Simmering Guilt

Simo addressed Meilyr's inquiry with a light chuckle.

"I'm afraid that won't be possible until you've at least overcome the Electus Minor. I'm sure you understand why." 

He wants to ascertain our capabilities first, Meilyr inferred. 

"Still, as a show of my patron's goodwill—" He snapped his fingers, extending his shadow into two tendrils that rose to Tsuji and Meilyr's heights, each holding a clinking pouch. 

"You can consider this an advance payment or a congratulatory prize in the eventuality of your triumph over the Electus Minor. We understand that most magi aren't after worldly gains, but even research into the occult requires funds. You'll find my employer particularly generous in that regard."