Shameless Guest
The performance of Samon deserved applause and a call for an encore- and applause we gave. He also did some little tricks for the encore when Paia requested it which made Brian satisfied.
He hired or invited Samon to bring laughter mainly because of his appearance and personality, but he did not know Samon was a master of the magic. Thankfully, his instructions were to entertain them, and not something like a stand-up comedy.
Maybe it would also work, but he rather prefers the show he just watched.
"Father can I add one more wish. I wish to fly like a bird."
"You'll have your chance in the future." Brian gave his daughter a head pat. He was glad Paia enjoyed it more than he did.
"Did you have fun little girl… Can I begin eating, Bry?"
"Go ahead. You did more than I asked for. So for my payment, you can eat all you can."
The one-eyed man jumps directly to where the feast is located. The food was safe despite all the elemental magic he cast throughout the whole room.
Those who were curious about magic like Risa and Lulu, came together to ask Samon while he was slurping some noodles. Brian noticed it was Lulu who seems to be the most interested.
Her senses might be limited, but her magic perception increase due to it. She told him she can feel the slightest mana fluctuation around her. So she was able to somewhat recognize what creatures made out of magic flew near her.
"How did you two meet? I heard mages of this caliber are difficult to talk to. Which is why many humans are despised here."
Samon is not one of those humans. He is a Gargantua, a race famous for their strength, yet he was a unique one. Instead of being gifted with extraordinary physical strength, he was blessed by the Gods of magic.
Well, that is what Brian guessed after seeing the spectacle a while ago.
"Samon just came right me when I was having a cup of tea."
"Huh?"
"I know. I'm also weird for entertaining him to the point he came here as an acquaintance."
Samon blended in the crowd like it was normal. A part of it was due to the fact, Brian and the rest are quite receptive toward new people. Everyone except one.
"Are you sure he does not have any ill intention, Boss Bry?"
"I met him a few times, and I think there should be no problem. The worst thing about him is his eccentric character and terrible fashion sense."
Brian was not simply assuring the doubts Lucy had. He really thinks Samon is a good person. Not because he looks weird or anything, it is because he can't detect malice from the moments he met up with Samon.
He did not give the vibe of someone who had their hands dirtied. As a man who fought alongside people who were ready to betray him, Brian knows very well who to fully trust. And he felt that way towards Samon, just like Raju and Raine.
However, the same cannot be said to the person who was asking him.
Lucy still had his doubts about Samon. Brian can only hope she'll try and open up.
He already knows Lucy is hiding something from him. If Brian will be honest, she should be the last person you can trust in this group. However, having blood in your hands does not equate to becoming an evil person that easily. In a world where strength is the basis for survival, it is not unusual for saints to have killed someone in their life.
Most likely, the reason why Lucy has done those things is due to her sister.
And if Lucy can read the mind of Brian now, she'll probably think he had stalked her for a long time with how accurate Brian thinks about her.
"By the way, Bry- Is the shop next door yours?"
"The blacksmith? Yeah."
"No, I'm talking the other one. That strange shop surrounded by concealment magic."
"You've noticed it? Well, it's not strange for someone like you to notice it."
Samon was talking about the Alchemy Shop none have visited yet. Those who saw the construction progress are the only people that know there was another shop nearby. If it was not for that fact, the only people who'll notice there was a shop beside Nova Blacksmith are those who learned the existence of Nova Alchemy Shop from Brian.
It was an innate characteristic this shop of his have when it was built. A characteristic that spells failure for any shop.
"Can I visit it later?"
"Hm? It's still empty so there's really nothing to see there."
"That's not a problem. I'm more curious on how you were able to conceal that shop even I needed to look twice."
'It's that effective that Samon, probably a high-ranking mage, was not able to see it at first? Will I be able to gain customers for my Alchemy Shop?"
Brian was getting worried about whether if he wasted a property lot for something useless. But he doesn't want to believe that because if there is a will, then there is a way.
It's also a good opportunity for him to better understand how his new shop works. The System is still quiet and it won't give any answer so the best bet for answers is Samon.
Brian agreed to accompany him later after the party is all over which is almost at the end part.
The remaining event left on this occasion is the giving of gifts for the birthday girl.
Raju's family had decided to give Paia a simple wand after Raine noticed how she was curious about learning magic. It can only help her do the most basic spells, but Paia happily received it from her Aunt Raine.
This is the humble beginnings of a mage that will rule the world, but that would be another story for another day.
The sisters also had something to present. A well-crafted necklace made out of beautiful flowers giving the feeling it will never wilt under any circumstances.
A gift where the thought counts matter the most and Paia was well educated to joyfully accept it like how she accepted her previous gifts. She even gave the sisters a peck on their cheek to show her appreciation.
Brian melted looking at his daughter. She was the most precious thing that needs the protection of the whole continent.
Singing the Soliel version of Happy Birthday one last time, the party concluded with great success and happiness. It ended when the sun is about the set, but everyone is still full to think about dinner.
Brian dismissed his employees after congratulating them on a job well done. Promising them a bonus at the end of the month. The blacksmith's operation will start immediately tomorrow so Brian instructed them to rest for the rest of the day.
However, the day does not end their for the father and daughter. Along with the performer/entertainer of the day.
"Why is Weird Uncle going with us."
"You're really sticking with that name, little one?" Samon gave up convincing the little girl to address him by his name after being called that numerous times.
"What do you want to see here? Let me remind you, I'm not the one who concealed this place. I preferred it wasn't here in the first place."
Brian opened the Alchemy Shop for everyone to see. The space inside was much smaller compared to his blacksmith. It has the size and arrangement of the usual pharmacy where everything is behind the counter.
The products, the tools used for alchemy, and even the bathroom are all located here.
Brian wasn't sure how alchemy products are made, but the space for the workshop seems small. Although it was filled with tools he was unfamiliar with.
"This pretty much everything inside my shop."
"It's a nice place. It got everything."
He does not know why but when Brian heard that from Samon, he got a very bad feeling. He wanted to push away Samon before he's going to continue saying what is in his mind- But it was too late.
Samon showed a smile that only happens when he is about to ask something shameless. It was the same smile he did when he asked if he can be invited to the party when they just met. And that smile does not betray.
Because as soon as he faced Brian, he asked, "...Bry, can I stay here."