Nine Days Later —
"Nyahahaha! I've won the auction! Take that, you despicable Dorphire scum!"
"But… isn't 550 energy pearls way too much for that chunk of dirt? I mean, sure, it's from a planet imbued with a minor Law of Life — perfect for growing premium medicinal herbs and flora — but still, that price is excessive..."
"If shutting the mouths of the Dorphire clan costs 550 energy pearls, then so be it! I'd spend it all over again with absolute satisfaction — Nyahahaha!"
…
On the top floor of a quiet hotel, Robin sat hunched over his work table. Several times his hand froze mid-stroke, his brow twitching with irritation. He turned toward the window, his voice laced with frustration:
"That damned loudmouth again! I'm at the final and most delicate phase of this Rune, and he's bellowing like a drunken ogre! What do I care about his petty rivalry with the Dorscum family!?"
Just then, a calm and unfamiliar voice sounded behind him.
"Allow me to assist with that."
Whoosh—
