"Where are we supposed to go? I would like to know how to finish this pretest." [Neidr]

"Is that all you want?" [Azalea] Niedr shook his head and said,

"I want small favors here and there, If I have any problem I think you can fix, I'll ask. Sometimes they will be big asks... This is not one of those cases" [Niedr]

"I can do you one better, if your information is reliable, then you are a valuable asset. Therefore, I will excuse you from this tournament entirely. For a small thing like this, a Duke's prestige should be good enough." [Azalea] Neidr nodded and said,

"Many thanks. I can't promise credibility, though, It's just conjecture from what I heard." [Neidr]

"What would you bet on its accuracy?" [Azalea]

"Not much." [Neidr] Azalea slammed her hand on the table, scorching it and said,

"Are you trying to waste my time?" [Azalea] Neidr looked up at her calmly and said,

"I don't like to bet with people like you. Even if you asked me to bet whether the sky is blue, I wouldn't take you up on it." [Neidr]

"Are you calling into question the Cerns family's reputation?" Neidr let out a sigh and whirled his finger in the air,

"I will only make bets without consequences, small petty things. People in power tend to take those things much more seriously. If I may... Ah nevermind..." [Neidr] Neidr wanted to give this girl some life advice, he didn't know who shoved the stick up her ass, but he knew her chances of making friends was declining at a cataclysmic rate. He wanted to help her out, but on second though, she probably wouldn't care much for his advice. Therefore, he didn't care to give it.

"Is that so, are you not afraid of being scolded as a coward?" [Azalea]

' Seriously? How do I put this politely so she doesn't turn me to ash?'

"My lady, are you lacking cohorts?"[Neidr] stoneface sat down at the table and looked Neidr in the eyes, she asked,

"You keep up closely with politics?"[Azalea]

'I have no fuckin clue about politics. You just have a fucky personality.' Neidr rubbed his head and said,

"I am sorry, st... My lady, but I'm going to rest now. I think it would be best to follow your advice." [Neidr] stoneface nodded her head approvingly and said,

"Very well, I shall give you a stipend." [Azalea]

'Sugar mama is that you?' At this pont, Neidr was sure this woman was misunderstanding the conversation. She took his comment about her advice to shut his mouth as a subtle social cue. It was, but the meaning got lost in translation. She understood,

'You want me to pay you for your input, understandable.' He meant,

'For the love of Christ, let me out of this fucking conversation!' Neidr let out a sigh, he knew the misunderstanding would only ramp up if he chose to be silent. He didn't want his new bankroll to think he was a greedy dog, afterall.

"The information should be accurate, I trust my source. As for why she was transferred into Elizabeth's room at the last second.. I imagine that's something you can look into at your end. A bit of advice, if you can transfer that original girl back into Elizabeth's dorm. Removing what she thinks of as a spy will make her calm down and trust you. At the same time, pay off the new room resident. A spy that she doesn't suspect." [Neidr]

"Very well, I will follow your arrangements, but I have two questions. Don't worry, I will pay you accordingly."[Azalea] Neidr nodded,

"Go ahead." [Neidr]

"Why do you think the peasant girl will take the offer? Aren't you worried she will tell Elizabeth our plans?"

'When the fuck did it become our plans?'

"I'm not worried because she is a peasant." [Neidr]

"You should not let your prejudice cloud your tactical judgement."[Azalea] Neidr shook his head,

"It isn't her character that makes her likely to take the deal, it's her resources. The backing of a Duke isn't something someone without connections can throw away willfully. Worse is what would happen if she crossed a family of that stature. It's a game of pros and cons, and the playing field is lopsided. The only reason she would revolt would be character or love. As far as I know, she doesn't know Elizabeth. Why risk anything for her? If character is the problem... It's out of my hands." [Neidr] Neidr put his hand in the air and shook his head, expressing, 'it can't be helped.' Azalea nodded her head,

"Why trust me so much? Gaining a new spy would make your job obsolete, wouldn't it? Plus, you've given me all this information for free. Are you not worried I'll break my word?" [Azalea]

"A noble heiress break her word?" [Neidr] Neidr's face was full of shock and disbelief, as if he had never heard such an outrageous thing before.

"Stop acting." [Azalea] Neidr deadpanned,

'I thought it was pretty good, though.' Neidr stood up and walked into the kitchen. He poured himself a glass of water while he spoke.

"If you want to spy on someone, have more than one spy. That way, you can tell if one of them is feeding you false information.As for your other question, I am just presenting my merits. The more effective I am, the better the benefits. I am not worried about you mistreating me. If I don't like the conditions, you won't get my services." [Neidr] stoneface chanted and lit a fire in her palm.

"What if I use force to make you work for me. If you don't cooperate, I'll hurt your family. If you still don't cooperate, I'll kill you. Sound like a deal?" [Azalea]

"Miss Cerns, I like to think of myself as a calm man. There aren't many things that anger me. I would much prefer to have a courteous relationship with you. Why did you have to threaten me? I really don't like to be threatened, Miss Cerns." [Neidr]

"What is your answer?" [Azalea]

"Do you really want to know?" Neidr shook his head, "I'll tell you after I count to ten. After that, I don't believe we can have a good business relationship. It is your choice." [Neidr]

"10

9

8

7

6

5

4" [Neidr]

"Very well, upstairs there are a change of clothes, pretend you are my servant as I leave." [Azalea] Neidr gave a broad smile and said,

"I hope we can have a clear and open business relationship. It is always good to have someone you can rely on. Plus, scheming against people all the time is tiring." [Neidr]

"Isn't that a little idealistic?" [Azalea]

"Perhaps, but I'll show faith by following you. No doubt we are going to a place where you have more power. See this as a sign of my trust and hope for a fruitful exchange."[Neirdr]

Azalea nodded, and led Neidr upstairs.