Wealthy Fox

Fox tried to buy me some clothes, but I refused. I was used to my clothes, and I preferred something that would protect me, just in case. Fox didn't try to argue this time. Throughout the whole shopping trip, I learned that Fox was really wealthy. She even mentioned that buying this many clothes, was nothing to her. I wasn't sure whether she was just honest or flaunting her wealth.

Either way, we had our late dinner after. Fox thanked me, and apologised again. I told her not to mention it, and that I shouldn't ditch her either. Fox brightened up, after that day. The next day, Fox asked me again, if I wanted to go to the Grand Library. I shook my head, and replied "Let's go to the Arena. We can watch some battles, and maybe participate in some of them". Fox nodded her head, and followed after me.

At the Arena, I asked one of the clerks for some tickets. He replied that, there will be a major fight in one day. I could buy the tickets already, and they were selling out fast. He gave us an option to buy the tickets for the major fight alone, or for the whole day. There would be three battles altogether that day. The major battle he talked about, would be the last one during that day.

I looked at Fox a bit confused, and then at clerk. I asked "Why is it a major battle?". The clerk replied "That is because one of the Royalties, will take part in it. It doesn't happen very often, so I do recommend it". I was a bit surprised. 'Who would've thought that someone from the Royalty, would actually fight in the Arena' I thought. I asked the clerk "How much are the tickets?". He replied "That will depend on the seats. If you want to sit closer to the stage, there are a few tickets left. They range from 30 Gold Coins to 70 Gold Coins per ticket. If you are looking for something cheaper, I have tickets that range from 5 Gold Coins to 15 Gold Coins".

'So expensive? This is for one fight as well' I thought, and looked at Fox. I only had enough for one ticket, that had better seats. Fox was about to say something, but I stopped her, and said "We will take two seats for 15 Gold". The clerk nodded, and gave me two tickets. I handed him 30 Gold Coins, and we left.

Fox said "You know, I could pay no problem. I could even buy the more expensive tickets". I shook my head, and said "It's not about money. You paid for me, so I paid for you. Here is your ticket. Tomorrow, I hope to see a good spectacle from that Royalty. I've paid for it a lot after all". Fox laughed a bit, but didn't comment. We walked for a while, until Fox asked "Where are we going now?".

I stopped, and replied "I was lost in thoughts a bit… I don't know, I just walked forwards. To think of it, I always did that… Walked forwards". I was lost in my thoughts again, until Fox poked me. She asked "Are you alright? If it's about the money, don't worry. I have plenty". I shook my head, and replied "No, that was not what I was thinking about. Besides, do you really think, I can't make any money? With my skills, I can be as wealthy as you, if not wealthier".

She replied "You are just talking. After all, I could see the struggle on your face, when it came to paying for those tickets". I laughed "Wanna bet?". She replied with more laughing, then said "Yea, yea. Anyway, where do you want to go now?". I wasn't satisfied, and asked "What? You don't believe me?". She shook her head, and replied "There is no need for you to prove me anything. I have money, and I don't care if you have any. You don't have to go out of your way, to show me that you can earn something. I believe you, I just found it funny, that's all".

I gave up at this stage, and said "Alright, alright. You are wealthy, and I don't need money, as long as you are around. Happy?". She giggled, and said "Happy enough". Fox asked again "So, where are we going then? More shopping?". I knew she was joking about that shopping thing, so I replied "How about we look for my sword? We can check out some of the smithies, and perhaps find some clues".

Fox nodded her head, and said "Let's search for it then. I know two smithies in the city, let me show you the way". I followed after Fox to the first smithy. It was quite large, with many people working inside. There were people who made ingots, those who make armour, and others made weapons. I asked at the counter "Have you seen such a sword before?", and showed the guy behind it, the replica of Moon Blade.

He looked at it, and replied "Hmmm… I think I saw a few of these types of swords. Some people like the old and classic designs. We don't have any of those, and as far as I know, no blacksmith here makes them. Sorry". I replied "It's fine, thanks anyway". We left the smithy, and headed to the next one. When I asked the same question at the next smithy, the person behind the counter was also unable to tell us more.

'It seems the large smithies are a dead end. These people would not be interested in replicas' I thought. I turned towards Fox and said "Large smithies will have loads of orders. They don't have to deal with replicas, or any knock offs. We should check out smaller smithies or workshops". Fox replied "Not a bad idea. I don't know about any small smithies or workshops. We have to either ask someone, or buy a detailed map of this place".

In this case, the map was the best solution. I asked "Where can we get a map?". Fox motioned for me to follow. We soon arrived at a certain building, with loads of travellers going in and out. I asked "What is this place?". Fox replied "Do you remember the Mercenary Guild from the North? This place is similar. I don't know whether it was us or the North, who came up with this idea first. But we can get a map here, as well as missions, and so on… I didn't want to show you this place…" I cut her off, and replied "It's fine. If you don't want to take on any missions, I'm not gonna do them either. We came here together".

She seemed happy about that, but shook her head, and replied "It's not that. I just wanted to spend some time in the city. We can take on something later if you want". I said "Let's not worry about that now. First, we will need a map". The inside was crowded, I could see that Fox didn't like it there. I grabbed her, and said "If you don't like crowded places, wait outside. I will just get the map, and leave". She shook her head, but stayed close to me.

We soon arrived at the counter, and I asked for a detailed map of the Imperial City. The clerk told me it costs 2 Gold Coins. I thought that the price was ridiculous, but Fox quickly took out the money, and grabbed the map. 'She hates crowded places that much?' I asked myself. We didn't linger there anymore. I took Fox out, to a more open area.

I asked "Are you alright? You hate crowded places?". She replied "I don't like it when there are a lot of people around. Things can happen…". I wasn't sure what she was referring to, but I didn't try to dig any further. Fox checked the map, and said "According to the map, there are five small smithies in the Imperial City. There are two big smithies too, but we visited them already. Let's go check those others out". I nodded my head, and followed her.