During a summer night, a stranger maneuvered through the dimly lit streets of an 18th-century village. Ensuring anonymity, this person wore a clever disguise, consisting of a plain brown cloak that obscured most of their face, along with a hat concealing their dark hair.

While traversing the shadowy streets, the stranger observed the gentle glow of candlelight emanating from certain windows of the surrounding buildings.

 "I must be cautious not to attract any attention," the stranger thought. "If my cover is blown, I risk losing the job."

After a considerable walk, the stranger arrived at the grand estate of a nobleman. The sizable edifice was aglow with numerous candles, casting their radiance over the adjoining gardens. A group of attendants awaited the stranger at the entrance.

" Who are you? Reveal your face," demanded one of the attendants. 

The stranger steadfastly kept their visage concealed. "I have come for the job; your master must be expecting me," the stranger calmly replied.

In an attempt to confirm the stranger's identity, one of the men extended his hand towards the stranger's cloak. Reacting swiftly, the stranger seized the man's hand and effortlessly flung him aside. 

"Did your master not inform you that my face must remain unseen?" the stranger queried.

At that moment, the gates swung open, revealing another man who stepped forward. "Identity confirmed... Follow me," he instructed. 

Leading the stranger through a lengthy corridor, the man eventually guided them into a spacious hall.

That room served as the nobleman's office, and within it sat a pretentious and affluent man, patiently awaiting the stranger's arrival. "You are late," he remarked. 

Undeterred, the stranger proceeded forward, gracefully settling into a chair while crossing their legs.

"Well, you should consider yourself fortunate that I decided to show up. Only a select few have had the privilege of meeting me," the stranger stated. The nobleman attempted a smile, saying, "Yes, I am aware. I am grateful that you accepted my invitation."

Cutting to the chase, the stranger inquired, "What do you desire?".

The nobleman promptly tossed a bag brimming with golden coins toward the stranger. "I wish to employ you. You are the sole individual capable of fulfilling this task."

Rather than displaying interest in the coins, the stranger placed the bag upon the table and posed the same question: "What do you want?" 

The nobleman's uneasiness became apparent as he replied, "I will offer you more than that if you succeed... No, I will grant you anything you desire."

Standing up, the stranger pressed on with a tense tone, reiterating for the third time, "If you do not answer me, I will depart. What exactly is it that you want?"

The nobleman, left with no alternative, reluctantly disclosed the reason behind his invitation. "I... I want to hire you to... to... slay the dragon..."

A brief silence enveloped the room, disrupted by the stranger's laughter. 

"HAHAHAHAH... You must be joking," the stranger remarked, seeking confirmation. 

"N... No... I am not," the nobleman replied.

Seating themselves once more, the stranger resumed their place in the chair, attempting to comprehend the nobleman's audacious request. "Is this some kind of prank?" they questioned.

In an attempt to convince the stranger, the nobleman pleaded, "Please, listen to me! You are the most skilled hunter to have ever existed. You are the sole individual capable of hunting down that creature."

"Are we discussing Abeloth the red slayer?" the stranger inquired. 

"Indeed," the nobleman affirmed.

The stranger reacted incredulously, exclaiming, "Are you crazy? How can anyone hunt that devil? It is a lethal killing machine!"

Acknowledging the dragon's destructive nature, the nobleman nervously admitted, "I understand, but that dragon has caused the deaths of many of my men and resulted in substantial financial losses for me."

Curiosity piqued, the stranger probed further, "As far as I know, the dragon resides on Majorca, a distant island. What prompted your men to venture there?"

The nobleman's anxiety grew evident, although the stranger's hidden face prevented a clear reading of their expression. "You don't need to know those details," the nobleman evasively replied.

Pushing back, the stranger asserted, "Actually, I do. Essentially, you are asking me to risk my life. Tell me what exactly is on that island that has driven you to such desperation in eliminating the dragon."

Unable to conceal the truth any longer, the nobleman confessed, "That island is home to a significant diamond mine."

Surprised, the stranger questioned, "How did you come to know that? No one has ever dared to approach that place."

"Somebody did venture there and witnessed it firsthand. Not just me, but numerous noblemen are vying for control of that island," the nobleman revealed.

"So, you want me to eliminate the dragon to enable your conquest of the island and gain access to a substantial diamond mine," summarized the stranger.

The nobleman's previous offering now seemed meager to the stranger, who smirked and retorted, "And all you have given me is that?"

The nobleman quickly amended, "I will give you one thousand gold coins. No, ten thousand..."

The stranger maintained their confident demeanor, stating, "I want half of whatever lies on that island."

Out of frustration, the nobleman shouted, "Are you insane?"

"That is the least I can request for putting my life in jeopardy. If you're unwilling, then forget about it. Find someone else for the job," the stranger declared, rising from their seat, prepared to depart.

"WAIT!" the nobleman interjected, feeling immensely annoyed. With no alternative, he reluctantly conceded, "Alright, deal. I will give you half."

A smile played upon the stranger's lips as they responded, "I will give you a day to draft the contract. Once it is signed, I will commence my mission..."