"Oh? What was the conclusion? Are they interested?" I raise an eyebrow as I await Jeff's answer.
"That's the catch... Three of us were in favor of it and one didn't care, but one objected. He's the owner of the general store, so he would be the most impacted." Jeff explains the circumstances as he reassembles his ultimate multi-tool weapon.
"Then, what was it you agreed on?" I ask, squinting in confusion.
"I was just getting to that... He said he won't agree unless he talks to you first, so we all decided to meet with you... When our lesson ends... Right now... Hahaha, he can be very persuasive, so I agreed. I hope you don't have anything planned?" Jeff smiles and laughs apologetically while scratching the back of his head.
"Oh, that's fine, I'm free... But, I don't have anything prepared for a proper presentation..." I agree, yet state my hesitation.
'Ugg, I don't know enough to explain my old world's debt system flawlessly, but at least the short notice gives me an excuse.'
"Hahahaha! Don't worry about that! Explain it the same way you did for me and I'm sure he'll be convinced!" Jeff laughs and slaps me on the back, relieved that he didn't cause me trouble.
We clean our weapons, although Jeff's is the only one that had a chance to get dirty, then Jeff and I head out. The meeting is taking place in an empty room at Anna's inn. Jeff leads me upstairs and to the room, it's layout is the same as mine except a round table has replaced the bed. Around the table 3 people are sitting.
"Ahhh, Jeff, you've arrived. And you must be Adam? It's nice to meet you, my name is Leticia, and this is my husband Gerald." A young, delicate looking woman greats me and introduces the refined looking man next to her.
Leticia and Gerald have the standard Asian skin tone and brown eyes and hair. Leticia appears to be in her early 30s and has long sparkling clean hair which contrasts her rough burlap clothing. Gerald seems a bit older, around 40 based on his wrinkles. His hair is meticulously slicked back, and he sits as straight as a bill board.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Gerald stretches out his hand and we shake.
"Likewise, it's nice to meet you both." I return their greetings and look to the last individual.
The third person's appearance conforms to standards except his face is more square and he has a mustache and naturally narrow eyes. He stares back, sending shivers up and down my spine. It doesn't feel like he's looking at a person, rather I feel like I'm an object whose value is being assessed.
**Grunt**
"So you're Adam." The man grants me one short statement, then looks toward the door.
'That's it? Not going to introduce yourself? How rude! I thought Anna and Caspian's first impressions were bad, but this is ridiculous!'
While I mentally retort to the man's actions, the door opens and Anna enters.
"All right people, take your seats. I'm sure you've all already introduced yourselves, but I'll make quick introductions. This is Adam, he's a hunter and traveler from another country. This' Jeff, he's a weapons smith, but he makes pretty much everything we request him to. Next, Leticia, she's an herbalist, and she provides all the herbs used in this village for seasoning or medicine. That brings me to Gerald, he's Leticia's husband and serves as this villages doctor. Floyd scares away children and runs the general store in his free time. Lastly, I'm Anna, I run this inn and serve the best food in town. Any questions?" Anna gives a brief description of everyone present as she, Jeff and myself take our seats.
"Anna, if you're trying to agitate me, it's not working. Let's get down to business." Floyd glares at Anna and places his arms on the table.
"Ummm, before that, can I ask a question?" I interject before Floyd can continue. "This village only has a population of somewhere between 2-3 hundred, yet most of you have jobs I wouldn't expect to exist in a village of this size, why? Why is there an inn when people rarely visit? Why are there people as educated as a doctor and a herbalist here? Why is there a smith when most people can't afford to get new weapons and tools?"
"You're over-thinking things, I like the area, so I retired here." Jeff gives his response as he leans back in his chair.
"I came to research the local flora and my husband came with me." Leticia explains the reasoning behind her living here as the corners of her lips raise up.
"When my dad first built this inn, many of my siblings and cousins lived with us. My parents insisted on giving us each our own room, this inn was the result. Now I'm the only one living here, if I didn't rent out the rooms, they would go to waste. I make most my money off my food, but renting out the rooms helps." Anna tells me a little about her family history in response to my question.
'Wow, so it was just a coincidence? I'm surprised by how many people who aren't farmers or hunters live here, I guess there isn't any special reason. If this was a book, I'd accuse the author of including these people out of plot convenience...'
"All right, can we get on with it now? I can't leave my store unmanned too long." Floyd questions and everyone nods.
"Adam, Jeff tells me your former country implemented this 'installments' system, but it's not as simple as the one you explained to him. I feel like the information you've given isn't complete. And, regardless of how complete it is, this isn't your country, it might not work the same as it did there. Also, not trying to discriminate, but historically, light elves haven't been the most reliable people out there. So, my question is, why should I trust you and your proposal, how will it benefit me, and how could it go wrong. Prove you aren't just talk, and I'll do everything in my power to help." Floyd organizes his points and expresses himself using hand motions, his talk reminds me of taking a job interview in my old world.