The sky became dark. The streets were as damp as a marsh, but the king of the sky would be taking care of that issue.
I didn't melt all the ice quite yet, but I got all the chunks in the homes. Flinty was there, too– she appeared right after the prince left. She had just finished dumping all the water in the buildings onto the streets with a bucket. Despite my impressions of her, she was actually very diligent and a huge help. She was sitting nearby, wiping sweat off her brow.
"Thanks again, Flinty."
"Of course, I'm glad I could help. But how did all of this ice appear anyway?"
Oh, right. I didn't tell her. So I did. She had a giddy face. She would also periodically nod during my story.
"So you took down two knights again, and they were much stronger than the last two. That's Kenny for you."
Hey, where was my "that's really cool"? Ah, whatever. I finished melting the ice ten minutes later. My mana supply was low, but my legs were still standing. I followed Flinty back to her home.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1b4fPU8E1
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I was surprised that she always knew how to get there. She even knew shortcuts, quite clever of her.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7yybW8HfK
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Once we arrived at her home she hurriedly knocked on the door. Who opened it was not Flinty's mother, but a strange man with sunglasses and curly grey hair reaching to the back of his shoulders.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxs0cAQedU
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"Dad!?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTAGrumeEf
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Dad? Ah, I forgot he was supposed to come today.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdEL8BXmYY
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"Flinty! There you are!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkl8hH4hEN
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Flinty jumped into her father's arms and stayed like that for a few seconds. The man then switched his gaze toward me.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UU0yo1blw
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"And you must be Kenny?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nckhVK2Nu
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"Yes. My name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers, but do keep calling me Kenny."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLif5nz13fi
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I offered him a hand and he shook it firmly.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkyFS6mgzJ
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"I heard a lot about you. Please, come on in."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfezmTGqeq
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I did just that. He told me to take a seat in the kitchen and I did. But before actually taking the seat, I saw a potted flower on the table. It's a Soothe-Bloom. I was about to freak out until I remembered that I told Prince Orice that I live here110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfijjX3ZN5c
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Oh, right, I told Prince Orice that I live. I've made a terrible mistake. There is a card attached to the flower pot. I peeled it off and began reading.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDJAWhEBGc
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Dear Mister Chambers.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcy8HFIPYp
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After scouring the royal garden for a house, I have found the flower you requested me to bring. You weren't here when I delivered it, so I'm writing to remind you to visit the palace tomorrow morning at eight, as you promised.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3XAyN7ZWc
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Sincerely, Prince Orice Zariel.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRW9LAVvmRp
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"...I don't remember promising anything."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZVKT35ZU9
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That aside, I'm surprised that the prince followed through. But when I think about it, it isn't all that surprising. He really, really wanted me to go to the palace.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2TGbyMlR0
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"I'll make sure to thank him later."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbjH6FV3PD
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And apologize. Because I am not going to wake up so early to visit a royal palace. I sat on the table and tossed the card away and began observing the Soothe-Bloom.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDp2cKSssj
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It was a majestic flower. It must've been a younger one since only three buds were below the petals when four were supposed to be present. It wasn't an issue of course, I preferred the younger ones. I hovered my palm beside the plant and began mana manipulation. Five seconds later, the flower was fully grown, and it even started excreting some liquid from the stem.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxqSIpzWVA
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And, just to make sure, I let the tendril out and made a Soothe-Bloom. A miniature one popped out. Considering how small the original plant was, it was tiny, about half the size.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkDREdAkcU
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"Hmm... how am I supposed to make them bigger?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkFUBPI5pG
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It clearly wasn't a growth issue since they all looked and functioned like adult plants; they just weren't the same size. Perhaps it had something to do with my mana manipulation.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOmOyKHYRp
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I thought of asking the Tea Mage. When it came to mana manipulation, he was undoubtably more knowledgeable than me.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8d5orlPmDO
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"Kenny!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgg2GDLFpU
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"Ah, Flinty, hello."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3ascaS3py
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She ran up to the table and took a seat across from me.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLnQ0zLpiy
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"Is that the plant you asked for?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsavnFGs6xD
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"Yes. Go ahead and take a look."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnemWfYEyM
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I slid the pot over to her. She picked it up gently and started twisting and turning it, looking at the plant from every angle.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfJvgpWJnm
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"Hello, you two."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡab4ZqbtsGm
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Flinty's father stepped into the kitchen. He was taking his coat off and hung it on a nearby hook.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOl7W9LNoq
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"Dad, come look at this pretty flower."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcW85RS0oLt
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"Alright sweetie, just give me a second."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbiP8Lm1xV
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He stretched his arms and took a seat by us. He grabbed the pot out of Flinty's hands just a little too forcefully.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtcMyCEK7b
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"Please don't drop it or something."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3gsw7FxJ3
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"Don't worry chum, I can handle a little pottery."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWAiTbsBZx
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Pottery? That was frankly insulting, but I didn't vocalize it.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiFyL38DAB
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"Did you ever see one of these on your travels, Dad?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIhvnrtWUA
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"Nope, nothing like it. It's a beautiful flower. I can't believe the prince himself delivered it here. What'd you do to get this, huh Kenny? It better not be anything bad."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCthLJ1FSpW
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"Oh no no no, we uh, had an agreement."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6QpDPQqHF
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"And you asked for... a flower?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohLucXANXQ
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"It's not just a flower! It's a Soothe-Bloom!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZncCM0ppf
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Flinty's dad inspected the flower again.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPWCX1vsiB
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"I dunno kid, looks like a flower to me."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTzaOfka7v
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"Arg! You...!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHajkSKtgIN
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Alright, I tried to restrain myself, but now he was getting on my nerves. I didn't want to do anything rash in front of Flinty though, so I just sat down with arms crossed.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDNL0M3Kzw
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"Ah, I didn't mean to insult ya. Sorry chum."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3ryml7SO6
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"Whatever."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡty2Y73xMt1
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We sat in silence for a minute.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozhogNkLqR
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"So... Flinty, you wanna hear about this cool animal I found?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOou3XxrhfA
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"Yes! Please tell me!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QIKJy4Vdj
