Kerry watched Gandalf emerge from the woods. He had not expected anyone to really be hiding there. Frank truly was impressive.
He had no idea who the other party was or why he had been hiding in the woods.
Kerry knew that his Level 1 strength was inadequate in many situations, so he quietly moved toward Frank.
Gandalf paid no attention to Kerry's little movement. Instead, he openly walked up to Frank. The strong smell of alcohol made Gandalf frown slightly as he said, "Hello, I'm Gandalf. May I ask who you are?"
"I'm hardly a divine being. I'm Frank, and I currently work under Baron Kerry." As he spoke, he gestured toward the person beside him, indicating that he was the baron.
Frank thought that this rather tall yet seemingly frail fellow was poorly dressed and was probably a commoner. Seeing that Frank was older than the young master, the man had assumed he was in charge and had therefore addressed him first.
Gandalf found it strange. Anyone capable of discovering him while he was hidden should be at least Level 5, so why was there not the slightest fluctuation of power? Could he have reached Level 8 or higher and returned to utter simplicity?
Although Gandalf was injured and far weaker than before, he was still a wise mage. Once he had a doubt, he would not rely solely on guesswork. Even against a Level 8 warrior or mage, Gandalf still had ways to probe them.
"Oh? Is that so? Are you the baron? Is this griffin your Magical Beast?" Gandalf turned to Kerry and asked.
But this was not ordinary conversation. Gandalf had employed a little trick. His eyes were exceptionally bright, and Kerry stared blankly at him, his mind completely empty and unable to answer.
If Frank was a Level 8 or higher expert who had returned to utter simplicity, then Gandalf's little trick would easily be discovered and interrupted.
Gandalf could then find an excuse to explain it away, claiming that his severe injury had caused his magic to slip out of control. Experts at Level 8 or higher generally would not make an issue of such a minor matter. After all, experts had their dignity and would not bully someone weaker over something trivial.
But Gandalf discovered that Frank showed absolutely no reaction. That left only two explanations. Either this expert was so powerful that he had already seen through the trick and could not be bothered to act, or this fellow was simply an ordinary person.
"Looks like the baron doesn't want to speak with me." Gandalf steeled himself, keeping his bright eyes unchanged as he turned to Frank.
To Gandalf's dismay, Frank stared blankly at him just like Kerry had. That was the unmistakable sign that he had fallen under the spell.
Damn it, this old drunk is just an ordinary person. If my old companions found out that I had actually been tricked into revealing myself by an ordinary person, they would laugh themselves to death.
"No, I was just distracted for a moment. The name Gandalf sounds like a mage's name. There was a fellow where I used to live called Gandalf, and he was a great mage. Why were you hiding in the woods?" After breaking eye contact with Gandalf, Kerry regained his senses. It had only been a mage's little trick, after all.
Kerry was now standing beside the powerful Frank, so he was not intimidated at all by the stranger who had suddenly appeared. He questioned Gandalf directly.
Could this young noble have heard of the wandering mage Gandalf?
I have been active across the two great human empires for so long, yet my name has spread even to such a remote place? Still, judging by this young man's expression, he clearly hasn't recognized me.
At that moment, inspiration suddenly struck Gandalf, and he thought of a brilliant idea. He had heard nearly the entire conversation between Kerry and Frank.
The lord of South Australia Island had been cut off from trade by the lord of Little Nose Bay Port City. South Australia Island was now practically isolated, at least from the mainland.
He and little Emma were being hunted, so hiding on South Australia Island was perfect.
More importantly, the lord's griffin was sick, while Gandalf knew a great deal about griffins. In truth, as a powerful wandering mage, he knew a great deal about many Magical Beasts. The veterinarian and keeper the lord needed were perfect roles for concealing his identity.
Thus, Gandalf blurted out, "Respected Baron, I followed after seeing a griffin in the sky over the city. You see, I used to raise griffins for nobles. It was only after my previous employer went bankrupt that I began wandering. When I saw the griffin, I thought there might be work here."
Gandalf answered Kerry's question, making his hiding and spying sound like an attempt to follow them in search of work.
"Is that so?" Kerry carefully examined the old man before him. His clothes were clean but somewhat worn, and although his frame was tall, he seemed to possess little strength. After comparing him with his own shoulder muscles, Kerry concluded that this fellow was an ordinary person.
"All right, you're hired. How much pay do you think would be suitable each month?" Kerry was in a hurry. Queen looked terrible, and he absolutely did not want her to die before they even found a veterinarian.
"That is up to you, my lord." Gandalf walked over to Queen, examined her mouth, and sniffed her. He then grabbed her front paw and began kneading it. Before long, Queen was feeling much better and actually stood up.
Gandalf stroked Queen's massively distended belly. While massaging her, he said, "Baron, this griffin's condition is very strange. It looks as if she is pregnant, but no pregnancy has ever caused a belly to grow this large. She may also have been cursed. I cannot yet determine what illness she has."
Seeing Queen stand after only a few squeezes, Kerry cast aside his remaining doubts. This veterinarian had genuine skill and had to receive appropriate pay and respect.
"One Gold Coin a month." One Gold Coin was an exceptionally high wage for the working class of the Raynor Kingdom. Kerry believed he was very generous toward his employees.
"Thank you very much. Gandalf will begin serving you now, my baron lord." Gandalf bowed slightly and said the flattering words, but inwardly he sneered.
For a great expert like me, one Gold Coin would be an hourly rate. Never mind. I wasn't doing this for money anyway. I just need to hide on South Australia Island for a while.
"My lord, I also have a little granddaughter. I hope you will allow me to bring her with me." Since the pay had been settled, he might as well bring up the benefits too. He was working for the landlord with a family member in tow; all he needed was lodging.
"Of course. Do you have any other requests?" Kerry did not take such a minor matter seriously. As long as his subordinate had ability, he could make whatever requests he wanted.
"There is one more small request. I hope you can prepare some herbs for this griffin. Judging by her condition, she probably won't be able to move otherwise." Gandalf quickly settled into his role and began preparing for Queen's treatment.
"I have a question too." Frank suddenly spoke.
Kerry naturally responded at once. "What question?"
"With the griffin, we won't be able to find a ship to take us back." Frank scratched his scalp, looking troubled.
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