As Marni became silent, he appeared unfathomable to Gerald, as if he was prudently considering every decision he was made.
But the truth was that he was chatting wildly away with his net buddies on the forums.
(The Peerless Marni Never Falls: @Pink Flatfish]
(Pink Flatfish: Mister Marni, was my brag for you before I left good enough?]
(The Peerless Marni Never Falls: What did you say to that noble? His high horse could have reached the skies before, why is he so humble now?]
(Pink Flatfish: I told him you’re bros with death!]
[I’m Doug Ag: That’s a bit too much. Aren’t you afraid of the Prince of Darkness noticing…]
(Pink Flatfish: How is this too much?! Think about it, lil’ bro Doug Ag. Who died more times in this world than Mister Marni? Could any other Player dance between living and dead so many times—let alone normal humans?]
[I’m Doug Ag: No way.)
[Pink Flatfish: By the way, will you be alright, Mister Marni? Won’t you get on their bad side and your business be affected for this?)
[The Peerless Marni Never Falls: It’s necessary. Players have to farm reputation now and are being too nice to the people and nobles of Lancaster. It would be acceptable in the short term, but once this drags on and people become dependent because it was only ‘logical’ that we treat them well and steadily enjoy whatever convenience us Players provide, that would only spell trouble.]
(The Peerless Marni Never Falls: The day would eventually come when we would have enough reputation and no longer need their quest. The huge difference in treatment would garner discontent towards ourselves—and if some shady characters decide to instigate things, the discontent would turn into hate…]
(The Peerless Marni Never Falls: That is why we mustn’t simply serve their every whim and show that we have our own dignity and strength, so that they would be careful when they try to use us Players.)
(Pink Flatfish: You’re great, Mister Marni! Although I have no idea what you’re talking about, it just sounds so awesome!)
(The Peerless Marni Never Falls: …]
(Warrior Princess: Come to think of it, Mister Marni is indeed great. The EXP he wasted from dying alone could have leveled anyone else to Level 50.]
[I’m Doug Ag: If that’s the case, Marni is the number one Player! @ Edward, come and fight!)
[Pec King Joe: Doug Ag, Edward is right behind you.)
(Warrior Princess: Is Sir Doug Ag still around?]
[Pink Flatfish: Gou Dan?)
[Pink Flatfish: It’s over. He’s not responding even when I call him Gou Dan. He’s dead.]
[The Peerless Marni Never Falls: @Pink Flatfish, thanks for being awesome for me! Well done, and aside from the promised game coins, I could also gift you a +5 Blue armor item. You may choose for yourself.]
[Pec King Joe: Get a chest armor! It uses most materials so it holds most value!)
(Warrior Princess: …You shouldn’t choose items with that criteria, right? The drop rate for chest armor is quite high.]
[I’m Doug Ag: Actually, I’ve recently discovered that the current equipment system is flawed!]
(Warrior Princess: Oh, he’s alive.]
[Pec King Joe: Doug Ag died and returned to town. Jessica was about to revive him, but we ran into a Level 33 elite beast, and the resurrection timer passed before we noticed and his Resurrection Ankh activated…]
[I’m Doug Ag: From what I’ve seen, the armor of the military in other countries actually has additional long-U shaped crotch guard, along with another plate for the butt! It’s also separated from the pants since most women armor doesn’t have crotch guard.]
[I’m Doug Ag: But us Players don’t have crotch guard! What does that mean?]
[I’m Doug Ag: It means our lord the God of Games never knew that crotch guards are a thing, and in other words, the God of Games is a goddess!)
(Pec King Joe: Oh! That makes sense! It sounds so believable!)
(System Message: Player ‘I’m Doug Ag’ is fined 1000 game coins and chat banned for 24 hours for deity defamation.]
(System Message: Player ‘Pec King Joe’ is fined 500 game coins and chat banned for 12 hours for enabling deity defamation.][1]
(Warrior Princess: …]
[Pink Flatfish: …]
(The Peerless Marni Never Falls: …]
*
**
Turning away from the Player Forums, Marni cleared his throat and spoke to Gerald, who was still standing in front of him. “I can accept you not converting away from your current faith, but the deed would remain unfulfilled if that is to be the case.”
“What shall Sir Gerald do, then?” The noblewoman asked in Gerald’s stead.
“I have actually put in an addendum when I wrote the deed—the victor may offer certain requests should the defeated not carry out as agreed in the deed out of various reasons.”
“And what would your request be? You may speak freely.” The noblewoman appeared eager, but there is no way Marni could take her words at face value.
He glanced at Gerald, and noticed that the sign above the young knight’s head had moved up to Level 36 after his duel with Mufasa.
He just might be able to try poaching a talent.
Still, what request he would make was a challenge.
Nobles often put numbers in what was profitable to them, and the noblewoman might choose to abandon Gerald if his offer proved unreasonable.
When that happens, having Gerald beside him meant that all his actions would be monitored. His hatred of being abandoned by his former master would also be directed on to Marniand when the time comes, he would lucky if he’s not killed, much less poach him…
Be that as it may, a request too simple would be meaningless if it’s completed quickly by the other party.
Nonetheless, it was difficult to have the mayor’s family relent solely by profit.
So, why not start by changing Gerald’s thoughts and perspectives?
Marni was quite confident with the Players’ ability to assimilate. No matter who it was or how high-and-mighty they would behave, all of them would eventually become crazy after being in the company of the Playersincidentally, the wood elves of Trinia who had approached the Players on their own volition recently were heading towards that direction as well.
And after becoming crazy, the best place for them to be in this world was the Church of Games.
Therefore, Marni cleared his throat again and voiced his request.
“If that’s the case, I’ll have Sir Gerald be my bodyguard for some time.”
[1] hahaha Xi Wei showing his pettiness again
