"So that was it." Sno listened to Xio's account, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly, but he still explained:
"This is normal. In fact, if you strongly resisted a task I assigned you, you would also feel guilty."
"So it really is a contract?" Although she had vaguely guessed as much before, hearing Sno say it himself still made Xio relax—as long as the problem had been identified.
"Yes. After all, I'm an information broker. If I can't collect on debts, that troubles me too. But don't worry, the contracts I sign aren't particularly binding. Even if you stubbornly refuse to do the task, your life won't be in danger."
Sno smiled as he spoke words that carried little intimidation, yet Xio felt there was more behind them—not because of his tone or expression, but simply because her instincts told her so.
Noticing Xio's concern, Sno's smile became even brighter. He placed the doll in his arms on the sofa beside him and said casually:
"Speaking of which, Miss Fors is quite interesting. My contracts are very lenient. If someone truly resists a task, or lacks the ability to complete it, they can refuse without punishment. That's written into the contract. You knew that, didn't you?"
"Yes." Xio nodded lightly. During her years working as an Arbiter, she had seen far too much contract fraud, so she had examined the agreement carefully before signing it. Yet Sno bringing this up now made it hard for her to grasp his meaning. Soon enough, however, Sno gave her the answer:
"In other words, Fors doesn't resist the task I assigned. She has the ability to complete it and even finds it easy, yet she stubbornly refuses to do it. A customer like that is truly a first for me."
"..." An