head shot towards it. “Who is it?”

“It is I,” called a familiar voice.

“Oh?” Adam said, making his way over to open the door for the Half Elf. “What are you doing here?”

“I wish to speak with you,” Jonn said.

“Come in,” Adam said, pulling back into the room with the two bunks. “It was a tight fit for the five already, but with six, it was even more cramped.

“I wish to accompany you,” Jonn said.

“Oh?” Adam said, his eyes lighting. “You want to accompany me? Did you care to ask for my opinion before you stalked me?”

“I am still uncertain if I wish to swear myself to you, but…” Jonn fell silent. “I have seen the way you behave, the way you speak to different people, the way you treat your party and others. Even the way you fight with Nobles, I believe that it is no act, that you are truly the way you portray yourself. You treat your party well, your enemies poorly, and others decently.”

Adam sighed. “Well, since you’ve already come this far, you may as well accompany us.”

“How long will you stay here?” Jonn asked.

“A few days at most,” Adam said.

Jonn nodded. “Then I will wait for you until you leave.”

“Alright,” Adam said. “Was that all?”

“Yes,” Jonn said, before turning and leaving.

Adam nodded his head. “I really am so charming. First Jaygak, then Jonn. If only Mara thinks the same.”

Jaygak struck him with a pillow.