odorekijin

CARD STORY

Beware The Wizards

CHAPTER I

Akira: Thank you for coming along on my shopping trip today, Murr, Lennox. The resort was a lot of fun with both of you on board.

Lennox: I had a nice time, too. The streets and shops here are beautiful. Just walking around makes you feel at ease.

Murr: Did you two like what you saw of the Town of Nectar? Then, let's go for another tour!

Lennox: Even though we just returned?

Akira: Ahaha, we could go again, but let’s save that for another time.

It’s getting late, we should head back to Shylock’s—

???: You gotta be fucking kidding me! You tryna fool me, ain’tcha!!?

Akira: !? What’s going on...

——

Bar Lady: I-I’m not... I think you got the wrong idea, mister.

Burly Man: Wanna say that again!?

Lennox: Hold on now.

Burly Man: The hell, what are you…!

Lennox: Why don't you calm down a little? You’re troubling your friend.

Burly Man: Shut the hell up and get outta here! Hm? Nghhh... Damn it! You ain’t half bad, yer not even battin’ an eye!

Lennox: Thank you.

Akira: You should take this opportunity, miss...

Bar Lady: Th-Thank you.

(footsteps running away.)

Burly Man: ...For fuck’s sake, what’s the deal with you morons?

Murr: What do you think it is? Should I give you a hint to help? Meooow!

Burly Man: Huh!? Don’t fuck with me!

Lennox: The same goes for you. We don’t know who you are, and you don't seem to be from this city...

Burly Man: Hm, let’s just say I’m some sorta successful businessman. Came ‘ere as a tourist.

I've heard rumors of a bar run by a wizard ‘round these parts. Bar... Bennett, or somethin’ like that.

The owner’s famous for being so friggin’ drop-dead gorgeous that ye’ll be head over heels at first sight.

Murr: Ahaha, really?

Akira: (I expect no less from rumors about Shylock.)

Burly Man: And apparently the owner welcomes customers with a dance, offerin’ ‘em shows and top-notch booze.

Akira: (...That sounds like a bit of a stretch from the actual bar though.)

Burly Man: I ain’t sure of the exact location, it’s just hearsay y’see. Don’tchu folks know where it’s at?

Akira: Well…

(Shylock doesn't want too many humans to know about his shop, so...)

Nor did this man seem to have any particular attachment to Bar Bennet, which led me to stick to Shylock's creed.

Akira: Well, no, I don't think I've ever heard of such a place...

Murr: I don’t think you’d fit in there, mister!

CHAPTER II

CHAPTER I ・CHAPTER II・CHAPTER III

Burly Man: The hell you just say!? ...Hold up, that means you know where it’s at.

Murr: You could say that.

That’s why I’d know better: that bar isn’t meant for guys like you!

Burly Man: Hm… And wouldja say the same after seeing these?

Akira: Are those… Gold coins?

Lennox: They are. I’m sure one of those could keep you entertained all night long.

Burly Man: I don't know what kinda fancy-schmancy shop you’ve got in yer head there, but I’m real stacked—and a shop should serve clients who pay good cash.

Ain’t never seen a barkeep spy this little bounty and not bow their head ta me.

I unconsciously frowned at the statement: it was like being told that Shylock would easily bow and comply with anything.

Murr: If you’re that desperate to get to Bar Bennett, how about a game with me first! If you win, I’ll tell you its location.

All we need is one of your gold coins and these three peebles of mine!

After urging him to place the coin in his palm, Murr surrounded it with small stones he had picked up from a flower bed nearby.

Murr: I'm going to ask you three questions, and you can only answer “three pebbles”, no matter what I say.

If you answer anything else, you lose, and I’ll take all your gold and spend it all at the bar!

Burly Man: Hahaha, that’s it? That’s child’s play!

Fine by me, let’s get on with this game of yers.

Akira: It’s really easy...

Lennox: It is… But Murr is Murr, I’m sure has something in mind.

Glancing at Murr, I felt no nervousness, nor any hint of a scheme taking shape around the game.

It was just the usual, innocent Murr.

Murr: First question! What’s the name of this game?

Burly Man: “Three pebbles”!

Murr: Correct!

The first question was over in a flash. Yet, instead of showing impatience, Murr blinked, impressed.

Murr: You’re pretty good, mister. Did you know this game already?

Burly Man: What? I don’t... I mean, “three pebbles”!

