(There is no reason to turn down this request, is there...? just click Accept, we need to get to the bottom of this.)

Huh, you again? I didn't expect to see you again. So, what's up? Did the translucent potion work?

1. It did, and it's precisely why I'm here. I believe Arel might be the one behind all this.

Nah, that can't be! I'm sure Arel is having a nice life somewhere far away. They're not the type to get involved in a mess like this... Are you serious?

1. There's no other possibility. If Arel is the only other person who knows about the potion recipe, then only Arel could have put their hands on the treasure.

You're kidding... my friend... No, no way. I won't believe it until I see it. Arel has always been such a caring and selfless person. They'd never exploit someone else, and would never steal from someone else.
Besides... I've already told you that I have no clue where they are. How am I supposed to help you?

1. Hm... Maybe you could tell me what Arel looks like? That could be a start.

Right. Well, I can tell you what Arel looked like when we hung out together a while ago. It's been quite some time, but there's no way they changed too much. Let's see... tanned skin, hazel eyes, dark brown hair, always disheveled, but often wore a lot of gold jewelry.

1. Oh, that sounds like a strange description for a fairy...

I never said that Arel was a fairy. Their family is from Sleepywood, but they brought their child to study here in Ellinia.
Anyways... That's all I got. I wish you luck, and let me know if you end up finding Arel! We have a lot of catching up to do...

(Wing still seems adamant in believing that Arel is innocent. Maybe he's right? In any case, without any other leads, Arel's whereabouts are still what you should be focusing on. It's a long shot, but maybe Vikin heard of them. Let's try.)

My friend, long time no see! How are things going? Have you solved our problem?

1. Not yet. I've hit a roadblock, and I'm here to see if you can help... Do you know of a person called Arel?

Arel, you say? Nay, not a name that rings a bell. Should I know this person? Are they involved in the theft?

1. Could be. But I'm not sure yet.

Say, there's something I should mention to you, especially with all these developments, it might be important. Jr. Balrog knows about my treasure too... You see, the seas around Victoria Island are often raided by Balrog pirate ships, and I needed to ensure the safety of myself and my crew. I offered the Balrog part of my treasure in exchange for safe passage through heavily guarded waters. Once I got back, we met in the treasure chamber to discuss the payment... I might have been too hasty in trusting such a creature...

1. (Inviting Jr. Balrog to his treasure chamber? Talk about reckless...)

Although, as you said, the figure that JM saw that night in Kerning was small, surely not as massive as Balrog. This is all so confusing, I'm not sure what to think...