lasher

That forced smile on your face is exactly like the one in this photo.

Photo? You mean Mr. Sotheby's?

Yeah. Everyone else in the photo is grinning from ear to ear, but he's the only one barely even raising the corners of his mouth.

You're right.

Hey, it's the same for all his other photos in the file... even in the one with his favorite band.

What does it mean?

It means you may just have done me a huge favor, Dio.

Mr. Farshid.

I was wondering who could get my secretary to arrange an urgent meeting first thing in the morning. No wonder.

What brings you here personally, Mr. Lazvar?

I want to make a deal.

I know there is a perfectly cut yellowish-green gem in your collection, immaculate in both appearance and efficacy.

...The Sun of Sand.

I see. You want to craft it into an auction highlight?

Exactly.

I'm sure you understand, Mr. Farshid, that the overseer seldom leaves the Great Bazaar to deal with citizens not in the gem trade.

Is that so? I thought your mother and grandfather never came to me because they didn't like me.

I was a rule-breaker. I abused their names to raise prices on my gems, they said.

You did. It was against the principles of the gem trading post.

Anyway, my gem vendor permit was revoked... Fortunately, my advertising company is still doing well.

I just feel sorry for my gems sitting at home collecting dust, with no one to admire it but myself.

I take it your answer is no.

Very well then. I apologize for taking up your time.

Wait! One second.

As an honest citizen of Menat, I'm of course happy to support the new overseer.

But the consigning fee is not insignificant, you understand...

We can waive it.

...And my vendor permit?

You can submit an application for reinstatement. I will approve it after the probation period.

There's a probation period?

...Do not push your luck.

Ha. Well, everyone in this town knows that your word is golden, Mr. Lazvar, and I suppose showing some good faith is the least I could do.

I'll have the Sun of Sand sent to the trading post.

What did Farshid say? I heard he had a grudge against the trading post...

He said yes.

Oh, thank goodness.

I was sure it didn't go well, what with that look on your face...

By the way, here are Mr. Sotheby's recent spending records you had me look up.

I knew it.

Is that the section on medical and cosmetic expenses?

Teeth whitening?

It seems we were looking in the right direction.

Mr. Lazvar!

Just one, tiny little request, if I may?

...Go ahead.

Well, to be honest, my company's ads haven't been doing that well lately, but I have an amazing idea this time...

I'm positive it will be a great way to both advertise the Sun of Sand, and change the overly solemn image of the trading post.

There's no need to change the trading post's image.

...Well, I won't lie, I also want to increase exposure for my company.

Give and take. That's what business is all about, isn't it?

Great idea, don't you think?

(Whisper) Mr. Lazvar, this man is just trying to take advantage of us.

So, what do you want me to do?

Since we're putting the Sun of Sand on auction, I was thinking about making some posters for it...

...And I could think of no better model than you!

The Sun of Sand, the eternal oasis, the sun that never sets.

Royal artificers have crafted the ultimate masterpiece of teeth whitening.

You, too, can become the owner of this wonderful gem, and a mouth full of white teeth!

Brought to you by Lazvar, overseer of Menat-Ha'mait Gem Trading Post—

Whatever chances you may have missed in life, don't miss this one!

When I give you the cue, lift your chin, show your teeth, and smile!

A little further to the right! Next to the statue. That's right!

Smile!

Er, sir, you need to show your teeth, so that we can demonstrate the effects of the Sun of Sand.

Youth and sunshine! Grin from ear to ear!

Oh dear, you're frowning now... Mm? There's actually a good one.

What's going on, Doyard?

How did Farshid get Mr. Lazvar to agree to be the model for the teeth whitening ad?

It's a long story... I would refrain from snide comments if I were you. I doubt Mr. Lazvar is in the best mood right now.

Good. Let's take a break.

You're being too tense. Perhaps a more familiar environment will help you loosen up a bit?

Nice posters. How long will they stay up at the trading post and Great Bazaar?

...No later than the auction.

You should keep one. I like this one, with the trading post in the background. The smile looks so natural.

Don't even start. I don't know if my face muscles will ever be the same again...

Mio's still sleeping...

Don't worry, it's only been a few days. Mio and I have slept for centuries before.

And you really should get some sleep once this auction is over.

The trading post and Great Bazaar are never idle, you know, even when there's nothing in particular going on.

Are you tired of it?

Of course not.

But I've been having... strange dreams.

In the dream, I wasn't the overseer sitting behind the counter, but a clockwork fowlbeast sent out to fly through the streets, perching to rest when the wind grows strong.

(Rolls over leisurely)

(Wags tail relaxedly)

Like Mio?

Haha. Maybe.

Well, Mio is going to miss this auction if they don't wake up. I wanted you guys to help keep an eye on the news that the merchants bring from outside...

There are still two missing guardian gems.

As you search for them, Lazvar, I hope you don't forget that your own time is limited too.

My time is limited, but the life of an overseer only ends when the gems are returned. I'm just doing my duty.

And I want to reunite you guys with the trove guardian sooner rather than later.

He's important to you and Mio, isn't he?

...Of course.

Lazvar, when was the last time you took a photo for yourself?

Last time... I think it was when my mother was still around.

We should have the photographer of the poster take a photo for us.

I don't know if he'll be able to capture Mio and I, but at least you will know we were by your side.

Dio...

Sure. I'd love to.