"Mm hmm," chimed Lyrio each time Arisa said something in disbelief. He just loved that expression, that change from dauntless to daunted creeping over her face and posture. And it was all the better on a tough looking beauty who had probably never lost an argument or fight in years! It was all the merchant could do to not just snicker out loud like a youthful bully.<br/><br/>Arisa wasn't the only one with questions! The half-drunk, half-hungover customers around her began to put things together much slower than the innkeeper, but eventually everyone realized Lyrio wasn't here for<em>just</em>Arisa's owed taxes. Some nodded and agreed with her question, but none dared risk the merchant's attention in case they would be first. One or two even had dark looks in their eyes, as though they'd settle their debt by inviting the merchant to a kind chat behind some alley to negotiate.<br/><br/>It wouldn't be just, but that would definitely solve all their problems. Lyrio wasn't an official, and harming a hypothetical and nonexistent hair on his head didn't guarantee some sort of reprisal from the duke's army. Arisa just needed to bat her eyelashes and pucker her lips in concern and any number of her clients would fall over themselves out of chivalry, though their own interests would definitely help!<br/><br/>But Lyrio wasn't a fool, and when he answered Arisa, he spoke aloud to the whole room. "How long? They were due<em>yesterday</em>. Lady, I'm not just here to collect what you will owe, but also what you<em>already</em>owe. Back taxes on each and every household..."<br/><br/>The clients flinched when Lyrio looked their way, some even unconsciously grabbed their purse in suspense, but that was just the opening to the old man's brutal pitch. "Of course, I'm not a dumb brute who only values coin. Lyrio is a sensible soul, who values anything of value... like service. Consider my room, dinner, and breakfast your first,<em>small</em>, installment, my dear. And to you all, I don't mind if you wish to pay your share with hands on work! What do you say?"