The Negotiations

My turn now.

I am indeed interested to hire an SSS Rank Tanker myself. In order to fulfill my dream, I need the greatest Tanker's aid I can get.

Attendant: (*What will this kiddo here? Hire a Tanker to be a bodyguard? Anyway…*)

The attendant shows a gentle smile.

Attendant: What's your business here, kid?

Ray: I want to hire your SSS Rank Tanker, please.

Attendant: Ah pardon me?

I guess she didn't quite hear me.

Ray: I'm going to hire an SSS Rank Tanker.

The moment I said it twice, the attendant looks at me with a doubtful face.

Attendant: (*Hire an SSS Rank Tanker? I bet this kid doesn't know how much they are worth*)

She continues.

Attendant: Okay, kid. That would be two diamonds.

When I bring out the payment from my pouch, the attendant seems to choke, hastily run and calls out for the guild master.

*Wait. Did I make some mistakes? These are real diamonds. *

Reaching the office, the attendant catching her breath speaks.

Attendant: Guild master. There is…there's this---

Annoy. The guild master speaks then.

Guild master: Straighten your tongue woman! What is it? Another headache again? That's two rows in a day!

Attendant: No, guild master. There's this kid wanting to hire our SSS Rank Tanker.

The guild master dumbfounded shakes his head.

Guild master: Kid, you say? Is this a joke?

Attendant: No. If you want, please come see him for yourself.

The guild master stands, leaves the office and sees a kid near the counter waiting. He wants to confirm it for himself.

As the guild master makes his way, the kid sees him.

Guild master: Hey there little fella. Tell me, are you the one who wants to hire our SSS Rank Tanker?

Seriously, I don't know if I made some mistakes, but here goes nothing. I stand straight and answers back.

Ray: Yes, sir!

After he hears my response, he also shows doubt on his face. Come on, I'm being honest here. He beckons me.

Guild master: Follow us in the reception area, little fella.

I did as I am told. The reception area is like a lounge exclusively for VIP customers. I'm a bit embarrass setting my dirty pair of shoes on the floor area.

The guild master asks me to sit on the couch and sit beside me with the attendant paying attention closely.

Guild master: Little fella, you see here in the City of Ambeist, people are treated equally. That is, as long as you have the goods. We won't mind whatever or whoever you are. Business is business.

Ray: (*Okay?? So, what's the deal? *) I see.

He continues.

Guild master: So, you're here to hire our SSS Rank Tanker, huh?

Ray: Yes, sir.

*I've been telling that for the third time already. *

Guild master: And you know they cost two diamonds, right?

Ray: Exactly, sir. I do.

Guild master: (*What a strange little fella. The woman is not lying then. *) Okay. Could you show me your payment?

I take two diamonds from my pocket and put in on the table.

Ray: Here.

I'm about to look at the guild master's face when he suddenly calls his attendant attention. They distance themselves from me.

I wonder what's going on?

Guild master: The little fella is serious. Go call her out.

Attendant: Are you sure, guild master? Will she come this time?

Guild master: Hold on. Ask someone to bring her here.

Attendant: Okay. I'll go ask in the hall.

I see the attendant leaves the room. The guild master approaches and speaks briefly.

Guild master: You seem new here?

Ray: Yes, sir. I'm a traveler. (*Though, not really. *)

Guild master: Great to know, little fella. Now let me explain some rules here. SSS Rank Tanker information are top secret. Once you hire them, they are neither entitled to disclose any information to you nor you are allowed to force information from them. This treatment is exclusive for SSS Rank Tanker. I have my attendant bring the documents for you to read and sign.

As he ends his lecture. He looks at me and smiles.

Guild Master: Welcome to the City of Ambeist. Hope you find it comfortable.

He leaves me inside the room.

As I begin to admire the room, I notice that the guild master forgot my payment. It's still on the table. I take it and rush through the door.