The Barkeep looked at Mika thoughtfully. "I would normally punish you for not following directions, but you used your head and came up with something better. Do you like being a stableboy?"
That was a stupid question, especially from the man who had... Mika's self-righteous anger got short-circuited as he realized he really did enjoy shoveling manure. Maybe because he had been so badly treated by his employers before, and at least partly due to the totally carefree lifestyle, but so far he much preferred the life the barkeep had given him. He was filthy, naked, and homely, yet he was completely at ease and comfortable. No worries about expensive capes, or silly perfumes. And he had enjoyed transforming the peddler into a mule - it had not only extended the man's life and his connection to what was now his partner, but also served a purpose. "Yes, sir! I really do! I think I could be really happy staying like this."
The barkeep wisely did not note that a good part of Mika's acceptance was due to the magic, but he was still surprised how quickly the boy had both adapted and embraced his new life. "Then consider yourself my permanent stableboy, with a reward." Mica's face pulled slightly. The barkeep took him over to a mirror, where Mika saw he was now average-looking instead of homely.