"So could you wish my master a happy birthday on my behalf?"
"Of course, it would be best if you could explain that this is a humble token of regard from me, Arrodes."
"I should have personally sought an audience with my great master at midnight today to wish him-no, Him-a happy birthday, but my great master is currently away from Backlund, and there is no aura above the Spirit World for me to locate. I cannot contact Him directly."
"I did not dare disturb your rest, either, so I waited until you got up and were ready to paint before coming to offer my greetings."
So you've been watching me since midnight, and only now dared to speak?
After a pause, Cyril gathered his thoughts and asked:
"Besides passing on your birthday wishes to your master, is there anything else you need help with?"
"Such as sending a birthday present?"
On the mirror's watery surface, a lively little figure appeared, its expression shifting from joy to dejection. Beneath it were several lines of words:
"I... I'm only a mirror. I cannot prepare a tangible gift."
"I know quite a few clues to treasures and shipwrecks at sea... Never mind. My great master probably would not be interested in such ordinary things."
"Exalted one, could you paint a picture for me? I am willing to offer one-no, three free questions in exchange."
Immediately afterward, a translucent woman wearing an elaborate, magnificent yet dark and gloomy black dress emerged from behind the Illusory Door.
She had no head, and a clean cut lay across her neck. Her lowered hands held four identical, beautiful heads with blond hair and red eyes.
After emerging from the Illusory Door, all eight eyes of the four heads Miss Messenger carried fixed on him at once.