lasher

Mio? Mio!

(Shakes tail irritably)

What's the matter, Mio? You've been drowsy since yesterday...

Strange. Are you sick? Let me see...

*Ancient Sargonian*!

Get your hands off my eyelids, impertinent servant!

If you keep doing that, I'll...

Zzz...

Mio? Passed out again...

Don't worry, Lazvar, we're not as frail as you think.

...Okay.

The auction is about to start. I've got to go... Look after Mio for me, won't you?

Leave it to me.

We know that you have many responsibilities, aside from seeking the Guardian's gem.

Spend your limited time and energy on more important matters.

Lost? You lost the Falling Star?

W-We're so sorry! We spent all night searching every corner of the warehouse, but couldn't find it anywhere...

That's supposed to be the highlight of the auction...

What do we do, Mr. Lazvar? The auction's about to start...

Doyard, get in touch with everyone who came to the warehouse in the past several days, especially anyone who inquired or came into contact with the Falling Star.

Yes, sir!

Abbas, draft a contingency plan on the delay of the auction. Estimate the cost for rescheduling and the total liquidated damages.

Yes, sir!

I'll look for new consignors, see if we can get something on par with or better than the Falling Star.

Let's focus on our jobs for now. Don't worry, we'll find a way.

...Understood, Mr. Lazvar. We'll do as you say.

I thought we were going to get fired for sure. I guess the high turnover at the trading post wasn't because of the staff making mistakes?

And thinking of it, why does trouble always happen at the worst possible time?

Let's hope we can find it... I really wish this was all just a bad dream.

...So, we would very much appreciate it if you have any gems you're interested in auctioning.

I'm really sorry, but a customer already bought out our best gems a few days ago.

No need to apologize. I didn't give you any notice I'd be coming, after all.

I'm afraid you've seen all my goods, Mr. Lazvar. I don't think we have any gems that can satisfy your requirements.

It's fine, I'll just keep looking around. Thank you for your time.

How about this crystal brooch, Mr. Lazvar?

I'm afraid its flaws are too apparent to be the highlight of an auction.

All you need to do is give it a good starting price, just a tad bit higher than the other items...

If it's the overseer's appraisal, then it's all legit! We can offer many, er, perks, if you would just nod...

No, thank you.

I'll take my leave.

Mr. Lazvar?

Abbas? What is it?

Bad news, sir.

The Lord Ameer just sent word that a wealthy foreign merchant by the name of Sotheby is coming to Menat in a few days to discuss business, and instructs us to welcome him with the utmost hospitality.

Mr. Sotheby came for the gem with healing effects that's being auctioned. Considering his schedule, we can't delay the event for too long.

The Lord Ameer's herald said that Mr. Sotheby saw the auction leaflet and is very interested in the healing effects of the Falling Star. He wants to have a look at the gem at the preview.

How long is Mr. Sotheby staying?

He's going to Siesta for the music festival next, so up to one week, at most.

Move the auction to the day before he leaves.

Has Doyard looked into those who had contact with the Falling Star?

Yes, sir. They all came up clean. It's strange...

*sigh*...

Mr. Lazvar?

It's nothing. I got it.

I'll be hanging up if there's nothing else.

What is it this time?

Hello! Are you perhaps in a spot of trouble?

...Who is this?

Ah, pardon me. This is Four-Fin Domestic Services Limited.

We help take care of every problem in your life: appliance repair, plumbing, pest extermination, and even looking for lost items!

Feel free to call us at this number if you need anything!

I don't.

Really? But you sound really tired. Are you sure—

Yes.

It's okay! Just tell us what's troubling you, and we'll do our best to help with whatever it is!

Maybe you could save our number?

That's enough...

Wait. Did he say 'looking for lost items'?

No, what am I thinking... was I really considering asking a dodgy 'domestic service' company to help find an auction item?

Can't keep thinking about the Falling Star... I've got to find another way.

A dark alley. This is the shortest route from the Great Bazaar back to the trading post.

The young overseer walks alone. There are voices coming through the gaps in the brick walls.

Looks like there's trouble at the trading post again...

Ha! Nothing to worry about. Not the first time and won't be the last.

Mr. Lazvar is always meticulous about the auctions... but who cares if one doesn't go well once in a while?

You think it won't go well? The show will go on, as long as those magical healing gems keep coming to Menat-Ha'mait.

Just you wait. With Mr. Lazvar around, this will be the best auction ever!

The overseer recalls hiding in this dark alley as a child, making his mother and grandfather fret as they looked for them.

He had innocently believed that doing so would make them open that heavy brick-colored door, and walk away from the burden of responsibility and guilt.

Now, though, he feels the weight his ancestors felt on their own hearts as they walked through here like never before.

Suddenly, he sees a familiar figure.

Dio? What are you doing here?

It's getting very late.

Oh, I didn't realize... I should have been spending more time with you guys.

What about Mio? Getting any better?

You should worry more about yourself.

Come home, Lazvar, and have a good sleep.

The next day...

...My head hurts.

I told you to get sleep, not to stay up all night.

I had to look through the bidders' files. We don't have much time, and I need to figure out what they need, and what they like.

Say, are you sure you don't want me to get a vet to take a look at Mio? I'm still concerned...

I told you, humans can't see us unless we want to be seen. Give it up.

But...

Hey, what are...

Stop licking my wrist, Dio. Oh, it tickles... I know, I know, you want me to pat you on the head, right?

(Looks up)

Sorry I've been neglecting you guys...

I'm fine, and Mio will be too. You shouldn't neglect your own feelings.

But...