Alice's speculation ultimately yielded no conclusion. Fortunately, it was not anything important. Derrick quickly ended the exchange and returned to the City of Silver to prepare the item exchange.
Above the Castle of Origin, Klein looked at the cross in Alice's hand and shook his head with a smile.
"Once it's handed over to little 'The Sun,' the rental business should become quite popular."
After all, dealing with Derrick was far easier than dealing with Alice...
Hearing Klein's unspoken meaning, Alice ignored him and waited intently for Derrick's delivery. After the Gate of Sacrifice opened, a log-colored staff that appeared utterly unremarkable appeared within it.
Alice had intended to pounce over and snatch the staff away, but Klein waved his hand, and it landed in his grasp. Then, his eyes gleaming, Klein asked:
"Would you mind providing me with a little help in acting as a 'Trickmaster'?"
Alice blinked her eyes, then smiled. "Then would you mind using your free time to promote crops and increase the food reserves?"
Klein was clearly stunned by the request. Of course, he knew why Alice wanted this, but...
"When did you become so kindhearted?" he asked in considerable surprise.
"I'm asking you to do it, not doing it myself..." Alice shrugged. "You do the work, but I get the reputation... Why would I refuse such a good deal? Besides, helping a few more people won't really change anything..."
That was true, but... Klein spoke with a sigh, "You could have gained more benefits..."
"Honestly," Alice looked at Klein sincerely, "what do you think actually has value to me?"
Klein was rendered speechless.
This was the most despairing part about negotiating with the Fate pathway—they might have nothing, but they also lacked nothing.
Klein could not describe his feelings. He pinched his brow, but