" Sleight of hand? Is that a magic spell? "
Inside an old tavern made of broken wood and cracked stone, a young kid sat on one of the bar stools talking to a teenager in a worn-down suit.
" No... that's my magic. It means being quick with your hands. " The teenager grabbed a glass of water, clearly out of place judging purely from the woody smell of rum coming from the old barrels in front of him. He peeked at the boy's curious expression; his hands rose from excitement.
" Wow.... you know magic of that level? " The kid clasped his hands and rubbed them excitedly.
" You don't know how magic works, do you..." At the sight of the eager young boy, the teen sighed heavily.
Disturbing the conversation between the two, the bartender, who had been serving the drinks, tapped the teenager's shoulder." Hey Solomon. "
" You're up next. " He pointed at the wooden stage directly to the north of the tavern, where a middle-aged man was juggling balls. His demeanor looked weary, yet a smile was still on his wrinkled face. " For my last trick.... " He shouted enthusiastically.
With his time running out, Solomon put down an almost empty glass. " Look kid... Haaaah..." He let's out a refreshed exhale.
" Kid? Aren't you also a kid? You look like you're the same age as my older brother. " The young kid asked curiously, his eyes focusing on Solomon's exhausted expression.
" I don't know what you think of me, but I'm not that magnificent." Solomon ignored his words and stood. "I'm just a performer hoping to get a big break so I could escape this pit."
" Though... " He paused, leaving a sense of suspense.
" I am the best performer. " He bragged, before waving his hands without turning to face the young kid as he walked towards the stage.
" Wow, so cool! " The kid shrieked, his eyes shining with admiration.
Satisfied by the boy's reaction, Solomon let out a smile.
As much as he hated the feeling of constant pressure for being treated like a proper mage, the fame and the looks of admiration were enough for him to ignore the misunderstanding he kept causing completely. Despite the heavy responsibilities, earning money was still his priority. At the end of the day, he was a performer, and he was performing as a mage.
" Hello, good evening to the beautiful people of Astaris! I'm Solomon Weiss, your neighborhood magician! " With a top hat and a worn-down suit, Solomon stood confidently in front of the drinking crowd, manifesting his image of a proper performer.
"Without further ado, let's start the show!"
Cheers started to erupt around the tavern. All cheered his name in adoration, like he was something more than a boy with quick fingers and cheap tricks. An escape from what Astaris truly is.
Now that he was ready to start, Solomon placed his top hat on the floor. Although the magic show hadn't started yet, a considerable number of people had already started to walk towards the stage. Many had soot marks all over their hands; some even had them on their clothes. As one older man approached the stage, he opened his tattered leather wallet and counted the change he had before dropping three copper coins down the top hat.
Indeed, it was Astaris. The heavy smell of carbon and garbage that seeped through every corner of the streets was the trademark of the district of dreams. The same heavy smell of rot and gunk that Solomon wanted to leave behind.
It was in those small moments of realization that he dreamed of escaping to Solaris, the district of the common folk. A place where regular hygiene and average living were apparent. The ladies wore long dresses, yet only dirt and dust would sometimes litter their clothes. The roads were paved, and the houses were maintained. From the small moments he was given the chance to perform there, the higher his dreams of living in that place soared. Though that was still but a pipe dream, as he still goes home to the district of dreams.
After the end of the magic show, despite the wide variety of performances, most still looked for Solomon, who had shown them magic. A concept that was ever so familiar yet foreign to the people of Astaris.
As most are left to fend for themselves just to get a day to pass by, not many get to explore the world and search for what's out there in this vast place. While those who could bring magic to their own doorstep either fail to do so due to the lack of resources, or they simply escape the slums to pursue their talents.
Although it was a shame that his magic was but mere tricks, it was what fed him and what made the other residents of Astaris treat Solomon like a proper guest and not like the regular fifteen-year-old he was. If there was even a regular one in this place.
" Hey Solomon, I have some business to talk with you. " As the show comes to an end, a young man around his mid-twenties approached Solomon with a firm posture.
Although his clothes were worn down, his brown vest, long white sleeves, and cream scarf made him more presentable than the rest of the people inside. Though he isn't that good-looking, he has an air of confidence that shows through his eyes. Normally he'd be wearing a bored and casual expression, but somehow, today seems a bit different.
" Oh hey Simon. " Solomon shook off the dust from his worn-down suit before he removed his top hat and combed his messy, neck-long hair backwards. Although it wasn't prominent, he had dark circles under his eyes,
" Can we do this tomorrow? I haven't slept since yesterday because I was practicing a new trick "
" Let's talk inside. I'm telling you, this shit will pull us out of this place. " Simon put his arms across Solomon's shoulders. He smiled smugly at the news he was trying to keep hidden.
" But first, I also have a deal with the old scammer in here. " Simon separated himself from Solomon. He then brushed some dust off his vest before starting to walk towards the back of the inn.