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Cool animal? Oh right, Flinty mentioned something about traveling. I was looking away, but I perked my ears.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HZt2CDQHS
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"I was going to the Eastern country you see, and on my way there, I found a rabbit walking on its hind legs! See, I was going to–"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcVSPU0gWv
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"Wait, Eastern country?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGxzriLDZC
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I faced the old man.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxuRUH2D1M
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"Yeah, one of the four countries of King's Peak. Don't you know?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRGtSV3ZgG
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"..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyN1B8WMucC
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"Yikes, where did you grow up?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLi3QqlTSH
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"...Buffalo village."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJK0cdk7MD
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"Ah, that makes sense. The people there are total hillbillies."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQc7l1sR0TD
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I didn't know what that word meant, but I could tell it wasn't anything good.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lcR3OEZ0A
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"Kenny," started Flinty, "you don't know about the four countries?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGzcKYG3Lf
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"No, because I'm apparently a hillbilly."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1Ky1bdwYh
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Flinty chuckled a little. I was in a better mood now.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGvcyiyYsT
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"Can I explain this one, Dad?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYGwY0qTz8
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"Go ahead. I'll go fetch your mother."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHpF4vZqRo
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Flinty's dad thankfully left the table.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuKq4Xvfi2
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"See Kenny, King's Peak is a big mountain. It's so big that four different countries are on it. We're the southern country, but there's also western, northern, and eastern."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFt2IT5vQU
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I nodded along.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjiBkEnhhH
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"Our country has three main kingdoms. Zariel is the smallest by far, but I think it's pretty cozy thanks to that."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfztGCdh055
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I wouldn't say cozy, Flinty. But it's not like she was the one getting tailed by a stubborn, idiot prince. It was a nice city otherwise.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkzMjbW8jY
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"My dad works as a mail carrier. It's a pretty hard job. I barely see him, but he always has awesome stories when he gets back!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Illp7lHr7
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"Really? I think it's pretty obvious that walking rabbit was made-up."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lztAUUWwY
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She blinked blankly.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHQsPiAlqS
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"Wait, is it?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJh5ZwP5VV3
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I chortled. Of course it was, Flinty. Rabbits can't walk on their hind legs.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo770QQH1dp
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"No, maybe it is true."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTnM2B5Mux
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"O-Oh, okay."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lGY3CbTbJ
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"Ah, Flinty, Kenny!" A woman's voice that I recognized called out. Julie was there with her husband.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhkldKLNLW
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"How was your guys' day?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8Sa1A6uwf
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"Mom, you should've been there!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLZqawhPkb
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And then, that's when dinner officially started. Flinty told a (very) exaggerated recounting of today's events, and I occasionally interrupted to correct her or add some information. Julie looked surprised by the size of my ice cone, but other than that, she had a happy face listening.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnw0J18g1T
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I found out what Flinty's father's name was: Connor. He looked like a Connor, which didn't make sense, but it made sense to me. The four of us had tea, potatoes and chicken, and honestly, I didn't talk all that much, but the three family members did.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hKGDG3J2b
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It made me feel a little alienated. But I was also happy. I didn't want to spoil this rare visit of Connor's, so I just sat there and ate my food. It was nice. Julie was a good cook. And though my heart wouldn't admit it, better than... my mother.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkZIKYKY20
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I sighed. Damn it. I finished my food and stood up, carrying the plate and silverware to the kitchen sink.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hcEVtPYMY
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"Huh, Kenny?" Flinty asked.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmnVww4mUm
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"I'm gonna clean my dishes and head to bed. Have fun with your dad, Flinty."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcIivEIK6a
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"O-Okay."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6xNyOMgxW
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"Hold on chum, you come back here."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFyEV6sSuL
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Huh? Where was this coming from? I pretended to not hear him, but then the man actually got up and grabbed me.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkm9V3VOyKN
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"W-Woah! What's the meaning of this!?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnKb2131ZI
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He sat me right back down in my chair.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouiNY7NbP8
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"You're not leaving 'till we say so!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutsws19gzC
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The other two were laughing. I didn't get it. Why were you people laughing? And why was the dad suddenly laughing along?110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOC2ot48ygs
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"...Uh, hehehe... he?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIU8ShiZiT
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Nobody even heard my "laugh."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInpFPibXj9
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"So Kenny, I heard from the wife that you're pretty impressive. What's the praise for?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LVZnNnLUE
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"Ah, well, I'd like to stay modest..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVcVZ7Hlpb
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"Gotcha. Flinty, tell me what the praise is for."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKdvJ7GLiE
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Flinty, please, don't betray me like this.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uG9M9gZ7C
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"Kenny says he's going to Talbot University!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDt1t3LkzN9
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Connor slammed the table. I feel like this happened before.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTb0LCtxPEU
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"TALBOT!?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46Q0FraDw4
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"Yes honey, Talbot. But luckily for Kenny, he's gonna be studying here at Zariel Kingdom! Mr. Freed will be teaching him."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKm2dRKPbcB
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"Wow, look at you chum. Aren't you–"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MXIWdQCHO
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I slammed the table and stood up. I made the family flinch.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7HpRPrD8R
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"...I'm sorry, but I'm very tired right now. Please, let me excuse myself."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaTfrx0qsj
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I grabbed the Soothe-Bloom and headed to the front door.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FWG70ZJEc
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"W-Wait, Kenny, where are you going?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzBHT5rx63
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"Your father returned. I don't have a room to sleep in."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5mRwOV9n7
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"We have a guest room, don't worry," said Julie.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PXjdtOnKp
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"...Oh, my mistake. Sorry."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpItDCuYtKp
