Cedric trudged along the cobblestone path towards the mayor's castle, his mind racing with worries. The early morning mist clung to the air, giving the town a slightly eerie feel.
The man accompanying him, a stern-looking guard, walked in silence. His presence only heightening Cedric's anxiety. Cedric's thoughts spiraled into a whirlpool of worst-case scenarios.
'What if the mayor revokes my permission to run the shop? What if they shut me down because of one mistake? What if...?'
He was previously the one who made strategies about how his band of adventurers should hunt monsters or get through dungeons. Because of that, Cedric couldn't help his overthinking mind.
The guard, noticing Cedric's troubled expression, glanced at him but said nothing. Cedric's overthinking continued.
'Bird-talking potions! Of all the possible mistakes, I had to create something that makes people hear birds. What if this ruins my reputation forever? What if I'm banished from Vialcross? What if-'
His thoughts were interrupted as they approached the grand entrance of the mayor's castle. The imposing structure loomed over them. Its stone walls and tall spires adding to Cedric's sense of impending doom.
The guard stopped at the large wooden doors and knocked. A moment later, the doors creaked open, and they were ushered inside by another guard.
Cedric's heart pounded in his chest as he followed, his overactive imagination conjuring up images of public reprimands and stern lectures.
They walked through the dimly lit corridors, the echo of their footsteps adding to the tension. Finally, they reached a pair of ornately carved doors.
The guard knocked again, and a voice from within called out, "Enter."
The doors swung open to reveal the mayor's office, a spacious room with high ceilings and large windows that let in the early morning light. Mayor Alistair, a tall man with a commanding presence, stood behind his desk, looking over some documents.
"Ah, Master Ambrose, thank you for coming on such short notice," the mayor said, his tone neutral but his eyes sharp.
Cedric swallowed hard and stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Good morning, Mayor. How can I be of service?"
The mayor gestured for Cedric to sit, which he did with a nervous gulp.
"I've heard some interesting reports about a recent batch of potions you created," the mayor began, his expression unreadable.
Cedric's heart sank. "Yes, sir, I apologize for the... unusual side effects. I assure you it won't happen again."
Mayor Alistair raised an eyebrow. "Unusual indeed. The adventurers who fought the Bloodhorn reported hearing bird voices in their heads. While it seems to have been more of an amusing inconvenience than a serious problem, it has brought quite a bit of attention to your shop."
Cedric winced. "I understand, sir. I'm prepared to face any consequences. I've learned from my mistake."
To Cedric's surprise, the mayor chuckled. "Relax, Master Ambrose. No one is seeking to shut down your shop. In fact, quite the opposite."
Cedric blinked, confused. "Opposite, sir?"
Mayor Alistair leaned back in his chair, his expression shifting from the previous sternness to one of mild discomfort. He looked at Cedric thoughtfully for a moment before speaking again.
"There's another matter I need to discuss with you, Master Ambrose," the mayor said, his tone more personal now. "It involves my son."
Cedric, still feeling a mix of relief and curiosity, nodded attentively.
"Of course, Mayor. What can I do to help?" Cedric said.
The mayor sighed, rubbing his temples. "My son, Edward, has been deeply saddened for the past few days. You see, he has a collection of rare birds that he cares for deeply. They bring him great joy, but recently, several of them have gone missing. We're not sure if they've been stolen or if they've run away. Regardless, Edward is heartbroken."
Cedric listened intently, sensing the mayor's genuine concern. "I'm very sorry to hear that, sir. Is there anything I can do to assist in finding them?"
Mayor Alistair nodded. "This brings me to your potion. The one with the effect of hearing bird voices. While it caused quite a stir with the adventurers, it might just be what we need to locate Edward's lost birds. If we can talk to the birds, perhaps we can track them down and bring them back."
Cedric's eyes widened with realization. "You want me to make more of the same potion?"
"Precisely," the mayor confirmed. "I understand it was an error, but it might just be the solution to our problem. I want to do everything in my power to help my sone. Could you recreate the potion, Master Ambrose?"
Cedric nodded. "I can, Mayor. I'll make sure to get it right this time. How soon do you need it?"
"As soon as possible," the mayor replied. "Edward's been beside himself with worry. The sooner we can locate those birds, the better."
"I'll get to work right away," Cedric promised. "And don't worry, Mayor Alistair, I'll ensure the potion is effective and safe."
---
Rumors about the side effects of Cedric's potion had spread throughout the town. Other artisans looked at him with disdain, questioning how someone could confidently open a potion shop without knowing how to properly make potions. Cedric was quite depressed because of this. He was used to receiving praise for his talent as a mage, so the harsh criticism stung deeply.
"Ah, whatever. I should focus on concocting potions again. Maybe I can prove that I didn't create a failed potion but actually made something extraordinary."
With renewed determination, Cedric sought out more ingredients for his potions and began concocting once more.
---
Two days later, Cedric had reported the completion of the potions to Mayor Alistair. He made about fifty of it to be shared amongst his soldiers and few adventurers.
The door to his shop swung open with a jingle. The familiar band of adventurers stepped inside. It Luis, Elara, Throg, and Michelle approached the counter, the memory of their last encounter with Cedric's potions still fresh in their minds.
"Good day, Master Ambrose," Luis greeted. "We've come to pick up the potions. We've accepted the mayor's quest to find his son's lost birds."
Cedric's eyes lit up with recognition and a hint of amusement. "Ah, It's good to see you all again. I've made sure to replicate the same potion. You'll be able to understand the birds again and, hopefully, find Edward's missing pets."
Throg, the burly warrior, grunted, a skeptical look on his face. "I don't fancy another round of bird chatter in my head. I never thought we're gonna need it again."
"This failed potions somehow become a solution for the major's problem," Elara murmured.
They thanked Cedric and brought the strength, slash, bird-talking potions to the major.
'If this potion is successful, this will be a turning point for my fame. I can be famous as the creator of magic potions.'
Cedric smiled imagining that.
---