The Hand That Mocked Them

"In a sense," Kivvien said absently.

"Which sense?"

"They appear to be infected by a parasite," Kivvien explained.

His brow furrowed. "Oh, that's rather nasty. Can they be cured at all?"

"The infected trees are unlikely to recover, but the spread could be contained."

"How?" He dropped his apparatus on the ground and climbed out, seating himself inside and cranking over to Kivvien to study markings.

"Any method that will exterminate the parasite, either chemically or magically, can do as much."

"Fantastic! Is there any way I can help?"

Kivvien shook his head. "I've no intention of solving this problem. I'll inform the nearest town of it and move along. There isn't time for me to be sidetracked."

(kivvien rejecting a sidequest like a fake gamer boy)

(Gamers always side quest -__-)

"Wise, I suppose," he mused.

Kivvien nodded.

"I appreciate your dedication to getting to my master," he said.

"I am dedicated to eradicating the demonic stain on the lands. Your master is simply incidental to that."

"He will be glad to help out, certainly! He's been studying demons for about a year now."

Only a year.

"I see."