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The chiming of the bell caused Girard to look up - or, rather, down - from where he was re-organizing the top shelf of his prized antique clock display. With a fluid, distinguished grace, the pawnbroker stepped down from the short ladder, and turned to face the front of his store.[break][break]
The woman who had entered was a striking figure - long, jet black hair, deep azure eyes, and pale, flawless skin. Jewelry glittered from her ears and neck, and the clothing she wore was finely made, clearly expensive. Though he immediately thought her beautiful, the way she carried herself reminded Girard of a lioness prowling into somebody else's den. Alert, suspicious, judging. Ready to defend her right to claim whatever she so pleased. It was the sort of callous confidence bordering on arrogance that - in Girard's experience - nearly always hide something softer and more vulnerable underneath.[break][break]
Whatever transaction was about to take place, it certainly wouldn't be boring.[break][break]
"Hello," Girard smoothly answered her inquiry, coming into view. "Here to buy, or here to sell?" His smile was an invitation.

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Girard walked up to the woman and reached out to gently grasp her wrist in his larger, calloused hand, turning it slightly so he could get a full view of the earrings she held. He took them from her with his other hand - respectfully, as one might pluck a piece of fruit so as to not damage the branch - then let go of her. As he pulled away, however, a ring on her left index finger caught his eye, the blooming chrysanthemum tickling the back of his mind with a hint of familiarity.[break][break]
A family crest? He wracked his brain. Where had he seen that symbol before?[break][break]
The earrings were in astonishingly good condition. These were not a pair of forgotten heirlooms, left to gather dust in a closet, but jewels that saw regular use. Judging by her immaculate appearance, he figured that she took good care of all of her accessories. He could see the conflict in her expression, though she did well to hide it. She did not want to give up these earrings, but she also needed to - but then again, this was not particularly telling in and of itself. Most people in desperate need of a cash loan did not want to be in such a position.[break][break]
"You are far from home, Miss Hasegawa," Girard commented idly, his mind having successfully landed on the only family he knew of that used the chrysanthemum as its emblem. He had instantly known what the earrings were worth, but he examined them a moment longer, waiting to see how she would react.[break][break]
After all, a scion of Johto's most powerful crime family in need of emergency cash was a curious anomaly, indeed.

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A temper hotter than a Torkoal’s shell, Girard observed, expression remaining neutral as she threw her tantrum.[break][break]
Handling the earrings with the care they deserved, he pulled a small magnifying glass from his pocket that he often used for appraisals. He peered into it, assessing each earring. He did not really need the confirmation - he had not seen sapphires worth this much in ages - but he was ever a man of protocol. Routines mattered, after all, and all humans were failable. Himself included.[break][break]
”Care?” He asked curiously, voice smooth, a stark contrast to her sharp tone. ”You assign too strong a sentiment to what was merely an observation. I am not accusing you of anything, Miss Hasegawa.” His eyes flicked up to meet hers, amused. She looked ready to swipe at him with her claws.[break][break]
”You bear the chrysanthemum crest of the Hasegawa family on your left index finger,” He added by way of explanation, looking back down at the earrings. ”It is an unmistakable symbol, to those in certain circles.”[break][break]
The Hasegawas had little power in Hoenn. Though they rivaled Rocket in Johto - at least in Goldenrod - Rocket called the shots in Hoenn, and very few competitor criminal organizations stood against them. Girard was one of the people who made sure of that, after all. Did she understand that? How new was she to the region?

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Girard deferred, returning his attention to the earrings. Yumi Hasegawa was a volatile woman, it seemed, and though Girard found himself curiously drawn to pushing her buttons - a game he had not realized he would enjoy playing - she had come to him for a reason (a business transaction, specifically) and he had no intentions of tarnishing his reputation by ignoring her request.[break][break]
"I can loan you 30,000 PD for the set," He offered, tone returning to a professional formality. "With a special introductory interest rate of 3% for the first year, paid out monthly. The rate doubles after the first year, but will remain fixed at 6% for a maximum of three years. After that...well, your earrings will be forfeit, if the loan is not repaid." He paused, glancing back down at the immaculate sapphires fastened to each earring. They sparkled in the low light of the shop.[break][break]
"However, if you would like to sell the earrings outright, I can give you 40,000 PD. No interest, no payments." The earrings were well worth the 40,000 but Girard knew his trade: it was far better for a customer to sell an item rather than pawn it, but folks were often sentimental. Girard was glad for it, as it was in his best interest to loan for less and turn a profit through interest payments.[break][break]
Emotional attachment was a surprisingly lucrative side-effect of human nature.

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It was not lost on Girard just how beautiful the earrings would look paired with Yumi's complexion, hair, and facial structure. They suited her perfectly, as if they had been crafted specifically for her. The look of defiance that flashed across her lovely face confirmed it. They had been gifted to her by someone special, and that person had most decidedly lost her favor.[break][break]
A woman who takes her grudges seriously, he inwardly mused.[break][break]
"Very well," He replied, tone even, expression neutral. If he was disappointed by her choice, he did not show it.[break][break]
As if telepathically summoned, a Galarian Mr. Mime appeared by Girard's side and Girard handed him the earrings. He scuttled off, returning a few moments later with a checkbook and a pen. Girard wrote out the amount of 40,000 PD, signed the check, slipped a receipt into his pocket, and handed Yumi Hasegawa her funds. The entire process took less than a handful of minutes, as if giving away large sums of money were as effortless for the pawnbroker as breathing or eating were.[break][break]
"It was a pleasure doing business with you, Miss. Hasegawa. Your earrings are in good hands."

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