☀️ Arselia and Akonia

Actually, Merel didn't make that decision because of the loot (I don't know how you imagine it. We're standing there with items that don't exist, weighing each one individually, and when we realize that the desired item won't fit, we take action or what? It's absurd). He did it to buy time, and there was also an extra body. The focus wasn't on the loot or anything else (except maybe outside the game), because in that situation (and being burned), a person wouldn't think that if he takes off his pants, he'll be able to carry someone else. So, he had to choose between the quest/Carneol (whom he hasn't known for very long anyway)/and unfamiliar women whom he had seen for the first time a week ago and hadn't spoken to at all. In my opinion, it's obvious and logical that this was done in character (and in no other way).