I was standing in front of a building with a conspicuous sign. My memory served me well leading me back to this place. I entered it with a letter in hand and stood by the receptionist's desk. An older gentleman with a fuzzy mustache came from the backdoor.
"Hah, if it isn't Bison Frost."
My brows furrowed.
"Do you need to call me that nickname? You already know how I feel about it; I think it's insulting at this point."
"Sorry, sorry. So, what will it be today? You've got another letter for your family at home?"
"I do. The first one in three months."
"Alright, well just sign right here and we'll get it delivered."
I filled out the paperwork and handed the receptionist a couple of Triangle Grants then left the postal office immediately. I had a busy day ahead of me. According to my schedule, today was a study day, and I'd be teaching Flinty magic at the Tea Mage's place as well.
"Maybe... she'll study with me too."
The thought made me smile like a moron and gently embrace myself. Of course, it was wishful thinking, but her presence was something worth wishing for.
I shook my head. I was getting distracted, and though I feel like I couldn't help it, I had to hurry either way. I ran through the streets and made it to the Tea Mage's shop ten minutes later. Entering it, I saw customers already browsing the shelves. I ignored them and walked to the counter.
"Ah, good morning, Kenny. Today is a study day, I presume?"
"Good morning. And yes. Is Flinty here already?"
He shook his head no. I grimaced.
"She said she will stop by later, so don't look so upset. In the meantime, why don't you read up on page 132? I believe it would help you to review that."
"Alright."
I entered through the backdoor, went into the greenhouse then walked downstairs to the laboratory. Looking at it, I noticed how it was far tidier than the first time I entered here. Dare I say, it looked professional. It made me feel strangely proud of myself. I sat down at the desk and rummaged through the pile of books before picking one up.
As it would turn out, studying at a university was infinitely more boring than I could've imagined. The Tea Mage hardly even lectured me, and when he did it was when I was creating potions or working on mana manipulation. Having someone tell me that I was doing things wrong was different, but not unwelcome.
The average experience consisted of just this. Sitting in the laboratory, reading an oversized book for a few hours, and writing down the contents. Turns out that Talbot wasn't an alchemist's school. In reality, it was a school that specialized in alchemy. Sometimes it would tell me to practice mana expulsion or improve my skills in this or that element. Usually, it was just to be better at mana expulsion, but sometimes it was for the sake of potion creation. For example, one sentence on the page I was on told me to fire a thin string of mana with a cleansing Intent. It was apparently to amplify its speed of effect. I closed the book and leaned into the flask, hovering my index finger above it.
"Alright..."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfvhYRrOmq
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZn18EAfBp
I began mana expulsion, trying to follow the book's instructions. The potion's color was darkening rapidly, meaning that I was probably doing it right.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡET95k8nxmf
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TRRZlYPSb
I did it for a few more seconds before stopping then quickly closed the lid. I leaned back, taking a careful look at the flask. After my initial assessment, I picked it up and shook it a few times. And then–162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0k2IJhTdWG
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9223rBBTbw
**BOOM**162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM9lw3SRpu
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeAcHsmOnu
"Gah!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zicumuN5e
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJnWeq0k5b
The flask blew up. Or rather, the tip of the flask blew up, and the contents of the potion shot out like a geyser. I managed to avoid getting my clothes dirty, but now the floor had a terrible stain and the ceiling had glass shards embedded into it.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpsLj5Raah
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"Crap. That went terribly."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOjPPn9GL3
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnZoCNSwgk
I doused the floor in water with magic and picked up a nearby towel. A few minutes of drying later, and the carpet was relatively stainless. For the glass chards, I came up with the idea to pull them out with pliers. I needed to make a small stone stool on top of the table to reach it, but I managed to yank them all out. I put all the glass in a dustpan and tossed them in the trash.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUKhbEH7Yk
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgb4Z7WVuxx
I sat down and wiped my brow. It was one of the few times that I failed making a potion, and it was the first time that the consequences were acute.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhDmqun2Hm
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I took a few deep breaths and stood back up, reaching for another flask and restarting the whole process. This time, I eased up the amount of mana I dispelled, and the potion turned out fine.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA31csbwpZA
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmels9htDTe
Sighing, I stood back up. I stacked the books and tidied up the room before leaving. Now in the greenhouse, I checked the clock on the wall. Around four hours had passed.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxEYo97iM8
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWsYJupGRX
"I'm kind of hungry."
It was noon now, so I'd have plenty of time to grab a bite before Flinty arrived. I walked to the front. The Tea Mage was rearranging the products on the shelves until he noticed me.
