I Am Casper

'I…am Casper.'

'C-come on, we've been friends for years now. How could you ask me something like that?'

How did he catch on already? I thought I was being careful. Shit. No, it's not over yet, I can still pretend to be Casper and make up some excuse.

'What made you think I wasn't me?'

'Well for starters the suspicion started in the morning, you never run. Well, outside of getting chased by the police. And then that was followed with your unusual quietness, you have always been hyper in the morning. And the third thing was when you asked about spices, your tongue can't handle that level of pain.'

Those small details really set him off?? Just how observant can a goofy person like him be? I guess there is a reason he managed to get a degree in linguistics, meaning he isn't entirely on the same intelligence level of a rock.

'There were other things I did to test you on your identity, like asking you questions while we were walking, you got the majority of the information correct. But the biggest thing that solidified the suspicion was when you entered your sister's restaurant. You should know that it's a taboo to visit your sister while she is working.'

That many things?? This guy is good, but I just have to be better!

'I-I didn't know her shift had started so that's why I entered with you, but sadly it seems that she was very much working.'

'And as I said, I vomited last night and I had a fever to accompany it. Sadly I think everything about me has become a little jumbled. Sorry to worry you like that.'

Renny hesitated before taking a large slurp of his drink through a pink straw. The colourful liquid swirled in the clear glass, perhaps all of the different pigments representing a unique flavour profile. Maybe when the atmosphere isn't as tense I will order one too.

'Is that what you have to say? Very well, I gain nothing from suspecting you of something of identity fraud. You are exactly like my Casper, maybe you are right and your fever had a greater toll than what we expected.'

His face loosened from its frown, he pursed his lips to suck in another round of liquid which delightedly offered me to taste. I waved my hand and sipped on my coffee, it was still quite hot but at least my tongue won't suffer too much. He wasn't wrong, Casper has quite a sensitive tongue.

'Anything else you'd like to talk about?'

I have to try my best to change the topic, but as soon as I asked, his face instantly lit up like an excited child. His serious tone and expression was nowhere to be seen.

'There is a carnival with a circus coming by this Sunday. Let's sneak in and watch for free!'

'This is the Renny I know and love. Sure, I'm down. Did one of the acts interest you?'

'Yeah! There are going to be clowns which I've only heard about from other merchants. Despite how many ships we received on the daily, we weren't considered important enough for the carnival to swing by. It's mainly because Adamal has returned to his HQ.'

'Adamal, of course that name rings a bell.'

Like hell it does!! Who the hell is Adamal?

'Can you believe it a man like him managed to found the Nightingale company. A man rooted in Athill nonetheless.'

'I bet you can start a company like that too. No, an even bigger one. You are the son of a family of merchants, you've got tons of connections so do your best.'

He hesitated for a second, though even then he slurped up more of his drink. Clearly, his mind was up in the sky as he pondered over what I just said for several long minutes.

'I mean, I could try. Would you assist me? You don't have to work every day but just help me with logging and writing down transactions. Would that be alright with you?'

'Of course! I would subdue the world for you Renny. Your company will rise above Nightingale in no time. Make sure to give me a big chunk of money in the future. Haha'

'Sure sure. Haha'

I could feel more memories unlocking in my head as I bonded with Renny, perhaps that was the key to unlocking all of my memories. If so I can spend a lot of time with Lunese and gain a much more in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of this world.

The warm coffee sloshed around in my cup as I rotated my wrist from side to side. What a strange world I've been brought to, but it wasn't unpleasant. There aren't the same restraints in this world that I had in my world, where governments restricted nearly everything that you wanted to do. I will make sure to profit from every available resource!

'Should we head off?' I finished off my coffee before standing up. The sea stared back at me as the breeze caressed my face gently with its cool air. This is paradise.

'Sure, let's head out.'

Renny stood up and placed his cup back on the wooden coaster. A metal tray was sitting in the middle of the table where several coins were dropped by Renny. I can't wait to get that job with Nightingale and have more savings and money for splurging on random items. And we can even eat a larger variety of food with more exotic ingredients.

I followed closely behind him as he rhythmically stepped down the wooden stairs past the same paintings. They were even more mesmerising than before, I would love to own one of these in the future.

'So what are you doing after this?' My voice was almost completely snuffed out by the loud steps on the wooden stairs.

'I think going home would be the best idea. If I will start a business I will need a lot of planning and funding. So I think my dad will help out a lot with that.'

Pretty smart, who knew that Casper's friend who was a goofball could be so thoughtful when it came to serious matters? Maybe I can make enough money from this to retire Lunese.

'What about you? What will you do after we leave the cafe?'

'I need to head straight home. I can't have the chicken out for too long or the meat might go bad.'

'Haha, good idea Casper. I hope you guys won't get too lonely over dinner without me.'

'How about after the carnival you come over to our place and spend the night? We can have a great plan and even tell Lunese.'

He paused for a moment, though a smile spread across his face as if something lewd appeared in that empty head.

'On second thought forget it, I don't want you to be my step-brother.'

'Hahaha. Sure sure. But hey, I'll catch you some other time! Good luck tomorrow with Nightingale.'

'Thank you! Have a lovely evening Renny.'

He flashed one last smile before darting straight through the doors. I can't wait to see what this life has in store for me!