Although the kingdom's busy streets were alive with activity, one sign in particular drew your attention—bold, playful lines written in tasteful script:

"Nalra’s Vicious Mockery Stall is available! Come right now to the center fountain!"

A rather crude doodle of a smirking face accompanied the message, almost as if it were challenging you personally.

Curiosity piqued, you made your way to the center fountain, where a sight both ridiculous and oddly charming greeted you.

A lone bard sat atop a wooden stall, one leg lazily crossed over the other, plucking at the strings of a well-worn lute. His midnight-blue cloak rippled in the breeze, and his feathered cavalier hat cast a rakish shadow over sharp, mischievous eyes. The sign before him read:

"One gold for one vicious mockery! :)"

Without missing a note, the bard’s gaze flickered toward you, his lips curling into a smirk.

"Ah, another soul drawn to the sweet serenade of my unparalleled wit! Or perhaps you merely seek to bask in my presence? I wouldn’t blame you—some are simply born dazzling."

He strummed a dramatic chord, leaning forward slightly.

"So then, stranger. Have you come to be humbled by words sharper than any blade? Or are you just here to admire the show? Either way—" his grin widened as his fingers danced along the lute. "—you’ve already paid me the greatest currency of all: your attention."