The guard’s expression turned level and clearly irritated with Zoey’s remark in the way his head angled upwards by a small margin.  It was enough to make him completely forget about Frea’s suggestive advance on him.  “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Miss, but it would be in your best interest to watch your tongue.  Slander isn’t taken lightly in this town, especially when it is directed towards public officials such as myself.”  There was the slightest sign of smug satisfaction as one of her compatriots urged the monk to withdraw from any further conversation before turning his gaze back towards Frea and pointing to a large building at the perimeter of the marketplace.<br/><br/>“That’s the town center; you can request and fill out the necessary paperwork there.  Normally it is a quick and simple matter, but since you came during the height of our trading season you can expect it to take much longer and be more costly.”  Though he did nothing to suggest any underlying meaning, you likely get the impression that he was making that comparison to a bribe as much as the lull in their trading season.  “Especially for a band of entertainers who wish on procuring such marketable space that won’t directly profit the people in this village.  At any rate, enjoy your stay and be sure to sample the many wares Zephyr Hills has to offer.”  With that, the guard turned away and left the group to their business, clearly not interested in getting involved in any under-the-table dealings with a group who has a nark in their midst.<br/><br/>All the while, Junpei simply watched the exchange with baffled interest.  Once the guard left, he pondered upon the encounter and it was clear he couldn’t really make sense of mannerisms.  Ultimately, he shook his head in dismissal of what he perceived as irrational and simply muttered “Humans” in a tone of exasperation that is often used when referring to individuals who do things that are irrational to the point of naivety.<br/>