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"Don't worry. I'm sorry for pushing you when you were so clearly tired."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvMV9bhVYO
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I heard something get hit and then saw Connor clench his shin.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iDZthzaUE
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"Yep... sorry, Chum."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1Oq7YDESz
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"..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHgvYqNpYb
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For a moment, I couldn't move. I was stuck staring at the family members. Julie's face was stern, and I couldn't make out Connor's expression behind his sunglasses, but Flinty looked like she just killed a puppy.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcQhXcp9jT
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"I'm s-sorry as well, Kenny..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17wnVvv4E9
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Damn it. I should've just kept my mouth shut. I went and upset these people.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPE4J2pS2XO
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Wait, no. Damn it, I was in the right, wasn't I?110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyW14rMXK3e
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I couldn't think straight. I started walking to the stairs. Before I went up them though, I remembered something I forgot to mention.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DWhTLeljM
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"Flinty."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKJFZfPG2d
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"Y-Yeah?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsT6yPp7qa
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"Follow me to the Tea Mage's shop tomorrow. I'll start teaching you mana manipulation then."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPv9bUkPWIM
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Her face turned from a slight frown to a bright smile.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MChglp7EV
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"Okay! Let's do it!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnCpcupe7i
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There we go. That's the face I wanted to see. I walked up the steps with a smile of my own and entered the door at the end of the hall. By process of elimination, it had to be the guest room. I got in and put the Sooth-Bloom on the table.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBinpcBEpB
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"...My tome is in the other room."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLu1kYOrXRw
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Whatever, I was too tired to go and grab it. I took my clothes off and slid into bed.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzf8INriJv
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Morning came with a cool breeze. I opened the windows up and let it blow against my face. It was nice. I was in a much better mood than last night, so I put on my clothes and rushed down the stairs. I was the first one there.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvASmr6LmE0
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I didn't know how to make breakfast... which is quite sad now that I realize it, so I found myself sitting down at the table. I waited for about ten minutes until another person came down; it was Connor.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYcmL1uMNx
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"Ah, mornin' Chum."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeqgNrzZ4m
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"Good morning."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYaPUHQ425
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"What are you doing here all by yourself?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYquOJp3B2P
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"I woke up early."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08htjpiAb2
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"Alright. Let me make you some food. "110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡherqW2IsMS
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I had a bad feeling about this. I stayed in place and watched the man cook from behind. He looked to be cooking eggs. When he was done, he made four plates worth, and handed me mine.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupN4uEr5D5
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"You can go ahead and eat it. I'll go wake the wife and kid up."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QfPDWgSUp
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"Right."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoF6YvxzVo
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Connor went up the stairs. I stared at my plate. It looked perfectly edible, but I still had my doubts. I started with a little lick and had to blow on my tongue right after. Of course, it's hot. I couldn't even taste it.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6ZldApe1s
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Flinty and Julie came downstairs and sat at the table and started eating themselves. Flinty looked to be in an especially good mood today, but it changed when she saw the eggs on the table.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcwvpdfQmP
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"Ah, Dad, you cooked?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjksMa7IsDo
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"I sure did, honey."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDlp8RrBac
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"Oh."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhFYbYvXIv
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Wow, her father's cooking must be god-awful.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wddZTm2gA
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"Is something wrong?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBN60yLesc
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"N-No, I just... I wanted to help a little."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPugIZ5u6VA
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She looked embarrassed saying that, but her Father and Mother were beaming with smiles. They both went in to hug her. All the while I sat there, staring at them. They were mumbling something I couldn't hear. Flinty looked happy.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDk3mU0eg54
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Strange. Strange people.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMaWuyjQvs
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After that ordeal, the family joined me at the table and began eating. They looked happy but were eating food too quietly. It made me sweat a bit. Was this because of me? Was I making it too awkward? Or, maybe they were just a bit embarrassed since I saw that whole ordeal.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UyVUVq4QA
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"...I uh."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotwvfGOzmf
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Unsure of what to do, I spoke out, but it was a lot louder than I intended and now all of them were looking at me. How nice.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1gr2ahj1U
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"Sorry for my outburst yesterday."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oL2Vj9R9J
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I stood out of my chair and slightly bowed, leaving my sentence at that.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEu25U3SSCb
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"Oh, Kenny, please! Don't worry yourself over that," Julie said, "you were right to be a little upset. Water under the bridge, okay?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWUIRr8Yr8
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"Water under the bridge?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0s5LQEpWx
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"Mhm."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6diox7vBeH
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Flinty and Connor nodded. I see, water under the bridge. I remember that phrase, back in Buffalo Village. Jackson told me it while we were talking.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWtN3Hu7xm
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Alright. I sat down, and was feeling much better. I picked up the fork and finally bit on the eggs.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAOyV8HFF5
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They were really good.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQ2o4ZZ3Wv
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After breakfast ended, Flinty and I got dressed and left the house. I was wearing the same things I'd been wearing, but Flinty had a clean brown vest on top of a short-sleeved grey shirt. Her pants were the same shade as her shirt.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtR6oANPoHC
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"That's a nice outfit"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CjAHmj4CF
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"Thank you! I wanted something a bit lighter for today, and I thought it looked really cute."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqTuOPsGQ7
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Brown and grey weren't my ideas of cute colors, but that's neither here nor there. We left the house but didn't move, because honestly, I didn't remember where the Tea Mage's shop was. Flinty sighed and told me to follow her. It was a little embarrassing, but we got there without any issues.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQoMfpWXrf
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"You know this town very well, Flinty."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZm5Swc0Em9
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"Heh. I like to go around it during my spare time. I haven't had the chance for a while though."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehkT4FZOn9
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"Ah, my apologies."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7laycX218r
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"No no, I like being around you too."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vCYTQrn41
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Aw. My heart, my fragile heart. Flinty was such a precious child, wasn't she?110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVaY9753os
