Leave Mertz to Helmid

When it came to party members who seemed suited to go sword-to-sword with Mertz, you couldn't think of anyone better suited than your paladin. You asked Helmid to occupy him while you and your other ally took care of Nil.

"Gladly," Helmid agreed, stepping forward and raising her blade to match Mertz's. "There's no need for you to spend a second on an opponent such as this. With Geod behind my blade and mail, he will be easily dispatched."

"Milady," Mertz faked a bow, before licking his teeth. "If you're with a squire now, that means you've turned your back on poor Mr. Fastner. That ring's just for show, is it? Room for one more? Ought to be with a man more your age than this young pup squire, anyway."

Helmid wore a confident smile, but you saw her smile curling cryptically-- perhaps challengingly-- at the sides. "I won't fall for taunts like that. You aren't the first man to question my love for my husband, nor the strongest, I'd wager. With my sword, I'll prove both my faith in Geod and my love for Mattieu."

"Doesn't hurt you at all, to hear such slander, eh?" the guard captain chuckled. "Then I'll call you how I see you, whore."

You thought you saw her shiver. With... anger? Yes. Surely it was anger. Was Helmid really going to be alright in this match-up...?

You'd have to trust her.