Felix paused for a moment.
"Starfall?"
"The glowing thing in your pocket," Darian said. "Who gave you that?"
"Felix's thumb brushed his pocket—where the Starfall's glow licked his fingertips like a tongue of frost . "Met an old man. Helped him carry a sack. Didn't ask why it weighed less than a sigh ."
Darian leaned back , finger drumming the desk "Is that the truth or a lie? You expect me to believe some stranger handed you a Starfall Bloom for lifting a bag ." You do realize it's illegal to carry something like that openly, right?"
"Believe what you want." Felix said firmly. "I only lie when it's necessary—not when it could cause problems. I genuinely didn't know about the law."
Darian studied his face. "I can read people. Something about your face tells me to believe you."
"Then why didn't you ask me about the herb before?"
"You might've forgotten, but I remember
showing interest if you could recall."
Felix tried to recall, but the only thing that came to mind was the old man's voice.
"I do believe you," Darian continued. " An old man giving you a Starfall for carrying his bag , and you remembering nothing else about him only his voice not face or name or anything—it sounds too vague to be a lie."
Felix remained silent.
"Just remember," Darian warned, "that hiding something that rare is dangerous. It can heal the bedridden and cure incurable illnesses. Be cautious—or better yet, sell it to me."
"Sell?" Felix echoed.
"Yeah. I'll buy it."
"How much?" Felix questioned.
"Enough to fill half this room with gold. Interested?"
Felix thought for a moment, then replied, "No. I'm not."
"That's fine," Darian said with a shrug. "You can keep it. But be warned—Starfall is found only in one place: the Emberfall Mountains, where stars fall from the sky and grow into the Starfall. It's extremely rare. Even nobles struggle to get their hands on it."
"I appreciate you understanding my situation," Felix said.
"You're a very interesting guy," Darian said with a smile.
"i am honoured," Felix replied.
"But that thing is heavily protected by law. You have to be careful. I have legal connections—I could've gotten you arrested, but I didn't. You can keep it, but in exchange, you'll have to take on a job for me. In return, I'll offer you legal protection."
"And what if I refuse?" Felix asked tilting his head .
"Then we can go the legal route… but it won't end well for you." Darian replied.
Felix ran a hand through his hair. "So I don't have a choice, huh?"
"You're lucky no one noticed the glow in your pocket. If they had, you'd be in serious trouble."They don't just hang thieves for Starfall—they *salt the rope* so it burns on the way down."
"Why should I help you?" "What do I get? You can't expect me to work just for legal protection." Felix challenged.
Darian chuckled. "Interesting. You're sharp. I'll pay you—500 gold coins. Happy?".
Felix is in deep thought.
Seeing his silence Darian offered then wanna go your way "we flip a coin for it? Heads, you double the amount?"
Felix shook his head. "No. Let's not play games. We should be honest with each other."
Surprised by Felix's serious tone, Darian muttered, "You've got some unexpected mood swings."
"So what's the job?" Felix asked.
"Let's discuss that tomorrow. How long are you staying here, anyway? What's your next destination?"
"I'm a nomad," Felix replied. "No home. I go where the weather takes me—until something catches my eye. Next, I plan to visit the kingdom's capital."
"Why there? Any specific reason?" Darian asked, a bit suspicious.
"I want to learn more about the kingdom,"
"Felix said as he scratched his head" eager to know.
Darian smiled. "You could've just asked me."
"Pardon?" Felix said, puzzled.
Darian began explaining. "This kingdom has one capital. Two major towns—Balmwich the herb capital and Mary—lie to the west, known for their flower blooms. Then there are about fifteen to twenty small towns and villages scattered throughout."
A maid's voice called from outside. "Master Darian, it's time."
"Let's talk more tomorrow," Darian muttered as he stood up .
"Alright," Felix nodded and stood up .
"Now that we've finished talking about important things, we want to explore Balmwich? There's a place I think you should visit, but I'm busy with work. How about you go with Sylra?"
"What kind of place?" Felix asked.
"Somewhere your eyes will be blessed. Also, you'll need herbs for the job—so go find some with Sylra."
"Okay," Felix agreed.
"Come with me," Darian said. Felix followed him down the stairs into the guild hall.
"Where's Sylra?" Darian asked.
The receptionist replied, "He's not here."
"Then where is he?"
"Still on the balcony of the arena."
"This boy " Darian sighed. "Come on, Felix."
This time, they headed upstairs instead of toward the arena floor.
On the balcony, Sylra was staring out over the empty arena. Holding his Sword tightly.
"Sylra… Sylra…" Darian called out.
Still lost in thought, Sylra didn't respond. Darian approached.
"Sylra. Sylra."
Finally, Sylra snapped out of it. "Oh—Master."
"Stop zoning out all the time," Darian scolded. "You're a fighter. Stay alert."
"I apologize, Master. I'll stay sharp," Sylra responded.
"Good. Can you show Felix around the town and help him find some herbs in the wild?"
"Yes, Master," Sylra said, turning to Felix.
Then, looking serious, he added, "I have a request."