" Fine, I'll join you. I also need to get my pay. But if this opportunity involved Auritus and those elves, I'm not doing it. " Placing his top hat back on his head, Solomon stumbled slightly before he followed Simon to the back of the tavern, where the office of the owner was.
Inside, a grumpy-looking middle-aged man with a scruffy beard and bald head sat alone in the middle of the ragged room. Although it wasn't what an ideal office would look like, it was still of a higher standard in Astaris.
Considering that Solomon was the first to enter the room, the old man greeted him with glee. " Solomon! "
" Hey, Jameson. It's nice to see you again. " Simon entered the room, just behind Solomon, with a cheeky smile.
" S-Simon. " Seeing the merchant behind his employee, Jameson's expression immediately turned sour. " What can I do for you? ". He asked him, immediately standing up from his seat, rubbing his hands together.
" Come on, Jameson, we all know why I'm here. " With a practiced smile, Simon made himself at home and immediately sat at the worn-down wooden chair in front of Jameson's desk.
" Well, I beg to differ. " Jameson laughed awkwardly.
" It's time to pay your debt, Jameson. " Simon sighed, his smile escaping from his face, transforming into a serious stare.
" Ah! Yes, of course. I do have it prepared. It's just I need to look for the ledger. " Jameson walked towards an old cabinet filled with files and books. He started from the top-most left, even stopping for a ladder, despite already being capable of reaching them.
" Hey, it's no use wasting time. You either pay now, or I take this to the sheriff. " Simon complained.
Then a knock suddenly echoed from the door, sending Jameson immediately scurrying to open it. Although he was trying his best to hide it, Simon and Solomon knew he was clearly buying time for whoever it was on the opposite side of the door.
" Welcome, Mr. Sheriff. I'm glad you came! " Jameson started to rub his hands together, sucking up to the older man entering the room. Unlike Jameson, the sheriff had a bigger build, and his hair was complete. Despite being older than him, their looks told a different story.
" So remember the case I brought up a few weeks ago, Sheriff? This scammer, Simon, kept telling me that I had a debt on him when clearly he was the one who had a debt! " Jameson brazenly accused. It was clear to everyone that he was lying; he had a smile on his face, which was clearly betraying him. However, it was clear to Simon that the two were in cahoots.
" Hmm. Mr. Simon Pecunia. Is what he was saying true? I did some personal investigations, but I want to know the answer using your own words. " The sheriff stared at Simon with an unchanging expression. His eyes were firm and investigative. However, despite the first observation, peeking through his moustache, a small grin was visible only to those who were observant.
Simon knew whatever he was about to say was going to be used against him. So he chose to delay the entire ordeal as he thought of what he should do.
" Then, could I see the ledger? " Simon replied with a smile.
" Ah, of course, I have it right here. " Jameson stepped behind his desk and opened his drawer. There, he grabbed a thick book filled to the brim with documents.
Seeing him shamelessly grab the ledger behind his desk and not the cabinet he spent his time wasting on, Simon had to bite the inside of his mouth to prevent himself from lashing out.
Pop!...
... " Huh? " Distracting the entire room, Solomon had suddenly pulled out balloons from his bag and started to perform his magic.
" Uh... I believe there's a perfect time for that, young magician. " The sheriff laughed awkwardly.
" Nah, I just need my pay. You guys are taking too long. Let me practice here. I won't disturb you. " With a smile of his own, Solomon waved the adults off and went off in his own world.
" I see. Well then, you can do whatever magic stuff you need to do. The adults will talk for a while. " The sheriff laughed, brushing the back of his head as he watched Solomon do his own thing.
" Look here Mr. Sheriff. We have our agreement here together with a copy of the contract indicating that he borrowed money from me? " Jameson gives the sheriff two pieces of paper.
Hearing him, Simon's eyebrows immediately furrowed. His hands cupped into a fist tightening as he watched the audacity Jameson had in him. Yet, he still knew to calm himself, more so in front of the sheriff.
"Hmmm... I see. It is indeed quite interesting." The sheriff glanced at the documents, focusing on the sections with the contents and authorizations. " Here have a look. " He extends his hands, exposing the papers to Simon.
" What in the... This is not what we agreed upon! " Simon claimed, standing up from his seat in protest. " I have my own copy. And another copy in the town hall. "
" Calm down, Mr, Pecunia. I understand. Please go ahead and provide me your copy as well as the one in the town hall. I'll be joining you to gather the related documents." The sheriff cusped his hands together, sitting firmly. His eyes remained steady, but his cheeks kept flinching, clearly from trying to stop himself from smiling.
Seeing the two bastards in front of him, Simon's remaining patience started to dwindle. " You... m- "
However, just as he was about to lash out, a sudden bright light erupted next to them. A massive fireball suddenly appeared inside the office, surprising everyone inside the room.
" What the! " The sheriff stood from his seat, jumping far from the origin of the flame.
However, as quick as it showed up, it immediately vanished.
Behind where the fireball just was, Solomon stood with a guilty smile. " I think I've made that a little too big. I'm sorry. "
" This young man... " With a vein popping from his forehead, the sheriff stared at Solomon with a troubled expression.
