Although if Riley were being honest, the only reason this gift was chosen was because it managed to smooth out that permanent scowl on Kael's face for a full ten minutes. Which, frankly, was nothing short of a miracle.
Originally, they had planned on digging up some artifact for him to hand over. Something glittery, ceremonial, respectable. The sort of thing that said, Look, I too am capable of affording bribes.
But Riley thought about it for longer than he cared to admit, and the answer was still no.
For one, it would be too obvious. Too insincere. And judging from how Kael had casually asked him to find gifts for his parents before, Riley was sure everyone would assume he had just stolen the Dragon Lord's idea and wrapped it up with a bow.
So Riley gave Kael the stink eye. A long one.
Not only would that approach invite criticism, it would practically come with a neon sign saying: lazy human aide doesn't even know how to bring a proper gift without cheating.
