-- You have nothing to be ashamed of; when I "started," all I had was a cheap sword and nothing else to brag about. Your worth has nothing to do with your possessions or wealth!
-- I'm flattered, but just in case, remember that in our line of work, you need to value your life more than objects.
-- Is that so? Just a moment, -- Erephir took the expander back and adjusted it to the maximum. -- Here. It's adjustable; I hope it will be better now. If you still don't feel tired after a thousand reps, then we'll have to replace the spring with a stiffer one...
- If there are thirty repetitions in each set, that will be 30,000 repetitions... Hmm, will I have enough time for that in a whole day?
"Interesting... You readily ask me to visit the headquarters, read books, but you don't want to receive a small gift along with the other visitors. )"
-- In my opinion, reciprocal gifts would be inappropriate, and I, as I host guests in my Temple of Fire and Metal, am within my rights, and I don't think your wonderful commander would object, -- the girl shrugged. -- However, this also depends on your sense of ethics, multiplied by your obvious and commendable loyalty, so do as you see fit.
- Thank you for understanding my situation.
-- I'm not pretending; I am the subject when I give assessments. ) But for me, the incomparable respect for the Overlord in all aspects is as natural as breathing. And it seems that you and I are the same, with the correction that you are subordinate to someone else; I find that worthy of respect.
After the forge, Erephir habitually offered the three of them tea or coffee with something light: specifically light, because they will probably have time to visit restaurants later today, and you need to keep track of how much you eat; this is based on personal experience.