Chapter 46: A Peaceful Solution "Calm down," Xin said, his tone indifferent as he turned to glance at Skylark sprawled on the floor after accidentally being hit by his gun.
He hadn’t intended to harm her, thinking that she would stop in time, but Skylark had charged like a raging bull with a red flag dangling on her face.
"Y-you . . . Can’t you be gentler with women? I’m delicate, you know!" Skylark growled, getting up while rubbing her injured nose.
Ignoring her complaint, Xin continued, "This is Captain Corsair Drake. He’s willing to share the oils with us."
"Yeah, yeah, good for him," Skylark retorted, still not comprehending the situation. When she finally grasped what was happening, her mouth dropped open in shock.
"What the HELL did you say?!"
Captain Drake spoke, maintaining a serious expression, "Ah, I guess we can share some of the oils. Truth be told, we don’t want to share anything with those arrogant pricks in Seagull’s Nest, but since it’s you who’s asking . . . I suppose we could share some."
"Thanks," Xin replied.
Skylark was stunned by the unexpected turn of events. She had expected a battle with the Reef Raiders, not a negotiation for sharing the oils.
She grabbed Lord Schrodinger and looked him in the eyes. "Y-you . . . WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"
"Talking."
"You . . . you managed to convince them just like that?" she stammered, incredulous.
Xin shrugged nonchalantly. "Sometimes it’s not always about fighting. Diplomacy can be more effective."
Xin wasn’t sure at first if it would work, but he was glad that it did. With his infinite CHA, the Reef Raiders didn’t even extend their weapon when he appeared before them. They were really nice once he started talking to them. They even gave him their precious items.
Skylark was perplexed by the unexpected resolution through talking rather than fighting. She couldn’t understand why past players hadn’t attempted such a diplomatic approach.
Her mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation. Then, suddenly, it hit her like a bolt of realization.
Wait a minute. There’s something off about Lord Schrodinger, she thought, having a eureka moment.
Skylark’s mind was still reeling, but she understood that Lord Schrodinger must have played a role in the Captain’s decision to cooperate.
Her thoughts were racing as she tried to process the situation. Could it be that Lord Schrodinger had something that she wasn’t aware of?
"You . . . could it be that . . ."
Skylark stared at Xin intensely, and Xin felt a twinge of nervousness as she did.
"Could it be that you . . . you have indeed found a Hidden Quest?! One that allows you an alternative route?!"
". . ." Xin inwardly sighed. A good thing that Skylark was a little on the idiot side.
Without revealing his true situation, Xin decided to play along and nodded, giving Skylark the impression that he had indeed discovered a hidden quest. He didn’t want her to suspect that he might be bugged in the game.
In reality, many quests in Guildbane worked that way, with different outcomes based on the decisions players made. Xin knew this from what he had read about the game mechanics.
Captain Drake nodded to the both of them. "As long as you don’t cross us, we’ll consider this a one-time offer. The oils are essential for our operations, but we can spare some this time."
Skylark was stunned by the Captain’s response, her mind struggling to comprehend the situation. "Y-you’re . . . You’re really giving us all the oils?" she stammered.
The Captain’s raised eyebrow hinted that he wasn’t amused. "Not all, just a few barrels. But if you don’t want them then––"
"We’ll accept," Skylark interrupted eagerly, seizing the Captain’s hand in appreciation. "We’ll graciously accept your offer. Thank you very much!"
However, the Captain withdrew his hand from Skylark’s grip and frowned at her. "We’re not giving it to you. The few barrels belong to Lord Schrodinger."
". . ." Realization hit Skylark like a tidal wave, and she turned to Lord Schrodinger with astonishment written all over her face.
Her expression then quickly changed to one of pleading as she spoke in a timid voice. "L-lord Schrodinger . . ."
"I’ll give you half of the barrels," Xin said matter-of-factly, easily discerning the meaning behind Skylark’s intentions.
Xin had already planned to give her half of the barrels anyway. Despite the mishap with his gun hitting her nose, he appreciated her determination and willingness to help him despite the odds they faced.
Moreover, his primary goal was to access the Floating Market, and the oils were just a means to achieve that. He didn’t really care who received the rewards as long as his objective was accomplished.
It could be other players, but Xin was tired of waiting for them to finish the quest, so he did it himself.
Skylark blinked in surprise before rushing towards Lord Schrodinger, her demeanor shifting from defiance to newfound respect for his generosity. She intended to hug him tightly, expressing her gratitude. "Thank you so much! I won’t forget this, and I’ll even mention you in my live stream tomorrow!"
Xin simply stepped aside, avoiding the hug, and Skylark ended up hugging the sand once more. She spat out the soil from her mouth and gave him an annoyed glare.
"Can’t you just accept my thank-you hug?" she grumbled.
Ignoring her antics, Xin turned to face the Captain. "Thank you for the oils, and we’ll make sure not to cross you."
Captain Drake nodded. "Then do you have a boat for the oils?"
"We have a ship nearby," Xin answered.
With the unexpected alliance formed, they discussed the logistics of sharing the oils. Captain Drake emphasized that this cooperation did not mean they were friends but rather an alliance of convenience.
Though he gave Lord Schrodinger his prize lance when his [Relationship Level] turned to [Intimate].
As they parted ways, Skylark couldn’t help but feel a mix of relief and awe at Lord Schrodinger’s ability to handle quests like that. She realized that there was more to him than meets the eye, and for some reason, she was eager to get to know him.
"Hey. Let’s add each other as friends," Skylark suggested.
". . ." Xin stared at her suspiciously.
Skylark had gotten used to Lord Schrodinger’s character that she didn’t mind anymore. "I’m going to exit this Newbie Island after I visit the Floating Market."
She faced Lord Schrodinger and gave him a sweet smile.
"This might be the last time that we will see each other."