Simone, a young housekeeper from out of town, arrives in Astrub looking for the shop of Kerub Crispin, an old Ecaflip who appraises and trades in magical items. Bob of Bonta arrives to have some items appraised by Kerub and they have an altercation. Simone reveals her reason for seeking out the shop.

Kerub and Joris spend a night on the street when Luis kicks them out for threatening to hire a housekeeper. Joris recounts the tale of how Luis came to be in the possession of Kerub and Simone hatches a plan to convince Luis to let her clean him.

Kerub recounts the story of how he received a clothespin when he was still at the Ecaflip temple and teaches Joris an important lesson about his most important asset as an adventurer.

When a customer attempts to leave without making a deal, Kerub searches his stash for the Hourglass of Wasted Time and tells Joris the story of how it came in to his possession.