story_lasher_1_1

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...

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.

Day of the auction

Tea or coffee, Mr. Sotheby?

No need. Just lemon water, and please make sure there's no extra coloring in it.

Here you go. Please feel free to let me know if you need anything else.

I will, thank you.

Well?

Mr. Lazvar was right. Mr. Sotheby has yellow teeth.

Did he ask about the Falling Star?

Not one word. He was holding the leaflet for the Sun of Sand, you know, the one with Mr. Lazvar's photo on it.

He sure has his eye on it...

Now, the highlight of the auction.

From Mr. Farshid, I present to you the Sun of Sand, the brightest sun of Sargon.

Bidding will start at nine million dinar.

Eleven million. Thirteen million. Fifteen million. Seventeen million. Seventeen million.

(Raises bid card)

Nineteen million from Mr. Sotheby. Nineteen million.

(Raises bid card)

Twenty-one million from Mrs. Shalmar, Titan Jewelry. Twenty-one million.

(Raises bid card)

(Raises bid card)

Twenty-three million. Twenty-five million. Twenty-seven million. Twenty-nine million from Mr. Hamut, Djinni Trade Association.

Mr. Sotheby? What are you—

I'm leaving my card here. Where's that staff member? Nail my card to the wall, or use Originium Arts, I don't care.

I'm keeping it up and I'm not putting it down, never, no matter how much you people bid!

Let's see who's trying to take the Sun of Sand from me?!

...Thirty-one million, from Mr. Sotheby. Thirty-one million going once. Thirty-one million going twice.

Sold!

Wow, that didn't feel real... the auction comes to a close, and the crisis is over?

I can't believe Mr. Sotheby was so happy about it...

I told you, Mr. Lazvar would find a way out.

I can't guarantee a happy ending every time. Besides, we haven't found the Falling Star...

Hello.

What? You said... Mio...

Mio's not breathing?

Mio, Mio!

Oh no... the breaths are so weak...

Hang in there, I'll get you a doctor!

I told you, there's no point.

Give me a hand, Dio, I need to get Mio up...

Hey, did something just fall out from the pillow?

(Stretches)

(Yawns)

A gem... the missing Falling Star! How did it end up under Mio's pillow?

Shut up, you're making my head hurt...

What did you just say, Lazvar?

Finally! You're awake!

Finally?

So it was the Falling Star that made you fall asleep...

'A gem that grants restful sleep.'

It's in the item description. I should have realized...

Shouldn't you be keeping a close eye on dangerous gems like this?

It's a pretty powerful one, to be able to knock a Sovereign of Beasts out.

...If you want to play with a gem, you should tell me first.

You have no idea how much trouble I had to go through because it went missing...

(Glares)

What? Are you blaming me?

How was I to know it would knock me out so quickly, when all I did was hold it for a while?

And how was I supposed to tell you when I'm asleep?

Er...

Plus, this is mainly your fault!

My fault?

If you had picked me up earlier and took me away from the gem, I wouldn't be sleeping for so long, and you would have found it!

Well... are you feeling okay now?

Hmph...

Not especially, other than being rudely woken up.

...What are you grinning about, human?

Ha... nothing, nothing. Just happy that you're well.

You're hugging me too tight! I haven't forgiven you yet, Lazvar!