"Look at him, Rowe said, stepping towards Argrave. Elaine and the people with her shifted cautiously beside the shipment of illusion spellbooks. Goes white as a sheet when he sees me.

Thats just my complexion, Argrave returned.

Argrave wanted to grit his teeth. Rowe being here did not exactly scream peace and prosperity. He was an unpleasant zealot with the power of S-rank magic to back his zealit was a wonder Argrave didnt enter to find that a fight had broken out with Rowe being the obvious winner. It was even more a wonder that Dras would send him here at all.

Argrave dismissed his thoughts as the silence extended between them. What brings you to sunny Jast? You mustve missed methats my first guess.

Oh, aye, I missed your stupid jokes and vacant stare, the aged snow elf said harshly, walking stick echoing through the room as it impacted against the stone. Complete tripe. I came here on order of the Patriarch. Some things to do in this city of vapid morons.

Elaine stepped forward and crossed her arms. Are we going to move this

Shut up, Rowe said coldly, turning his head to Elaine. Speak when spoken to.

Elaines expression turned to one of wroth, but Argrave held out his hand and grabbed Rowes shoulder.

Be nice, Argrave said quietly. Might be youre the top dog in Veiden, but youre only one of three S-rank spellcasters in this city. Even if your dragon came with you, I cant guarantee youd walk out of this harbor alive if you cause trouble.

When Argrave mentioned that Rowe was an S-rank spellcaster, Elaines rage turned to a steady caution. Rowe turned his head back to Argrave.

That true? Rowe grumbled. Your kind live barely a quarter the time we do, but youve more high-ranking spellcasters?

Using magic of higher ranking extends ones life, and were far more numerous than the Veidimen, Argrave shook his head. Argrave knew that Rowe was much stronger than the two S-rank spellcasters in Jast, but he did not care to let him hear that. This is what you would have gone up against had your invasion continued. What I did for your people was a good thing. I spared you an inevitable retaliatory genocide.

I dont care to hear you praise yourself, Rowe shook his head. Ill cause no trouble. Im smart enough for that, at least. But that one isnt S-rank, he pointed his walking stick to Elaine. Her magic pools only a bit larger than yours. Why should I respect her?

Im an exceptional case. Compared to most her age, Elaine is quite talented, Argrave shook his head. His magic had been increasing rapidly as he paid his debt to Erlebnis. Ones magic capacity grew when expended, and Argrave expended his consistently to accommodate the Blessing of Supersession. Combined with rapid replenishing from the Amaranthine Heart, it stood to reason he progressed faster.

On top of that, she coordinates the Order of the Gray Owl here in Jast. Shes the only reason we have these books. Argrave frowned. Its common sense to offer respect when you dont know who someone is. Why are you so socially incompetent?

Socially incompetent? Rowe repeated. Few people are worthy of respect. Even fewer are non-Veidimen. For instance, Rowe stepped past Argrave, coming to stand before Galamon. Galamon. Its been some time, hasnt it?

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It has, responded Galamon simply.

The new warriors lack the steel with you gone, Rowe said. Spiritless. No passion. None of the other commanders come to your ankles. Had you been leading at Mateth, the city would have fallen.

Galamon did not react to the praise, stating, I wish I had been. Veid decreed elsewise. Such is fate.

Hoh? Rowe glanced at Argrave. So, youre tired of this dreg?

No, Galamon shook his head. He is the second I would serve not because of obligation alone. I believe he deserves your respect.

Hearing Galamon say that, Rowe closed his mouth and took a deep breath. When next his white eyes fell upon Argrave, there was a subtle difference in his emotionor so Argrave thought.

Rowe walked to Anneliese next. He sized her up. Seems youve improved your magic, if only just. Youre a bit skinnier, perhaps. This one cannot feed you well, can he?

She nodded. Argrave is a capable leader. The road has not always been easy, but I cannot blame the leader for a rocky path when that is precisely what I expected.

Rowe nodded, and then turned back. Alright. Rowe walked back to the two Veidimen slowly. So, Elaine, he said the name harshly as though it was difficult to pronounce. Argrave is here, as you were waiting for. Youll give us the illusion books, finally, and end this pointless waste of time.

I will. Elaine snapped, and her two men carried the box over. Once it was set down, Rowe pried the lid open with his walking stick and removed one of the books, perusing it. He checked a few more in silence, grumbling, and then took his stick back. The chest shut.

Its sufficient, after what this one pilfered from us, Rowe said with his lips upturned. He glanced at the two beside him. You two, do your thing. The elves with him grabbed the box and moved to leave the room. Argrave and company stood aside for their passage, and they left quickly. Argrave watched them head for a small vessel that did not seem to be Veidimen in make at all. That was fitting, at least. They were trying to move unnoticed.

Youre satisfied? Argrave stepped forward, staring down at Rowe.

I seldom am, Rowe said. But I need nothing more from the torch over there, he referenced Elaines red hair. Hothead, that one. All my pride, tenth of my age, hundredth of my accomplishments.

She seemed fine to me, Argrave disagreed, looking at Elaine. She had her arms crossed, feet tapping quickly against the ground.

We spoke earlier. I used my restraint. Rowe rubbed his eyes. Bah. Im too tired for indignance. He looked up at Argrave. We need to speak again soon regarding the interests of Veiden. Where can I find you?

