RUFUS CATCH-ALL

[robopriest]

Comments

[robopriest]

Yes, but in friendship, you can get free stuff for minimal effort. Doesn't that sound appealing?

[soulus]

No. That doesn't sound appealing at all.

[robopriest]

Oh? And here you are demanding payment. In friendship, you can get all sorts of payment. Are you going back on your values, Rufus?

[soulus]

This and that are different.

Payment is for services rendered. I can adjust my rates as needed and accept contracts accordingly. I have no interest in payments from unreliable sources.

[robopriest]

So, what makes a source reliable instead of unreliable, then? Consistency?

[soulus]

It's simple. Professional and private lives should be kept separate.

[robopriest]

You don't have a private life to keep separated, from the sounds of it.

[soulus]

It's fine if I don't. I don't see why that should matter to you.

[robopriest]

I'm a priest. The mental and spiritual health of people is of utmost importance to me. Every man should find their peace in this world.

[Is he just saying this for the sake of saying this]

[soulus]

You can't be healthy without money.

[One might say that's his peace.]

[robopriest]

I don't know if "constantly in want of cash at every moment of my life" is healthy, Rufus.

[soulus]

I've lived this long.

[These will perhaps be famous last words in the next several weeks.]

[robopriest]

You literally told me you were young, before. You still have probably a good few thousand years ahead of you. Don't be foolishly optimistic.

[soulus]

Is it optimistic? If it will make me money, I don't mind being foolish for another thousand years.

[robopriest]

Hm.

[This guy...]

So, what are you saving up for? Or do you just like money for the sake of money?

[soulus]

[His lips twitch in one corner, revealing gritted teeth.]

Please don't ask useless questions. I will also reject any advice that isn't productive.

[robopriest]

[oh, mr. money doesn't like that, huh...]

Its really not useless if its literally about your entire life...also who said I was giving you advice?

[soulus]

If you insist on this conversation, I will refuse all payments from you starting now . . . in which case I ask that you not approach me.

[robopriest]

I'm backing off, I'm backing off.

[He even raises his hands, taking a step back.]

What you do is your business. [A huff.] Anyways, its nice to have a reliable business partner like you.

[soulus]

[His glare subsides at the motion, and the look he shoots Hansa can almost pass for incredulous.]

Is it? Then I would prefer a more substantial payment next time.

[robopriest]

You got it, Rufus. I'll find something worth your time.

[He winks.]

[It just looks like him blinking with the one eye.]

[soulus]

[He stares. That particular blink looked deliberate, so he can only guess what it would've been like with two eyes instead of one.]

. . . All right.

[robopriest]

...Oh! Almost forgot. One last little question.

[He cocks his head, his eye burning with curiosity.]

You wouldn't happen to be involved in any squabbles over magic cups, would you?

[He knows Rufus probably won't answer him. He's just looking for a reaction.]

[soulus]

[The faint crease in his brow deepens just a bit, more from the nature of the question than anything.]

What a peculiar question.

[robopriest]

Hm. You gave me my answer. Well, don't worry your pretty little head about it.

[And a short little wave.]

If you ever need something, just holler.