“Err, good day,” the man said with a slight bow. “Apologies for waking you up so early in the afternoon. It’s just that I’m one of the earl’s tax collectors.”

Eyes focused on the man, Cmyk blinked.

“Well, right.” The tax collector straightened up. As any person who felt intimidated, he was determined to do something unreasonable to prove that he wasn’t. “I’m here to ask for your building license. As you know, by order of the earl, all buildings need a permit. And clearly being a magical structure, there’s the matter of tax.” There was a slight hesitation. “You don’t come from a notable line of heroes, mages, or nobility, do you?”

Cmyk blinked again, then shook his head.

“Ah, perfect.” The tax collector let out a sigh of relief. “In that case, I’m afraid you’re subject to magic tax, which could be waived if you have the appropriate magic license, of course.”

The minion kept staring blankly forward and slightly down.

“Ah, well… Can you provide any of those scrolls?”

Slowly, Cmyk shook his head. This posed a slight dilemma for the tax collector. On the one hand he was in his right to demand that Cmyk pay up—along with any additional fines the tax collector saw fit. However, all such demands had the risk of being followed by a fist in the face or stomach, and given the size of Cmyk’s muscles, that was something the tax collection thought he could do without.

“This is your house, right?”

There was a long moment of stillness, after which Cmyk shook his head.

“Oh?” Sweat covered the taxman’s face.

This was rather unusual. It wasn’t the first time he’d had a mage or wizard pop-up in town. So far most of them belonged to a guild or council of some sort. They were extravagant and extremely forgetful, but they had their documents in order. This was the first time that a magic user sent his house and butler ahead to prepare things.

“So you’re only here to set things up for your employer?” the tax collector asked.

Uncertain how to respond, the minion nodded.

“Ah, wonderful.” The tax collector was overjoyed. This meant that he could delay this extremely uncomfortable conversation for later. “Quite commendable. Just be sure to pass by the tax collection office in the palace with the land deed, building license, magic license, and a copy of your employer’s family tree. Someone will be there to add you to Rosewind’s resident’s registry.”

Cmyk nodded again.

“Splendid.” The tax collector took a step back. “Was wonderful talking to you. Take care, now, and see you in a week once your employer arrives.”

Not waiting for the minion to respond, the tax collector turned around and rushed along the street. Cmyk remained motionless for a few seconds, blankly staring forward, then slowly started closing the door. He never got the chance to finish it, for Theo slammed it shut for him.

“Thanks for nothing, Cmyk!” the dungeon shouted to the minion.

Paying no notice, Cmyk went back to the nearest chair and sat down. It felt less comfortable since he had been given a new body, but not to the point that it would keep him from snoozing off. Meanwhile, Theo was in a state of quiet panic. Deadlines and bureaucracy had always been two of the most hated things in his life. What was worse, his magnificent plan could end up undone by a sniveling tax collector, all because of a few useless licenses.

“Are there any spells to summon those licenses through magic?” Theo asked.

Unfortunately, no. All licenses specifically in a fashion that wouldn’t allow magic duplicated. There was an explosion of magic forgeries a few centuries ago as a result of a poorly organized Mage Tower. Since then, it’s been the law of the land, that all licenses must be magic-free and sealed by a temple in order to be considered valid.

“I’m doomed…”

Actually, it’s not all lost. You’ll be given a week or two to get your things in order. Since you’re considered a mage, it’s more than likely you’ll receive an extension and a few warnings, increasing the time period to a month.

“Oh, that’s good,” Theo said, his words drenched with sarcasm. “So, I have a whole month to find a bunch of licenses in order to get another license. Please enlighten me, how exactly is that done?”

There is a spell for transforming hay into gold, the spirit guide said. Normally, I wouldn’t suggest it, since it’s extremely cost inefficient, but given that you are scarce of options…

“Are you suggesting that I go on a bribing spree?”

I wouldn’t recommend it, given that this remains a town frequented by heroes. However, gold can also be used to purchase and expedite licenses. All you need is the correct amount, an adequate explanation, and a trusted minion to go do it.