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As a traveling mage, one must know that fate will bring them anywhere; sometimes, even to places where their services seem completely redundant.
Merlin Hermes, arguably the traveling mage, knows this very well. So he’s only a little surprised, only a little, when he enters a tavern with a cheerful smile on his face and, upon sweeping the room for any men who look down on their luck, sees a very familiar face.
For a second, he doesn’t recognize who it is. After all, currently, he is Merlin Hermes, and Merlin Hermes does not know the man he identifies. However, Gerhman Sparrow sure does.
Using a Clown’s ability to keep an even expression, which has kept him from dangerous situations time and time again, Merlin—Klein—approaches the man with a more genuine grin.
“Hello, my good inebriated fellow!” he greets with cheer and mirth in his voice, befitting his pretty long hair and fluttering jacket.
The man glances over with a surly expression, and for a second, says absolutely nothing. Then he scoffs and replies, “I ain’t drunk,” looking much more aloof than Klein remembers him being.
Could this be what maturity looks like?
…No. It’s written all over his face. ‘Inebriated’ is a word that his beloved Edwina Edwards has taught him, probably. Klein disguises his amusement with cordiality. In the end, this guy hasn’t changed at all—he’s simply finally learned to heed his appearance.
“Ah, that’s my mistake,” Merlin says in apology, seeming every part a penitent foreigner. “You look a bit red in the face, so I just assumed.”
“Listen, you got a problem or what?” The man’s face slowly turns suspicious.
That’s good. The sneaking sense of suspicion you have is already an improvement from last time , Klein lampoons internally.
“My name is Merlin Hermes. I don’t mean to bother you, but you seem like a man who has a wish. You see, I am a traveling magician, and I specialize in granting wishes to folks like you.”
After a brief pause, his curiosity and enthusiasm wins out above his doubt. “Danitz Dubois,” Danitz introduces himself as.
How considerate of him to use his actual name rather than his pirate title. Unfortunately, Klein still feels like teasing him. Maybe Gerhman Sparrow’s difficulty to get along with is not all an act.
“Ah, Blazing Danitz, the pirate admiral?” Klein exclaims. “Mr. Fool’s Oracle?”
In a fluster, no doubt getting PTSD from a certain crazy adventurer calling him ‘3000 pounds’, Danitz momentarily looks flabbergasted and stutters out, “Uh… Praise the Fool!”
“But I believe in the Evernight.”
Danitz: …
Maybe Klein has learned some bad things from his time as the bounty hunter hobbyist.
He laughs off the awkwardness and procures a box with a flourish. “Rest assured, faith is unique to each individual. Mr. Fool is a warm deity.” He cringes in his mind before drawing attention to that box. “My friend, this is my Fully Automatic Wish-Granting Machine. Throw a coin in and turn the crank, and your wish will come true. You can make three wishes. Why don’t you give it a try?”
Again, Klein mocks Danitz in his mind. Let me guess. Your first wish will be: Let Rear Admiral Iceburg fall for me!
Unexpectedly, Danitz takes the box and hesitates for a second, frowning like he’s thinking about what to ask for.
After about seventeen seconds of silence, Merlin smiles softly. “What’s the problem, sir?”
The pirate sniffs. “I can’t think of anything to wish for.”
Um? What a unique answer.
“Any women you’d like to feel favorable toward you? Enemies and menaces you’d like to vanquish? Riches or strength you’d like to acquire?”
I’m making things more difficult for myself , Klein lampoons.
“I don’t want to accept such a shady way of reviving a reward,” Danitz declines very matter-of-factly. “Nothing I want is so cheap that some magic salesman could grant me!”
Friend, you’re clearly underestimating me. Haven’t you heard Roselle’s saying that one should fear the unknown…?
Nonetheless, Merlin nods. “I see. In that case, I won’t solicit you for donations. However, I must commend you. It’s rare that someone will have not a single wish they want to make when given the chance.
“I see why you’re God’s Oracle. It was no accident, after all.”
…That, or Danitz is still as cowardly as ever, and is smart enough (probably because Rear Admiral Iceburg has spent so much time training him) not to trust some random stranger who promises priceless grandeur for a mere coin.
The pirate’s surly expression returns, and Klein smiles at the memories from their travels together.
“Mr. Dubois, it was a pleasure meeting you. If you change your mind, I’ll be in town next to the fountain for the next few days; after that, I’ll find a new destination. I’ll give you one wish free!”
“Uhuh, we’ll see about that.”
Like that, Merlin Hermes disappears from the eyes of the bar goers with a flourish and a bow, leaving a shocked Danitz.
That guy…! He’s definitely a Beyonder!
Later that night, Danitz prays to Mr. Fool for protection from a strange traveling magician.
Klein’s eye twitches.