The contract couldn’t possibly be enforceable. Nevermind that it was an agreement under duress, but it wasn’t even much of an contract. Technically speaking, it was a handmade sign that a random foxgirl in an oversized coat held up as he was passing. Yes, he did what the sign said, and yes, he received the promised magical relic, and yes, it was from the goddess of civilization, and yes, it did get him out of the situation(s) as promised, but still! Handmade sign! Random foxgirl! Passing hi-five! Obviously a silly fox being a silly fox. Up to shenanigans, schemes, and possibly some hijinks. And anyway the sign said terms were negotiable and every day he’s checked his DMs and every day there’s been nothing and so he’s in the clear.

This logic was theoretically sound. Ironclad. Unassailable. In practice?

[i]…oh gosh, do Aestivali have their own debt collectors? It’d make sense, right? How else would Keli and Seli have hoped to get my wallet if I’d just refused back in Crevas? How would they get anything from anyone if their target could just call them out on a trick and leave? Or maybe it’s a curse? Ghostly foxes who come after you unless you skip town and change your name? No, Yuki would’ve told me about that. Unless…?[/i]

“Oh, yes, I do remember the debt. Haven’t forgotten, I just, didn’t have your contact information, and it’s been a bit of a busy few weeks, so I haven’t been able to get in touch with you.” Spiced cider, give him strength! “What sort of job is it, exactly? This isn’t a [i]great[/i] time, I might not be able to help out right away, depending on the job. If I just vanished now, half of Thellamie would come chasing after me. Not very conducive to getting jobs done.”

“Oh! And, fair warning, you may want to be careful with that club. If you attack me, I’m pretty sure you’ll be wrapped up in chains, put to sleep, and/or otherwise cursed. Not really able to stop that right now,” he adds apologetically. See? He’s being reasonable! Helpful! There’s no need for aggressive negotiating tactics. Or foxgirl loan sharks. Or foxgirl loan ghosts.