"Tiago" did not hurry to match the merchant, and for a while appeared to have not heard him. Then, without taking his eyes off the toy, he replied lazily, "you know, usual."
He finally put the toy down.
"The council has seen it fit to increase patrol rates."
He picked another one up.
"Because people, like you, complain. Because there're too many thieves. Because people, like you, let the thieves off."
The merchant grimaced apologetically.
"Well.. was a young un you kno-"
"Young uns grow up. They become big uns. But guess what?" And with mock enthusiasm he continued, "I have a present for you."
"Oh?" Quizzical looks exchanged with his wife.
"Knife. Issued from the council. The prisons can't be bothered anymore."
"Wha- wha- what am I supposed to do with this?" Blubbering from the merchant.
"You'll get the hang of it soon enough." With that, Tiago started off in the opposite direction.
"But, but-"
An exasperated sigh, a look up at the sky. "Amateurs."