A kingly intervention.

"Enough, Sassy." You hastily take your hand off Joyeuse at the sound of that commanding voice.

Princess Sastina's back goes ram-rod straight. She knows that voice. She glances around Devin to see the tall, stately form of... King Augustus Perkiva Pekorin.

"D-D-D-Daddy!" she squeaks. "This isn't what it looks like, daddy! I was buying this slave, and this shitty demon lied about how much money he has!" She points at Tercorrin. "And he hates me for no reason, so the slave merchant is playing along! This is an insult to the great kingdom of-"

"Silence, Sassy."

"But, daddy, th-"

"I SAID SILENCE!"

The commanding voice of a king reverberates throughout the slave shop. Princess Sastina, Tercorrin, you, and even Joyeuse feel a tremble go through you! The only one who doesn't seem phased at all is the demon, who maintains a perfect poker face. His hands are in the pockets of his trenchcoat, staring impassively at the King of Pekorin like he's not at all impressed to be in the presence of a king. Said king walks forward and does the unthinkable.

He falls to one knee and bows to the shabbily-dressed demon.

"It has been a long time, Shop Guru," he says.

Devin nods. "Augustus," he says in greeting. You can't help but gasp at such an informal greeting to royalty.

King Pekorin stands, and it's then you notice the scepter in his hand. The same one you broke... but it's not broken! "It has been years since we last shared a drink. I apologize for my daughter's behavior." He sighs. "She gets it from her mother. I do hope this doesn't interfere with any trade deals my kingdom has?"

"Nah, 'sfine," Devin says, shrugging.

King Pekorin nods respectfully to the demon, then steps to stand before Tercorrin. "Tercorrin Treebowyer of the noble House Treebowyer? I believe I have noble houses in my kingdom who are old family friends with your house. I would consider it a favor to my kingdom if you would allow me to pay for the Shop Guru's new purchase as an apology for the behavior of my daughter."

Tercorrin sighs, crossing his arms and shaking his head. "She got this young lady into slavery. She was a powerful knight of a noble house, now she is in this state for the rest of her life because of your daughter's own sadistic whims. And the bid was up to five thousand gold coins."

"My daughter caused this by faking the destruction of a national treasure. This is the genuine article. Will it suffice?" He holds the scepter out for Tercorrin.

The elf takes it, looking it over. He nods. "It's genuine. Worth a fortune. But King... you do realize that your kingdom and ours are not exactly on friendly diplomatic terms, yes?"

The satyr king nods, his goat ears flicking behind his wavy, sandy blonde locks. "I am aware. I do this not for the Kingdom of Pendragon. I do it for the sake of the Shop Guru. He has been good to me over the years, and I do not want to jeopardize our trade deals nor my relations with the Merchant's Guild." He turns to cast a glare over his shivering daughter. "Imagine what would happen if our trade deal with your favorite luxury goods company were to be abruptly cut off, Sassy."

Princess Sastina swallows hard.

"If that is all, I must be going. We have a trip back to my kingdom to make. Sassy." She jumps. "Do not think I have set things right. The kingdom paid for your treacherous folly. How do you plan to repay the kingdom?"

Turning, the king sweeps his regal mantle over his shoulder and turns to leave. His daughter clops after him. "Wait, daddy! What does that mean? Daddy, please!"

As the two leave... You and Tercorrin both let out a sigh of relief. The elf turns to you. "Well, Fleurette, looks like you belong to Devin the Shop Guru now. I'll process the payment. Did you have anything to ask about... all of that?"