CH292 Return I
***
Dread halted before the gnome, and Alex dismounted with practiced ease.
"You didn't have to come wait for me yourself, Sir Pinchcoin. You could have sent someone in your stead," Alex said as he stepped forward to shake the man's hand. "I am sure you're quite busy."
"Nonsense, Master Alex." Pinchcoin shook his hand firmly, his copper eyes gleaming. "For you, even if I'm drowning in ledgers, I'll always make time."
His gaze swept over Alex's figure, sharp and assessing, while his hooked nose twitched uncontrollably—like a drug addict catching the scent of their fix.
'Ah! As expected… the scent of coin!' Euphoria surged through Pinchcoin's mind, a high sweeter than any narcotic.
Alex studied the gnome in turn.
He didn't need anyone to tell him how well the Enclave's coffers were doing. The glow in Pinchcoin's rosy cheeks, the shine in his spirited eyes—those were enough proof.
