The man's smile widened again, and he gestured with an elaborate bow. "Well, in that case... Welcome my dear friends," he chimed. "Welcome to the Happy Mask Shop! It's always so delightful to see a new face. We sell the finest masks from all of Hyrule and beyond. Masks bound to give you everlasting happiness!"

Just then, there was a noise from the room behind him, and it wasn't the singing mask.

Somebody was in the back of his shop.

Halvard jerked his head up. Before he could open his mouth, or even call the City Guard for what good that'd do him, someone grabbed him roughly from behind. He froze, feeling the cold bite of steel against his throat.

A thief. 

"This is a poor way to conduct business, don't you think?" he said, trying to sound conversational, despite the fear creeping into his gut.

There was a moment of shocked silence, his assailant apparently surprised by his lack of pleas for mercy.

"We're looking for a mask- a soul mask." It was a woman. Her accent marked her as a Gerudo, but she didn't sound like the one he met earlier.

"I know the sign outside says I sell magical masks, but I don't sell anything like that."

"You have met with a terrible fate, haven't you?"