"Ah, Kenny. How was it?"
"Fine. The potency of my ailment-curing potion has improved."
"Impressive. Good work. And where is it?"
"I left it in the lab."
"You made something that valuable and just left it there!?"
He suddenly raised his voice and confused me.
"I-Is it really that valuable? I made it pretty easily."
"Kenny, perhaps I should add an economics course to your curriculum."
"Please don't."
He crossed his arms and sighed.
"Well, that's no matter. It's my duty to fester genius, not to be your financial agent. Say, would you like to go eat?"
"Yes. I was just about to ask."
The Tea Mage smiled. We left the shop and wandered the town. I received nothing but vigilant stares, and all the while the Tea Mage was getting greeted with smiles.
"The people in this city suck."
"Hmm? Is the revered Bison Frost angered by the commoners?"
"Why are you talking like that? And don't call me Bison Frost!"
I sighed. Ever since the incident with the Freeze-Dry, and ever since it was posted on the news, everyone's been calling me Bison Frost. I couldn't even ask for directions without people looking at me weirdly.
Ah, whatever. It wasn't that big of a deal. Ignoring the looks of the people, we arrived at a restaurant I haven't been to before. When I inquired him, he said it was like the rest, only they used different spices.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLF0o7kOvz
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwlCzySi8r
"Ah... so it isn't anything special."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWc3JZkrVTY
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"That's just the nature of the Kingdom, Kenny. Asking why the capital was constructed in the badlands and not in the rich grassy plains a few miles nearby is a question even the wise men never dare to ponder."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rQzm1aLX9
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oXfNyUk6o
We took our seats and were handed menus. I lulled over the Tea Mage's comment as I scanned the options. They were all fundamentally the same as other restaurants; beef, mutton, pork, a few exotic meat options, the meat from monsters for the prodigal. The only differences lay in the dessert options, and as the Tea Mage has previously stated, their spices.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmoh1YbqDK
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwgi4Dk3DE
I wondered how it was that only the dairy and non-animal products shifted between each restaurant. The menu gave me no clue, and I didn't care enough to ask the employees. But–162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yuOtSTHMM
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZfZt8zDtV
"Why are only the desserts different from the last one?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyD8n4c8fT
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7TDrrh1Ek
"Differing importing deals, most likely. You'd know if you–"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPiNPvok81
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jNl781a2y
"Thanks for telling me."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQ5T4gwXEd
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Truly settling into this city over the past few months has uncovered its odd machinations. I still wasn't entirely used to it, being a village boy and all that.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bnygonSNn
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"Did you find anything you like?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvQwQNjdNC
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"Since I liked the last place we went to, why don't you tell me?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXNIYlo8na
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGw9iCY5Uq
"Come on, at least try the desserts. I'm sure they won't disappoint you."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxtO28CBJf
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"Fine."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDjDccHpRJ
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I ordered the first thing under the dessert menu and set it down. Waiting for my meal, I looked outside the window, idly watching the citizens mosey down the street.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwrockbfvW
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qSqLBDBH0
"So, Kenny, how have your lessons been?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5c0myVHFM
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjgpW87Xo7
"Uneventful, I suppose. I've had to consult the dictionary one too many times, but otherwise, I've been understanding the books just fine."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGoHJCXOrh
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNAk45VCeP
"That's good to hear. That's great to hear."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgc0QHW9A4
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMusXWQPhNP
He put his fingers in a tent and made an unscrupulous expression. It was gross. He always turned like this when discussing academics, so I tried to sway the conversation.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uX7Qpnwm6
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6COU1XIvTk
"H-How about you, mister Tea Mage? Is the business thriving?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkj8tiV88UX
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0o1skwLhL
"Hmm? Yes, it certainly is. I don't have many customers visiting my shop, as I'm sure you've noticed, but I've been shipping a lot of leaves to neighboring villages! I must say, I'm quite proud of my ingenuity."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHp1cLUDInS
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"Right."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmRlbti2uS
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Perhaps it would've been better to stop talking altogether. Our meals were eventually served. There was a plate with a sizzling steak and thin leaves before me, and beside it was a bowl with white clumps and brown liquid sagging to the bottom of the bowl. Somehow, the food made me feel uncomfortable. It was like what I was being served was far too lavish.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5K7FSSdHXl
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"Hey, Tea Mage. You're paying for this, right?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibo4sSMHFY
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TeZEbrVsq
He swallowed a piece of his steak and looked at me.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeS1Tl5qKD
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"Did I ever agree to that?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6SzfaXiFu
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"I sure hope so. You didn't take me to an overpriced restaurant without me knowing just so I can blow my hard-earned funds, right?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4tpvqY5aP
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaoq4SCNYn
He put his arm over the table, leaning on it as he poked his fork in my direction.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIM7V2zHJum
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"Your missions, Kenny. I have to say, it's been a hassle for me too, watching you live an inconsistent schedule."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeUKOWVeHY
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Ignoring how shamelessly he shifted the topic, I raised an eyebrow at his comment.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoRzYRrwrR
