But for a Slime

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Even as he wrestled with things, he finally decided that it would be best if he could get Zilnek freed from his criminal status, as if that ever got out, it would cause a major issue with any authorities and might even implicate him, Garnedell, Kilniara; possibly even making them criminals as well. Especially if all it takes is someone calling you one… well… Zilnek had to admit it, too, but then… I'm… it'd be hard for me to not admit I'm harboring a criminal! Joe ended with a sigh and found his path set. Right… what job did I need? Believer, right? And… which one… uh… theologist? Ooh… right… that makes sense! Joe thought, seeing philosopher large at the top. Huh… must not have gotten it high enough. Joe shrugged as he turned to the next temple in line, shifting on his cloak and changing his job to philosopher. Going to waste a bit of a day, but… I'm doing great on time! So, no problem.

Joe was able to change his job easily enough and headed back to the inn, finding himself both surprised and relieved to find Kukurnal waiting at a table for him with a bright smile and a very relaxed expression. Seems… things went OK? I hope?

"All is well?" Joe asked cryptically.

"More than well! You will likely have a friend, if you seek it," he replied.

Joe considered for a bit, his mind going through some thoughts before replying, "I might… consider it, although I'm not truly seeking a friend or desiring one?"

Kukurnal said nothing at this, holding his face placidly without any obvious sign, but Joe felt something was off and continued, "Do you have a recommendation for me, Kukurnal?"

Kukurnal smiled at that before he sighed, "You are… truly a strange person, Joe. You seem… quite willing to accept advice from one such as I."

"Why would I not? You know this place and these people much better than I."

Kukurnal took that bit of information silently, seeming to think carefully before responding with caution, "I'm certain that what you say is correct, and that you do not seek a friend or need one. Would you be willing, still, to meet with the Matriarch?"

Joe stopped at this, thinking carefully, "Is this simply to become acquaintances, or is she seeking me out for something?"

Kukurnal gasped a short laugh, "Blunt, as expected, but no, she will not seek anything from you. I believe she only wishes to know your mettle, and who is in her city."

Joe thought for a bit, finding it difficult to understand why someone like him would garner the interest of the leader of the whole city. It just didn't sit right with him, and Joe felt a bit on edge.

"This doesn't make sense to me, Kukurnal."

It was Kukurnal's turn to show confusion, his face actually turning to the side and surprise and confusion washing across his face before speaking, "How does this not make sense?" Kukurnal sat forward, leaning closer before whispering quietly, "What ruler would not be wary or concerned of a seven or eight digit adventurer residing in their city?"

Realization came to him quickly and flooded his face as Joe sat back, nodding quickly, "OK. That does make sense. Hmm… let me think on it during my bath. We'll talk when I come back for the meal. Will you join us for this evening?"

"Of course. As long as you would have me!"

Joe smiled and nodded before bounding up the stairs, "Be right back then!"

Joe made it to the door, but this time was much more cautious about opening it, knocking carefully and listening for who was in the room. This time, he heard Garnedell call out, and Joe slipped into the room after checking the hallway was empty.

"Who's all finished with bathing?"

"Zilnek and Kilniara are both done. I'm almost finished."

Joe snorted at that, "You guys finish really fast." Did I spend that much time thinking about my job change or talking with Kukurnal? "You can take your time. It feels much better if you do, Garnedell."

Garnedell smiled but shook his head, "Too hungry."

At that, Joe actually laughed and nodded, "OK. That, I believe!"

Joe settled on his bed and leaned back as he waited for Garnedell to finish, which he really did do so quickly, and Joe soon found himself in well used bath of water bordering on lukewarm. OK… I'm going to be doing a fast bath today as well, I guess!

Joe set work to his thoughts and soon was out of the bath and drying off. After dressing, he called out the door for the bathwater to be taken away before calling all three apprentices to evening meal, heading downstairs to see Kukurnal waiting anxiously for them with a smile. Even before he sat down, Kukurnal began quickly, but not in the way he was expecting.

"So, have you thought of our discussion from earlier?"

Joe was taken aback, thinking carefully before remembering the discussion on the Matriarch, "Oh… right… Um… I guess I'm OK with it. It will be fine if we just meet."

Kukurnal smiled brightly and nodded before turning to another table in the corner and nodding his head, "Excellent. I truly appreciate it."

"Wait, she's here?"

"Of course," Kukurnal added without any surprise.

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