I Transmigrated as my Bias's Messenger Bird - Chapter 25
Yeah. I knew it wouldn’t be that easy. The Crown Prince of a kingdom wasn’t going to give up a book he’s been searching for and can’t find just because some strange elf wanted it.
But I can’t just back down either. I shouldn’t have underestimated that old man.
I’d been dealing with Dito for a while when I played the game, and I’d heard him talk about this and that. He’s willing to do business with thieves and demons if there’s enough collateral to guarantee my trustworthiness. Generally speaking, trustworthy collateral means bearing mutual risks. And some of the things that make Dito’s mouth water are very risky… Yeah, that should work.
“Would Pisqator’s fishing rod be enough?”
Pisqator’s fishing rod. A rare item crafted by an ancient fishing artisan, with a legend that it catches dragons even without bait. An avid fisherman, Dito’s dream item was in the royal warehouse. Originally owned by a fisherman from a remote village, it was plundered by the Emperor after hearing the rumors about it. That was usually the case with most items in the royal warehouse.
“Hmm…”
The offer was too tempting to ignore, and Dito stroked his chin for a moment, thinking. Then he looked straight at me.
“…Are you telling me you know where it is?”
“I do. It’s in the royal warehouse.”
“And you know that and you’re making me an offer…? If you’re thinking of bringing me a knockoff, stop. That stuff doesn’t work on me.”
“I wouldn’t dare. Just tell me if you’re going to sell me the magic book.”
“…If you really bring that, I’ll just hand it over.”
“For real? Then, wait for it.”
Certainly couldn’t let this opportunity slip by. And just giving it away? A cool million gold, for sure. Nice.
***
I learned about Pisqator’s fishing rod through a date with Edin. After a night stroll, Edin had guided me through the royal warehouse, showing not only the fishing rod but also the Emperor’s sacred sword and a cursed helmet, explaining their effects and origins.
‘He even asked me to stay here, saying he wouldn’t mind giving me all of those things…’
Based on his confession, I bet he never expected me to come back to steal his treasures. I’m sorry.
I transformed into my bird form and flew into the warehouse’s ventilation s***t. The small duct, inaccessible to people, was located on a high wall near the warehouse’s ceiling. They were meant to regulate the temperature and humidity.
I flew into the warehouse and looked around. Unless something special was happening, the place was usually locked and there should be no one inside. I flew down to the corner, reverted my transformation, and followed my memory to the display case where the fishing rod had been.
The torches hung on the wall swayed silently at regular intervals. I moved cautiously, holding my breath. And finally, there it was.
“I found it.”
Fortunately, the fishing rod was a relatively inferior bauble among numerous treasures, so it was placed inside a regular display with no additional enchantments. I opened the case and grabbed the rod.
A golden rod was about the size of a ballpoint pen. It looked like a fountain pen at first glance, but it was said that its true form was revealed when mana was channeled through it. That’s why its usual appearance was this small rod… Such a sweet deal. I had to take it in my bird form anyway, so it would’ve been inconvenient if it were any larger.
With the fishing rod in my beak, I quickly transformed into a pigeon and exited through the vent the way I came. My heart was pounding, feeling like I had become one of the greatest thieves of all time, stealing a royal treasure. Then, not far away, a dull cracking sound echoed.
‘What was that…?’
I didn’t know what it was, but I got a little impatient and flew up quickly. Nothing good could come of staying around. It was time to finalize the deal.
“…Amazing! It’s real. This… is way more impressive than I thought. Intricate and beautiful.”
Dito’s reaction was extraordinary. Excitedly, he brought out his top-of-the-line appraiser and began to examine it, looking like he was losing his mind.
“To see this in real life… I’m ecstatic.”
“If you’re done making sure it’s authentic, could you give me the grimoire?”
Only after my words did Dito finally look up at me and respond with an “Ah.” It was clear that he had completely forgotten about me. After rummaging in the storeroom at the back, he emerged shortly after, holding a small book in his hand.
It seemed like a worn and unremarkable little book. This was it. Elkiore’s Grimoire.
Using a silk handkerchief, Dito gently wiped the cover of the book before handing it to me. I promptly accepted it.
I’m not particularly fond of studying, but this book was valuable. It was the sole thing that could increase my chances of survival. There was no way I could survive a year in this place with just half-and-half transformations.
As I was flipping through the pages, I heard Dito ask, “…Anything unusual in the royal warehouse?”
“No, why?”
“Well…”
Dito seemed momentarily lost in thought, mumbling as if to himself, “Well, it doesn’t matter.” Then, he added, “If you ever need anything in the future, feel free to come by.”
“Okay,” I replied curtly, distracted as I went through the book.
I was about to move on when Dito added, “I thought I’d tell you something to commemorate our first deal. It might be helpful.”
“Oh, sure.”
“There’s been someone watching you from outside the shop for a while now.”
“Yeah, yeah…Wait, what?”
Why didn’t you mention this earlier? Who is it? Oh no, could it be those mages? How long has this been going on? I wanted to ask so many questions, but I was too flustered to get any words out.
Then Dito interjected, “If the Mage Tower asks about the fishing rod, it has nothing to do with me. Remember that.”
