The man with the pipe had a confident expression, but for a moment, it faltered. He glanced around at the people nearby, then took a deep breath. As he placed the pipe on the table, his voice was calmer and more measured than ever.
"Velmuth, my friend," the man said, a thin smile appearing at the corner of his lips. "When have I ever failed to pay my debt to you?"
Velmuth's brows furrowed. He clenched the fist he had placed on the table, causing the wooden surface to creak slightly. "When, you ask? Three months ago. And since then, I've sent you three separate messages. But you neither replied nor made a payment."
Neonidas tilted his head slightly, noticing that despite Velmuth's pressure, the pipe owner was still searching for a way out.
The man let out a deep sigh, then shook his head slightly. "Look, it's not about the money, it's just—"