Perhaps it would be best if I led you through Jast, Argrave said delicately. I cant well leave an old man to wander through these dangerous streets alone. Someone might try and mug you, and you might immolate him in honor of Veid. This place isnt like that winter wonderland you call home.

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Im not some animal that mauls things that come near me, boy, Rowe shook his head. I can be discreet. Im no lackwit. Just tell me where you live.

Argrave sighed. The Knights Pawn. Its an inn. Argrave gave him its rough location. He reached into his satchel and pulled out an iron circletit was what Argrave had been using to disguise his appearance. You should take this.

Rowe eyed it. What is it?

Argrave put it on to demonstrate. Muddles the features. Very common thing in this city. Snow elves are not well-liked here. It would be best if you did not stand out.

Even hunched over and old, I tower above most, Rowe rebutted. Not worth it.

Take it, interjected Galamon quietly.

Rowe glanced at Galamon, and then begrudgingly put the Circlet of Disguise over his bald head. Its cold. Unpleasant. The aged elf shook his head. Whatever. Ill be waiting, Rowe said, moving to leave.

I havent slept. Even if youre waiting in my room, Ill do that first, Argrave shook his head.

So lazy, the aged elf muttered loudly as he walked out the door.

Those words ignited a fire of anger in Argraves chest and his vision narrowed, but then he acknowledged the absurdity of the claim. Argrave shook his head and laughed heartily. Watch your step, old man! he shouted after Rowe. Dont forget your dentures!

Elaine stepped closer to their party, arms still crossed. She let out a sigh, staring at the doorway Rowe had left. You antagonize everyone, she noted. Why?

Antagonize? Its just banter. I like making people laugh. Argrave paused for a moment, then added, Mostly myself, granted.

I think she paused. I think that I was unduly predisposed against you. I apologize if I was brusque or dismissive in the past.

Fancy words. Argrave commented, then shook his head. You werent, not especially. Even had you been, I dont care. Im used to abuse. If theres one thing I can take, its a tongue-lashing. Not that you did, of course, Argrave added.

Being a wiki editor was a very thankless job. Argrave would spend thousands of hours working on writing some obscure details for a game, and the only time people would ever reach out was to correct some minute mistake he mightve madeand oftentimes, they werent even right. Argrave sighed, wondering whyd hed done it at all.

Used to abuse, huh. Childhood memories? Elaine inquired.

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Something like that, Argrave replied vaguely.

Ive heard tell of King Felipe, she said. His trueborn sons are treated harsh enough. I cant imagine what a basebo she trailed off, hesitant to finish the word. Well, Rivien and I were street orphans. Some parents sometimes Im glad I had none rather than terrible ones. She stared off into the distance. It made us value independence early, at least. Left the both of us with paranoiayou cant trust anyone on the streets here. Rivien likes to mock people, and he never fully trusts any besides me. I hold grudges.

Argrave glanced over. Glad to see my swaying turned out to be worth the effort. Shes opening up. I think thisll be useful.

So your nobility comes from your own efforts? You two dont hail from some ruined house restored to its former glory? Argrave asked despite knowing the answer.

Yes, she said pridefully. Rivien and I earned our surnames with our own two hands. We cant claim a storied lineage dating hundreds of years back.

Very admirable, Argrave flattered.

Few other nobles in Jast agree, Elaine said. To them, were upstarts.

Upstarts until youre standing above them and they need something from you. Thats how it always is.

She laughed. True enough. She looked to Anneliese. Something I should mention. I sent a letter to the council in the Tower of the Gray Owl recommending your friend, Anneliese for membership. With both me and Castro contributing, I suspect the council will name her an honorary Wizard of the Order. A full member is a bit far-fetched.

Really now? Argraves eyes widened. Thats thank you very much.

Why are you thanking me? she said. It should be her that does, she pointed at Anneliese.

It was my idea to begin with, Argrave said before Anneliese could speak. And its mostly so I wont be expelled for teaching her spells.

I see. You do much for the people you call your friends. She nodded. Consider it a favor for the business youve thrown my way. Those enchanted things from that elven tomb you gave meIve got them in the right hands. In time, their worth will be evaluated. I cant promise itll be quick. You said you were here for three weeks? So, two more left? I dont think theyll be done by then, feasibly.

Argrave nodded. Thats fine. If theyre not done appraising by that time, Ill leave them in your hands. In time, Ill come back and get them. Might be months. Im a busy man.

Argrave was not particularly concerned about the result. The majority of the items he knew could be found in those ruins were not especially jaw-droppingthe kings crown was the most notable item, and Argrave planned to hold onto that for a very long time. This venture was merely squeezing the most wealth he could out of what he did in the elven tomb.

Elaines green eyes gazed at him unwaveringly, and she spoke seriously, Thats a lot of trust to show to the sister of a smuggler.

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Oh, youre right. On second thought, lets cancel all of our plans and never speak again, Argrave said sternly, then broke into a chuckle. Joking, naturally. Unless you plan to steal them all, I think it should be fine.

Elaine pursed her lips, and then finally smiled. Youre a very strange person.

So I am often told, Argrave nodded. Now, I have a temperamental old elf to wrangle in the morning, and I need my beauty sleep to retain my razor wit. I bid you goodbye, Argrave waved, walking towards the door.