human
Liliana:  "Our friends have to keep an eye on the people we just caught, so our chances of rescue are pretty slim, eh?"
gpt
Subaru:  "Yeah…afraid so." Liliana’s words twisted the knife. With their situation dire in every way possible, how could Subaru and Liliana keep themselves safe?
human
Liliana:  "Looks like we’re on our own. Just us and diplomacy."
gpt
Subaru:  They would skillfully and eloquently craft a plea that wouldn’t push their captors’ buttons and would result in their freedom. Luckily, their captors had signaled that they did want to negotiate. Subaru’s only choice was to engage in a little diplomatic fencing, seeking out compromises and securing their safe release.
human
Liliana:  "You can do it, chore boy."
gpt
Subaru:  "If you want this to work, then keep that mouth shut. Don’t answer that—just take note."
human
Man:  "You two just about done?" Seeing that his captives were wrapping up their conversation, the man returned and lowered himself onto the cart bed with a thunk and folded his legs. "Now, let me introduce myself again… We are a band of mercenaries called the White Dragon’s Scale."
gpt
Subaru:  "Sorry, but I’m new in town, so I’m not up to date about local gossip. Meanwhile, she’s a wandering bard with no roots to speak of…and bless her heart, she’s kinda dumb and slow on the uptake."
human
Liliana:  "Hey, chore boy! Don’t bless my heart! This is no time for romantic overtures!"
gpt
Subaru:  In the interest of negotiations proceeding smoothly, Subaru ignored Liliana’s little outburst.
human
Man:  The bearded man followed his lead and ignored Liliana as well, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Well, I can’t blame ya for not hearing of us. Only a part of Lugunica knows about us, and that was about ten years ago. We don’t exactly have as much of a reputation anymore."
gpt
Subaru:  "Before… Did you disband and get back together? You really should consider your age if you’re gonna be naughty."
human
Man:  "No, we didn’t disband. We did cut back a little, though. But then we got this job that we had to finish. We can’t hang up our robes for good until we do." The bearded man’s voice was low, and his eyes were filled with resolve. Between the proud atmosphere and the hint of tragedy in the man’s demeanor, Subaru sensed there were extraordinary circumstances at play.
gpt
Subaru:  Lying on his back, Subaru let out a sigh and said, "So…you’re doing one last job before you finally retire?"
human
Man:  "Our treasurer betrayed us—snuck off with every last coin to our name. We just want to get back everything he stole. We can’t retire until we do that."
gpt
Liliana:  "Wait, what…? What does that have to do with Liliana?" Going off age alone, it was impossible to believe that Liliana was the treasurer in question.
human
Man:  "The traitor built himself a huge mansion in town with the fortune he stole. We’re sure he’s been living in the lap of luxury, the bastard… Anyway, we found him.