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"What are you waiting for, Kenny? Let's go in!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RIN5jEwWa
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"R-Right."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuI7g7phcA8
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She was also headstrong, it seems. She opened the door to the shop and a ding resonated in the building.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkNd8N1aKW
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"Ah, who may it be? Kenny, Flinty, is that you two?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEk8dkN2GsE
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"Hello, Freed!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxJiP1rdOm
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"Good morning Mister Tea Mage."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7629b9xDiH
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When Mister Tea Mage noticed it was us two, he gladly let us in.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJjaqYceal
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"So what business do you kids have today?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDJF2o6BF9
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"Kenny says he's gonna teach me magic!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RmvU1EAZE
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"I said mana manipulation. Well, same thing."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVgNZa6h0L
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The Tea Mage slowly nodded.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qWyapbIJJ
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"So why'd you bring her over here, Kenny?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrWYGoxdGQ
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"Ha, well you see, I was hoping that you'd help her out as well! Considering how you're a professor from an esteemed school, I thought it would be a good idea."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8WFY1hqPh
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"I see."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtVYBYhbeD
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The Tea Mage began rubbing his bearded chin.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOO06LlsHdP
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"I refuse."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FooZeWRhQ
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"Huh?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eNWE6mkRz
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"WHAT!?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWF2em6jgLB
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Flinty sounded a bit disheartened, but I practically let out a war cry.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqwjyMR1R5
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"Wait, why not, Mister Tea Mage?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0LCp7AGkQ
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"Kenny, have you ever heard the saying that goes like 'if you can teach it, then you truly understand it'?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHgv1WSKbS
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"...No?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAzaLrzPdS
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"Well, now you have. It's a saying, but it's more like an axiom. So, consider this a test, Kenny. I'll watch you teach Flinty here and gauge your capabilities. That way, when the curriculum arrives, I can start you where you belong. You might also learn a thing or two while you're at it."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyDW6yFR8z
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His reasoning made sense, but I was still bummed out about it. I sluggishly turned to Flinty. She was rearing to go. I'm jealous.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPmSrPYxol
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"Alright Flinty, let's start lessons..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7V4RJlP4j
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"Hold on, follow me, you two."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuFojtnuJN
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The Tea Mage opened a door behind the counter and motioned us to come. We went through the back, and I was exposed to a whole new world.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPYpYGM9Hb
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It looked like those pictures of greenhouses I saw in the tome, only that tea plants were sprawled everywhere. I thought that this was where we would practice, but Tea Mage looked at me like I was an idiot and opened a trapdoor nearby.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TPw5rpw4Q
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"Down here."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LPahvWyBO
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I was getting a little suspicious now, but before I could warn Flinty, she was already heading downstairs. I took a breath and followed her.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBh9YjxHvX0
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It was... a laboratory. There was a large red carpet with a strange design colored yellow. Three wide tables were all pushed against their respective walls, and all sorts of plants, dead or alive, were on them. It was a laboratory. As someone who's been in one, it was easy to tell, but the Tea Mage did a good job of making it look inconspicuous. As expected of the great Tea Mage.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayukIUrg3F
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"I'll be sitting right here." The Tea Mage said, placing his butt on a nearby stool. "You two, train on the carpet. It has anti-mana properties, so it won't be damaged."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cUVGzkAQY
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Anti-mana properties? Actually, I've heard of this concept before. A magical plant called the Un-Blossom has similar effects.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlI7y2NcaJ
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Anyway, I nodded at the Tea Mage. Flinty was already sitting down on the carpet, on her knees and her hands on her thighs. Her face was full of determination. I nodded to myself and sat down criss-cross.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRq4GrDHNW
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"Alright Flinty, are you ready?"
"Yes!"
Good. That's the answer I wanted. Now, to start the lesson...
Um...
"..."
I began to sweat. How do I even explain something like mana expulsion and mana spinning? I'm not like my father, who's had–
Oh right. My father. I could just say what he did.
"So, the first thing you need to learn Flinty is the type of mana manipulation."
She frantically nodded.
"There are two types of mana manipulation: internal, and external. You can further cut it down into three categories: mana expulsion, mana sustaining, and mana spinning. The first two are all external, and the last one is internal."
Flinty swiftly raised her hand.
"Question!"
"U-Uh, yes, Flinty?"
"How does sending mana out of your body create magic?"
Wow. Curiosity; it's a pleasure to see. I'm also surprised she knew what "expulsion" meant.
"That was a good question. See, when you release mana, it is always done willingly, meaning that the mana you release is done so with Intent."
"Intent?"
"Yes, Intent. It's like a small tag of differing colors. What Intent does is make it so that, when your mana collides with the atmospheric mana, it combines and transforms into one of the four elements. Or, depending on how well you can expulse mana, you can even create mixtures of elements, like mud or steam. Mixtures are difficult to master though, since you need to tag your mana with multiple types of Intent."
"W-Wow. Can you do that?"
I shook my head no.
"I'm not that good at expelling mana, to be honest. My tendril and the plants it grows are all internal, and modifying plants becomes easy when it's something you've been doing for a long time."
"Wait, so, does that mean there are types of Intent that don't make one of the four elements?"
"...Well, you're half right. Intent isn't just fire, water, wind, or earth. It's just that, those four elements are what's in the air. Some spells outside of the core four elements happen, but that usually means that the caster needs to have a completely unique type of mana in their system, or be in a unique environment where those types of spells can exist."
"...I don't get it. Hold on."
Gah, teaching is hard. Flinty got up and asked the Tea Mage for paper and pencil, which he conveniently had on hand. She returned to the carpet and sat down.
"Intent an infinite spectrum. You can put almost any type of Intent on your particles of mana. The thing is, for a spell to be created, the Intent of your mana needs to match what's on the mana in the air. In most places in the world, the mana in the air can only make the four core elements, with few exceptions, and they do not carry any Intent. So, if you wanted to make, say, a light spell, and put light Intent on your mana, but you were doing that in the plains, then nothing would happen, you'd just be wasting your internal mana supply."
Flinty was scribbling down what I said.
"But what about alchemy and your plants? How does that work?"
"Alchemy deals with mana suspension in chemicals. Mana suspension can also be described as mana infusion. As for my plants, that is all mana spinning. Magical plants, like all things, have a type of mana exclusive to the outside world, and if you use mana spinning enough, you eventually become good at modifying them. The same goes for normal plants, at least in my case. It takes a lot of practice, knowledge, and improvisation. That goes for normal mana expulsion too, mind you."
She happily nodded and wrote that down.
"So, what is mana spinning?"
Ah, here we are. I think I can get this across in one go.
"Mana spinning is internal mana manipulation. What mana spinning does is move or modify the mana in the body of something. Poison magic, antidote magic, buff and debuff magic, healing magic, all of that is mana spinning. It takes a very skilled person to perform mana spinning on another because of how intricate one needs to be, which is why medic mages and the like are practically unseen, and why alchemy is more mainstream. You don't see schools focused on stuff like healing magic for a reason, though I hear a lot of classes are offered for self-preservation purposes. Still, it's not easy to learn. To give you an example, I've heard tales of some people being able to perform mana spinning at a range of six meters, and people like that are revered as legends."
