Zheng Qing tactfully declined the goldfish's sales pitch.
The enthusiasm shining in the goldfish's expression abruptly vanished, and its tone immediately turned much colder. "In that case... may I ask what brings you here?"
"To attend Quankelai's market fair," the young wizard answered cautiously.
"Please present your Invitation Letter and state your sponsor," the goldfish demanded solemnly.
"This..." Zheng Qing looked at the large goldfish before him, hesitating over whether to show it his Invitation Letter.
"I am the market fair entrance administrator." The goldfish flicked its tail—making the magical seal on its fin more conspicuous—and spoke with considerable pride. "...All guests wishing to enter must be verified by me!"
That might have sounded more convincing if you hadn't just been moonlighting as a peddler.
The young scholarship student grumbled inwardly, while also reflecting that the aquatic races truly had fallen on hard times. They should have been able to find a more respectable gate guard, like a real merman or a siren.
"We were invited by Professor Garcia... He is an elder of the Merfolk Tribe in Linzhong Lake and serves as the Merfolk Language Professor at First University." Zheng Qing explained as he handed over his Invitation Letter.
Then he realized that the creature before him was a goldfish and had no arms.
The goldfish blew out a large bubble.
"You may put the Invitation Letter inside," it said.
Zheng Qing did as instructed.
The moment the Invitation Letter was slipped inside, the bubble abruptly glowed with a vivid green light.
"A qualified guest." There seemed to be a trace of disappointment in the goldfish's voice, but it quickly perked up again. "...According to the rules, you may bring one pet, one female or male companion, and no more than four servants... Is he your male companion?"
The