When curiosity stirred and something that could satisfy it was already in hand, impatience was sure to follow.
Ruger hefted the booklet containing the Eye of the Mind Meditation Method and strode toward the little Inn, humming a tune.
Monster Wolf emerged from a nearby patch of grass. Ruger turned and saw that the single eye on its forehead was still an empty socket, and he could not help feeling that he had been a negligent owner. Of course, that was also because he was still too weak, had too much to do, and lacked the ability to repair an Oddity. All he could do was make a few attempts when he had time.
Clack-clack-clack!
Monster Wolf opened and closed its jaws, clacking them together as though greeting him.
Ruger went over and stroked its head. Lately, he had been so busy that he could not even keep up with petting the wolf's head regularly. That was one of the conditions for using this Oddity, after all, as well as something Monster Wolf instinctively craved. He gave its head a vigorous rub, then turned and ran away when he saw the Spirit Furs rushing toward Monster Wolf in a flock from afar.
It would be troublesome if those little things caught him. As the number of Spirit Furs grew, letting every single one nuzzle his face had become a time-consuming affair.
Cling-a-ling! The bell rang.
Ruger pushed open the door and entered the Inn.
Tuzel was rambling to the silent Serious Mouse about something. His long ears drooped, and he was clearly a little drunk already.
Serious Mouse neither turned him away nor answered, simply wiping a glass and listening in silence.
"You know! A proper father doesn't behave like that... You must never have met a father. Where would