Let’s Settle This!
A few days ago, I took on a quest to find a stolen wedding ring.
After asking around, I found out it had ended up in the hands of a fence...
Captain, why did you take on a kid’s errand like this?
If it mattered that much, they should've gone and gotten it back themselves.
Helping those in trouble is part of the Journey, too.
*Sigh* I thought joining the Journey meant nonstop blood-pumping action every day.
But it's been nothing but slow and boring so far.
How about pouring that energy into training?
A real man's life is a lonely race with no brakes till the finish.
All the training in the world can't beat one real fight.
If you wanna run with me, Captain, keep that in mind.
Got it, boss!
Good. Now that's the kind of spirit I like to see.
So this is the place? That fence with the ring?
Welcome.
You don't seem like the type to shop here. What brings you in?
Ahh, that ring?
Of course I can sell it. If you can pay the right price.
The paper he handed me had an amount on it that could buy a house and then some...
Don't you think that's excessive?
Heh, the more people want it, the higher the price. That's how the market works.
Even if it's stolen?
Doesn't matter how it started. It's mine now.
If you don't wanna buy, then leave. I'm not desperate to sell.
He must've sensed we were eager and decided to milk it.
...
Captain, step aside for a sec.
Got a better idea?
Of course. Just sit back and watch.
Haha, now I see, you brought a cute little guest along, huh?
But kid, it's rude to butt in while the grown-ups are talking.
*Thud!!*
Harley's axe flew past the fence's ear and slammed into the wall behind him.
E-eek...!
Harley!
I told you to stay out of it, Captain.
Are you out of your mind, kid?! You almost split my head in two!
Quit whining, old man.
How much are you trying to rip us off for a scrap of gold?
Go on, tell that to my axe.
What's the price, exactly?
W-wait a second... That axe...
No way... You're Hell Saviors?!
So you do know. Then let's get straight to the point.
That guy might look weak, but he's my buddy.
And Hell Saviors doesn't tolerate messing with our buddies.
You knew the risks, old man.
The fence went pale and dropped to the floor.
I'm so sorry! I had no idea! Please forgive me!
Take the ring, it's yours! Just please spare me!
He said we could take it for free. Why did you still pay?
Captain, you're way too soft.
Taking it without paying would've been robbery.
And you were a little too rough back there.
Leave it. That's how we handle things.
You think lowlifes will play nice just because you ask?
If you only talk, they'll think you're easy and treat you like that.
That's why you show force. So they know you're not to be messed with.
I get it.
But you'll make enemies that way.
So that's why I'm telling you to do it right.
Anyway, the Journey has you as the leader, and me as your subordinate.
So act like a big gun in front of your crew.
Give them a reason to follow you.
Do we have to be leader and subordinate?
I kinda liked it better when you said we were buddies.
Huh?
...Hmph. Fine. That kind of bold talk's not bad either.
Harley gave me a light pat as she walked past.
It seemed like Harley got angry on my behalf.
I was grateful... but I couldn't help feeling a little uneasy.