"Small Mei, huh?" Murphy said, finding it hard to tear his eyes away from the endearing nickname before looking up at Melrose behind the translucent panel.
"Oh, Grandma Mei, is it?" he replied, his gaze darting between the two names.
After a moment's hesitation, Murphy spoke up. "Alright, three questions."
"Fire away," Melrose replied patiently.
"First, this 'Small Mei' - that's you, isn't it?" Melrose let out a relieved sigh, glad the newcomer had grasped this unique ability.
"And if I may be so bold, what exactly is your relationship with the Champion?" Murphy asked, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil inside.
"We're lovers," Melrose stated matter-of-factly. Murphy barely contained his shock, maintaining an impassive facade.
"So then, the Champion Helrista - is that a man or a woman?" Murphy finally asked, unable to contain his curiosity any longer.
Melrose's brow furrowed as he shot Murphy a mildly disapproving look. "Didn't you read it?" he asked, puzzled.
"Read what?" Murphy replied, thoroughly bewildered.
"With your special ability, you should be able to see all the item's properties, no?" Melrose inquired, his tone slightly odd.
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"Well, sort of," Murphy admitted. "There are some limits, though. I couldn't see the full details when looking at you."
"Ah, I see," Melrose mused. "Then you must have only glanced at the additional info at the bottom, hmm?"
"Of course, you told me to look there," Murphy replied, a hint of irritation in his voice.
"Oh, I see," Melrose said, feeling a twinge of embarrassment as he lowered his volume. "I suppose I didn't expect you to actually listen..."
"Didn't you just meet another worldly visitor?" Murphy remarked dryly.
Melrose simply nodded, and the pendant quickly floated back to Murphy's face.
Murphy studied the impressive stats and effects of the "Tear of Helrista" item, whistling in admiration. "Quite a gift from the Champion, I must say."
Mulling over the key details - the young maiden, the love - Murphy realized that if he hadn't figured out the Champion's gender by now, he was well on his way to being assimilated by the native magic folk.
But the "Indwelling Soul" property intrigued him. Focusing his senses, he glimpsed a translucent figure of a young woman in a white dress, floating and drifting within the azure gem, gently pushed away each time she neared the edge.
"Well, Mr. Melrose, I believe we've established my identity. Shall we move on to discussing your proposal?" Murphy said, feeling surprisingly calm, even amused by the realization that the Champion had found love in this world.
Melrose nodded warmly, sealing the pendant back into his staff. "Since we're on the same page, let's talk. I'm no 'Light of Humanity' - just an old codger who's lived a bit longer than most. My simple request is that you don't interfere with my research into reviving the Champion. Beyond that, we can discuss further collaboration."
"Agreed," Murphy replied. "And in return, I'd appreciate if you could turn a blind eye to certain events in the capital. You'll understand when the time comes."
Melrose nodded, and Murphy couldn't help but wonder if the old wizard's white hair was a natural trait in this world.