"Wow. Can you do mana spinning on other people?"
"I... have not tried. I've stuck to alchemy for the most part. I can do mana spinning on other objects, though. That's how I tinker with the plants."
"H-Huh? But didn't you just say that's practically unseen?"
"Yes, performing mana spinning on something like a human is practically unseen. A plant is relatively simple though. Don't get me wrong, it still took years to even make a tree grow faster. Since I specialize in plants, I doubt I could do the same for something like rocks or water. Their internal mana is just too different."
She slowly nodded.
"Still, the fact that you can do it at all is pretty amazing."
"T-Thank you, but I've been doing it for a long time, it's not that impressive."
She wrote down a few more things and then put the paper away.
"Can I try mana expulsion?"
"Are you sure? I haven't even explained mana suspension yet."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMx5uFAIrZ
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"Uh, well, please? I really wanna try..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPxkj3pSPr
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I shrugged.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLedewN3pt
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"Well alright, go ahead and try."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRuL6Hoetq
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With a big smile, she raised her hand and extended her fingers. She was humming deeply, and her arm was shaking, but nothing was happening.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQYNdZxObW
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"Am I doing it right?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPJcRnBW1Z
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"No. Sadly not. Hmm..."
How am I supposed to explain this? Expelling mana was literally beaten into me, but I didn't want to put my fists on Flinty.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqVI8ZtU2Q
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"Ngh, this is hard," Flinty said, repeating the same thing she just did.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrxptUoOlb
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"Hold on Flinty, what's going through your mind when you do that?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RCZsM0Isa
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"My mind? Well, I think of shooting out mana to make fire, and then try really hard to let it out. It isn't doing anything, though."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUMJcpcOSX
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"That's no good. How am I supposed to..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOlrVh5uEH
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I looked over to the Tea Mage who immediately shook his head no. Maybe he wasn't as glorious as I thought.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7H3df17y8
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"Alright, I'll just start talking and hope I make sense."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDlS0YxqO1
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Flinty quickly scrambled to get her paper back.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92XSK1NC3t
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"No no no, there aren't any notes to take here."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2EeFFZNbB
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"O-Okay."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMS5PZ7ZXM
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She put the paper away. I got up and sat next to her.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfilSaFePHr
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"The big thing you need to think about when expelling mana isn't what you want to do with it, since you already have Intent. Intent is a lot more honest than you'd think. No, what you need to do– hold on, prop your arm back up. Thanks –what you need to do is think about four main things: how much am I letting out, how much control am I putting into it, how fast am I letting it out, and how do I want my spell to move? The first two are far more important than the latter two since they're required to make the spell in the first place. So, let's try them."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewCY7UyCWy
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"W-Wait, how do I–"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mHJdtpCu5
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"No, it's better if you feel it. Think about how much you want to let out now, then when you do, try your best to control it, okay?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxUKdC1JOu
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"But what if I can't let it out?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMZ141hhWz
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"Then keep practicing. Try not to let too much out though; you might drain your mana supply entirely, or worse, hurt yourself."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNsl7rts5G
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That comment made Flinty start to sweat, but she still tried her hand at it. She closed her eyes, taking deep breaths. She sat in silence with her arm up as I was watching her. And then, something miraculous happened. The air in front of her began to spark once, and then twice, and then over and over again until a ball of fire the size of a pebble was formed.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnqyCzp1IR
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"F-Flinty! Look, you did it!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qkQVimihf
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"Huh?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJWOboDQO5
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She jumped a little, opened her eyes and, most likely, lost control.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFf2TALpSuU
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The fireball suddenly grew to three times its size. Then eight times.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIf70Sm33S
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I messed up, getting all excited.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlokOqqVH82
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I knew immediately what would happen. It always does with a faulty spell, and it's why my dad insisted that I practice water magic first. I was a fool to forget it now. I pulled the tendril out and shoved Flinty away, then tried to stop the spell with a Freeze-Dry.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbDvHbdA5I
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I couldn't do it in time.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQPdzLgypb
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**BOOM**110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JUP7NS1ic
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The world around me faded.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RzXRte3Nn
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"...Little Weasel... don't go... Huh?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHHAqLVfnH
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I woke back up to words that I undeniably did but swore I didn't say. I must've been in quite a haze five seconds ago. Wait, where am I? What happened?110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZDk7mAPAr
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Oh, never mind, I remember what happened. I looked at my hands and noticed that they were burned, but as for my clothes, well, pulling the bedsheet off of me revealed that my nice brown pants became shorts with a black crispy hem. My shirt was somehow unscathed, but my jacket was missing entirely, so I assumed the worst.
"...Crap. Sorry, Anabelle. I'm sorry."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJa9jYNl5a
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Gah, I'm a moron. What was I thinking, letting Flinty literally play with fire? I hoped at least she was unscathed.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrNIYTLM4E
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"Wait, where is Flinty?"
