Wilma smiled as Guild representative George McSmeagol was picked up off the floor and gently, but firmly escorted back to his seat by M'Craft. They never seem to learn, do they? Ah, well, on to the main show. Little does he know that everything he thinks he is cleverly going to learn from us is what we want him to learn from us. Signaling Bruno to follow her lead, she hopped up onto the table and gave the guild mage her attention while trying to look cute and harmless.

“I apologize for the unpleasant shock Mage McSmeagol, but some of the safeguards for this new magical technology include wards against divination. If you had taken time to ask, we would have let you know that trying to analyze it would trigger a defensive response.” Not that you would have listened anyway.

McSmeagol took a swig of coffee before replying. “Yes, I guess that would have been a good idea. Tell me, how do you know so much about this device? And are there any others?”

“As the premier detective agency in the city, we routinely investigate any notable changes, no surprise to you I’m sure.”

“Indeed,”

“So, of course we quickly found out about the new devices which are all being created using a new magical crafting system called Magi-Tech.”

“How did you come to have such devices here?”

“We know the owner. After testing out some of his inventions, we quickly determined they were incredibly useful and surprisingly affordable. Needless to say, needing to stay ahead of our competition, we ended up buying samples of many of the devices.” She looked at McSmeagol with an innocent look. “Of course, seeing how the Guild would obviously want to know about the newest magical technology so they could use it as well, we were preparing a report for them when you arrived.”

“And how much is this report going to cost us?” McSmeagol asked with a sigh.

“In gold? Nothing.” Wilma answered as she handed over an envelope containing the report.

“Nothing?” McSmeagol looked surprised as he briefly glanced at the first page and then back at the diminutive detective.

“Nothing except an opportunity within the week for the developer of Magi-Tech to give a free public demonstration of his new technology. He believes it will helpful to all people and wants to give them an opportunity to see how. Of course, I’m sure that as devoted seekers of magical knowledge, the guild would want to be present as well. By sponsoring the demonstration and providing protection, you’ll basically get your information for free. Quite a deal for you I would think.” She finished innocently.

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“Indeed, the Guild is concerned with growing its knowledge of magic.”

Yeah, concerned with it and no one else learning more so it has a monopoly. But you’re not going to say that and now you have to allow others access. “So, the guild will sponsor the demonstration and guarantee the safety of all concerned before, during and after this presentation. Correct?” Either grant the protection or get some major negative press once we make sure your response gets out!

McSmeagol looked like he had swallowed a lemon but mastered himself and answered. “Of course. Far be it for us to turn down such an amazing opportunity. But may I know the name and race of this inventor?”

Suddenly, William appeared in a blur right before the mage who was startled at his sudden appearance.

“Who are you?”

“I’m the Blur elf inventor. They call me Quickfoot.”

McSmeagol looked like he had just opened a door and found a monster waiting on the other side. Sweat started rolling down his face as he looked at the small wizard, no doubt confusing him with William’s infamous uncle.

William smiled up at him. “You are agreeing to the demonstration as outlined, correct?”

As if you have any other choice. Wilma thought.

McSmeagol looked at M’Craft who merely raised an eyebrow and glanced at the truth crystal as if to remind him that lies weren’t going to get him out of this. He looked at William, who just looked innocently back while Wilma pulled the already prepared agreement out of her pack and handed it over to the mage.

“The agreement is very simple and straightforward. No legalese involved. Please read it and sign here.” Wilma said while handing over a pen to both the mage and M’Craft.

McSmeagol sat down and did a quick read through. Then glancing at William who continued to look on innocently, the mage signed and handed the agreement to M’Craft who quickly signed and then created a copy, handing the original back.

“Thank you, Mage McSmeagol for your patronage and support. I’m sure the report we have prepared will be eye opening for the guild and make them eager to attend the demonstration. We’ll await word from the guild on the time and location.” Wilma smiled at McSmeagol who didn’t look nearly as excited and happy as she did.

McSmeagol stood up and grabbed his floating staff, then nodded toward William and M’Craft. “Thank you Detective M’Craft and Mage Quickfoot for a most effective and surprising meeting. You do indeed live up to your reputation. Good day.” A second later he was gone as he teleported, no doubt eager to be away before any other surprises occurred.

The hidden tension in the room disappeared as everyone relaxed now that the local guild was locked into helping rather than interfering with their project.

“Good job everyone! William, you channeled your uncle perfectly. The look on McSmeagol’s face when you arrived was priceless. Enjoy the meal.” M’Craft continued gesturing at the spread of food. “Then feel free to take the rest of the day off. I’m sure we’ll have plenty to do once the guild responds so we might as well relax when we can.”

Wilma dug into the food with the rest, her heart happy as she looked around at her friends. I can’t wait to see what happens next!