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5XdJXbmJD
"Well, you can't disagree with the benefits."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9C9rXE0qrw
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuraxDGF33u
"Yes, I suppose so. The life of a combatant is rather profitable, and conjoined with the favors you're receiving from the royalty, I'm sure it's been nothing but a boon. You've likely made numerous comrades, haven't you?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaQcoELAHJ
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQy9Vszrhgi
"U-Uh, yeah, I did."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5mTXCeeG7
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He narrowed his eyes, but thankfully, didn't pester my response.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRidRFesTCm
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDETF4NdfU
"Even though it's logical, I dislike it."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5fy3U5ZJp
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0VJCGhdVh
He picked a piece of his steak off and brought it to his mouth.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2s5Q44FRQ
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"Someone like you, Kenny, should really spend all his time focusing on one goal. Your studies, in particular. I'm sure you know as well just how talented you are. An auspicious individual, I haven't met one quite like you."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjjf94TR0G
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrU9E8NH1i
"I'm nothing special. I'm, really not."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAcd5byYsO
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpT5VJvRah
"Modesty is a virtue, but don't mistake being modest for being dishonest."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRIHaJFpwi
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYmyKflKeS
The Tea Mage was especially irritating today. I sighed. If this was the first time, I would've gotten angry, but I've long been accustomed to this blabbering of his.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmcMwBjdI6
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8GfKnXrma
"It's not dishonesty, Tea Mage."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2FY2SIK4H
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Gqx2TdS6j
"...Well, if you insist. But, I do mean what I've said."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGfn1HPgUT
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKWL79FeLG
He put the chunk steak in his mouth and chewed.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiZGk5nNwg
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"You should focus on what you're destined to do. Someone like you, who so naturally holds a future in the field of alchemy, or even magic as a whole, shouldn't be dilly-dallying in the guild, let alone with the Southern Country's Triumvirate."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPpmRZcqWJ
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS28duNJ2Cg
The words he spoke, ones I haven't heard before, didn't sit right with me. But the last few made me realize that he leaked the true reason for his nagging.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GuulMxTHi
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yJCRqTAYY
"You need to stop talking. And don't eat while you're chewing."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHvjyxeOhT
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He nodded.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiXUSFqUN5
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"I don't know if you're worrying over me or you're just that stuck up, but I hardly engage with the people in the palace anyway. Trust me, I don't like them either. I only go there because–"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu98S0ydEEv
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhZSu3ugUt
"Because of their organic Exotica, yes? I suppose that's understandable."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVqt4lwEoa
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I nodded.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqf6ech7PNU
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"But still, the idea sickens me."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OaN9k1b32
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"So you are just being stuck up about it."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNM8lGkKyam
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He scoffed. Then, he broke into laughter. I glared at him vehemently.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkl95cSKZQr
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHLzJ0r8F1
"S-Sorry. You're a fun kid to mess around with, Kenny. That's all."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ117vFaLOlG
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAM7mfolAv
"...Huh? You were just messing around?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEc5zGlzYd
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"Half and half."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bPRZw3Bx1
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"Goodness..."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFcsEHtZ3H
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlsaqybiBn
I resigned myself to the polished wood of the table, resting my forehead on the ledge as I bleakly stared at my shoes. The Tea Mage was laughing boisterously, and I was still hung up on the idea of paying an extensive amount of money.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYE49uXAbF8
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGc2A9wMRah
With that in mind, I lifted my head and gazed at the glistening slab of meat, grabbing the fork.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUYP23WJ8P
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKAFeLK6hc
"Hey, Kenny, aren't you tutoring Flinty today?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0cqXkC7eP
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpT86vzq5UQ
I swallowed the food in my mouth, raising an eyebrow at him. He was too talkative today. I decided to humor him.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fciekONEN
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"Yes. What about it?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJEGmM0k1C
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PH0FNrzUM
"Ah, I see. Well, at least you've finished your studies for the day. I must say, her progress as a magician has been impressive."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxaQJHizFr
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Hearing the praise, I smiled and sternly nodded, putting a fist against my chest in pride.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUD4BeAER9m
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCFnikGJPL
"I'm glad you noticed as well, Tea Mage. More than her progress, it's Flinty's attitude that's so astonishing. She is a determined, studious girl. Just the other day, she managed to hit Grade-5 in fire and wind magic. Really, just seeing how far she's gone in only a few months..."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybH98u9Ox6
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For whatever, it made me think of my father. I wondered if this is how he felt back then.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9D2IThwMwH
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"She's your pride and joy, yes?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKhogvIL6s