I only just noticed that I was in a room. It had a small green hue and was unbelievably tiny. There was a desk across the bed, but I could take one step and stub my toe on it. There was a door nearby, however, so I stood up and walked out.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXhvEROnUU
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I was in the greenhouse.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibFKBEtgeL
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"The Tea Mage must've brought me here. HELLO!? MISTER TEA MAGE?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlomZBl6LSp
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I waited a few seconds and heard scurrying footsteps. Out came the Tea Mage from the trap door, and Flinty right after.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrrRN48yi5
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Thank God, they were okay.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAViDW3BP71
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"KENNY!" Flinty yelled, running across the room to me. I was suddenly in a great mood. She was holding a piece of white cloth in her hand.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GIYSUxndv
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"H-Hi Flinty. Are you okay?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPZMReKZKf
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"Am I okay!? Kenny, you– you–"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruhbMULYkQ
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She looked like she was about to burst into tears, but she managed to hold herself back. She handed the white cloth over to me.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BnMA7c1t4
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"This is... my coat?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYRLkeepjj
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"Y-Yeah. Freed said that it was fire-resistant, and he said that... that without it... you could've..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHU2an1YyE
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Oh. I get it. I had no idea it was fire-resistant, though. Gosh, Anabelle, when did you learn mana suspension that advanced?110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qUoo9nj9b
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I love you. I really do. Thank you.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgoY18073N
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"And thank you Flinty. Thank you for bringing it to me."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CVITG2BvG
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She sniffled and nodded. I grabbed the coat and put it back on.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeUWTUKf46
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"Jeez Kenny, you should've seen yourself after the explosion. Your whole face and legs were covered in burn marks and–"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPB9XNLG4HK
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"FREED! SHUT UP!" Yelled Flinty.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLgCo7S8wR
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"S-Sorry, sorry. Long story short, a few potions did the trick. It's a good thing we were right there. Oh, and before you ask, the lab room is fine."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScX3UuMXHb
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I wasn't going to ask, but I guess it was a comforting thought. I managed to survive a failed fire spell at point-blank range, which is quite a feat if I do say so myself. It seems Flinty didn't see it that way, though. She was still crying– rather, trying but failing not to cry. I didn't know what to do, and I felt like it was all misdirected. I was the one who messed up the lesson, it was my fault such an accident happened anyway. But, knowing Flinty, she wouldn't take an answer like that. So I put a hand on her shoulder and patted it a few times. Hugging wasn't my thing.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2ejRnTHy5
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"H-Huh?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cxIEMZUIC
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"Don't worry about it, Flinty. We all mess up. You know, when I just started, I made a water ball so big it almost flooded the house. Then I got a bad beating afterward."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BkkrXjvfk
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"T-That's terrible!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7s8fwwPTZ
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Oops. Now she looked like she was actually going to cry. The Tea Mage shook his head at me.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iFuGulhzK
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"Uhm, well, Flinty..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfpeoSMXNl
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I didn't know what to say. Finally, the dam broke, and Flinty began to wail. Then, she hugged me, and I was showered with a sea of "sorry".110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dQTiKUQeW
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It felt wrong. It felt super wrong.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLSwLZWT5R
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The Tea Mage informed me of what happened after the accident. He was able to catch Flinty, but I took the brunt of the blast. He quickly used potions on me and put me to bed, and afterward, he put Flinty to rest too. "She accidentally used up all her mana and passed out", he said. I expected as much, but Flinty's recovery time was remarkable. Two hours, just a little less than how long I was passed out for.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluN0utBFCR
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Anyway, we left the Tea Mage's shop after that. Now Flinty and I were on the street, walking back home. I was enjoying the scenery, and Flinty was treating herself to a nice dose of the cobbled street.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJYNzh3VkH
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I wasn't so dumb that I couldn't tell that something was getting to her, and I had a feeling about what it was. Still, not wanting to make her break down again, I thought of something else.
Easier said than done.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqm5MDE7Vsl
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The whole time, Flinty's been dictating my schedule. With her unable to keep her head up and brainstorm with me, I didn't have a clue as to what to do. What scared me though, was that my mind brushed the idea of seeing the prince, and that brief instance alone made me shudder.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlud5jPCbDN
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But, this wasn't about the prince. Flinty was down in the dumps, and I didn't know what to do. Come on, Kenny, what would be a good idea? What would cheer her up?110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZetIekL3Z
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"...Ah!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDYDVMcTa2
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I just remembered something she told me about earlier. Heh, good job, Kenny, you smart man.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMu1gahaGoo
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"Flinty, I know you're a little sad right now, but how about we go explore the city?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWxLphY493
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"...Huh?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5cGmkwiWn
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She meekly turned her head to me.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8CpdkM7vz
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"U-Uh, you told me that you like doing it, right? Since we're out on the street anyway, why don't we? I need to learn how to get around this place sooner or later anyway."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFOHXSXcN2
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She turned her whole body to me. Her eyes were wide open, but not in a bad way.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7R02f913l
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"Are you sure, Kenny? Do you really want to go around with me?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzX7ruEnog
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"Yeah. I'm sure. I'm very sure."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4qZLqmhxO
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Her face quickly lit up. It wasn't as bright as usual, but she was smiling now at least.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwg9HgywZJ
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"Okay, let's go then!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS582lNV7aO
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She suddenly grabbed my hand. She didn't start running and dragging me along, but she did speed up a bit.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bsWPjaxEL
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"W-Where are we going to go first?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybftXXQjVk
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She turned her head to me. For whatever reason, at that moment, I was glad that we were the same height.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBuKqlK1Gu
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"Who knows? Let's just go somewhere! I'm sure it'll be fun!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgli36xlD1R
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Yeah, let's.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jSPZHQUjB
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I didn't know Flinty had such an adventurous spirit. I frankly couldn't keep up.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuA5hcUwgtv
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We were just walking, but doing that for long enough will get you tired eventually. The whole time, we were traveling the streets. Flinty would point out the occasional landmark to me. Those landmarks were stores or houses of people she knew. One notable one was a large fountain in a town square that people apparently drank from. I forgot their locations almost immediately, but for this specific place, I doubt I would forget.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RGswRhUrF
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I had to catch my breath first, though. Hold on. Little more. Okay. I looked up. There was a large building. It was two stories tall like the rest, but it was much, much wider.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMf2d1yoAPl
