Tenrick was the first to answer his suggestion. He did so with a chuckle.
"Sure. I'll wait for you in the capital. But let me just rest a little before leaving. Those Crimson Edge bastards sure know how to fight."
Ackster was pretty sure Tenrick began sleeping halfway through his last sentence.
'That's one.'
He looked at Willow as he waited for her decision.
"I must say, 'Hugo,' you're pretty good at lying."
Ackster felt like she had something to add at the end that she refrained from saying. He also felt like she wasn't bluffing.
"What do you mean?"
But he wasn't going to expose himself just like that, so he feigned ignorance.
"I won't ask you to tell me your real name or why you're going to such lengths for this heavenly treasure. I won't ask any questions at all, in fact."
"But…?"
Ackster glanced in the direction of the sword the bearded adventurer had left behind as he stumbled away. He had also left his arm behind since there was no way he could afford to get it reattached.
Willow knew or had noticed something, and she wanted something with him. Depending on what it was, things might come to a physical altercation. And Ackster had just started learning how to use a sword and how much easier it was than using his fists, especially against human enemies.
Willow noticed his glance but didn't say anything about it. Instead, she followed up Ackster's guess that there was something she wanted in return for not asking any questions.
"I want your help."
"Huh?"
Willow's request surprised Ackster. She had just revealed that he wasn't very trustworthy and that she knew he lied a lot. Though, for someone who could see through his lies, maybe that wasn't something to be wary of.
"You seemed to be holding up pretty well yourself against that scimitar woman. What could you possibly need my help with?"
Since it didn't seem like Willow had any nefarious goals in mind, Ackster didn't mind tacitly acknowledging that she was right about his lies. But he wasn't going to accept her request just like that.
"It also seems like you held back a bit."
As he looked at Willow with a more thorough mind, Ackster noticed that the scrapes and dents on her armor were shallow, just like her breathing. Even after being in a supposedly one-sided battle with Moira, Willow didn't even pant, despite the heavy armor she was wearing. It was like she hadn't exerted any effort.
She could have calmed her breathing after the fight, but Ackster hadn't heard anything right when he returned from his battle with Hansel, either.
Ackster's suspicion toward Willow was evident. But she was undaunted.
"You're right. I held back, and it's related to the reason I need your help."
"And that is?"
"I can't tell you."
"Of course. Take a hike. I'm busy."
Ackster sighed and shooed her away with a have of his hand.
"I helped you without knowing your goals. Isn't it only fair that you do the same?"
"Hmph. Stop shitting yourself. In what way are the two situations the same? You helped me of your own volition in a situation you knew perfectly well. You joined me in a brawl against those who sided with the Crimson Edge for money or a vain hope of getting the treasure. You are asking me for help when I don't know what kind of help, why you want help, my help, or what I will possibly face when and for helping you."
Since he wasn't sure he could take Willow in his current state, Ackster tried to reason her into giving up.
"I will admit that there is a slight difference. But I know you're more honorable than this. I only want you to repay the favor you owe me."
"How do you know I'm more honorable than this when you don't even know me? And doing someone else a favor while expecting something in return isn't really doing that someone a favor. Learn to take a no and leave. Just because you helped me, I'm not against using force."
Ackster glared at the slit in Willow's helm as he tried to threaten her when reason obviously didn't work.
"What if I pay you?"
"Pay me?"
"Yes. I will pay you for your services if you help me. You're an adventurer, right? You can take on personal requests and the like, no? Just tell me how much you want."
"Sure. Give me a kingdom."
Ackster sighed. He didn't know why she was so insistent on getting his help. But if he made it clear he didn't want anything to do with her or that she wouldn't get what she wanted, she would hopefully realize that she should look for someone else.
"Okay."
Ackster couldn't believe his ears.
"What?"
"I mean, it will have to be a small one. But if you help me and we're successful, giving you a kingdom won't be outside the possible rewards."
"Seriously, go somewhere else with shitty jokes like this. I saw some kind of performances and comedy club in a nearby town. I'm sure you'll find all the help you need there."
"I'm not joking."
"Sure. And I'm not standing up."
"But you are standing up."
"Exactly. If you're going to scam people, you should at least offer something believable. A kingdom, really? Who's going to believe a young woman, or that anyone for that matter, can just hand over a kingdom like nothing? Last time I checked, countries aren't for sale or available for trade."
Ackster was getting really close to grabbing the sword and using force to get rid of this troublesome knight.
"Alright. I guess there aren't many that can just give away countries like excess vegetables. But if you agree to help me, you will learn sooner or later that I'm speaking the truth."
"Not interested. What am I going to do with a kingdom, anyway? You haven't even told me why you want my help. Why would I ever trust you enough to accept your request?"
"Hmm. Anyone who's seen your talent would want you. I also have a skill that basically helps me tell apart people I want to interact with from those I don't want to interact with. It's called Friends of the Forest. How's that for sowing some trust?"
Ackster's eyes widened in realization.
"I see…."