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"My pride and– don't trick me into saying things like that."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0wItBM1RO
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I felt the blood rush to my cheeks. It was a feeling I loathed and indulged in.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUR9hy6SLi
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"Yes yes, of course. But, I am impressed. When I took her under my wing, she wasn't so..."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1r7nTTe2dh
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"So what?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidrq593sMj
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He put a finger to his chin, occasionally casting glances my way as if he was carefully choosing his words.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJy53ETTj4f
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"Promising, let's say."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9JlZPC2rX
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I was satisfied with his wording because I earnestly agreed with his assessment. After all, her first attempt at casting a spell was disastrous and pitiful. Then again, I was partially to blame. I brushed that aside for the time being and focused on finishing my meal, then moved on to my dessert. It was surprisingly cold, and the clumps of white slowly melted as I put them in my mouth.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FX6ySpJco
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My head suddenly began to ache. I put the spoon down and grimaced. The Tea Mage looked at me with a loathsome smile.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICte8eYnhO
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"That's what the people call a 'Brain-Freeze'. Such a delightful term, isn't it?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhL2zZ6uNvX
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I pounded my head as I groaned.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPvUxQHkvn
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"It doesn't feel delightful! What just happened to my head– gack!?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeFdaKmzSa
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I slammed the table a few times, taking deep breaths. The pain washed away a minute later, but it already left a terrible impression.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsYocX55Fg
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tSYaYi43n
"What did you make me order, Tea Mage? I didn't know food could hurt people!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KE85zmmlF
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"You're supposed to eat it in moderation, Kenny."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsN84bggf7S
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"Moderation...? Then why on earth does it taste so good?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMoqLEwO6s
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"I fell for the same trap when I first had it. That's just the nature of the dish."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB860vg1Tzo
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"I don't like it. It's too sinister."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7xfQS51GR
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The tea mage shrugged and took another bite out of his food.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BZDJoZBuk
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"Mhm. Anyhow, are you done? Because at this rate, you'll be late for your lesson with Flinty."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcVLNsAEou
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"Late– wait, what time is it?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD51yVE5Fon
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"About 2'o clock. You've got half an hour."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUZbAlEAbJ
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"Y-You're right, I do need to go!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeUvkxiYIa
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I jumped out of my seat and checked my pockets for all my belongings, then made my leave.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWSmJ8Tcjt
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–
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I had no watch on my person, nor were there any clocks in the immediate vicinity. The only way I could tell if I made it on time or not was by going through the shop and entering the laboratory. Hoping that I wasn't late, I put my hand on the knob of the shop's door and opened it.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDY19A8Kyt
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It didn't budge.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkO82702giD
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"...Right."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJbcZgxXnD
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I searched my pocket and pulled out a keychain, then once I unlocked the door, I opened it.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT5lJEqisV
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"That eliminates any possibility of Flinty being here, at least."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFPAgGTpdB
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Closing the door behind me, I steadily made my way to the laboratory, waiting by the desk once I arrived. If the clock here was right, then she should be here in ten minutes.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClsV0YUWUm
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With nothing else to do but wait, I did just that.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfgqmXjFjP
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Footsteps sounded above me eventually. I stood up, and sure enough, Flinty descended into the laboratory.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbr91kOtVkU
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"Hi!" She said, gently waving at me on the steps.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLTIslFuvW
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"H-Hey, Flinty. Have you been well?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEAJPb3NeB
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"Yup! I've been learning a lot of things from my mom, y'know. It's been going really well."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsS2TyEVXq
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Not sure of what to do, I nodded. She finished descending the steps and sat on the carpet, staring at me with eyes of anticipation. I caught myself spacing out, violently shook my head and slapped my cheeks, then took a seat across from her. Her hair was styled the same, but her outfit was a lot lighter than usual, more fit for today's sunny weather.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudamiuxYXa
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"What's the lesson today?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4uzohnrM6
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"Well, since we worked on wind last time, maybe we should focus on water and earth. Achieving Grade-5 in all attributes is the best course of action." Probably.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9qtM9HaW9
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"Alright!"
