Part 336: Robin A

Here, Bubbles. I got you something.

A pendant? …Is this because of the one I saw in town that I liked? Er, thank you, Gaius, but I'm not sure I feel-

Heck of a thing, too! Probably worth a big sack of gold down at the market.

Then I must refuse. I can't accept such an extravagant gift.

All right, maybe I stretched the truth, just a little... It'd be worth a sack of gold IF they paid for sentimental value, see?

...'Cause I made it myself.

YOU made this? But, it's magnificent!

Pleased you like it, Bubbles. Makes all the effort worthwhile.

But why did you-

Oh, no particular reason! None at all! Just...one good turn and all that.

You're trying to bribe me again, aren't you?! I've already told you a hundred times, I'll keep your secret! I gave you my word, and that should be the end of it!

Look, I trust you. Honest and truly. It's just that in my business, there's no such thing as a free lunch. Gal who says she'll do something for nothing? Well, she's the first one wanting payback down the line!

...Oh, very well. I was hoping it wouldn't come to this. I have something important to tell you.

Important?

It's a secret. A very embarrassing one. You see... *whisper, whisper*

BWAAA HA HA HA! And the chicken...?! Oh, you did NOT do that!

Ah, but I did. And now you are the only one who knows. So in return for you keeping it safe, I promise to safeguard YOUR secret. Do we have a deal?

...Heh, I see what you did there. And... I appreciate it.

All right. Deal. ...But you have to keep the pendant! It's not a bribe, now. More like a... I don't know... A thank-you gift.

In that case, I accept.