Rise of the Jester

$6$

(*adds the photo in after the chapter is published*)

"Someone specifically requested you for a job."The woman from the desk said, my gaze narrowing as I straightened my back.

"Do you know who asked for me?" Momon asked, the woman nodding.

"Yes, Mr. Nphirea Balear." She said, a boy appearing from beside her. Nabe rushed forward, almost pulling her sword out only for Momon to bonk her on the head.

"Stop and think before you act."Momon scolded quietly, Nabe apologizing.

"Hello there. I'm the one who specifically requested you." Nphirea said, smiling warmly at us with his hair covering his eyes.

"I'm sorry to disappoint. But we have already accepted another position. Perhaps after we have finished this job we can help you."Momon declined, everyone gasping while looking at him.

"Don't be ridiculous! This could be big for you!" Peter said Momon confused while I just looked at him. This could help us!

"I agreed to join up with your group. What kind of man would I be if I did not keep my word?" Momon asked, Peter frowning.

"But, it's a personal request."Peter added. I rested a hand in his shoulder, giving him a look.

"Master Momon, how about this: we listen to Mr. Balear's proposition, and then make our choice." I suggested, him nodding after looking at my face. We all make our way back up to the big table, the rest sitting while I stood next to Momon.
"My name is Nphirea Balear. I'm a pharmacist inside the city. Your job would be to protect me while I harvest some herbs in the forest near Carne Village."Nphirea introduced, though I couldn't focus on him. My mind zoned out, my pupil shrinking as more and more seconds went by. Why do I do this so much? Is there something wrong with me? Why does my mind wonder so- my pupils grew as I'm nudged, blinking a few times before looking at Momon. He titled his head, making me nod to show I was fine.I need to fix that problem.

"More men means equal protection for me."Nphirea said, my focus back on what was going on.

"But... I'm still confused by one thing. Why did you request me for this job?"Momon asked, looking at him.

"We're new to the area and don't have any friends in the city so there's no way we were recommended to you." I explain, Momon nodding.

"Yes, I'm very curious how a well known citizen such as yourself came to know my name."Momon said, my arms crossing at I looked back at Nphirea.

"Yes, please indulge us."I asked, Nphirea smiling at us.

"I caught wind about what happened with you at the inn yesterday." he answered, my eyes widening.

"The fight at the inn?"Both me and Momon asked, getting a nod.

"A recent customer of mine told me about how you easily took down several higher-ranked adventurers who were accosting you and your partners."He said, motioning to me and Nabe. I glanced at Momon, his head slightly angled towards me. I was right, giving that woman the potion did have a butterfly effect.
"The person who I used to hire as an escort moved away from E-Rantel not too long ago. So, now I'm in the market for a replacement warrior."He explained, leaning in a bit towards Momon.
"And to be perfectly honest with you, it's a lot cheaper to hire a copper plate for the job."He added, Momon lifting the copper tag in his armor.

"That's true."Momon agreed, Nphirea turning to the rest.

"Does anyone have another question?" The boy asked, making me shake my head.
"Okay. That sounds great! Then let's get going. There's no time to waste."He said, cueing for all of us to head out of the building. I glanced at the horsethat pulled Nphirea's ride, tempted to pet it though steeled myself. I glance to Momon, thinking. What could possibly be going through that skull of him? He looked to me, nudging my hand.