She pumped her fist and got on her feet. I stood up and went beside her. She turned toward the eastern wall. It was tainted with pits of black and uncountable numbers of dents and holes. Flinty raised her arms and began mana expulsion, producing a miniature boulder in front of her.
"Alright! Now, try doing–"
The lesson proceeded without hassle. Focusing on control and spell manipulation, Flinty never had to shoot any at the testing wall. The hour came and went exceedingly fast, but by the end of it, Flinty's skills had undeniably improved. She was on the ground, panting and sweating while I recorded today's lesson in a notepad.
"Hey, what's this for?"
She appeared from behind me, slightly startling me as she stared intently at the notepad. She was also really, really close.
"I-It's just a record of our lessons. I write this down so I remember what to do next time, and what you've learned and all that."
"Oh... hey, what's this word?" She said whilst pointing at my notepad.
"Expeditious. It means quick, basically."
"Wow... Kenny knows some cool words."
"That's thanks to this thing right here."
I reached across the desk and held the dictionary up with a big grin.
"That's one of your university books, right?"
"Not quite, but I do use it to study. It's a dictionary. It tells you all sorts of words and their meanings."
"That's really cool. Hmm."
She pinched her chin and blankly stared at the ceiling.
"Can I see that?"
"Sure. Knock yourself out."
I handed her the book and watched her flip through the pages. Her calm demeanor quickly turned distressed.
"What's wrong?"
"This book... it's telling me the meaning of words with words I don't know!"
She flipped through the pages much quicker, her eyes darting across the text as sweat beads formed on her face. A minute of constant flipping passed before she clutched her head and sighed.
"This university stuff is too hard."
I just lightly shrugged.
"It's not all bad, it just requires a lot of patience."
"I'm sure it's not bad for you, Kenny. You're really smart. This stuff is out of my league."
"It isn't out of your league at all! It's not like you have to study at Talbot, there are plenty of other schools for magic and such!"
I practically jumped out of my seat. Flinty had a look of disbelief, though I couldn't tell why.
"Hmmm..."
"What?"
She started humming to herself.
"Thanks for the kind words, Kenny."
She smiled at me. It was light, but it was a smile. I rubbed the back of my head.
"O-Of course. You deserve them. You've been diligent as of late."
"Dili...gent?"
"A hard worker."
"Oh. Oh! Ha, alright. Hehehe..."
She broke into a giggling fit. I tilted my head, half in worry and half in confusion.
"Thank you, Kenny. I'll try to live up to what you think of me."
"R-Right. You better."
I crossed my arms and nodded with my eyes closed. I opened them when Flinty poked my forehead.
"Now that our lesson is done, let's go do something fun."
"Like what?"
"Like... huh, you already know the city pretty well, don't you?"
"I wouldn't mind just walking around."
"But you need to do something new! That's always neat, isn't it?"
"Something new?"
"Yeah! My mom taught me how to cook a pork dish today, for example. I never knew how to do it, and sure, it was hard, but it was still a lot of fun!"
"No no, I get what you're saying, but what's there to even do here that's new?"
"Uhm, maybe we can take a quest together?"
"...Huh? Together?"
"Oh yeah, I didn't tell you, did I? I joined the guild the other day!"
She had a giant grin on her face. I could see how proud she was of herself. But I, I was utterly disturbed.
"What!? You're in the guild!?"
"Yeah. I joined once I–"
"Woah woah, no no no, why, why did you join!?"
She looked taken aback. I shook my head and lowered my voice.
"Sorry, but seriously, why? It's dangerous, and there are a lot of fishy people!"
"I know it's dangerous, so I haven't taken any requests yet. I joined because..."
"Because?"
She lightly shrugged.
"I felt inspired to."
"Huh? Huh!?"
"C-Come on, Kenny! It's about doing new stuff! Maybe I'll like adventuring a lot, and maybe I won't, but I should try, right?"
"B-But–"
"But what, hmm?"
I grimaced. I knew what I was about to say wouldn't work, but I tried anyway.
"Aren't you too young? And your level of magic is–"
"Too young!? We're the same age!"
I winced, she sighed, pinching her nose.
"I get that you're worried, but why do you think I'm doing these magic lessons? I don't wanna be useless forever, you know"
She grabbed one arm with the other. My eyes opened wide. I tried to comfort her, but my words came out awkwardly.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLH1MJFXiQY
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"Y-You aren't useless, Flinty."
She looked away.
"I mean it when I say that."
"...I was. Especially in the forest, a few months ago. I still am, too. Maybe not as much as before, but I still am. So, I'm gonna keep working."
