16. Arcady: The Red Coat

Summary

• The chapter opens with the protagonist starting the day and expressing reluctance over their new ally, Everen, who they feel has invaded their personal space.
• The protagonist receives a message from Kelwyn through a gray wyvern, noting there is only a week left to prepare Everen for an upcoming criminal undertaking.
• The protagonist starts the day by training Everen in the art of pickpocketing.
• The training becomes difficult because the protagonist thinks they're becoming attracted to Everen, despite hating themselves for it. The protagonist does not have much experience with romantic or sexual feelings.
• To conclude training, the protagonist makes Everen pickpocket a coin purse from the difficult position of their inner jacket pocket.
• The protagonist and Everen practice their skills on a real person in the city, using a distraction to allow Everen to steal a coin purse and a comb with a decent amount of money.
• Everen proves successful, and the protagonist decides to keep the gold coin and let Everen keep the rest of the money, believing it to be fair payment for his services.
• As the chapter ends, the protagonist acknowledges Everen's improvements and thinks that he might be ready for the upcoming job.