"Russell?"
Frostbone's red eyes seemed to pause slightly, as though it had frowned. "Strange name."
"R-right?"
The Kobold wagged its tongue and stammered, "L-lots of people told me this name s-sounds like an Old Turtle..."
Frostbone casually made a note and asked coldly, "Where are you from?"
"J-just got back from the Endless Sea! C-came home to restock! Sir, w-would you like some? O-our goods have the purest flavor, the m-most intense kick!"
As it spoke, the Kobold turned around and dragged a writhing vine from the cart bed. It took a bite, and the vine struggled like a living creature, letting out a piercing scream as juice splattered everywhere!
A sweet fragrance spread through the air.
Several Minotaurs atop the city walls twitched their noses, their gazes turning greedy.
"C-come on, there's enough for everyone. This is all a tribute to you gentlemen. There isn't a drop of pure love in my cart, just fallen corruption! Here, take it. Is one basket enough? Have another—how could so little possibly be enough to get you high, cough, cough, eat..."
The Kobold fawningly opened the cart bed, allowing the excited Minotaurs to swarm over and carry off the dozen or so freshest baskets of goods. Everyone got a share.
Watching their satisfied expressions, it somehow smiled even more happily than they did.
Frostbone coldly eyed its behavior and thought, This one must be an idiot!
Yet after attending to the Minotaur gentlemen, the Kobold actually sidled over again and bumped its shoulder against Frostbone's, as though by accident.
Frostbone's chill intensified. Just as it was about to teach this overconfident creature a lesson, it felt a hard, smooth object being shoved into its body.
An Origin Essence Crystal.
"Sir, p-please do me a favor. R-raise your hand and let me pass."