130 She Unexpectedly Meets... (1/2)
”Even so, we've already purchased a lot of things.” Robin pointed out. ”It's best not to cause any trouble while we're here.” She said.
”Well, if you say so, Robin.” Chelsea pouted. ”But you're definitely coming out with us next time, too!”
”If circumstances permit.” Robin chuckled. On their way back to the inn, they stopped at a group of food stalls to eat the ramen that Robin had discovered earlier.
”Whoah, you are right, Robin! This dish is really good!” Chelsea exclaimed. But Robin wasn't really listening. Her attention was focused on the conversation of a raucous group in a nearby stall.
”...and after I said I wouldn't kill him, he completely lets down his guard and I knocked him out with my club. Hahaha!”
”Hey, I hear that elf brats cost a high sum in certain places. In that case, wouldn't this be a truly profitable venture?” Another one asked, eagerly.
”Sure! Seems like I'm gonna soon be a rich person, so this round is on me!” The first one agreed drunkenly.
”But, aren't you afraid that he'll escape during this time?” Another one asked.
”Of course not!” the speaker chortled. ”I tricked him into saying that he can't leave that derelict warehouse without at least three people with him. Even if I left the door unlocked, he wouldn't be able to leave!”
”That's our boss! So clever and crafty! Three cheers for boss!” the others raised their glasses.
The light Robin's eyes took on a cold glint as she heard the story. Then she took a slow breath, and the frostiness was hidden. She exchanged glances with the other two, who had also heard the story by now.
”So?” Robin asked, inclining her head in the drunk foxes' direction.
”What do you think?”
Jasmine and Chelsea exchanged glances. Robin obviously wanted to help the poor elf child that had been captured by those sneakyfoxes. But she would need their help.
”It's great! I would definitely regret not bringing such an incredible find back to the inn we are staying in!” Jasmine nodded enthusiastically, making the conversation seem to be about the ramen.
”Me too! I can't believe we hadn't discovered this earlier, but now that we know about it, who would ignore it!” Chelsea also got the hint and laughed.
The Ramen stall owner puffed its fur up in pride. It seemed that his food was really tasty to humans. But of course, that wouldn't affect his business.
”If you wish, our stall has a takeout option.” He said slyly, not wanting to miss the opportunity to swindle these two ladies and their guard.
Robin looked at him with a piercing stare. ”It has been a while since anyone claimed they could take me out.” She said slowly. ”Are you up for the challenge?”
The stall owner felt sweat dampen his fur. He had been seen through! ”What are you talking about? This is a normal regular stall. please don't claim us capable of threatening you.”
”Oh? But if the ladies had agreed to be taken out, then the only happy person would have been you.” Robin said, bringing his dark thoughts out into the light.
”There is no need to patronize this stall anymore.” Robin said, turning away.
”But what about the ramen!?” Chelsea asked, playing reluctant to part with it.
”I can make a better one. You can ask me for it when we return.” Robin replied.
”Yay! You're the best!” Chelsea cheered as they left the venue, and the dumbfounded stall owner behind.
-----
”Where do you think the elf child is?” Jasmine asked.
Robin turned towards Chelsea with a grin. ”Oh Chelsea, could you do us a favor and help us find the elf kid?”
”Why should I?” Chelsea pretended to be reluctant in order to get greater profits.
”Because, while I did say that you can request it, I never said my ramen was free.” Robin's grin widened wickedly.
”Oh, you!” Chelsea realized she had been check-mated. ”Fine. Let me see if I can get a read...” She paused a bit as she tapped her crystal ball pendant.
”It seems we're in luck. You have met this person before.” Chelsea said, taking them through several side streets and alleyways, even balancing atop a wall along their route.
”Hmm? I'm pretty sure I would remember meeting an elf, though.” Robin said. ”I wonder who it could be?”
”I'm not sure. Could it be someone you met back in Port Oracle?” Jasmine asked.
”I haven't a clue.” Robin shrugged. ”I suppose I'll know when I see him.”
They finally arrived at a small abandoned warehouse rotting away in the corner of an overgrown estate. When they opened the door, Robin paused as she saw the figure within.