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"This is the combatant's guild!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HaP2tnKlK
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It looked even more... no, it wasn't impressive at all. Once the fatigue wore off, the shabbiness of the place made itself apparent immediately. The big sign hanging over the entrance that advertised the building was leaning to the right, and the lone chain suspending it looked like it would snap any minute. I was disappointed, but Flinty was staring at the building with awe.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NhU1FH4DT
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"This place needs a renovation."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgX2lHhFjjV
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"Oh, that's not it! It's just that, you know how combatant's are."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zpRgh071K
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I shook my head.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39pN6FvA9x
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"Ah, well, they're pretty rowdy, I hear. I guess the damage must be from them."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYMRvbDh8P
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"How did they get the sign, then? It's at least ten feet over the ground."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2Rgsjskcr
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"..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NglMdXOw4
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Flinty started to share in my disappointment, but she was trying her best not to.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzHttZdLXw
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"S-Still, it's an amazing place! You get to sign up and go on missions, and you get a lot of fame and money from it! Kenny, I know, you should–"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7r3pkOAph6
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"Do not even suggest it."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFvLX5fPPB
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She nodded with a sweat bead dripping down her face.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi63oqkoESi
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"Come on Kenny, let's at least look inside!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0l2M1MzTq
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"...Well alright."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO42ykfeotc
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I'd usually refuse, but I'm trying to cheer up Flinty, so I held myself back. She grabbed me by the hand again and opened the twin doors to the building.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UCfijnGA2
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3u3blH25jD
My ears were immediately bombarded by laughter, clanging objects, and vulgar language. Fortunately, it was only coming from one table. Unfortunately, it was in the center of the building. I covered Flinty's ears, and she looked confused as to why.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsl3Q2JQRM
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"You aren't supposed to be hearing those words yet!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfS8CraMdd
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She pouted.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZXyYj7ApQ
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzm0skFeGc
"I'm allowed to hear cuss words! And I can say them, too."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEom4YC19uc
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwO6fS5hIs
"Oh. Please don't say them, though."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOB5UXu86S
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BDJvWhvgx
She sighed. I took it as an "I won't." Phew. I followed her into the building. We were staying very close to the walls so as to not catch anyone's attention. The loud morons in the middle were too loud for anyone to notice us. We managed to sneak our way to the receptionist's desk. A lady suddenly appeared from the left. She was in very... revealing apparel. I tried to shield Flinty's eyes, but she put a hand over mine.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcoEHeO8dt
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMflIFoKWAs
"Huh? Flinty?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zCYXkVSs1
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjVD3SiOMh
"O-Oh, Sorry, Kenny."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrJ70mYhCW
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGm0dZ5cQV
She didn't look very happy putting her hand away. Strange.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFGCiSaWxl
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsQ3jdylp2
"Hey, you two look pretty young, are you really trying to sign up for the guild?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqJhYtRwny
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkD6t8vlkJN
"Oh, not at all, miss. We were simply exploring."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXaUSXEjc4
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmz1hUtfc2
"Exploring...? Hah, well, I feel bad for you suckers. This place is a pigsty. Have fun!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuy10tv0qVo
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ayr99kL2L
She vanished into the space behind the counter. I looked at Flinty slyly.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWmXm0fk2E
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbH2oXiAvn6
"See? They don't give a crap about this place."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCI6uYkPK3D
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGZLSoPdwo
"Hmph. I still want to look around, though."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoa29O7Ga4t
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvzpNliiZZ
Staying close to the wall, the two of us continued to go around the room. We arrived at a line-up of stools beside an abnormally tall countertop. Someone in a black cloak was sitting here. Fishy, to say the least, but Flinty didn't think that one bit– she sat next to them!110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3dh1lN9wQ
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28aRqSYVRT
"Flinty, what are you doing!?" I harshly whispered. She looked at me and shrugged. "Is something wrong?" She said. I sighed and sat next to her while keeping an eye on the woman in the cloak.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoILwXSgzql
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGI3AKN7t61
"Kenny, is this... a bar?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0pzjZvf8x
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSwQyjmSlp
"Huh?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2UEAdci2E
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I looked in front of me. Diamond-shaped shelves were lined with glass bottles of varying types. There was a countertop below them with loitering glasses and rags.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbeSEPUYfr
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnLtK5N0im
"Yeah, looks like it. But where's the bartender?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhduWA4ypZ
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4nqGpLMeg
"Over there," A third voice said. It was the cloaked person, and it was a woman's voice. She was pointing behind her at the crowd of people. A man with slick hair and a tie was arguing with the combatants.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlDF5ZAga6
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"You're right. Wait–"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uJRA4bCp2
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I immediately stopped talking to her and continued staring daggers. Flinty looked a bit concerned. She turned to the woman and started talking.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPox0sPxRz
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVPmJoOWHa
"Hi, I'm Flinty, and the boy next to me is Kenny. Who are you?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdFcxNSUG3
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL385HCdFby
The woman turned her head to me, and though I couldn't make out her face under her cloak, I could tell she was trying to gaze into my soul. I hid my face behind Flitny a little, and she stopped looking.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQ50yaaPmx
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8kU4DC3qs
Worst of all, though, she didn't respond to Flinty's question. That's rather rude. I knew she was shady!110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuvsTn2bLR
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ovxN5hmA4
"A-Ah, well, it's okay if you don't want to say. Are you a member here?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsssofROlhD
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYg8eDX7JY
"No. I'm here for another reason."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzqfObQOFe
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyuD83qoxl
"And what may that be?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3S3UJb32A5
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHAd49YXd4
"None of your business."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtPXa4jM9w
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauW6sexe2z
"O-Okay..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEekH3EK5w5
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DoaFP9X2Z
Flinty turned her head to the front. I leaned into her ear and whispered.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDyIgzrDFi
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPn2E4RZ8j
"She is super shady."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDQCmjUkPn
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhT64fVhaV
"Oh, come on, Kenny. Be nice."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0zXs0aX5o
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ar9EFP72y
"But she isn't being nice herself at all!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAZVFbC7Q8
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlfSOyTz8O
Flinty rested her cheek on her hand and gave me a deadpan look. Ugh. I stopped complaining.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkO04ikCslK
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSJ9CJ3AXs
"So, are you here for a drink?" Flinty asked the woman.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNdjsmQFZo
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7EzmhMRVa
"Yes. But, as you can see, the bartender is too busy to serve."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEd6e53ide5
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79Fmbxwaoc
"T-Then let's get his attention!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpX1nC5BkJF
