Master Sheffield was pleased by Houshao'nao's deference, accepting the wizard's hat with ease and settling it jauntily on his head. He took the crystal staff from Houshao'nao's hands, tapping it lightly against the floor. Understanding the cue, Houshao'nao stepped forward to pull open the door, gesturing for Sheffield to exit first.
As they stepped out, Sheffield paused suddenly. "Oh, Houshao'nao—do you have lodging? If not, move into my estate. My groom left recently, and I haven't found a replacement. You understand what I'm offering?"
"Yes, Master. I'll follow your arrangements entirely," Houshao'nao said, head bowed.
"Good. Come, I'll take you around town to meet some notable figures. You'll run errands for me eventually, so best you learn who's who."
"Yes, Master. I'll memorize everything to your satisfaction."
Just as they strode from the guild toward the street, the donkey in the corner spotted Houshao'nao's diminutive figure and instinctively snorted.
Hearing the greeting, Houshao'nao panicked, regretting his impulsive promise from the night before. *Now what? Master wants me to live in his home—can he really accept a donkey? Ugh, why did I soften? How do I explain this?*
Sheffield noticed his hesitation, stopping short. "Houshao'nao, is something amiss?"
"I… I…" Houshao'nao faltered, then blurted, "Master, I also have a donkey. What should I do with him?"
"A donkey? You own a donkey? Where?" Sheffield asked, curious.
"Over there, grazing by the post," Houshao'nao pointed.
Sheffield burst into laughter, pointing at the creature. "Th-that's your donkey? He's no bigger than a dog! Ha!"
Houshao'nao nearly died of embarrassment, cursing the donkey silently. "Master, he was a gift from Boss Jon. If he displeases you, I can—"
Sheffield stifled his laughter, though his lips still twitched. "No need. A donkey will serve your duties well. I can't have you borrowing my horse for errands. Feed him better, though—he looks half-starved."
Houshao'nao was overwhelmed by Sheffield's magnanimity. "Thank you, Master! I'll fatten him till he's as strong as a warhorse."
Sheffield waved off the praise. "After our rounds, groom him properly and bring him to the estate tonight. Understood?"
"Yes, Master! He'll be spotless," Houshao'nao said, bowing deeply.
"Now—see that portly man dripping in jewels? He's the Chamber of Commerce President. I'll greet him shortly—stay sharp."
Houshao'nao glanced at the man: every inch of him adorned with gaudy, eye-searing trinkets. *A walking display of greed,* he thought, suppressing a grimace.
"Ah, President Giles! Where's the fire? You're marching like a man on a mission," Sheffield called, quickening his pace.
"Master Sheffield! Forgive my blindness—didn't see you there. My apologies," Giles beamed, all teeth and flattery.
"Nonsense, you're the busiest man in town. What urgent matter pulls you today?"
"Ah, just collecting rents from delinquent tenants. Can you believe it? Bountiful harvest, yet some refuse to pay on time… ungrateful wretches," Giles sneered.
Sheffield's smile turned mocking. "Of course—they deserve a lesson. I won't detain you further. Do visit for tea sometime."
"Absolutely, Master Sheffield! I'll call on you soon. Now, if you'll excuse me—" Giles turned and waddled away, hips swaying impatiently.
Watching his retreat, Sheffield's smirk returned. Houshao'nao noted their exchange, impressed by their practiced insincerity.
"What do you make of him, Houshao'nao?" Sheffield asked suddenly.
"Me, Master? You're asking *me*?" Houshao'nao said, startled.
"Indeed. Consider it a test," Sheffield replied, amused.
"Would you prefer truth or flattery, Master?" Houshao'nao ventured, cautious.
Sheffield's interest piqued. "What's the difference?"
Houshao'nao cursed his recklessness. *Truth might displease him; lies make me a hypocrite.* He swallowed. "Master, these are only my observations—forgive any errors."
"Spit it out. I've got errands."
"Flattery: he's a generous, respected merchant. Truth: appearances deceive—he's a greedy snob hiding behind gaudy trinkets."
Sheffield's smile froze; he nodded slowly, turning away to continue walking. Houshao'nao noticed the subtle shift, puzzled but silent, trailing after him.
"Your birth name—what is it?" Sheffield asked, not looking back.
Houshao'nao hurried to keep up, bowing slightly. "Houshao'nao is my only name, Master. My mother named me for the tuft of hair on the back of my head at birth."
"I see. Did you attend school?"
"My family was poor), Master. I worked in a, serving noble children as they studied. I learned by watching."
Sheffield eyed him skeptically, studying his gaunt face and lack of magic aura. *Malnourished, no trace of magic—his story holds.* "Your insights are sharper than they seem. Giles may look like a vulgar upstart, but those 'jewels' are cheap fakes. Yet he wields more economic power than most nobles."
"Control a nation's economy? That portly man?" Houshao'nao gasped.
"Heh, yes. No secret—you'll learn more in time. Come, that silk shop ahead belongs to an old friend. Let's pay him a visit."
"As you wish, Master," Houshao'nao said, bowing again.
And so Sheffield toured Houshao'nao through town, pointing out every influential figure. By midday, the task was done.
"Master, your connections are astounding—you know everyone, from nobles to commoners. Most impressive is how warmly they receive you. Your reputation must be impeccable," Houshao'nao praised.
Sheffield's weary face softened into a proud smile. "Flattery or truth this time?"
Houshao'nao panicked, stealing a glance at his expression. Seeing no anger, he pressed on: "Truth, Master. Why else would they greet you so warmly?"
"Ha! Fair enough. It's late—let's return."
Relieved, Houshao'nao thought: *Almost messed up that compliment. Next time, tread lighter. My *coin* prospects depend on it.*
As Sheffield strode back to the guild, wearing a satisfied smirk, Houshao'nao hurried after him, already settling into his role as the attentive attendant. By day's end, the town buzzed with news: Master Sheffield had taken on a new lackey—unremarkable in looks, but sharp-tongued and eager to please.