I expected my day to go peacefully. And for a while, it did. I was in the cozy kitchen downstairs, sitting on a stool by a tall round wooden table, having morning tea and eggs. Flinty was with me, and though she was playing with her food, we talked. She was mostly talking about how tea was a type of plant, and how bits and pieces of it were dumped in hot water to make it, well, tea.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNxz8x26Sv
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I was a bit sad to discover that it was just a regular plant. My tendril couldn't imitate non-magical plants, so it looks like having a monopoly on tea was out of the question. Speaking of the tendril, that's exactly what Flitny wanted to see.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtpzHDVjzy
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"Sorry... what?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBC7eD4YcNy
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"That wooden thing you used, it was so cool! Can I touch it? I wanna see how it works!"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymmTQY7GDY
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Usually, I wouldn't say no to such words from a little girl, but this was a little girl whose parents had no idea what kind of upbringing I had. If her mom were to walk downstairs and see me without my coat and shirt on, letting her daughter play with wood that was coming out of my chest... well, it's reasonable to say she'd freak out. I would if I didn't know any better.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYouhnUTHVH
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But I still couldn't resist Flinty's face. She was smiling so gleefully, and she looked so excited, and her cheeks were tinted rose ever so slightly. So I made her a deal. I would show her, but we needed to do it in a place where nobody would see. Simple enough, right?81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4fd2I0Zz9
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Well, I got my coat on, and Flinty changed into outdoor clothes, which were a white shirt and a thick, sleeveless piece of cloth that resembled a piece of body armor and reached to her knees. It was a very pretty shade of navy though, and there was a pretty pattern of curvy grey lines at the top.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLKmuwkkqB
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Her family had to be rich, right?81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0kqhCWzH0
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Oh yeah, and then she had a nice pair of light brown pants. They looked a lot like mine.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPO6DXHEfS
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Well, that aside, since I didn't know the city well, Flinty was yet again dragging me around. This time though, she didn't know of the right place either, so I had to help her scout out an area.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOE2wBqxvv
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"Hey, I have an idea," I said while rubbing my hands together, "why don't we go to the Tea Mage's shop?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcjxU295gv
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"Ah, that's a great idea, Kenny! Good thinking."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrG17pi7fu
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I know I know, I'm pretty awesome. And pretty clever, too.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWhGh36Uqk
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She took me by the hand and carried me around again. The tea shop was a few minutes away. When we got there, Flinty performed a very specific knocking pattern on the door for ten seconds, and then it opened by itself.
That's the first time I've ever seen something like that. Who would've thought that doors could be magical too?
When we stepped into the shop, the bright sun was nowhere to be found. The shop was dim, and there were shelves in rows carrying plants in pots. Probably tea plants. There was a subtle green hue to the room which made it possible to see, but I had no idea where it was coming from.
"Is that Flinty I see?"
"Mister Freed!"
Flinty ran over to a man in a robe too big for him to fit into, and exchanged a hug.
"Did you bring a friend?"
"Mhm! He says that he really likes your tea!"
"Oh ho ho, you have good taste, boy," said the mage while rubbing his bearded chin. "So, what brings you here today, Flinty? Another box of leaves?"
"No, um, actually, we're hiding here."
"From what?"
"Not from anything, just so Kenny can show me something in secret."
"Ah, I understand. Then please, excuse me while I go to the back."
The mage stood up and winked at me. I didn't understand what he was implying, but he did go to the back.
"Alright, can I see it now?"
I showed her the tendril. I didn't have my coat or shirt off, so the most she could see was the part around my hand, but that was enough for her. She began poking it and then tussling with it, but she got upset when it didn't do anything spectacular.
"Kenny, how did you make that plant grow?"
"Oh, that's what you want to see? Well, it's just mana manipulation, but I do it in the tendril. Watch."
Since I needed to amaze her, I wanted to show her the prettiest plant I had. Not Dragon-Maw, that's a privilege she needs to earn, but I showed her the flash-bloom.
Her eyes sparkled in wonder and awe more than the magical plant emitted light. She began poking and tussling with it now, she even tried sneakily tearing it off, but it wouldn't budge.
"That's so cool..."
She kept staring at it. And staring. I began to worry about her blinding herself, so I retracted the tendril, despite her pouts.
