You really shouldn't, but...

You really, really should refuse…

Getting greedy and overextending were surefire ways for not-as-smart-as-they-think-they-are foxkin scouts to lose their levels and loot.

You already got what you needed. There was no need to risk it all for more.

But…

An actually-as-smart-as-he-thinks-he-is foxkin scout, who gets greedy, but is careful enough not to extend beyond his reach, could potentially reap even greater rewards without risking his current gains. Just so long as he keeps in mind that it's all about calculated risks and knowing when to push your luck.

And the great one's temple's vaults…

Now that was a prize worth pursuing.

His clan was all but held in contempt by the Three-tailed-queen because the clan elders refused to grant her the tail of Night, and without a fourth tail, the queen could not survive accepting Ghostpaws' tail of ****.

But, sooner or later, under the threat of exile, the Elders would be **** to give in.

Going at it alone would quickly spell out the **** of the clan, and it was only the strength of the emperors or the will of Tanko-O-Kami that could ever make Shadowfurs and Sunmasks work together, so Kōshaku Kozakura's wardens were also out of the question, even if his clan were willing to brave Shi no rōhi.

And joining in with the invaders, as the Falsefaces have done… No, just no!

And then, like one of Oonasus-sama's stray thunderbolts, it hit you, and all the clues and hints snapped in place.

Kami be with you…

Your face slips into a grim mask.

"Counteroffer. I gather a band of my kin and together we escort and protect your Keiko, and we clean out the vaults and bring all the loot here to split evenly, half to you, half to us, and in return, besides what you already promised me, we are guaranteed to keep the Claws and the Coat as part of our share."

Hayami narrowed her eyes at you, and all teasing and good humour left her voice, leaving only a dangerous, growly undertone.

"And why, exactly, would you ever presume I would accept something as preposterous as that?"

"Because…" You grin impudently at her. "I figured out exactly what is happening, and this is the best option you will ever get. The temple, and I guess Falseface clan, get to prevent the idiotic hairless bastards from getting really stupid and summoning Yako-sama. We Shadowfurs finally get a way out, and when we leave the Three-tailed-bitch, we take the Ghostpaws with us because they want their ancestral regalia as much as we do, which is also a win for Falsefaces since it weakens the so-called Queen's faction. Everyone wins, except the adventurers, but fuck them, eh?" You rattle off in obnoxious self-satisfaction.

She continues glaring at you. You shrug nonchalantly, knowing that your plan is the most strategic and beneficial for all parties involved. With a smug grin, you confidently await her response, convinced that your solution is foolproof.

Finally she lets out an exasperated huff and nods.

"You are right, Tanko-sama curse you. I don't like it. Not one bit. So much can go wrong for us, it is ludicrous to even contemplate your harebrained offer. And yet, you are right. This is, by far, the best opportunity, both for the temple, my clan, and your clan… That is, if I can trust you, and more importantly, if I can trust whoever else you manage to scrounge up. So, why should I trust you?"

"Right back at you priestess. Why should I ever trust you? After all, it is not my clan that is famous for dishonesty and deciet… Enlightened self-interest, that is why."

She continues glaring at you for a moment longer, before huffing aggain and giving a choppy nod. Than she smiles wryly at you, though her eyes are decidedly not happy.

"So, it looks like it is your win after all, youngling, despite your previous capitulation. Damn it all to Shi no rōhi. You got yourself a deal. How long will it take you?"