After a few seconds, he exhaled, maintaining composure as always, and then said "You can kick us out and honestly, I won't blame you. Your establishment, your rules, as the saying goes. Unfortunately, doing that would also mean kicking Ripply out. That'll be terrible to see, especially after everything he's done for you, like helping you leave that fucking town and other things I dare not mention. Even though you two act like you're not friends, everyone knows you are and I wonder what would happen to your friend and his companions once we're thrown out, defenseless for when those bastards come to collect what we owe them? I don't even want to think about it"
The more Centshuu spoke, the more Bell's lip twitched with irritation. Her annoyance didn't even cease when Centshuu finally stopped.
"Are you done?" Bell asked.
"I guess I am. So, what are you going to do? Kick us out into the wilderness or help us out and in turn, I help you out when we get the score. One option, everybody loses, and the second option, we all win. It's up to you" Centshuu said and then waited for her reply.
"The choice is mine, isn't it?" Bell said then took in a deep breath and as she sighed she stood up.
Markieth, startled, said, {"Madam Bell?"}
"It appears you've made your choice. So, what is it?" Centshuu inquired.
Bell met his gaze, clicked her tongue, and replied, "Right now, two groups of intoxicated, testosterone-fueled men are wreaking havoc in my establishment when all my other patrons seek is enjoyment and companionship with my girls. I'll have to intervene to halt this reckless contest of masculinity before it gets too far and restore the tranquil atmosphere. Once that's accomplished, I'll negotiate with one of my guests to secure transportation for you idiots back to Scriiz. Consider yourselves lucky that you arrived on the same day he did, otherwise, I would have wasted no time in ejecting your unruly asses if you had arrived later."
Bell glanced at the wide-open doorway. "All of you, follow me. Let's restore order." She said then proceeded, expecting to be followed.
As Bell reached the doorway and held the frame, she paused, fixing her gaze on Centshuu, who had also risen.
"This isn't a matter open to negotiation, but know that regardless of your group's share from this venture, twenty percent belongs to me," she declared.
Centshuu was taken aback by the substantial percentage, but regardless, his poker face remained prominent.
He thought about her outrageous demands for a moment, and then, accepted it, recognizing that her assistance was crucial for their mission to locate the Ferallith.
"Twenty percent, huh? I'm fine with that," Centshuu replied, offering a smug two-fingered salute.
Bell rolled her eyes, and then exited the room.
Centshuu and everyone followed along and as he walked to where Ripply was standing, he looked at his right-hand man, seeing the disapproving scowl he was giving him.
"What is it?" Centshuu asked then looked at the doorway where Markieth was waiting on the both of them so she could close her boss's door.
Ripply hesitated, then spoke in a hushed tone, "I didn't appreciate you using me to get your way with Bell like that," Ripply said and Centshuu paused his progress to the door.
He furrowed his eyebrows, turned his head to Ripply, and then groaned.
"What makes you think I used you?" Centshuu asked.
Ripply tilted his head and then raised an eyebrow, silently urging Centshuu to reflect on his and Bell's recent exchange.
Centshuu, aware of what Ripply was talking about, couldn't help but smirk.
"Sure, you— just like Kove— are the brains of the team but don't forget why you stepped down for me to be the leader in the first place. It's because of my people skills," Centshuu reminded him.
"I might have said what I did, but don't assume for a moment that Bell agreed to option number two because of you."
Ripply's forehead creased in offense, yet he remained intrigued by Centshuu's words.
"That Vixen agreed because of the same thing that motivates people around here. Squarez. She cleverly portrayed it as concern for you, her friend, to keep her conscience clean. However, in reality, it's the Squarez she stands to gain upon our success that swayed her decision." Centshuu said and then shrugged.
"Maybe I used your presence to our advantage, and maybe I didn't. Who cares? The point is that we've achieved what we wanted, so let's focus on the upcoming windfall. You're about to see a significant increase in your Squarez, so smile my friend 'cause I know I am" Centshuu declared, patted on Ripply's chest and then continued toward the exit.
Ripply was left standing with Markieth, who, apart from a smile, wasn't sure how to respond to the awkwardness that hung in the room.
With a sigh, Ripply eventually exited the room, joining the others.
A while later, the curtain covering a certain doorway from the main hall was pulled to the side, and making their appearance were Bell, Centshuu, and Ripply, all with curious expressions on their faces.
"Sounds like a really serious fight. I wonder what started it—" Centshuu remarked, releasing the curtain, but before he could finish his thought, Shieve, appearing flustered and anxious, grasped his shoulders and called his name.
"Shieve, what's happening? I heard you guys were involved in a fight with one of the customers," Centshuu inquired.
Shieve frowned, replying with visible frustration, "Yes, there's a serious fight, but it's not my— I mean, our fault! The one who started everything is that bastard you insisted we bring along!"
Centshuu's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"The bastard I insisted we bring along? Wait, you mean the pug?"
"Yes, that bastard! He's the one who sparked this entire mess. I tried to warn you Centshuu but you wouldn't listen" Shieve said, leaving Centshuu perplexed.
Centshuu quickly took his attention to where the fight was taking place.
"Pug?" He voiced, seeing Avery, Mosey, and Kove facing off against five guys.