"There. Pretty nifty thing, isn't it?"
"How'd you get that?"
I shrugged. It was probably because of my self-experimentation, but God knows which one caused this thing to appear. Flinty didn't like that answer, but she didn't fuss about it.
"Then, what about that other thing? Mammoth manipulation?"
"Mana manipulation. You want me to teach you?"
Flinty pulled her fists up to her mouth and frantically nodded. It was sweet, and it's not like I didn't want to teach her, but–
"I'm not sure if I can do that. I have to take a carriage to the university soon, remember?"
"W-What?"
She looked heartbroken. I could've sworn tears began to form in her eyes, but she shook them off.
"Do you r-really have to go? You can't stay at all?"
She was making me doubt my decision all of a sudden.
"Yes, I have to go. It's what I set out to do, and I have people at home waiting for my return."
She looked at the floor and nodded slowly.
"Say, what's this about a university?"
The Tea Mage suddenly came from the back. He had a pot in his hand carrying a strange plant– wait a second.
I recognized that plant.
"Kenny says that he needs to leave. He's going to Talbot University."
"Talbot? This boy is going to Talbot? Is this true, Kenny?"
I had no idea what he just said. My eyes were focused on one thing.
"Mister Tea Mage, can I see that plant you're carrying?"
He handed it over to me. I observed it carefully. It practically just started sprouting, but I still knew what this plant was; it was one I saw in the tome, a Freeze-Dry. One of the only magical plants without a Bloom or Blossom suffix. Large groups of them are said to be responsible for harsh blizzards, but even a single one could harshly drop temperatures.
"Where did you find this?"
"Oh, that's a good time for me to transition. See, Kenny, Flinty here wants you to stay, but you want to go to a university far away, correct?"
"Uh-huh."
I didn't pay much attention. I began to do mana manipulation, slowly at first, but then, not even three seconds later, I made the plant grow to its fullest. It turned into a beautiful flower with a blue stem and five, snow-white petals. The air before it kept morphing into little ice droplets.
"Magnificent!"
"Wow! That's so cool!"
I smiled slyly. The Freeze-Dry was fully grown, and now that I understood how to manipulate it with mana, I gave the pot back to the Tea Mage. I took my tendril out and, just like that, out came a miniature Freeze-Dry.
"Incredible. Simply incredible. I can see why you were scouted."
"Huh? But this isn't alchemy."
"The principle behind it is the same. Unlike spells and other forms of magic, alchemy and magical plant manipulation deal with the mana manipulation of external, magical objects. I've never seen someone so capable of handling magical plants. I imagine you can brew unbelievably effective cool potions."
"I-I think so too! Kenny is so cool!"
"Aw, you guys..."
I smiled and rubbed my head. I was getting a little giddy.
"But what the hell is that wooden thing?"
Crap. I quickly retracted it and nervously smiled.
"W-What thing? Are you okay, mister Tea Mage?"
"...Well alright, keep your secrets."
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Phew. He bought it. The Tea Mage brought over a trio of chairs and offered Flinty and me two.
"Kenny, did you know that I'm a professor of Talbot?"
"H-Huh!?" Flinty and I yelled in unison.
"That's right. I'm currently on an unpaid vacation. Two whole years! Usually, my son runs the shop, but since I'm back he has gone to do his own studies. I'm in my forties now, but I've kept my knowledge and skills. I'm not the highest-rated professor there, but I like to think that I'm quite good! So, may I offer a proposal?"
I nodded.
"I'll contact the school and tell them that I'm privately teaching you. They're very kind to their employees, and once they hear that I have talent like yours under my wing, they'll send me supplies and a curriculum for me to teach you. The deal is that I'll educate you entirely for free, as I'm sure that's the offer you received, but unlike the university, you'll have a professor privately teaching you. And in exchange, you'll stay here in the city. How does that sound?"
"...Uh."
I needed a minute to process all the gibberish he just said. After it passed, I looked back at the Tea Mage, but Flinty was in front of my face. She was holding my hands with glistening eyes and a big fat smile.
Ah, darn it. How could I say no?
"Alright, mister Tea Mage, I'll... very much consider it--gah!"
All of a sudden, Flinty did a tackling hug. She toppled the chair over and just ended up getting me and her head bonked.
