Illiya maintained a polite smile and didn't say whether he believed it or not.
Smiling was enough.
Illiya and Darius exchanged a glance, both of them seeing through the other's perfunctory words and insincerity.
Illiya didn't mind.
Since the man claid to be a "wandering swordsman," that made things easier.
"Sir Darius, I've heard that swordsn are known for their generosity and willingness to help others. I happen to be facing a little trouble right now—could you lend a hand?"
"Illiya, I've also heard that elves are a kind-hearted race. As a human struggling to find a decent al, would you be willing to spare so assistance?"
The mont they both finished speaking, they stared at each other, realizing they had the exact sa plan.
Illiya smiled. "Elves are naturally kind-hearted, of course. So, what kind of assistance do you need, Sir Darius?"
It all depended on the specifics.
Darius remained serious. "As a swordsman who once swore an oath before the God of Swords, I am naturally very eager to help. So, Illiya, what exactly do you need assistance with?"
If necessary, he could always claim later that he was expelled from the Swordsman Association for failing to pay mbership fees.
Illiya and Darius locked eyes again and spoke in unison, "You go first!"
Darius's expression remained unchanged.
With a dignified look, he imdiately switched tactics. "Then I'll go first!"
Illiya was montarily stunned. "..."
He had never t such a shaless swordsman before.
"You see, as an elegant and noble elf, you surely wouldn't lower yourself to argue... no, to reason with people of other races. You could hire instead! I can handle all the trivial matters for you. Plus, I'm very familiar with this area, so you wouldn't even need to find a separate guide. Isn't that a great deal?"
Before Illiya could say anything, Darius had already pulled out a thick stack of certificates from his pocket.
Upon closer inspection, they included a tour guide license, a professional swordsman certificate, a Level 4 Elvish language proficiency certificate, an Advanced Level 8 Common Language certificate, and many more.
The pile was so thick that it practically ford a small booklet in the swordsman's hands.
"My professional qualifications are quite solid," Darius Valeblade said with a polished, businesslike smile.
Illiya was montarily speechless.
He had no grounds to refute Darius's words, and besides, he truly did need soone to tell him exactly where he was.
After a mont of calm consideration, Illiya nodded, agreeing to hire Darius Valeblade as both his guide and bodyguard.
Since the decision was made, it was ti to discuss paynt.
Noticing the determination in Illiya's eyes, Darius wasted no ti and imdiately stated his price: "Room and board included, 500 silver per day, non-negotiable!"
Illiya's eyes widened in disbelief.
He was at a loss for words.
Who said swordsn were all reckless and hot-blooded idiots?
Where had this shrewd and thick-skinned swordsman co from?
Illiya countered, "Don't think I don't know the market price! Room and board included, 500 silver per day? Do I look like I'm running a charity? I'll give you 100 silver per day, no more. If you don't like it, I'll find soone else!"
Darius's face imdiately fell, looking genuinely dejected. He muttered to himself under his breath, "Who said elves don't like bargaining? They're supposed to be easy to fool... Elves are not easy to fool, okay?"
Illiya: "..."
Could you say that any louder?
Pretending not heard his words, Illiya simply repeated his offer. "Room and board, 100 silver per day. Take it or leave it. If you're not interested, I'll go find soone else."
In the end, he couldn't resist making a petty, passive-aggressive remark. "It's doesn't matters if you refuse. you're not the only passionate and highly professional swordsman around."
Darius acted as if he hadn't heard a thing.
Without hesitation, he responded with an enthusiastic grin, his face brimming with eagerness. "Elves truly are the kindest of races! So then, Boss, what's our next destination?"
After hiring Darius as his bodyguard, Illiya couldn't shake the feeling that he had sohow suffered a loss.
Especially when he saw the swordsman's face brimming with satisfaction, despite how unexpectedly reliable he was.
Illiya let out a slow sigh as he watched the man ahead diligently clearing the path.
"Boss, what's wrong? Are you thirsty? Hungry? Is the road too difficult? Are you tired from walking? Do you need my services? For just a little extra, you can enjoy treatnt fit for a prince!"
The enthusiastic voice rang beside Illiya's ear, startling him so much that his sigh got stuck in his throat.
He choked and coughed uncontrollably, gasping for breath.
Feeling annoyed, he snapped, "The best service you can provide is to shut up!"
Seeing his employer is getting irritated, Darius awkwardly averted his gaze, letting his eyes drift anywhere but toward Illiya.
As the awkward silence stretched on, sothing familiar entered his peripheral vision—a magical beast he had seen before.
Seizing the opportunity for a new topic, Darius imdiately spoke up.
"Boss, you—"
Before he could finish, his employer cut him off.
"Stop calling 'Boss.' Just use my na life before."
Illiya shivered slightly.
He still wasn't used to such eager human formalities—it felt like a trap waiting to be sprung.
Darius imdiately nodded in understanding and didn't press further.
Instead, he smoothly adjusted his wording.
"Illiya, you've been carrying this magical beast around?"
Illiya was montarily stunned, not quite processing what Darius ant.
Then, he felt sothing tug at the bracelet on his wrist, accompanied by the faint sound of tal scraping against tal.
"Creak—"
A sudden sense of unease struck him.
Lifting his hand, he saw a chubby little magical beast clinging to his bracelet.
The creature swayed as his wrist moved.
Had he not known better, he would have assud it was just a decorative charm on the bracelet.
Now the real question was—how had he not noticed this creature hiding in his sleeve for so long?
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