"You're drunk, Sir Wall-Bumper."
Serious Mouse stood behind the counter, wiping the glass in its paws as it spoke unhurriedly.
"I haven't drunk myself unconscious. And Manager Fat Mouse, I've told you plenty of times that I have a name. My name is..." As Little Fairy spoke, it suddenly toppled over beside its glass.
Whether Serious Mouse had intended it or not, that enormous glass was nearly as tall as Little Fairy. By the time it reached the last of its drink, the entire fairy might well be soaking inside.
"It's always like this," Serious Mouse said.
Ruger sat down before the fat white mouse and studied the unconscious Little Fairy with delighted surprise.
"Always getting drunk?" Ruger asked.
"Always unable to say its own name," Serious Mouse said softly and slowly. "That isn't a good thing for a fairy. Fairies are born of conviction. Sir Tuzel always says that fairies are born of spirituality's favor. That is correct, and it is what most people believe, but conviction is the seed of everything. Conviction sustains a fairy's existence. Without conviction, spirituality won't gather around a fairy either. Fairies are simple. Some merely like sitting in Fairyland and watching the false stars. Some sit on petals and do nothing but tend those beautiful flowers. That may be their conviction."
Ruger raised his eyebrows.
"Names are important to fairies?" This was the first time he had heard such a claim.
"No." Serious Mouse continued wiping its glass at the same unhurried pace. "A fairy can have no name, or choose any name it likes, perhaps naming itself after a favorite flower. None of that is very important. But claiming to have a name while being unable to say it is a rather delicate state... I sensed its confusion. Once a fairy remains