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When Greed’s second show came to a close, both Ben and Thera were able to give a much grander applause than the first, having loved it when they themselves weren’t a part of the subject matter.

Only when the crab and his performers gave their final bow did things really come to an end, with Greed waving for Ben to climb up the stage to grab him.

“So, what did you think then?”

“It was great,” Ben laughed. “Way more than I’d been expecting when you first offered this.”

“Ah, well, I’ve got a few more resources now than when we’d first met, Legs, and seeing as how you played a part in making me a whole lot richer, it doesn’t hurt to put some of them towards giving you a performance, does it?”

“Well, you were right, a personal performance from the one and only Greed made for a hell of a memory,” Ben laughed as he picked up his friend and went back down to Thera, who shared her own thoughts.

“It was all great,” She spoke brightly. “I can see why you’ve become such a talking point.”

“Ha, plenty of performers like to say they put their experiences and feelings behind their work, but not a lot can say they spent months trying to not get murdered. When it comes to personal experience I’m way ahead.”

It was obvious he was proud, but then, when his music had become famous enough that people were singing his songs the world over, he had every right to be. Anyone in a city on the gate network had to know the music he’d made by then, with it slowly spreading out to other towns and communities too. He deserved to feel good about his masterpiece.

“Anyway,” Greed went on. “Let’s get going. It was a bit last minute but after seeing you both came, I rented us a place for dinner so let’s go enjoy.”

Ben carried him out as the three went down the streets, with Greed directing them to a fancy establishment that seemed surprisingly empty.

It appeared that when Greed had said he’d rented a place, that meant he’d rented it out completely, leaving it empty for their enjoyment as they took their seats, with a waiter bringing waters and menus as they enjoyed some light chit-chat about how things had been since they’d seen each other last.

During it though, one thing was becoming more and more apparent. There was something on Greed’s mind he wasn’t saying, but rather than prying into his head, Ben did his friend the courtesy of at least asking first.

“So when are you going to say whatever it is you want to talk about buddy?”

“Ah, I suppose it helps cut the crap since you’re a mind reader but I’m not exactly a fan.”

“Hey, I haven’t read your mind yet. But I’m going to if you don’t just tell me already.”

“Alright, alright already. So the thing is, I kind of invited someone else to join us a little later. A woman.”

“Ah, I get where this is going,” Ben nodded wisely. “This entire thing’s a trap to catch her trying to kill you in the act. Okay, don’t worry about it buddy, we can keep you alive and grab the city guards after.”

“Not even close.”

“Then did she already know you’d be coming here and pay off someone to poison your food? Lucky you, Thera can have you healed in no time flat if you want to make it look convincing and fake your death.”

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“Also no. Why are you so insistent that she’s going to murder me?”

“Because I know you. And I remember that someone tried to murder you not too long ago.”

“Someone tried to kill you too!”

“That was an oracle, it’s different.”

“That’s worse! You know that’s worse, right?”