One of the guards patted Hazuki on the back, grinning ear to ear.
"Man, this crazy guy keeps bringing us luck and extra income!"
Another guard nodded enthusiastically.
"Yeah! I say he should stay in this town longer!"
Hazuki twitched.
"I'm being exploited, aren't I?"
The leader crossed his arms, smirking.
"No need to worry anymore, crazy guy. You won't be 'taxed' at the gate anymore. Just keep bringing us bad guys."
Hazuki blinked.
"Wait… really?"
The leader grinned.
"Yeah. Think of it as an 'honorary pass' for being such a great contributor."
The guards all nodded.
"Yeah, yeah! Free entry for the town's personal bad-guy magnet!"
Hazuki squinted.
"This still sounds like a scam…"
The leader pointed at one of his men.
"You, go tell the neighbors that the 'loud man' has already been 'captured.'"
"Yes, sir!"
Hazuki felt relieved.
"Finally—"
Then—
The leader smirked at him.
"And crazy guy?"
"Y-Yes?"
The leader patted his shoulder.
"Thank you for the 'reward.'"
