Yuri & Balthus C

Yuri
Hmm... The Myrmidon.

Balthus
Heh, suit yourself! My gut says the odds are in favor of that mercenary. He's clearly a seasoned f—

Balthus
Gah! Right when I open my big mouth, he goes and loses on me.

Yuri
Hahaha, I win! Again. Had enough, Balthus?

Balthus
Damn you! You've won every round! The fights are rigged, admit it. It's the only explanation.

Yuri
Heh, of course they aren't. It's not like we're playing for money. We wouldn't be so foolish now, would we?

Yuri
You're the one who started this silly game, anyway. So out with it. You lost—spill the beans.

Yuri
It has to be juicy, though. Something that leaves you a bit...vulnerable.

Balthus
Why did I agree to these stakes? If this losing streak keeps up, you'll know an awful lot about me, pal.

Balthus
Let's see... OK, got one! A few years back, I went toe-to-toe with a bird beast in some ancient ruins.

Yuri
This one again? You obliterated the ruins, and a lord who found out put a price on your head. You've told me a thousand times before.

Balthus
A good story bears repeating, yeah? But it seems I'm all out of anecdotes. How about I take my shirt off and let you look your fill instead. Two full minutes.

Yuri
Oh, come now. As if I'm interested in seeing your sweaty torso for the umpteenth time.

Yuri
If you're fresh out of stories, then I have a question for you. About your Crest.

Balthus
Hit me where it hurts, why don'tcha? Is this your idea of negotiation?

Yuri
Perhaps... Or perhaps I'm simply curious. Tell me, how did you come across such a rarity?

Yuri
To my knowledge, nobody within House Albrecht has your Crest.

Balthus
Why ask what you already know? You've got your own rare Crest, so I'm sure you've figured it out.

Balthus
Unless you think the goddess gave us these things while we slept, hehe. Wait...do you?

Yuri
Hey now. I'm the one winning the bets, so I'm the one asking the questions.

Balthus
Got me there. Hey, look! The next round's starting. My luck's about to turn around, I can feel it.

Yuri
Let's do you a favor and call it good here. No need to embarrass yourself further, friend.

Balthus
Even if I'm terrible at this, I can't walk away during a losing streak. I have my own sort of honor.

Yuri
...

Yuri
All right, Balthus. Check out...those two Myrmidons.

Balthus
The two who were eating together earlier? Huh. Who knew they were opponents.

Yuri
I kind of figured. Thoughts?

Balthus
Well, that one's pretty beefy. Quick on his feet too. Clearly a seasoned fighter.

Balthus
His opponent's OK, but a bit showy. Compensating for being newer at this, would be my guess.

Yuri
Mm-hmm. So? Make your choice.

Balthus
Thank you. First guy, no doubt about it. You can see from a mile away...that...

Balthus
HE LOST?! Wow. That was quick.

Yuri
Not everything is as it appears. For example, were you and I to go at it, perhaps you'd bet in favor of yourself over me.

Yuri
And you'd lose. I'd use my cunning to ensure my victory. By any means necessary.

Yuri
Maybe I'd slip something into your food—level the playing field. You see now?

Balthus
Point taken. I'll keep that in mind for this next one. Gotta put that great advice to the test, right?

Yuri
Heheheh, ever the bold one. It seems we must continue these games until you finally concede.