The Blue Mage Raised by Dragons

Book 3: Chapter 18

Boss, an armored man whispered to the bald merchant with the goatee. The two of them were sitting at the front of a wagon, the guard holding onto a pair of reigns. Im not really comfortable with those five joining our caravan.

The merchants already crescent-like eyes narrowed even further. And you think I am? he hissed back. He turned his head around, peeking beyond the goods through the opposite end of the wagon. The wagon behind him had five people sitting inside of it, their chatter able to be heard but not discerned from his position. He glared at the guard. One of them is a skeleton, one of them has horns, another has blue hair, and one of them talks to himself all the time! The only normal-looking person is the short one, but she killed a hobgoblin in a single strike! You think I want these people traveling with our convoy? How am I supposed to refuse when my guards tremble in their boots upon confronting them? Its your own damn fault that youre uncomfortable!

Hey.

The guard and the merchant flinched. Tafels voice had been transmitted behind them through the use of a portal. Her head and arm snaked through the portal, and she poked the merchants shoulder with the butt of her sword. Why are you so stiff? Never mind that, how much longer is it going to take before we reach our destination?

Well enter Grand Duchess Apollonias lands before night falls as long as nothing gets in our way, the merchant said, his expression stiff. But recently, bandit activity has been at an all-time high. Ill be counting on you to take care of them if and when the time comes.

Will do, Tafel said, retreating into the portal. She waved her hand, dismissing it, and faced Vur. Did you hear that? Well be there before the sun sets.

Vur snorted. We couldve been there before the sun even rose if I flew, he said. This wagons too cramped, and it smells like mangoes.

Whats wrong with mangoes? Alora asked.

They dont taste good, Vur said, wrinkling his nose. Why dont we fly?

I already answered this, Tafel said. Werent you paying attention?

I want to hear a new reason because I dont like the first one, Vur said, making a face.

Do mangoes really smell that bad? Sheryl asked from Vurs shoulder. I wish I had a nose.

Did someone say wish? a high-pitched voice asked.

The pervert woke up! Stella shouted, storming out of Vurs chest. She flew into his hair, hiding behind his ear. I couldnt sleep in my bed for days because of him! Days!

Theres a bed inside of Vur? Alice asked. Is it an actual bed? Does he have some kind of space inside of him, or do you shrink down enough that youre treating mana particles as furniture? Im really curious now.

Thats not whats important right now, Stella said, glaring at Alice. She pointed a finger at Vurs chest. Hes coming out!

A tiny head full of silver hair and golden horns popped out of Vurs chest. The genie king looked around with its rainbow-colored irises before completely exiting Vurs body. He hovered in the air, flapping a pair of wings that looked much like Stellas. Yawning, he lifted his arms into the air and stretched, straightening his whole body. Whew. That was a good nap. The bed smelled really nice too.

What are you saying, you pervert!? Stella shouted, shaking her fist at the genie king from behind Vurs ear. Who gave you permission to inhale my scent?

Huh? The genie king made eye contact with Stella. He stared at her for a moment, then his face flushed bright red. H-hi. My names Mervin. He flew up to Vurs shoulder, not daring to get closer. Who are you? Are you a genie? Youre not a man, right?

Stella recoiled and shivered, crouching down even further behind Vurs ear, using more of his hair to cover her face until only her eyes were showing. Im a fairy, stupid! What are you doing acting so flustered and enamored for? If genies are anything like fairies, you shouldnt be falling in love!

But youre so beautiful, Mervin said, his eyes widening. He landed on Vurs shoulder. Let me sing you a song. His eyes shut as he took in a deep breath, placing his hand on his chest.

I wish you were gone! Stella shouted.

Mervin froze as his eyes shot open. S-sorry, I can only grant wishes to the person who found me unless they give me permission, he said. His eyes landed on Vurs face. Oh, right. Youre the person who found me. Nice to meet you. Since you let me nap for so long, Ill grant any wish you want as long as its not unreasonable.

Vur tilted his head. Any wish I want?

Thats right, Mervin said. By changing my mana into matter, I can make anything appear. I can help you get stronger by using my mana to expand your mana channels. Or I can enhance your weapons by reinforcing them with mana. But theres a limit to everything.

How about a star? Vur asked.

Mervin blinked as Stella heaved a sigh from behind Vurs ear. What about a star?

Can I wish for a star? Vur asked.

Uh, you mean like the things in the sky at night? Mervin asked, pointing at the ceiling of the wagon. He scratched his head while letting out a low hum. Is it possible?

Vur nodded, and Tafel poked his side. Why do you want a star? she asked.

You dont want a star? Vur asked back, raising his eyebrows.

Tafel scrunched up her brow. Why would I want a star?

Vur blinked. Because you want one?

But I dont?

You dont?

I dont think I do?

Think about it harder.

Tafel lowered her head and clasped her hands together. A moment later, she sat up straight. I thought about it, and Im positive I dont want a star. What would I even do with one?

Oh, Vur said. He looked at his left bicep. You were wrong, Zilphy.

Youre the one who misinterpreted my words in the first place, Zilphy said.

So, you dont want to wish for a star? Mervin asked. Thats good because it wouldve been impossible for me to make you one. What else do you want? You dont want to become stronger?

Vur turned towards Tafel. Do you want anything?

Tafels arm rose into the air, her hand creeping towards Vurs face. She pressed her thumb against the nail of her middle finger and lifted her hand towards his forehead, her other fingers outstretched. Then she flicked him. You found the genie king. Its your wish, she said. I dont want you using your wish on me, alright? If you do, Im going to be mad. You always do so much for me, so wish for something that you want for once.

Vur rubbed his forehead and frowned. Something I want, he muttered. He glanced at Mervin, who was staring at the part of Stella that wasnt hidden behind Vurs hair. Can I wish for a cake?

No! Tafel, Alice, and Alora shouted at the same time, causing Mervin to fall over before he could respond.

Ill bake you a cake, Tafel said. Wish for something harder to get!

Vur sighed. What about bear meat? I havent had that in a while.

Dont wish for food, Vur, Tafel said, her eyes narrowing. Is that really all you want?

Well, Im hungry.

Tafel reached forward and grabbed the genie king. Im going to hold onto him until after you finishing eating. Think about what you really want. There has to be something other than food.