Arthur forced a chuckle, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, about that. I might have changed my mind about the whole 'don't mention it thing."
"Oh, I see." She nodded again, her tone laced with understanding.
Arthur blinked. 'Wait, that's it? That's all she's got?' He waited a few more seconds, giving her a chance to redeem herself. Surely, she'd say something about the hidden reward he'd clearly earned.
But the silence persisted. Her innocent expression didn't waver, as if she was entirely oblivious to his mental spiral.
Finally, he couldn't take it anymore. "So…" he began, leaning forward again, his voice filled with exasperation. "You know. Where's my reward?"
The girl blinked at him, her brows furrowing. "Reward?"
"Yes," Arthur said, nodding with exaggerated patience. "My reward. You know, for saving your life?"
Her face lit up as though she'd just understood, and Arthur felt a flicker of hope. Finally, progress.
