"I want you to lend me your acquisitive power, Vurckair. So we can have a more permanent residence in Takctoor, instead of the weekly rental that most of the cadets in the Academy are subjected to".
"Wow!. Ines!. Are you hearing yourself?". I say exaggeratedly. "For a moment you almost sounded like the Pyrite, interested in money above everything else".
She smiles slightly, and chuckles with graceful subtlety. "I would laugh, but i don't like to make fun of those who are in dire need, or going through pessimistic misfortune".
{Interesting. Though expected}.
"Let me guess, Barking Bitch. The deal the Durval Family had with the Nydrikoff House has ceased since Danaika's brother lost to my Ex Fiancée".
"That assumption is on point, Lustful Beast, which leads them to their new predicament, because they thought ahead, just in case the Nydrikoff House may play them wrong after the agreement's fulfilment, receiving the payment in advance. Although it won't work very well in the end…".
{How so?}.
"As you should know, «Credits» are severely restricted in Takctoor, they literally can't be acquired illegally, and to stay in a safe location, you must pay 100 Credits for a «Single Room» and have privacy. Or go to the barracks. While they are free, it's not a place any lady, should frequent. Much less a Pure Heiress from a renowned Family, even more because she now belongs to a Fallen House that can't retaliate effectively".
{Understandable}.
"So it's like the barracks at the Lyceum?".
"Not at all, Vurckair. Clamour's barracks are filthy and cramped to the extreme. At least for what i heard…".
{Girlande said something similar…}.
"But here, inside Takctoor, if something happens to you, it's your own fault for being weak, stupid, or ignorant, not the perpetrator's for commiting a crime".
{That's Insane!. Though it explains why Vosha warned me to stay alert at all times. And it also gives me a clear idea of why Ines wants to make sure she has a place where she can rest without having to worry about a third party wanting to attack her. Or even if there is someone committed to attempt it. We can back each other up}.
That makes me realize that the woman who enrolled me, gave me a similar advice.
{«Be strong enough to fight your way through alone, or form an alliance». Since i'm extremely tired, sore, thirsty, and hungry, it's best to play it safe. After all, i'm still unaware of most of the dangers in Loutharn, and the Barking Bitch is quite direct with her intentions. So i genuinely doubt she would try to deceive me}.
"Okay Ines. I'll play along, but i have two conditions. One: «Your ass is mine». And Two: «You must help me to fetch Danaika for myself. After all. «I'm so appalled and devastated after being dumped before the wedding, that i need a way to relax, and cope up with the emotional turmoil»".
The obvious exaggeration doesn't impede Ines from making a grimace of disgust, but it's not like she can refuse.
Besides, the Barking Bitch certainly doesn't get along with the Pyrite, which is a point i can capitalize to my advantage.
"I'll help you with her. But i'm out of the question, unless «I» say otherwise".
{She needs a slight push, and i'll gladly carry on with the task…}.
"Ines. You are not an easy target that i can have whenever i want, and i truthfully respect you for that. Much more than many other females, or people in general".
She is momentarily happy, but manages to control her emotions by pressing her lips, sealing them tight to maintain a firm, and concise seriousness. "Alright, Lustful Beast. I'll support you on this lecherous affair".
{That was easy. Ines must have some personal interest regarding Danaika. Or did i make her awake Voyeuristic tendencies?. In Nustown, she spied on me when i was with Vallicca, by using her Gaseous Summon… , Well, in any case, is good for me}.
"Then, show me the way, Barking Bitch, and don't forget to swing your ass for my amusement. That's part of my adjacent payment, and it's not negotiable. However, just to make sure we are on the same page here. How many Credits do you expect me to give you?".
"Considering, you intend to «Sponsor» Danaika, i believe 250 Credits will be enough to have her willingly eating out of your palm, and if you are interested in sponsor someone else, 375 in total".
{Another?. Kinky Bitch, she really wants to watch my sexual affairs. I really don't mind, even if she doesn't get involved with me later on. Nevertheless, curiosity tends to win…}
"Ines. This amount you are saying. Would be required every week?".
"Not precisely, Vurckair. It's impossible for us to earn that many Credits. If each of us earns between 8 and 13 credits a day. It would be an immeasurable gain".
"If the profit is so low. Explain to me. «How does people survive here?», or is the food free?".
{Even with magic it's a rough set up for Students… , I mean, «Cadets»}.
"You are not mistaken with the idea. There is a Creditless daily «Special» for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But i wouldn't recommend it to anyone, not even those who presence enrages me. Though. I admit it's enough to fill your stomach and be well fed. But the flavor isn't remotely edible. I know it because my Mother made me taste it when i complained about the food we were eating at the Manor".
"Haha. Itzel and my Mother would be good friends. I went through something similar, although the second time, and the subsequent ones, were because there was no food after the catastrophe…". I clarify my throat, not wanting to recall those fateful days when i lost my Mother, becoming an orphan until i lost everything again in the tsunami that allowed me to meet the Old Man. "Let's return to the topic, Barking Bitch. We will get the meals like we did in the Resort?".
"If you are referring to the buffet in the Match Amalgam we delve in?. It's almost correct, but not entirely. We receive food that is in line with the Residence we are affording".
"In essence, we are paying in advance. How big it's the real figure?"…