I will never leave my lady's side again!

All this talk of relying on the bonded, and I haven't given a thought as to what your duties might be. I hope I haven't interrupted your work unduly?

A tour of the city, is it? Then you really must visit the Beehive─it's always buzzing with activity! Ahem, local humor...

Anyway, a lady by the name of Tista-Bie usually has her seat near the entrance. She will gladly speak with you on any number of topics, assuming you find yourself on her good side!

I think you will find the Beehive is far more diverting than watching me pick out new curtains for the parlor!

Welcome to the Beehive, my little drone. Seeking the sting of excitement to liven up your day?

...Hm hm, I can tell at a glance when folk are new to our happy colony. It's the nervous fluttering, you see─always gives them away.

Why don't we play some cards to set you at your ease, eh? A quick game of “High or Low”─it's simply a matter of guessing who has the bigger hand.

If you win, I'll grant you a single favor...within reason, of course. Interested?

Ready for a game of “High or Low”, then?

“High or Low” is a guessing game. You must decide whether the total of your three cards is higher or lower than the total of your opponent's cards.

The deck holds nine cards, with the pictures printed thereon representing the numbers one through nine. Each number appears only once in the deck, so there are no repeats.

If you guess correctly, then you win the match. If both totals are the same, then another hand is dealt.

Oh? Well, you know where to find me if you want to play a hand or two.

Good for you! No time like the present, I say!

Three cards for you, three cards for me. You flip one of yours over, and I flip two of mine.

Now, what's your call? Will your total be higher or lower than mine?

You're going with “low,” then? Right, let's see what we've got...

You're going with “high,” then? Right, let's see what we've got...

My cards add up to <Value>IntegerParameter(1)</Value>. And you have...

...a total of <Value>IntegerParameter(1)</Value>.

Congratulations, your guess was right!

Hm... Usually I'd concede defeat at this point, but what do you say to a rematch? One more win, then we'll talk about that favor.

Aw... Sorry, honeybee, but this match goes to me.

Shall we play again?

That's what I like to hear. Let me shuffle the deck...

Had enough for now? Fine, fine─I'll be sitting right here should the mood strike you.

Oho, it seems we came out equal. But as lovely a coincidence as that may be, we still need a clear winner...

Another match of “High or Low”? Come now, little honeybee, we all need our diversions.

That's the spirit! Let me sort out the deck...

Well, well, would you look at that. I think you've got a knack for this, newcomer.

Congratulations! Victory is yours...as is the prize I promised.

Oh dear, looks like this match goes to me.

Come whisper in my ear, then, and don't be shy. Tell ol' Tista what she can do for you.

...That's all? How delightfully wholesome. But if knowledge is what you want, then that is what you shall have.

In my humble estimation, the most wondrous thing about this town is how safe we are from the sin eaters.

They say Lord Vauthry was born with the power to command them─which means no Eulmoran need ever raise a weapon in defense of the city.

...Was that the kind of thing you wished to know? If your itch still needs scratching, you might get a few words out of Atharn over there. There's naught that merry sot likes more than the sound of his own voice.

Whassat? New to Eulmore, you say?

Gahaha! Only just arrived and already you're looking to peel away the layers of mystery. Oh, I'm all for chatting, but you need to slow down and enjoy life, my friend!

I tell you what: you hop up on stage and give us a dance first, and then we can have our little talk!

Go on, there's plenty of room up there! Give us your best shimmies and shakes!

That's the way! Dance like there's no tomorrow!

<whistle> Now that was a show! You're welcome to clamber up on stage any time you like!

So...what was it you wanted to ask me? Ah, yes, something about our fair city. Well, I can tell you it wasn't always so peaceful as it is today.

The Eulmoran Army may be the very essence of military might, but even our forces saw grievous losses in the war against the sin eaters.

Things changed for us, oh, around twenty years ago now, when the old ruler's son came to power!

He's got this way with the eaters, you see─turns them docile as house cats. I wouldn't be exaggerating to say they've become something of an ally to Eulmore. No longer an enemy to be feared.

And yet elsewhere, there are still fools who insist on fighting their losing battles... Pah! A toast to Lord Vauthry!

Hm...? Ah, yes, the assistant. Was there something?

Oh, you've returned from your jaunt around the city? So soon?

You needn't have hurried back─young Alphinaud has yet to put brush to canvas.

One cannot rush good art, I'm told. Or good artists, apparently...

...Ah, finally.

I've put together an ensemble out of the garments you chose. Is this satisfactory?

Oh, goodness gracious me! That last outfit was precious, but this makes you look positively dashing!

You truly are a handsome boy! However am I to decide!?

Exactly! The lad is an artist, dearest, not a dress-up doll. It's about time we set him to work for the reason we called him here!

...Must we? I do love a good painting, but I thought since we were enjoying ourselves so thoroughly...

Well, I'd not─ That is to say, as long as you...

Ugh. Just...make sure you give the lad time to prepare. We know who'll be upset if he's not ready to paint at a moment's notice.

Whatever you say, darling. So! Shall we pick out some jewelry, next!?