Paragon

Hisui Incursion [8]

PARAGON

Hisui Incursion Arc [8]

Chapter 60 : Galaxy Expedition

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As the seconds passed by, Ash began to notice slight differences between this man and Sylvester. Volo was slightly taller and his grin was far sharper. He also looked a bit younger, though Ash couldn't tell by how much. And unlike Sylvester, who seemed to melt into Paragon Island's background, Volo seemed to draw attention just by standing there. Villagers clamored for a word with him from behind the wagons and even Cyllene seemed less formidable.

Sabrina gasped in turn as she made her way up beside Ash and whipped toward him.

Volo's brow raised at her reaction. "A friend of yours, I presume? Sorry to disappoint you, madam, but I am Volo of the Volo Company." He bowed.

"Nice to meet you...," she breathed. "I'm Sabrina."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sabrina," Volo said, straightening. "And you are...?" He flicked his head.

Riley strode up behind them. "Riley, sir."

"Well, then!" Volo clapped his gloved hands. "Three new friends already. This day has already more than paid for itself. Ah, and there's the good Professor and his faithful honor guard!"

"Well met, Volo," Laventon said, shaking the man's hand. "I trust your travels were safe?"

"Nothing we couldn't handle. Though..." He leaned closer and covered his mouth. "That certainly has my men a bit spooked." He nodded at the rift over Mount Coronet.

"Hah! Wimps!" Rei smirked.

"Don't let them hear that, young Rei," Volo grinned.

Akari tugged him away by the ear. "Don't embarrass the Guardians!"

"Not to worry, Miss Akari, their first impressions were flawless. You needn't have any concern there." Volo narrowed his eyes and turned back to them. "So you all are Guardians, huh? I've been to Rota a number of times. After hearing about your exploits, I'd very much like to keep a Guardian or two in my employ..."

"Not a chance," Cyllene snapped. "These three are already members of the Survey Corps."

Volo put his hands up defensively. "Haha, you're as decisive as ever, Cyllene. Well, if that's the case, I won't try and poach them." He peered down at Yura, who squeezed Sabrina's hand even tighter as she looked away shyly. "And I see the little mouse is still in good health!"

A furious shout rose from one of the wagons across the way and everyone's attention turned in that direction. From here, it looked like an argument had broken out between one of the villagers and one of Volo's men. Volo himself frowned and strode over, pushing through the crowd with ease.

"What seems to be the problem, gentlemen?" he asked cooly.

"The price of meat has nearly doubled since the last time you came and your man refuses to go any lower!" The villager, who wore a stained apron, yelled. "I've never dealt with this louse before! Where's the usual one?"

"Listen to him, boss!" the trader growled. "Tell him the price is true!"

Volo placed a hand on his man's shoulder. "Now, now, calm down. You must consider the customer's position or a dialogue cannot be had." Volo turned to the villager. "I apologize, sir. We've seen much turnover in the past couple of months due to conditions in the field so this man is new to the meat trade. I'm afraid the increase is no fluke. Considering your circumstances, I'll make an exception this time and lower the price to the usual, but please be aware that the price may remain this high if the situation in Hisui continues as is."