Tales from New Eridu

Chapter 2: Big City Life

Random Play - Wise's Room
July 5th, 7:45am

Wise: We don't offer discounts on our commission fees.

Billy: Wow, Manager. You know Nicole like the back of your hand.

Nicole: Wait, listen to what I have to say first! I won't mess with the official price. Just open an alternate account on Inter-Knot and give me a discounted price like before...

The Player was still sleeping on the couch while the conversation was going on, but as it continued, he opened his eyes and laid still for a moment.

Anby: Proxy, please give us a discount or Nicole won't let me eat. Cry as you say this.

Nicole: Don't read what's in the brackets!

The Player immediately recognized the voices... He got up from the couch and stretched his arms out. He was wearing a clean undershirt and black shorts, provided by Wise, for night clothes.

He looked over and saw Wise sitting at the PC desk with a deadpan look on his face. He was holding his phone up with one hand and resting his cheek against the other, he was discussing business with the Cunning Hares and had them on speaker.

The Player knew that look well and he just got here. He waved and Wise nodded his head up, his expression unchanged because of Nicole's nonsense.

Nicole: Anyways, we really need the discount. It's just a liiittle money. It's nothing to you, Phaethon, right?

Wise closed his eyes and heavily sighed. Despite showing a clear disregard for Nicole's gaslighting, there was something in him that couldn't turn her away... Perhaps it was for Billy and Anby's sake, knowing they were good people under poor management.

"Urgh, fine," Wise reluctantly agreed.

Nicole: Woo! Thanks, Phae-!

Click! Wise hung up and put his phone on the desk.

"She's quite the character, huh?" The Player said.

"She's something," Wise pinched the bridge of his nose, disappointed with himself for making poor business decisions.

"Try not to let it bother you too much. I'm sure Nicole will do the right thing when the time comes."

"Then you don't know Nicole," Wise let out an exasperated huff, what's done is done. "Beyond all that, though, how'd you sleep?"

"I slept great. This couch is really comfy."

"Perfect. I guess Belle and I have a knack for picking out the best couches. We often fall asleep on the couch in the staff room when doing Proxy work."

"Oh yeah? I'll be sure to hit you guys up for interior decorating when I get my own place."

"We'll be there," Wise smiled

"And I won't stiff you guys on the bill either," the Player made a playful jab at Nicole.

"That's actually reassuring to know," Wise chuckled before grabbing his phone and standing up. "I always said Belle and I are too nice."

"Without that kindness, I wouldn't have a place to stay. Don't change on me now."

"Don't worry, we won't. By the way, Belle finished washing your clothes. You should be good to go for the day. They're on the drawer by the door."

The Player looked ahead and saw his clothes neatly folded beside a pair of white shoes. "Great. I'll be sure to thank her when I see her. Is she around?"