bison

Uh... hold up, how are you gonna sort them?

What's going on inside the store? Hello? Hello?

...The pile of CDs came crashing down. He's helping clean them up.

What about the music? Is he not listening to music?

He's going all-out with it. Music's probably the last thing on his mind.

Ugh... my shoulders hurt. I didn't expect him to have so many CDs.

I think I did pretty well with the sorting, though. It's been a long time, but I've still got it.

Let's see, what's my next job... Haggle the price down like mad at this weapon shop?

Why did they give me this one? Croissant seems like she'd be much better at this.

How'd it go? He inside?

Yeah.

Heh, last time I drove the price down so much they blacklisted me and don't let me in no more. But heck, ain't no skin off my back. I got other ways.

I'm not so sure this is what the client had in mind.

Aww, you don't think hagglin' helps ya relax? You rack yer brains to argue with the shopkeep and snatch victory in the end. It's a real thrill.

Just trust me. He's gonna be feelin' mighty relaxed, after this.

Heh, I sure hope so. That'd get this over with quickly.

What are you buying, kiddo?

Hold on. I have a shopping list.

Hmm... Hoo. That's quite a long list.

I'll need one of everything on here. I'll take them as soon as you have everything packed and ready. Thanks.

Alright. Here's the invoice. 160 grand in total. Cash or card?

(That's pretty reasonable... Do I really have to haggle this down?)

(Oh well... It's what the job calls for.)

Do you think you could you give me a discount?

No can do, kiddo. We're already known for our low prices around here.

Never mind, then. I'll go to another store.

Tsk, fine. You're buying in bulk. I'll give you 10% off.

(10%... Is that 'mad' enough?)

I'm selling them at cost already. Don't push it.

(I'm not the best at business negotiation, but maybe I could try to put what little I know into haggling.)

Come on, let's be honest here. This is nowhere close to cutting into your bottom line.

And what would you know, punk? All these parts are imported straight from Columbia.

(Shakes head)

Sure, they have stickers from Columbian brands, but the manufacturing immediately gives it away that they were made in Bolívar.

The prices you're asking are way above the actual cost. By my estimate, these things are worth no more than 60 thousand LMD.

Beastshit. I sell the real deal here!

You're sure?

Of course.

Then you were probably scammed when you ordered them. My family's logistics network has been delivering for this company for years. I remember every lot, every model, and every manufacturing plant of theirs.

You shouldn't trust just anyone. You can't do business that way.

You calling me stupid?

I mean, the other possibility is that you're not stupid, but actually pretty smart. After all, there's a huge difference in price between knockoffs and the genuine article.

...What are you getting at?

80 thousand. You'll be earning more than a fair profit, after expenses.

That's just cruel...

Please don't cry.

*sobs*... Too cruel.

Someone just stepped out.

Hah, and I bet that someone's stress-free and fulla confidence, pride, and a whole lotta parts.

No, it's the shopkeeper.

He ran out of the store crying.

...What?

I gotta say, what's with the crazy schemes you two came up with?

You want him relaxed and destressed? You just gotta par-tay! There's no easier way than partying hard!

Sorry, could you repeat that? This crowd's pretty noisy.

<b>I SAID. HAVING HIM GO TO A PARTY IS THE BEST WAY FOR HIM TO DESTRESS!!</b>

Ugh... Now you're being loud.

You're at the biggest party in Lungmen on New Year's Eve! I was worried you couldn't hear me.

What's the matter? Is he there?

(I wonder if I could've haggled for an even lower price...)

(Looks like I still have a ways to go to when it comes to negotiation.)

Oof! S-So many people.

(I still have one last task to do... Deliver a present to somebody at this party.)

But there are so many people here. How am I supposed to find them?

(They're wearing an iron mask and a menacing cape, both impervious to all kinds of weapons... This isn't a character from a kung fu novel, is it?)

*sigh*... A Messenger's job is to brave difficulties. I can do this.

He's pushing into the crowd. You sure he's not going to find anyone matching that description?

Of course not! I took it straight from a novel I used to read, <i>The Iron Swordsman</i>. What are the odds someone would be cosplaying as him on New Year's Eve?

Not like it's Sauin.

...They aren't pulling my leg, are they? Who would dress up like that in this crowd?

Maybe I should go back and double-check with them.

No way?!

They weren't lying! He's really here!

Sir? Sir! Please stop.

Hm? Who are you?

Hello, sir. I'm a Messenger. I have a package for you. Please sign for it.

Interesting. A package for me, delivered to this place?

Right. They had me look for the recipient in the middle of such a big party. I almost thought there had to be a misunderstanding. But thank goodness I found you.

Please go over the contents and sign for it.

I wonder what it is. Never expected to get a package while I'm out of town. What delivery company do you work—

(*gulp*)

Sir?

(Clenches fist)

What's wrong?

(Shudders)

Are you okay?

Who are you?

Too bad... He found someone that fit the description.

What? No way!

There's a Kazimierzian knight in the crowd.

...What? How's that possible?

What did you put in the package? The guy looked like he saw a ghost the moment he opened it.

Hmm... I don't really remember. I just grabbed whatever and stuffed it in there.

Let me see... Looks like Croissant ordered a bunch of special arrowheads, so I grabbed one.

(Good thing there are bushes here...)

Weird... I saw the kid heading this way... but I don't see him anywhere...

Shit... Where'd he go?

What did I even do? And how did the Armorless Union find me all the way out here in Lungmen...?

Phew... Is he gone?

Why did he attack all of a sudden?