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- I understand him, but rather than worrying so much, he could just let them go free in all four directions. I suppose a successful dealer always has a certain streak of risk when looking at assets. As for you, - Lester places a huge palm on the squire's shoulder guard, completely covering it. - If you don't want to, don't push yourself; no one is forcing you. But life is full of many things, Alseus Blugran of Blexol: suffering, trials, and triumphs. The early years are the hardest for everyone, but above all—it is long. You are young, not bad-looking, and it's far too early for you to give up on it. And the further you go, the more memories blur. Live without a bright spot for ten or twenty years—a year or two or three of success, and you'll almost forget them. Right now you won't take my word for it, but in time you'll see for yourself. I don't know what your customs are, but here in Kanamia, it's not customary to break someone's neck and bury them in the arena without cause. It's possible to climb out of any pit. I demand loyalty—serve me faithfully, and you will lack for nothing. That is my word, and my word is harder than tungsten, - his piercing gaze, with an otherworldly note unusual for him in his normal state, like a misericorde, bores into the pupils of his interlocutor, awaiting an answer.
- My lord... Not long ago, Lord Sjöfnlofn—may he forgive me for revealing his wounds—went on an official visit to the Lady of Revnland, brought rich gifts, and took his family along. He is a commoner, and moreover from a family with no past prestige, so our ruler, though an outcast among the lords, was still a great opportunity for someone like him to rise higher. As he put it, "to expand the prospects for an even more fruitful and brilliant future," or something like that? So, the negotiations were going well, but at some point he said something—I don't remember exactly what—something typical of a merchant, you know, when masters of that trade try to squeeze an extra penny out of their interlocutor? Something like that. Then Her Highness's expression changed instantly, as if winter had descended in the room. She said, "I see that the gleam of gold coins is the source of delight for your eye; so be it, I will pay you handsomely!" Then she walked up, struck him in the eye with her heel—strange that she didn't knock it out—and with an evil smirk added, "but the goods I buy will be at my discretion." Well then, your colleague, the Knight of Unbridled Violence, immobilized him and, holding him by the hair, forced him to watch as the castle guards did... that very thing... to his wife and daughter, and in the end she paid him one gold coin for each person who took part in that outrage. And then they were simply let go. Do you understand, my lord? There are things in this world against which a man is powerless. If that is the price of love, then I do not wish to experience it. Remembering their relationship, I don't even know how he holds himself together, still managing to participate in this celebration somehow. I couldn't do that—I'd probably just jump off the nearest tower. But be that as it may, I will approach my service seriously; at least you can be sure of that.