Sweet MYTH-tery of Life by Robert Asprin

“You’ve taught me a lot!!” I shot back at him. “And I’ve gone along with a lot … and it usually turned out for the best. But there’s one thing we’ve never done, Aahz, for all our finagling and scrambling. To the best of my knowledge, we’ve never gouged money out of someone who couldn’t afford it. Have we?”

“Well, no. But . . .”

“If we can beat Deveels or the Mob out of some extra money, well and good,” I continued. “They have lots of money, and I got most of it swindling other people. But with Possiltum we’re talking about a kingdom that’s on the ropes financially. How can we say we’re here to help them when at the same time we’re kicking them in the head with inflated fees?”

Aahz didn’t answer at once, and after a moment, he dropped his eyes.

“But Grimble’s already approved it,” he said finally, in a voice that was almost plaintive.

I couldn’t believe it! I had actually won an argument with Aahz over money! Fortunately, I had the presence of mind to be magnanimous in my victory.

“Then I’m sure he’ll approve of cutting the expense even more,” I said, putting my hand on Aahz’s shoulder for a change. “Aside from that, it’s just a clerical adjustment. Right, Bunny?”

“No.”

She said it softly, but there was no mistaking her answer. So much for my victory.

“But Bunny …” I began desperately, but she cut me off.

“I said ‘No’ and I meant it, Skeeve,” she said. “Really, Aahz. I’m surprised you’ve let this go on for as long as it has. There are greater principles at stake here than basic greed!”