Stefan looked around cautiously as he walked towards the agreed upon meeting spot. There was never trusting some areas. Let alone some sellers. Esper followed close at his heels.

“Ah! Delvanguard! I was beginning to think you might not show up.” The man rubbed his hands together after pushing away from the wall he had been leaning against. Eyes darting around nervously before patting the crate beside him. “A friend told me you had interest in such treasures from the War of the Magi.”

“Depends.” Stefan scowled as he crossed his arms over his chest. “The quality has yet to be determined. I refuse to accept a price until I check the items myself. I’m not a fool, Bayard.”

“Of course!” Bayard grimacing before moving to remove the crate lid and stepping aside. Motioning for Stefan to step forward.

Stefan leaned over the crate to pull out the first item in reach. Holding it up to the light and studying it for a long moment. Swapping it for another item in the crate. The second item smashing down at the feet of the seller. Esper crouched and ready to pounce if needed.

“Garbage. It’s all synthetic junk. Your ‘friend’ should have told you I would be able to tell the difference between a cheap fake and the real deal.” Stefan picked up the first item again and waved it towards the seller in anger. “Keep your false junk. I should have known by your behavior that you were trying to pull the wool over my eyes.” Tossing the other item onto the ground before turning to stalk away.

Esper giving the man a rather hostile stare before turning to follow his master. Leaving Bayard behind to seethe that things hadn’t gone as planned. Once out of sight a slight grin forming on Stefan’s lips. Tossing a small stone up in the air before catching it again.

“Stupid idiot. Most of that junk was definitely fake. Yet he didn’t even see a real treasure among the false. That’s what one gets for trying to pass off synthetic for real to someone with the eye for telling them apart.” Stefan held the dark stone up in the light before looking down at his ruby companion. “Shouldn’t have tried to sell me fakes and I might have actually paid him for this. Too bad for him, Esper. Alright time to head home and relax. I’ll even play some music for you tonight to celebrate our find.”

Esper bounced along beside him, clearly happy. The ruby carbuncle was ever fond of when Stefan played for him at the apartment in the Goblet. It was something Stefan only shared with his fuzzy companion. Not even his sister or mother knew of his love of music and art. Only Esper. Granted his love of treasure and hunting old ruins still ranked above his personal activities. Just like finding this treasure tonight.