"Sorry..."
I shot her a thumbs-up whilst wincing.
"I see. When can I expect an answer, Kenny?"
"Tomorrow. And it's probably going to be a yes."
The Tea Mage smiled.
"Now, would you two like something to drink?"
Finally.
"Yes!"
"Absolutely!"
–
–
–
Ah, Tea Mage, you glorious, clever old man. With a drink like this just readily available, how could I possibly leave this city?
The tea was good. The three of us had a nice chat over it. Actually, it's more like I chatted with the Tea Mage over magical plants while Flinty happily watched. I hope she didn't feel left out. Who am I kidding, she definitely didn't.
After tea, Flinty and I excused ourselves from the shop. The Tea Mage said that he would send a letter today and that it would take a MONTH for him to get a curriculum and supplies. I thought that meant I had a whole month of nothing to do, but he said I could practice at his store "any time," which relieved me.
Anyway, Flinty and I were back on the streets. It was quite busy. Business stands were lively and active, people were carrying food and buckets, and some folks sat outside and talked. It was busy, but it was peaceful.
"This is a pretty nice city, Flinty."
"Isn't it? It can be crazy sometimes, but I like it a lot. Dad used to carry me around in a cart on these roads."
That sounds nice.
"Oh yeah, Kenny, where are your mom and dad? I'm surprised they aren't with you."
She had a curious face asking that. She looked so innocent. I couldn't possibly get upset.
"I don't have any parents, Flinty. But I do have Anabelle and a little brother back at home. They're too busy with the village to come with me."
"O-Oh... what happened to them?"
"I'd rather not say."
She slowly nodded, and then she apologized. I thought it was silly, but I appreciated her condolences.
"Forget about that stuff though, let's just get back to your home. The sooner I start teaching you, the better, right?"
Her smile came back. It looked like she was about to explode. She jumped into the air with a big "Yes!" The two of us began walking back to her home, and then that's when the day stopped being peaceful.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MICx3vLk6
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Flinty and I were stopped by two young guards, and a stupid-looking boy with white hair.
"Oh no."
"Ah! I-I-It's the prince."
Flinty and I had entirely different reactions, but the prince still looked as proud as ever.
"Mister Chambers! As prince of the Zariel kingdom, I order you to come with me."
"Ah, what a pleasant surprise, Prince Orice. Sorry, what did you just say?"
Come with him? As in, to the palace? Oh, God. Oh God, no. I leaned into Flinty's ears and began to whisper.
"Hey, Flinty, get in front of me real quick."
She looked confused, but she complied. I then slowly began to duck.
"Mister Chambers! I didn't ask for you to dilly dally, so please–"
But I was long gone. They didn't realize it until it was too late. Thank you Flinty, I owe you one.
I was running in the streets, cruising between walking people and animals. With how busy it was, I was sure to lose then–
"Guards! Apprehend him!"
But I still heard the dumb prince's voice. I glanced behind me and saw him being carried by one of the guards.
"GAAAH! LEAVE ME ALONE!"
I tried running faster, but my little legs just couldn't beat those of an adult. The guard was catching up to me.
"Don't make me make him beat you down, Chambers!"
At this rate, I would be actually pinned down. I had to think of something fast. I couldn't outrun the guard, so what could I do?
Oh, right, I have a tendril. I took it out, and though I was going to smack the knight at first, I didn't want to hit the prince by accident and give them a real reason to chase me. But with that off the table, what do I do? What do I do!?
I looked around. There really wasn't any place to hide. I didn't have time to stop and ask people for help either. In fact, some morons tried getting in front of me or grabbing my arms. The whole city was after me!
I glanced behind me again and squealed. The guard was arm's length away from me. In a panic, I produced a spore-blossom from the tendril and blasted the guard with it.
"Gah! My eyes!"
It worked! The guard tripped and held the prince, so that little brat didn't have a chance to keep chasing me.
"Guard two, get him!"
Crap, I forgot there was another one. The second guard hopped over the one on the ground and closed the distance even faster than before. Was the prince that heavy? Or was this second guy using some type of spell?
Regardless, I had to lose him. I used the spore-blossom but he just closed his mouth and put the helm's visor over his eyes. In a panic, I quickly thought of another plant to fight him, and a Freeze-Dry came out by itself.
