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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXEd6d1suz
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I was surprised that she always knew how to get there. She even knew shortcuts, quite clever of her.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKz0X7T2ati
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90HrHgiegU
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"Dad!?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyN3vnTMAuX
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Dad? Ah, I forgot he was supposed to come today.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKXCLL9bcg
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"Flinty! There you are!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7L24yFIRgP
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePWsv4hJSA
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"And you must be Kenny?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszyupbEYjj
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"Yes. My name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers, but do keep calling me Kenny."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08gpHkzdPb
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I offered him a hand and he shook it firmly.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfg7a3J5Yqe
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"I heard a lot about you. Please, come on in."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZWACJcyDD
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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 here228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQKxyzHQGt
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv90cXVbe6M
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYgUKxFG5O
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Dear Mister Chambers.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLzOAvAv1e
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOX3t5ttX0
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Sincerely, Prince Orice Zariel.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzfTzPGvq0
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"...I don't remember promising anything."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfr7IcTkyB
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUVgWsbBiF
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"I'll make sure to thank him later."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrNRlW1cVW
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGwNZx06za
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvunTTj6sh
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sdm2cTDfg
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt39JtTZkqU
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"Hmm... how am I supposed to make them bigger?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFyw1kMwkM
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSqJE9G8rA
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I thought of asking the Tea Mage. When it came to mana manipulation, he was undoubtably more knowledgeable than me.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKTyrWLuFN
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"Kenny!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EXFDCEEbs
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"Ah, Flinty, hello."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcn13rdUZfS
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She ran up to the table and took a seat across from me.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFdgYMKkWh
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"Is that the plant you asked for?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FKuf9WC0v
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"Yes. Go ahead and take a look."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHgQMoUecR
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUducVlRYPa
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"Hello, you two."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIirliRXkUy
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Flinty's father stepped into the kitchen. He was taking his coat off and hung it on a nearby hook.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ625KaU3StN
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"Dad, come look at this pretty flower."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesZHj7tnWO
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"Alright sweetie, just give me a second."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTw5AK0DDoi
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXFBomdIH0
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"Please don't drop it or something."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbERnFZNo0R
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"Don't worry chum, I can handle a little pottery."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmINuanioW
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Pottery? That was frankly insulting, but I didn't vocalize it.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIcyaZsQgK
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"Did you ever see one of these on your travels, Dad?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5szWpcXsr
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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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8Z3YoVIg2
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"Oh no no no, we uh, had an agreement."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjTGy6WBmW
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"And you asked for... a flower?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDdHrMwJCt
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"It's not just a flower! It's a Soothe-Bloom!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6h7bJxKOd
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Flinty's dad inspected the flower again.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbIyoR1stB
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"I dunno kid, looks like a flower to me."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VtHsGXta4
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"Arg! You...!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqorLkOpmAq
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85TQWDWwqY
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"Ah, I didn't mean to insult ya. Sorry chum."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkE2ocRMe4H
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"Whatever."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHGWo2oVKH
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We sat in silence for a minute.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNiWfz9uYE
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"So... Flinty, you wanna hear about this cool animal I found?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIk7VyJtJKW
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"Yes! Please tell me!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0zpQpuzX8
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Cool animal? Oh right, Flinty mentioned something about traveling. I was looking away, but I perked my ears.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvu1srsPrI
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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–"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkQYRsCslg
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"Wait, Eastern country?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUgobECqQ1
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I faced the old man.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhbAH4nPuR
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"Yeah, one of the four countries of King's Peak. Don't you know?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNd0NWONwH
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"..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GXkX9IysL
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"Yikes, where did you grow up?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8uAeIBLm4
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"...Buffalo village."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiOZlhjqco
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"Ah, that makes sense. The people there are total hillbillies."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbImvX6Pkl
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I didn't know what that word meant, but I could tell it wasn't anything good.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerWETVTtwe
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"Kenny," started Flinty, "you don't know about the four countries?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWg7NxxMys
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"No, because I'm apparently a hillbilly."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcr6KL6iEsB
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Flinty chuckled a little. I was in a better mood now.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLpNQNcPLN
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"Can I explain this one, Dad?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqo4eeWdL9
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"Go ahead. I'll go fetch your mother."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4p2KNENicE
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Flinty's dad thankfully left the table.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjnq5oBMu5
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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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXDJ6snHkJ
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I nodded along.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01mJALfdQb
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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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8q8uBMFLgd
