If an opponent uses Gust in response to Traveling Merchant's move trigger, can they discard the Merchant, and does the Merchant's effect still activate?

Ruling: Yes, an opponent can use Gust in reaction to the Merchant's move trigger to discard it. The Merchant's effect (discard 1, draw 1) still activates and resolves even if the Merchant is removed from play, because the effect is already on the chain once the move trigger occurs.

Sequence:

• Traveling Merchant moves, triggering its effect
• The effect goes on the chain
• Opponent can use Gust in response to remove the Merchant
• The Merchant's effect still resolves (discard 1, draw 1)

Nuances:

• The Merchant's effect is not conditional on the Merchant remaining in play
• Once the move trigger occurs, the effect is locked in on the chain regardless of what happens to the Merchant afterward