"But the guild is plain reckless!"
She looked back at me, practically louring, tears slowly at the edge of her eyes. I didn't know what to say or what to do.
"...Uh."
"What!?"
I flinched, but I kept going.
"Sorry, but, at least promise me you won't take anything too dangerous, okay?"
"...Okay."
She sniffled, wiped her eyes, took a deep breath, and sat down. I sat down as well, looking at her as she clutched her knees and gazed at the carpet. Though she was obviously upset, I was relieved that she agreed to my proposal.
"I wasn't going to do anything dangerous, y'know."
She suddenly spoke.
"I know what I can or can't do. I was going to do a missing pet job or something, then eventually I'd move up as I got better at magic."
"O-Oh."
I realized then that I jumped to a conclusion. I rubbed the back of my head, embarrassed.
"S-Sorry. I assumed the worst, I'm sorry."
She sniffled again and looked up at me, and then she suddenly stood up, walked up to me, and stuck her finger to my forehead.
"I accept your apology, but you need to make it up to me now."
My cheeks flushed red.
"Whaa?"
"You've got a minute! Go on a quest with me, and If you don't, I'll flick you!"
She gazed intently into my eyes. I was too shocked to respond, but I knew that I didn't want to do a quest, especially if it involved something dangerous. Most likely, whatever jobs they had available now were unsafe, so I quickly racked my mind for alternatives and blurted the first thing that came to mind.
"H-How about we go to the palace instead, there are a lot of Exotica there."
"...The palace?"
Her eyes widened. She looked like she found a star grant.
"Yeah, I have special permission to enter there. I'm sure I can bring you–"
"What are you waiting for!? Let's go! Let's go now!"
She snatched my arm and pulled me to my feet. We sprinted out of the tea shop.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGVK60Yhkz
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The palace itself was secluded from the rest of the city. It was one of the few architectural decisions the Tea Mage didn't mock, and rightfully so.
Flinty and I were in line waiting for an available carriage. Visits to the palace weren't plentiful, but there were only so many carts, and only so many horses, and the distance from the station to the palace was nothing to scoff at.
I made sure to flash my 'Special Access' card to the head coachman, and thus we started waiting in line. I was kicking my legs to and fro on the bench, Flinty was beaming and shaking in her seat.
"You look excited."
"Of course I am! I've never been to the palace before; I had no idea you even could!"
I was smiling. I just hoped that the palace would meet her expectations.
"How is it that you can even go here? You must've done something amazing."
"Not really. It was a deal I made with the princess, and this is her doing good on her part."
She tilted her head.
"An agreement?"
"Yeah. Once a week I can visit the palace's magic garden. There are a bunch of restrictions, but it's worth it."
"Ah, so it's for your plants."
She pursed her lips and crossed her arms, prompting a lone sweat bead to trickle down my brow.
"What are you making that face for?"
"You're going to the royal palace... for plants?"
"They're not just plants! They're magical plants!" I raised a finger and smirked.
"But you're going to the royal palace for that. For plants."
"...Yes?"
"Not to be mean, but that's really lame."
"H-Huh!?"
I held a hand to my chest. Distraught, staring at Flinty as her deadpan expression continued to ravage my pride. But, more than my pride, my beloved plants were undermined.
Even though it was Flinty, I couldn't let this slide.
"You should be careful about the words you say, Flinty. Especially if I'm the one who will prove them wrong."
"Do you do anything else there aside from looking at plants?"
I was entirely ignored. I sighed.
"Well, they do serve tasty food."
"Really? Like what?"
A wry smile entered my face.
"...I'll tell you if you take back what you said."
She pouted and turned her head away.
"Hmph. I can just wait to find out anyway."
My smile disappeared. It was replaced with a slight scowl and narrowed eyes.
"Fine. I'll prove to you how extravagant magical plants can be."
"They're cool and all, but I don't get what makes them so special. If they're all like that white flower, then they're just fancy plants, aren't they? Are you seriously going to the palace just for that?"
"Just for– Flinty, they aren't just for show you know! They can do all sorts of cool things!"
"Like what?"
"Like... well..."
I racked my brain for the greatest instance of me using one of the plants.
"Don't you remember that big block of ice?"
"...A plant did that? That's a bad joke, y'know."
"But it's true! What else could've made ice like that?"
She pressed a finger to my chest. I was confused now, because how was it that Flinty had such a faulty recollection of what happened that day?
Then, as I ran through all my memories, I realized it. Flinty has only ever seen me utilize the power of these plants once, and it was Dragon-Maw Jr.