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeExjn0AUb
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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!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVBeeqb0jQ
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"Really? I think it's pretty obvious that walking rabbit was made-up."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqDHPHn19K
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She blinked blankly.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMygJifKKi
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"Wait, is it?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0XzYooJxQ
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I chortled. Of course it was, Flinty. Rabbits can't walk on their hind legs.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ep7kCHJMh
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"No, maybe it is true."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsobod0pwQo
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"O-Oh, okay."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN603F4GX7m
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"Ah, Flinty, Kenny!" A woman's voice that I recognized called out. Julie was there with her husband.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCR6mJyGYcT
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"How was your guys' day?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrFlQzqeEl
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"Mom, you should've been there!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZmDSeoQA0
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4fqCXv0Be
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5Ugr4AVc2
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyix8DSkBnA
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I sighed. Damn it. I finished my food and stood up, carrying the plate and silverware to the kitchen sink.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE0nPorgd2
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"Huh, Kenny?" Flinty asked.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CagMhMdQ7
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"I'm gonna clean my dishes and head to bed. Have fun with your dad, Flinty."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMkFqpvvMM
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"O-Okay."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprLl9iIbvB
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"Hold on chum, you come back here."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVve6eBqt0
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dft4Gzs9Y
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"W-Woah! What's the meaning of this!?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviXo74TOeF
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He sat me right back down in my chair.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoRCoJNs3Y
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"You're not leaving 'till we say so!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0jw9vtIeM
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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?228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3S9T5oqqb
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"...Uh, hehehe... he?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0KggfVNgd
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Nobody even heard my "laugh."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHCrVqJCL2
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"So Kenny, I heard from the wife that you're pretty impressive. What's the praise for?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUCOfb8VSt
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"Ah, well, I'd like to stay modest..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfmBq3OYBw
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"Gotcha. Flinty, tell me what the praise is for."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4PPxF70SA
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Flinty, please, don't betray me like this.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCQ3ZR4MVv
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"Kenny says he's going to Talbot University!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqc6glyiGeo
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Connor slammed the table. I feel like this happened before.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PyO8Nh56M
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"TALBOT!?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUy55JKi11q
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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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYSO8s5dmZ
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"Wow, look at you chum. Aren't you–"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFAQ35yflL
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I slammed the table and stood up. I made the family flinch.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWGqmNyJsq
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"...I'm sorry, but I'm very tired right now. Please, let me excuse myself."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0annw8XUPf
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I grabbed the Soothe-Bloom and headed to the front door.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UrnDf0mHb
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"W-Wait, Kenny, where are you going?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KEawsKM5z
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"Your father returned. I don't have a room to sleep in."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiL6vTakIBu
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"We have a guest room, don't worry," said Julie.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqBqqJfxC3
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"...Oh, my mistake. Sorry."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QmI8zeQPl
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"Don't worry. I'm sorry for pushing you when you were so clearly tired."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBu3sx6CGQD
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I heard something get hit and then saw Connor clench his shin.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOH1cx1KuN
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"Yep... sorry, Chum."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorj1fRrXOI
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"..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4F5Mm4CZd
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWwcF1d277
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"I'm s-sorry as well, Kenny..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvSYt2LQVV
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Damn it. I should've just kept my mouth shut. I went and upset these people.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTUale2xQi
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Wait, no. Damn it, I was in the right, wasn't I?228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnecDzQpoX
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWuWf5FuZa
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"Flinty."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhLQxwVrSp
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"Y-Yeah?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LEAeZtLlE
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"Follow me to the Tea Mage's shop tomorrow. I'll start teaching you mana manipulation then."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBnGu2GmSz
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Her face turned from a slight frown to a bright smile.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiukjuEaJ2P
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"Okay! Let's do it!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIdMgh1EVt
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOD8PbY4cFA
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"...My tome is in the other room."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvIVJV90bP
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Whatever, I was too tired to go and grab it. I took my clothes off and slid into bed.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiq68voAN4
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–
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–228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqL2sN4fF9
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwAisuoXa7
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUo9GgOLwpy
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"Ah, mornin' Chum."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2th6hw6kN
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"Good morning."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzmsiRQb9B
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"What are you doing here all by yourself?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjMTaCyWjs
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"I woke up early."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqY8LMp6U3
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"Alright. Let me make you some food. "228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwQlYbRTfF
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgy7iwkJXee
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"You can go ahead and eat it. I'll go wake the wife and kid up."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jxiOoHqHk
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"Right."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpggTUdgOh
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7R36fGYO5
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTFVyrkKRc
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"Ah, Dad, you cooked?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhv8hYBV95h