Lennox: He was about to answer something else...

Akira: Murr, didn’t you just say...

Murr: It’s fine! Let’s get to the next question.

Though it was a trick question, the second round was just as easy.

Akira: (He won’t fall for it twice now... Murr, what exactly are you planning?)

CHAPTER III

CHAPTER I ・CHAPTER II・CHAPTER III

Murr: Last question.

So tell me, what do you wish to buy with these coins?

Burly Man: Haha… “Three pebbles”!

Akira: (Sighs, he gave the right answer until the end. It’s his win...!)

Murr: Yay! I'll sell them to you then. Here, pebbles!

Akira & Burly Man: Wha-...

Lennox: So that's what he had in mind. I see.

Akira: What do you mean?

Lennox: Giving a different answer would cause him to lose the game. By answering all questions with “three pebbles”, he won, but it forced him to purchase those pebbles.

It was a game where Murr could get his hands on the gold regardless.

Burly Man: ...You scammed me!

Murr: Huh, so you don’t like being cheated on, mister?

Burly Man: Of course I don’t!

Murr: Even though you wanna go to a wizard’s bar?

Burly Man: Why would that matter!

Murr: Because Western wizards love excitement! They whole-heartedly desire to outwit and mislead!

My favourite bar thrives with such kinds of wizards!

If you wander there carelessly, they’ll take everything you hold dear away from you.

This gold coin, the clothes you're wearing... And maybe even your life.

Burly Man: ...

While the man was stunned, at a loss for words, Murr turned to us.

Murr: Master Sage, look, look! Sparkly gold coins! A little fortune!

Take a bite, and you might get a taste of lust. Or would it be hatred? Go ahead, Master Sage!

Akira: You want me to check if it’s real gold!?

Murr: Yes! If you don't like it raw, you can boil or roast it. How would you like them, Master Sage?

Akira: Um, that doesn’t change the fact that I can’t eat them...

...Murr, can I return this coin to him?

Burly Man: Ha… Haha. Ain’tcha down to earth, buddy!

Akira: ...In return, why don’t you apologize to that woman you met earlier?

Though you won’t know where the wizard's bar is, you can still have a drink in that other bar, if she forgives you...

Murr: Wow, an upright and honorable suggestion!

Burly Man: What, me…? Apologize?

Lennox: If you cannot muster the courage to go on your own, I'll come with you.

Burly Man: H-Huh, no, I’ll be fine. I’ll apologize to ‘er, gotcha.

Lennox: …

Burly Man: I’ll do it, you don’t hafta follow me…!

(walks away)

Lit by the evening glow, Lennox and the man headed for the woman's shop. Once they were out of sight, a sigh of relief escaped my lips.

Akira: Thank you very much, Murr. Thanks to you, Bar Bennett’s location was kept a secret from him, and everything was settled.

Murr: Settled? What did? You, Master Sage? I was just tricking him!

Western wizards desire nothing more than to outwit and mislead, after all!

If you show any opening, you’ll be easily deceived. Be careful, Master Sage.

...........................................................................................................

EPISODE STORY

A Fun Place

Murr: Let's go to the casino, Master Sage! This city is the richest in the world right now! That’s why their casino is the best of the best around!

Which one do you prefer, Master Sage? A casino full of wizards swindling one after another, or one where humans compete with their skills?

Akira: Would I be allowed in...? Isn’t there an age limit?

Murr: There is! But if you can behave like a fine gent, you'll be fine!

It’s okay if you can’t too! You’ll just be kicked out by scary people!

Akira: You like the intimidating places the most, as always... What do you like about gambling, Murr?

Murr: The thrill of possibly losing something! The excitement of getting my hands on the prize instead!

Akira: Don’t you find that nerve-racking?

Murr: I do! It’s super scary! But being afraid is intriguing! I want to enjoy being spooked!

I could treat you, but if you really want to have fun, you should try to bet something yourself, Master Sage.

The cards in your hand would be your life or your power, Master Sage. In this world, that's the only thing that has irreplaceable value.

Since you’re a beginner, let's bet on your power first!

Akira: My… power?

Murr: If you bet on washing dishes for a day, you’ll be able to play at least one game! If it's not enough, you can put your life on the line!

Come on, let's go! Take on tons of scary bets with me!

SSR Murr (The Stray Cat’s Favorite) Beware The Wizards (West Rhapsody)