[Merlin does, indeed count.

The declaration that Watanuki can forego comfort is still a pleasant surprise even if Merlin's aware of the circumstances that drove him to take drastic action - change is, by nature, uncomfortable, and not all humans are willing to leave the familiar.]

It is, indeed. It'll also help you understand why the way I teach magecraft is different from what you might encounter from particular institutions, who've tried to make up for the difference by going down a more scientific route.

Maybe this evening as a bedtime story of sorts.

[He's teasing a bit.]