"...It's flattering that you think I can use melded magic, but I think you're severely overestimating me."
She tilted her head. Before I had time to elaborate, the head coachman walked up to our bench.
"Excuse me, you're Kenneth Chambers, correct?"
"Yes. Is our carriage ready?"
"Well... we've run into a slight issue."
I grimaced. I expected something like this, strangely enough.
"One of our carriages has lost a wheel over at the palace, so only two are usable right now. And the two in question already have passengers lined up to board them. And more passengers after that, and then more–"
"Okay, I get it! So what does this mean?"
"I'm afraid that you'll either have to wait until all the booked appointments for the carriages are cleared, or until the carriage that will be transporting you will be fixed."
"So..."
The man bowed.
"Most likely, you won't be able to visit today. I apologize."
I sighed. I searched my pockets and took out a card.
"This Special Access card only lets me go in specific hours, and only on a Wednesday. I can't just go tomorrow!"
"...Why not wait until next week?"
"Well, that's because..."
I looked to my right. Flinty was looking at the man intently, but the edges of her mouth were formed into a frown.
"Oh, I see now," the man said, pulling his hand to his chin. He stroked his mustache a few times as well. He whispered something under his breath and turned back to me.
"I'll allow you to board another carriage, only if the passengers permit it."
"R-Really?" Flinty jumped to her feet, then noticing our stares, quickly sat back down.
"Yes, wait here. I'll return in a moment."
The coachman walked to the two carriages beside their respective gates. He moved from the first to the second, so it was likely a dud. After a few minutes, he returned to us, but he didn't have an assuring look on his face.
"...Good news is that one carriage is willing for you two to board."
"Then what are we waiting for!?" Flinty yelled.
"Boy... I will warn you," he crouched and leaned, "the man who you will be riding with is utterly cantankerous. Are you certain about this?"
I took one glance at Flinty and nodded.
"Absolutely certain?"
"Yes."
"I pity you, truly. Boys in love, pitiful, unfortunate above all else."
He stood up.
"Very well. Follow me, you two."
We stood up and followed the man. All the while, I could only think about one thing.
"...Cantankerous? I wish I had the dictionary with me right now."
The head coachman stopped and introduced us to another man with an eerily similar visage to him.
"This will be your coachman. Your co-passenger is in the carriage. I wish you two the best of luck."
"Thank you, sir," Flinty said.
"Y-Yeah, thank you for this, especially since you made an exception for us."
"You shouldn't be thanking me, but I'll accept your gratitude. Now go, climb aboard!"
Nodding, Flinty and I went up the steps to the carriage. Flinty marveled at the velvet cushions permeating the seats and floor, which was pleasant to see. It reminded me of my first time riding these things.
Naturally, we weren't alone. In the corner of one of the seats was a man with lavish earrings and short, black hair. He opened one of his hazel eyes.
His simple face betrayed the exquisite clothing he was wearing. His pants were black and spotless, and he had a slick and sharp suit of the same color, much different from the typically flouncy clothing most residents here wore.
"Greetings," he said, "please, take a seat."
His voice had a slight rasp to it, making him sound much more imposing than he looked. Flinty and I obliged, and immediately after, the carriage began to move.
We sat in silence after the departure. The man had his eyes closed as he rested his cheek on his hand. Flinty and I frequently exchanged looks, making it clear that she was as clueless as I was.
Eventually, though–
"Will you two not speak? I wonder, is that any way to treat someone who has helped you?"
"O-Oh, sorry, sir. Thank you for allowing us to travel with you."
"Mm, yes, but how could I not? Two children in distress over circumstances they cannot control; it's deplorable, is it not?"
"Y-Yes..."
He finally opened his eyes.
"You there, boy. Your name."
"I'm... Kenneth Buffalo Chambers."
"I see. Mm, yes. Well, boy, I'd like you to know that one glance is all it took for you to catch my interest–"
"E-Excuse me, sir, but aren't you going to ask for my name?"
"..."
The man looked at Flinty with a raised eyebrow and a frown, almost as if he just noticed she was there.
"I don't want to know it. I'm talking to Kenneth, can't you see, girl? Mm, yes, though I suppose the exhibitionist nature of children–"
"Sir," I interrupted, "may I ask, what is your name?"
His smile returned.
"Mm, yes, my name. I do suppose that I shall give it to you since I asked for yours. However, I will not."
"Huh? Why not?"
"There is a possibility of my surname changing, so I shall abstain from naming myself."
"...Then why don't you just give me your first name?"
"Because a child of your caliber deserves nothing less than my whole name."
"W-Wha?"