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDtpTJ2aWh
Flinty spun the stool around to where she was facing the crowd. I put a hand on her shoulder and stopped her from opening her mouth.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkslEaBcDL
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsncZaRerPT
"Let me handle this."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WKOXnqUQS
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCi1jUufSj
"W-What, why?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQrqTI0EGx
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFbBbGAQZz
"Because I know a thing or two about drunks."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvGJybo4VJ
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGdJ8y9JL6
Flinty looked anxious all of a sudden.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtcUxjB8uj
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoV3tp1NhX
"S-Sorry, Kenny."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAdlM1tPiC
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYOpOUKZi3
I didn't understand why she was apologizing, but whatever. I got off of the stool and walked towards the rowdy combatants.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ098d8Du0yt
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAV3YZTfcTg
Thank you, Father, for teaching me the dangers of alcohol. Those nights you sat me down and lectured me were precious.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvAjSNYzMK
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1yCSaXTHy
"Hey, you guys!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW54EpiMF55
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qGcHulCGa
They all looked at me. I wasn't ready for the pressure that came from their gazes.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLumXcnoCH
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡel1w7CJqCm
"Uh, mister bartender, a lady at the front wants to order."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKQR8xBWbc
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4M6cNYYSpO
"Oh, my apologies! I'll be right with you!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjc0NY5Y9Fn
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VNDWB3gQR
The bartender rushed to the counter. I looked at the combatants, who looked to be back to their own business. At least they were quieter. I walked back to the stool and Flinty gave me two thumbs-up. The bartender asked the lady for her order and she gave it. As for us, because we were obviously underage, we were given... apple juice.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIqmwnvDKC
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pe1u0DzRR
Hey, I wasn't complaining, and Flinty looked to be loving it. Lucky that I brought my pouch with me, isn't it? The woman got her drink and drank it. The combatants took a job and left the guild. It was peaceful. It was, dare I say, nice.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCUTu8fCvX
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJvJLpGXry
"Thank you for the juice bartender," I said.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiRnHkhUly
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Cwr0LEPAh
"Of course. Don't worry about paying either, you helped me die down that quarrel. It's the least I can do."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlnsQ6SjPS
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNiU0QJ1lp
Oh, sweet, free juice. Is what I would usually think. But I gave him two triangle Grants. It was probably five times more than that juice was worth. I got off of the stool and waited for Flinty to finish, but she was concerned with the cloaked women for whatever reason. I got back on the stool to see what was happening.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7P8znkIlz
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZcsD8vhLL
She was looking at her mug. It was empty, meaning that she drank it, but she looked as if she'd just killed somebody.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbDfVsVUqd
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8j2fNdzD8m
"Here's your bill, miss."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqlrlgM7J8
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcpkPplkMj
"...I..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CNTD41SK7
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She was having a difficult time speaking.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIscaBsYwU
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXq0r0gg73
"I forgot to bring money."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXiPZTwhsv
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIlTqfKJRr
"..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZf71WSnyE
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AUJTaVtky
"..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMr1JFO4MZ0
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"..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27NE2SFIqA
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I was so close. I was just an inch away from bursting out laughing. Not just because the situation was hilarious, but because I was intimidated by this person five seconds ago.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zfpO38S3c
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBt99T69zJS
Ha. What a moron.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgalxW2Q1mt
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9e5Cdhdrl2
"Mister bartender, I'm willing to work until the beer is paid."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiKTaeQe19
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0XZw7tEkd
"D-Don't worry miss, I can just put it on your tab. I'll need your name and–"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNt4ai0DLCD
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNrHx4BnS7
"No! I can't do that, but I will work for the beer."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99qeUGTLM7
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS24cuxOs3D
The cloaked woman was standing now and bowing. My suspicions crept back; why did she want to keep her name hidden?110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lPcouz7uh
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QawEcp2KT
Well, luckily, it wasn't my business anymore. We were about to get out of here anyway. I got off of the stool and started heading to the exit until I noticed Flinty wasn't following me. She was talking to the bartender about something, so I walked back and peeled my ears open. Then I heard the phrase, "I'll pay for her."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41NYRNYmVC
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZOUC9asdw
"..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMQT36SjUM
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdcUiRs2vq
Darn you, Flinty. Darn you. I took my pouch out again and sifted through it and found another triangle Grant.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUdUTKH76Q
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdS93m10Hif
"Hey, cloaked woman."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTelbGCc3cw
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7VQ3Qycwg
Flinty and the woman turned their heads toward me. I took one of her hands– which I'm frankly surprised she let me do –and placed the triangle grant on her palm.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPn0nlSHVL
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyS2nCWmTco
"You can keep the change. Bring a wallet next time."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Iz2qrEXaj
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwpfi5gOG7
"Yes, of course. Thank you."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhN1ozbbJI
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AAR3C3hDt
She gripped the piece and bowed at me. How strangely polite. I didn't like it. She's still too fishy!110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiXOiy2BER
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXEmAUlUdr
"Alright Flinty, let's go."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8a4a4NJ9Cq
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLLUKkPWsh
"Yes!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf89MZ3lV0L
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlnN1tuqfh
We were finally leaving the guild. I didn't want to come back for at least an awfully long while. Flinty was giving me a strange smile of appeasement.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOesZjzGd0Y
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHdGl9Cn7y
"What?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SACmRFGmG
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXczXUeMOR0
"Kenny, you're awesome."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLGbdFO4Fs
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2Z2mTYwh9
I think I felt my face light up for the first time.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBgPpthoFl
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFisDruFd5
"U-Um, Thank you, Flinty."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAh5ytpucfZ
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD367nFpuO1
"Now come on, we still have a whole city to explore!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkC5NLFGsl
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRbgpZBz3K
She ran out of the guild's doors. Her steps were quick, but they didn't cover much distance. She was enthusiastic. With Flinty, you could just tell. She wore her emotions on her sleeves.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHffqirgjs7
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOgjNoHOBt
She looked back. "Come on, Kenny!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqAtuRbNEX
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoMjzLx7UB
I walked over to her, and she took my hand. We walked somewhere, I didn't know exactly. All I could think about was her face, how honest it was, and how much I appreciated it.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOwsXaBjAf
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFCuvUUABo
There was something special about this person. Maybe because we were both kids, but, I had a strong desire to keep her safe.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u8G3PTtwn
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBscrS16mV
"...Is something wrong?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4TLEnrcem
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNUFxYP9vL
"Huh? N-No, I'm just thinking."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScKEVhxqKC
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbWolCZ37n
"Think later, I'm talking to you!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wg73AT5eY
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LWcLZ3L4Y
"R-Right."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnzOIxuTxf
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemNkH8vzKC
I didn't know, but I was okay with that. I'd know eventually. I was sure of it.