"Serve me well, please!"
I skidded to a stop and faced the knight. And then, amplifying the power by using mana manipulation in my tendril, I blasted him with the Freeze-Dry.
I was expecting, well, just for him to slow down, or maybe trip from the icy floor. I was thinking that would buy me plenty of time to keep running. But I didn't even have to run. That's because I encased the knight in ice completely.
Actually.
If I had to give it my best guess.
I have just encased the entire street and nearby houses in a dozen-meter-wide and tall ice cone in front of me, which means that I caught pedestrians and bystanders in the attack as well.
"...Uh."
Well, it's a good thing I can use fire magic, right?
Right?
"Hehehe, uh, sorry."
People screeched and ran away.
Some threw things at me.
I stood there, eyes closed, sweating.
I messed up.
–
–
–
Needless to say, the prince ended up catching up to me. He and the knight from before– who was now wearing glasses and a mask –were watching me melt the people out of the ice cone. I thought I was going to be arrested, but the dumb prince looked at me with awe, and the knight was too scared to get close to me.
Well, not that I cared. I managed to get all the people out of the ice, but I likely made them all sick. I saved the knight for last. When I freed him from the ice, he hugged himself whilst shivering, then shamefully walked to the other knight.
"Now, for the houses..."
I didn't know the extent to which the houses were frozen. As long as the windows were closed, then I only had to worry about the outside. But, of course, all six houses I caught had their windows open.
Darn it. I just hope I didn't kill anyone.
"Mister Chambers!"
"Not now, prince. I'm trying to save these poor structures from my idiocy. Actually, wait, this is your fault!"
"I was just defending myself!" I wanted to say, but the prince was having none of it.
"Listen up, Mister Chambers. I'm gonna give you an ultimatum."
Joy.
"If you come with me to the palace, then I'll make sure you aren't punished for this. Otherwise, you'll go straight to court!"
I couldn't believe how big of a brat he was being. He was getting his lackeys to relentlessly pursue me, but I would be getting punished? If it meant staying out of trouble then–
"If you don't respond in fifteen seconds, I'll have my guards apprehend you!"
I was baffled. Did the prince even look at them? They were cowering behind a kid!
"Y-Young prince, must we really?"
"In ten seconds you must! Nine now! Eight!"
The prince counted down to my arrest. The guards grew more and more nervous. I simply chuckled and returned to melting the ice cone.
"Two! One! GUAAARDS!"
"...Uhm..."
"W-Well..."
As I expected, they didn't move an inch. The prince, shooting sweat, turned around and asked them what the hold-up was. The two knights didn't answer, likely not wanting to admit to being afraid of a kid.
"Mmm!" The prince angrily and vocally produced, "I don't get it! Kenneth Chambers, I order you to–"
"I can't hear you, 'Young Prince'. These flames must be getting to my ears."
The prince began stomping the ground. I laughed. I was proud of my ability to get under his skin.
"Alright, if that won't do it, then I'll give you something you want instead! Name it!"
I stopped my melting and genuinely mulled over his offer. Something I wanted?
"Prince Orice, do you happen to have a Soothe-Bloom in the palace?"
"Huh? A what bloom?"
I turned towards him.
"A Soothe-Bloom. It's a magical plant resembling a rose, but there are bell-shaped buds below the petals. It's also colored white with pink dots and stripes."
"Uhm... magical plant. Rose-like..."
The prince scratched his chin, which raised my hopes. Did he truly have it? It wouldn't be a ridiculous prospect, but still, that would be too convenient.
"I think I have one like that. Wait right there. GUARDS! CARRY ME TO THE ROYAL GARDEN!"
The guards happily obliged. Prince Orice rode on the cold one's shoulder, pointing forward and laughing.
"Bring it over to Julie Mang's home! That's where I'm staying!"
The prince nodded as he was carried away, and I stood there, overjoyed. It looked like I would really be getting a Soothe-Bloom. If I remembered correctly, the flower excreted a liquid that helped with general recovery. Not instant like a potion, but still effective, more pleasant, and more renewable. It also told of the plant being exceptionally beautiful. It would make for great decor.
Anyway, now that I was finally alone– aside from the few pedestrians giving me haunted stares –I continued melting the ice cone.
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