" Hah... As I told you, young magician. There's a perfect time for everything. Could you please step out of the room? " The sheriff commanded.
This time, however, instead of trying to remain inside, Solomon only took a glance at the documents resting on the desk before smiling and taking his leave. " I'll be off then. "
" Sigh... I don't know how to handle that kid. It's not every day you get to interact with magicians. " The sheriff rubbed his temples in defeat as he watched Solomon close the door to the office.
" Now where were we? Right, the documents. Hmm? " The sheriff glanced at the documents, his eyebrows raising in question. Despite him being the only person to touch the paper, dark blotches suddenly started to flood the paper.
" What? What's happening? " The sheriff questioned, raising attention towards the paper.
After noticing the blotches, Jameson immediately tried to grab the documents. Thankfully, Simon was quick, able to block his hands instantly.
As the document continued to degrade, the contents of the paper started to change. " Oh? What's this? Is this that illegal wax ink imported from the east? " Simon stared at Jameson with a smile.
" This is uh... I... " Jameson clearly panicking, stepped away from Simon and started approaching the wooden door.
Soon after, the documents completely changed into a different paper, reporting that it was indeed Jameson who held the debt.
" Well, Mr. Sheriff. It seems like our dear Jameson here is forging his own documents. I believe that this is enough evidence. Or is there something I'm not informed with? " Simon grabbed the soaked document with a smirk.
...
A few minutes later, Simon and Solomon were currently just outside the office talking to one another. " How'd you know it was wax ink? " Simon interrogated Solomon.
" It was something useful for my magic. So I'm pretty good at discerning it. " Solomon answered him.
" Then why did you do that? Isn't he your most consistent employer? " Simon questioned.
Solomon instead stared at Simon with a judgemental stare before turning his head back forward.
" Hahaha, don't worry, I and every single one of your friends already know you're a sacrificial idiot. Acting like practicing magic, while burning the air to melt the wax ink. " Simon teased him.
" Yeah, right. Who would do anything for you, you bastard? You're lucky you give me money. So what's this opportunity you're talking about? You better make it good; you just lost me, my most consistent employer."
" Don't worry, I'm sure this won't disappoint you. " Inside, Simon grabbed and lit a lantern hanging next to the storage room entrance. Although there were no proper seats or tables, Simon grabbed two plastic buckets, placing them bottom up to act as their chairs.
" What's your dream? " He grabbed the lantern firmly and sat on one of the buckets with a soft exclaim. He then held his lips with his free hand, acting as if he was in deep thought, trying to look mysterious in front of Solomon.
" Bruh, if you don't stop acting cool, I'll smack the back of your head with a cane. "
" Tsk, you darn brat. If you didn't have that weird magic of yours, I would have slapped your tongue already." Simon placed the lantern down, blowing the fire out inside.
" I mean, I told you already. This is not real magic, so you could've honestly done what you always say you wanted to do. So just say you're afraid of these hands." Solomon crossed his arms together, smugly smiling, presenting his face to Simon. In truth, as much as he was confronting Simon, he knew that there'd be no way Simon would actually fight him.
"Well, business won't sell if someone believes your magic isn't real magic, you know," Simon explained as he rubbed his nonexistent beard.
"Wait, before you tell me what this is all about, how's Auntie?" Solomon inquired with an expression full of concern.
"She's doing fine. She's strong enough to make me this scarf. " Simon lifted his scarf a little. The edge of his lips lifted slightly, yet his eyes wavered.
" Oh... alright. I'll visit her soon. I'll make sure to give her some fruits so she can satisfy her sweet addiction naturally," Solomon joked, hoping to lighten up the mood .
" Alright, I'll tell her. " Simon chuckles.
"Anyways, moving on... I found an organizer that's willing to have you perform for their event." Crossing both his hands together, Simon finally started to speak business.
Looking at his expression, Solomon couldn't help but start to feel a little excited. The smug yet confident glare in his eyes made him think that whatever this opportunity might be, it was at least worth a few silver coins.
"So, you better stop relying on that pretty face and fix that messy hair of yours because they're asking you to perform at the crown prince's royal parade! " Simon's smile continued to widen, and his eyes started to gleam and sparkle.
" Wait... wait... the royal parade? The one held in Katharos? Yeah right... That can't be... right? "
The words hit him slowly. Solomon started to doubt if he heard everything correctly or if Simon was messing with him. Katharos was a place where gold and marble made up the houses. People of noble blood lived and thrived under their massive mansions and colorful gardens. More so, it was next to the cooking pot of the entire working force of the empire. Ars Academy.
It was a place that Solomon couldn't even dream of. It was the district of nobility.
However, Simon's shining eyes showed no doubt; they were full of excitement. Only then did he decide to believe it.
"Are you serious? If you're lying to me, I swear to God, I'll turn you into a bunny. "
"Yes, you darn brat! We're going to Katharos! " Simon shouts loudly, shaking Solomon uncontrollably.