Before I even reached the inn, I had extended my area of influence to cover the inn and so I knew that both Willow and Charlee was eating in the common room with their father Brian. Area of influence is such a long description that at that moment I decided to go the Michael G. Manning route and call it mage sight. I know I could have gone the Chinese light novel route and called it a domain, but mage sight sounds a lot cooler, even in my own head.
As I walked in the door, I used cleaning magic on myself to rid me of any of the dust, sweat and grime that could have accumulated. I walked up to the table the 3 were eating at and as I sat down I gave Willow a kiss on her forehead. I also used that moment to use my cleaning magic on her as well. Once she had learned about that little trick of mines she wanted me to use it on her all the time. As a loving husband I happily obliged. It didn't take much energy anyways and I liked seeing her smile whenever she felt the magic wash over her.
Brian looked annoyed, but I ignored him to talk to the little waitress that was now standing next to me. “Would you like a plate sir? Something to drink?” she asked. “I’ll have what she's having.” I pointed at Willows plate of hams and easy over eggs with a roll of bread. The girl nodded, and it wasn't until she was walking away that I noticed she was only 12 or 13. Willow gave me a kick under the table and I looked over to her. “She's too young for a sister wife.” Willow whispered to me. What the fuck was a sister wife I thought, then it dawned on me. Willow thought I was checking out that kid. “No, I was just surprised because such a young girl was working here is all.” Willow gave me a look that said she didn't believe me, but it was only for a moment before her expression softened.
Willow turned back to her plate and I accidently locked eyes with Brian. “Good morning sir.” I said to him. He grunted as a response. Charlee took the opportunity of finishing her plate and pointed her finger at me. This had recently become her sign for me to use cleaning magic on her. She wasn't as bad as her sister. Charlee only requested cleaning 2 or 3 times a day. I played along and as our fingers touched I used cleaning on her and released a little bit of light for showmanship. I was originally trying to copy the twinkle and sparkle of the fairy godmother for Cinderella like in the Disney movies, but it ended up as a small flash instead. I will need to practice some more and see if I can get the effect right.
It's not good enough to just do magic, you got to have style also. I’m not going to channel too much of my inner Chuunibyou to the point where I am calling out my actions, but a bit of light and some arm waving is within my self-imposed limits. It’s not liked my antics was going to hurt anyone.
“That magic. What is it?” I heard from Brian. I looked over to him and again our eyes locked. “It's cleaning magic father.” I said with a cheer and a smile. “I saw his left eye twitch and his face began to redden. I wasn't sure if that reaction for my magic or my use of the title father, but I smiled on.
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“That's what your magic does? Clean?” He said clean like it was a curse. “Yes father. Fear not, your daughter will never have need for doing laundry with me around. Think of all the time she will save, especially after we have 5 or 6 more kids.” I grinned at him like an idiot before I pulled Willow in and kissed her on the cheek.
A loud bang echoed throughout the common room and I saw that the board where Brian’s hand had struck was shattered. Woops, that may have been a bit much. “More?” Brian growled. “I’m pregnant father.” Willow whispered, but the room had gone so quiet everybody could hear. Charlee then began to cry. I reached over and started petting her head. Her cries slowed as I rubbed her head. “It’s alright Charlee, your daddy's not mad. He’s just happy that Willow is going to have a baby.” I leaned in towards Charlee and in a conspiratorial stage whisper said “You see? Men aren't like women. when we are happy or excited, sometimes we like to hit things. You saw all of those men slamming their mugs last night, right?” Charlee nodded. “See?” I said to her.
Charlee then looked over to Brian and I moved my hand off of Charlee as Brian's took its place. “That's right. I’m just happy that our family’s growing was all.” I couldn't feel any sincerity, but Charlee didn't seem to have noticed. Charlee’s mood did a 180 and she was back in a cheerful mood.
The last 5 minutes had drained me, but Charlee looked to have more energy now than when I walked in. Willow was also smiling; her father's words were forced but it seems like he has finally accepted our marriage.
My food arrived, and I gave it a taste. it was bland. rubbing my thumb and forefinger over my plate I conjured some salt and sprinkled it on my eggs. I did the same for what remained of Willows. To my shame I didn't notice, and she had said nothing. Willow gave me a thankful smile in return. The eggs tasted fine but was over cooked. the yokes had hardened. The ham was dry but edible, but it was the drink that surprised me. I took a swig and tasted alcohol. I reached over and grabbed Willows mug and gave it a sniff. Yup, it was the same as mines. Willow was pregnant and drinking alcohol.
Before anger over took me my knowledge of history kicked in and I realized that this must be what's called a small beer. People use to drink it because it was safer than water. My anger left me, and I dumped the remainder of her mug into mines before I used cleaning magic on the mug and filled it with the moisture from the air around us. I also conjured some sugar into the mug and with a bit of kinetic energy I stirred the contents until everything dissolved.
Wordlessly I handed the mug back to Willow. We are going to need a long talk about health care after this. Willow took a sip and smiled but then passed the mug across the table to Charlee. Charlee also took a sip and excitedly chugged the contents. it was then that I noticed that she too had a mug and with a sniff I confirmed the content was the same. I went through the same routine, this time dumping the contents into Brian's mug and setting it back in front of Charlee.
I would have given it to Willow, but Charlee had already finished Willows mug and so to give the mug to Charlee just seem to be the thing to do. I repeated my act for the third time but before Willow could take the mug, Brian picked it up and took a hard swallow. “Too sweet.” was all he said before placing the now empty mug back on the table. With a sigh I filled the mug backup and set it in front of Willow. I don't understand how bartenders can do this all day.