I exchanged another glance with Flinty. She shrugged, showing both confusion and resignation.
I looked back at the man. He was staring at me. The droning of the carriage wheels quickly became uncomfortable, so I tried to start another conversation.
"S-So, sir, why are you heading to the palace?"
"Why, to marry the queen."
"...Huh!?"
"What!?"
Flinty and I expressed our surprise. The man looked troubled for a second before returning to his smile.
"I apologize, I'm not going to marry her. Rather, I will propose. I'm certain that she will accept, for I have worked quite diligently for this moment."
"You're proposing to the queen? But isn't she married to the King? Aren't you just gonna walk out disappointed?"
Flinty asked an excellent question. The man's eyes widened slightly, then he released an "I see" under a breath.
"So it seems the common people truly know nothing. Or perhaps it is your youthful ignorance. No, with someone like you, Kenneth, I doubt that it's just ignorance."
The man was rubbing his chin, lost in rumination and leaving me lost.
"If this information is hidden, then I have no right to share it. Now, tell me Kenneth, why are you heading to the palace? Is it to fulfill a duty?"
"What? Nonono, I don't have any relations with royalty or the mages or whatever. I'm just there for their organic Exotica."
"Oh... magical plants, is it?"
"Yes!"
I smiled frivolously.
"How mundane."
"It's not mundane!"
Flinty was snickering behind her hand. I quit that route before it grew into another argument.
"Mm, yes. I see now. A child with power like yours, and yet you waste it by occupying yourself with plants and women."
"What?"
"I see now. Kenneth, power and youth like yours are desirable. And best of all, it can be molded and refined. Therefore, I want it. You will now be my subordinate."
I paused. He had a look of complete conviction when he uttered his words. It took me a minute to realize that he was serious. It took me another minute to formulate a response.
"I-I can't be your subordinate, sir. I have school, and I uh, work at the guild and such."
"Mm, of course. I should've told you the benefit of working with me, though working under me is an honor in and of itself. Very well, then how about–"
"N-No, sir, I won't be working under you, no matter the conditions. Sorry."
"...Huh?"
All of a sudden, his face morphed into a deep, deep scowl. He was staring daggers into my soul.
"You won't work under me? Why not?"
"W-Well, you see sir–"
"You know what? Forgot a favorable condition, haven't I already given you enough?"
"What?"
"I've assisted you in reaching the palace, have I not? I've worked hard for that. I've been quite diligent, all for you, and you can't even repay me by giving me what I want?"
The man stood up. His face was dark, malice lingered in his eyes. I had a hunch that the situation would turn south.
"You, Kenneth. Your gall astounds me. Powerful or not, you're still an impudent child bereft of any gratitude or common decency!"
I took my tendril out and grabbed Flinty. The man held his hand up, and a boulder was beginning to form above it.
"I have no patience for idiots who trample upon my efforts!"
"Flinty! Duck!"
As the man threw chucked the boulder, I produced a new plant from the tip of my tendril. A shield formed at the tip, and I moved the tendril in front of us.
**CRASH**
The shield was still up. The man's boulder was too weak, which was relieving, but I wasn't so dumb as to think that he wouldn't follow up. Still, I hesitated, not sure what to do in such a suffocating environment. But then I noticed a light emanating from my left. I spared a glance and saw Flitny creating a ball of fire in her hands.
"Tch."
And then, the carriage halted to a stop. I was suddenly thrown to the floor, and by the sound of it, Flinty was thrown off balance as well. The man was standing by my head, looking dead into my eyes.
"We've arrived. I'll forgive your impudence for now. Making a scene goes against my objective."
Without even sparing me a blink, the man walked out of the carriage. I was too stupefied to even move. That was until Flinty's face came into my view.
"A-Are you okay?"
She looked shaken. I balled my hands into a fist but found it difficult. I realized that I was the one shaking.
"...Cantankerous, huh?"
I retracted the tendril, rubbing my head as Flinty helped me to my feet.
"I'm fine. Thank you for asking."
"Mmm. I'm sorry I couldn't do anything."
"No no, you were great, don't worry. Let's just, get out, and try to avoid that man. And report him."
I was heading to the door before a tug on my sleeve stopped me.
"Kenny, that shield that you made... was that one of your plants?"
"Uh, yeah, it was. That was a Valencia-Bloom, specifically."
"..."
She had a look of awe on her face. She didn't voice it, but I knew what she was feeling. I'm sure I had a really stupid grin on my face. I didn't care. With my body loosened, I carried thoughts of how good of a job I did convincing her with me to the exit of the carriage.
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