Chapter 36: Chapter 36 : Payback

Genise's face was marvellous to look at. Only after tens of seconds did the shock subside enough for her to regain her speech.

“You…you’re really something else.”

"You should get used to it. I’ll have plenty of surprises in store,” Ralf said with a cheeky smile.

A wry look overcame the receptionist. "I see, I’ll steel this old heart of mine then. Now, onto the Adventurer account. I explained the surface stuff earlier. With so much spending money, you'll need to hear the rest. Ready?"

"Go ahead."

Given the greenlight, Genise proceeded with her explanation. Ralf absorbed it all. There was nothing amiss to be found anywhere. In fact, the banking system was very favourable to its users. It was superior to most banks. So much so, that many sought the Adventurer title to simply make use of the banking system.

“I see,” Ralf said as Genise concluded her explanation.

"Nothing you need repeating?"

"I'm good, my memory is pretty good. I'll be seeing you around, Genise. Just subtract the repair costs from my account."

"Will do. See you, Ralf. I await further surprises."

Catching her words at the archway, Ralf turned back and flashed her a silent but telling smirk before turning and leaving.

Looking at the now-empty entranceway, a smile surfaced on Genise’s face. The light of anticipation swirled in her eyes.

‘Ralf Fawkes, what surprises will you bring next?'

***

Ralf didn’t immediately head to Golden Jug. With the Adventurer Association branch in the centre of Ganurg, he decided to visit the marketplace to the west. Walking for ten minutes, he arrived at his destination.

“Oh, Ralf, you came. And, how did it go?”

Ralf gave an enthusiastic thumbs up while flashing a radiant smile.

Joel’s eyes lit up. “Marvellous, well-done, sonny."

“Thank you thank you. That apple of yours must have done the trick.”

“Haha, I wonder about that.”

Ralf moved his eyes over the stall’s setup. Joel, like those at his sides, sat beneath a small gazebo structure. Various fruits lay on display, neatly organized on racks. Ralf swept over the prices displayed and did some simple arithmetic.

“Mister Joel, I see you saved some stock for me.”

“Of course of course. So what will it be, Ralf?”

“Mmm.” While humming, Ralf reached into his bag and retrieved a small pouch. He approached then placed it on the counter. “I’ll have as much as that can get me.”

Joel reached for it curiously. When the gold sheen reached his retina, his eyes widened to their limits. “Ralf…I think you made a mistake-”

“I didn’t,” Ralf cut in sharply, “I want everything you have. Keep the change, for the apple.”

“Boy, I appreciate the offer…but this is too much.”

Ralf shook his head. “I told you, I won big. I’m currently loaded...that is pocket change to me.”

“Oh.”

Hit with Ralf’s warm kindness, Joel’s heart swelled. His old eyes began moistening up.

Ralf smiled. He then plucked out a red apple from the bunch and tossed it about.

“I won’t be able to eat all this up before it goes bad. How about this, for today, just give everything away for free. If people taste how good these fruits are, I’m sure they’ll come again in the future.”

Joel’s eyes flickered. “Thank you, Ralf.”

“Kindness should be... fruitful.”

Joel’s lips curled up. “Indeed.”

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The apple landed in Ralf’s hand for the last time before he spoke, “Anyway, Joel. I have a job of sorts I need help with. Would you be interested?”

“All ears.”

Ralf smiled, then laid out the job’s details. Hearing it all out, Joel readily accepted.

“Thanks. Then, let's meet at the same spot, same time. See you.”

At these words, Ralf headed to Golden Jug. To the disappointment of many, especially Jeff, Ralf kept his stay here brief. He was in and out in under ten minutes, with most of his time devoted to settling the details behind moving into the Orchard District. Reaching a favourable conclusion, Ralf left for the library where he shot two birds with one stone.

Enduring the strange looks from bookworms and the disproving gaze of the librarian, Ralf then moved to the appointed spot.

Now, around 5 pm, he was at the back of Joel’s carriage, returning to Lagner.

‘A lot of zigzagging about…and it's not over yet.’ Reminding himself of this, he slapped his lethargic spirit awake. The most critical task was still at hand.

Joel’s carriage approached Lagner. The Red Star members at the village’s entrance gave him a once over. Recognizing Joel's face, they didn’t bother with him and let him pass without issue. After entering, the carriage moved westward. Moving through the street, Joel arrived at the Fawkes residence.

“Give me a minute,” Ralf said before hopping off.

“No problem.”

‘Good, nothing happened.’ Relief poured into his heart as his senses locked onto his mother's existence moving about inside the house.

Not lingering at the makeshift gate, he headed in. Entering, it took merely five steps for his mother to come into view.

“Ral-”

Before she could finish her words, Hana was wrapped up in her son’s warm embrace. She reciprocated the gesture at once. Holding him tight, Hana could feel the slight tremors coursing through his body. She understood this phenomenon well, for she was plagued by it as well.

While he was composed on the surface, internally, Ralf had been on edge this entire time. Leaving his mother alone while he went elsewhere caused his mind to fill with dark thoughts and possibilities. His ancestors' infamous tragic tale didn't help either.

“Ralf.”

His mother's words snapped him awake. Reminded of his priorities, he pulled back and asked, “Are you ready to go?”

Hana floated three boxes to her side and nodded.

“Good. Then, let’s go.”

Hana and her few boxes boarded Joel’s carriage.

“Okay, just like we discussed. Joel will take you to Ganurg, to a bar called Golden Jug. There, you’ll meet up with Greg.”

“And you?”

“I’m going to clean our slate. I won big. I’ll come up with the other carriages. Then, from the bar, we’ll head to our new home.”

Hana didn’t take to his words. She didn’t like the idea of her son entering the lion’s den. “Ralf, I could go with you if you want.”

“No no, definitely not.” Ralf shook his head violently in response. “If something bad happens to you, I’ll have to destroy the world. I want to avoid that path so follow the plan, okay. I’ll be there before you know it.”

Hana's lips quivered to object, but she couldn't bring herself to speak the words. In the end, she clenched her dainty hands, angered and frustrated by her powerlessness.

“Alright, I’ll do as you say. Just be careful, okay.”

“I will.”

Offering her a reassuring look, Ralf turned to Joel. “I’m counting on you, Joel. Take her away.”

Joel nodded seriously, understanding the weight that he carried. Soon the carriage was off. From the rooftop, Ralf watched as it exited the village's entrance unopposed. Only after it disappeared beyond the horizon did his troubled heart settle. Calming down, his gaze moved to the centre of Lagner, to a certain three-story building.

‘Hopefully, it’ll go smoothly…hopefully.’

Following the thought, his footsteps began moving in that direction.

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