Episode 48: Enchanted Coffee Table Book

The shop bell gave its usual jingle — followed by an awkward knock on the doorframe. A middle-aged woman peeked in, looking half-curious, half-desperate.

"Uh… hello? Is this where you make the weird stuff?"

Felix, never one to miss an entrance, leaned on the counter. "We prefer 'uniquely practical magical solutions,' but yeah. This is the place. What do you need?"

The woman sighed. "I'm hosting a dinner party this weekend. My friends are… let's just say they're the type who laugh more at stock market numbers than actual jokes. I need something to keep them entertained, and convince them I'm fun."

Zira raised an eyebrow. "Ever tried serving more wine?"

The woman groaned. "Oh, they're the 'one glass of wine is plenty' type. I need something stronger. Like… an enchanted coffee table book. One that cracks jokes and guarantees a laugh. Can you do that?"

Felix grinned. "Lady, you're talking to a professional."

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One Bookbinding Mishap, Two Stand-Up Comedy Spirits, and a 'Pun Overload' Warning Later...

Felix dusted off his hands and presented the final product: The Giggler's Guide to Everything. It looked like an ordinary coffee table book — leather-bound, classy, and just thick enough to seem impressive.

Felix smirked. "Alright, here's the deal. This book's enchanted to tell jokes that match the mood of the room. Dry humor for dry guests, slapstick for kids, and sarcasm for anyone who deserves it. It guarantees at least one genuine laugh per guest."

The woman eyed it suspiciously. "And if it doesn't?"

Zira leaned on the counter. "Then it roasts them until they crack."

Felix nodded. "Fair warning: if someone tries to act too serious, it will call them out."

The woman bit her lip. "...I'm listening."

Felix opened the book. The pages fluttered, and a voice emerged — smooth, confident, and just snarky enough to sound like it owned a late-night talk show.

"Oh hey, nice place. Very minimalist. Did you decorate, or did you just forget to buy furniture?"

The woman blinked. "...Did it just insult my living room?"

Felix shrugged. "It's honest. Gotta build rapport first."

The book spoke again:

"Don't worry, I'm sure the food will distract them. Hope you didn't overcook the roast — oh wait, no, that's your husband."

Zira wheezed. "Okay, that's brutal."

The woman stared, then… burst out laughing. "Oh my gods. It's perfect."

Felix grinned. "Glad you think so. It'll adjust its style once it gets a feel for your guests. If it senses someone's humor is broken, it switches to puns until they cave."

The woman raised an eyebrow. "Puns?"

The book flipped open again.

"Did you hear about the guy who lost his left side? He's all right now."

The woman snorted. "I hate how much I laughed at that."

Felix winked. "That's the magic."

She nodded, grinning. "I'll take it. Can it handle my cousin Gerald? He hasn't laughed since the 'Great Pudding Incident of '08.'"

The book flipped to another page:

"Oh, Gerald? Sounds like a man who peaked emotionally during instant pudding. I'll break him."

The woman howled with laughter. "Oh, he's done for. Take my money."