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"I sure did, honey."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTWiKcltrm
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"Oh."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LgNn1JoFs
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Wow, her father's cooking must be god-awful.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNpmU3HJt2
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"Is something wrong?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEdzx3sBMG
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"N-No, I just... I wanted to help a little."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvZK9ePPh2
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yrbCkPjaQ
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Strange. Strange people.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FhZ8TZWKV
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg25EW30eOM
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"...I uh."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwz3RTsG0K
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoN2mApFFr
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"Sorry for my outburst yesterday."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpvSJAa9cW
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I stood out of my chair and slightly bowed, leaving my sentence at that.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnupzmh3d01
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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?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFLbISaL4G
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"Water under the bridge?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBObFlKh3Q2
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"Mhm."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKIedsj0zn
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBxeyC8mv8
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Alright. I sat down, and was feeling much better. I picked up the fork and finally bit on the eggs.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9UZskq3zp
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They were really good.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4M2SkMJOA
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–
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MKb7JaNo4
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"That's a nice outfit"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEEIdyQXQM
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"Thank you! I wanted something a bit lighter for today, and I thought it looked really cute."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7crR5Flcoa
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJW88tbxOL1
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"You know this town very well, Flinty."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPPYFu1pAH
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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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWT5CDsJaq
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"Ah, my apologies."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3jdj1lwlu
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"No no, I like being around you too."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BTs3ht1Cf
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Aw. My heart, my fragile heart. Flinty was such a precious child, wasn't she?228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBC2FOhTzlV
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"What are you waiting for, Kenny? Let's go in!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahEcT0o7tq
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"R-Right."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXt1YZp30df
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She was also headstrong, it seems. She opened the door to the shop and a ding resonated in the building.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxS35pLcRj
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"Ah, who may it be? Kenny, Flinty, is that you two?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNNO0QkVk4
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"Hello, Freed!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxljaC2DYb
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"Good morning Mister Tea Mage."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAoOm9jUBd
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When Mister Tea Mage noticed it was us two, he gladly let us in.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMo5GdiJtT
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"So what business do you kids have today?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuonq67HbJE
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"Kenny says he's gonna teach me magic!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25eNQu0oWy
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"I said mana manipulation. Well, same thing."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXkRCCDObC
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The Tea Mage slowly nodded.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uISCd9WJe
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"So why'd you bring her over here, Kenny?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWACQUVYz2
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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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLkzyO2igN
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"I see."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMo257amAO
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The Tea Mage began rubbing his bearded chin.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PcSEBkH21
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"I refuse."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCSal0NXUy
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"Huh?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPxQn1Rus2
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"WHAT!?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHibUfxvAz
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Flinty sounded a bit disheartened, but I practically let out a war cry.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9flkzCEbV
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"Wait, why not, Mister Tea Mage?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0j9vYCM1mt
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"Kenny, have you ever heard the saying that goes like 'if you can teach it, then you truly understand it'?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCFpDbi34B
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"...No?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKw6BYf83eK
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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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimhdwobEkH
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7gS2m2pdD
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"Alright Flinty, let's start lessons..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnmINfGfzJ
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"Hold on, follow me, you two."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWQnEC0Gj4
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YCzrZ98Bi
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR9fRMBa1T
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"Down here."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV09QPWztHH
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZcvokFMXM
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUKlbwrb6F
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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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGLWQ6f0Rf
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91q7ysecgh
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPAEQVHBcH
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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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfw2phL7YX
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"Uh, well, please? I really wanna try..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuwcXzSPOd
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I shrugged.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zqShqK133
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"Well alright, go ahead and try."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJqmbCJS2Q
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjq7MpzLBzM
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"Am I doing it right?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EWwAroBH3
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyg4YHUE3I
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmmGRGtdmp
"Ngh, this is hard," Flinty said, repeating the same thing she just did.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyn6TLfCzE
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanKF9BtHMm
"Hold on Flinty, what's going through your mind when you do that?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0KZvvX6kJ
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdcEKEc1yy
"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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7RrB58QvS
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"That's no good. How am I supposed to..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79SqS71olT
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQrwtUZgAx
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"Alright, I'll just start talking and hope I make sense."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRHRo9QNdV
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Flinty quickly scrambled to get her paper back.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4noDScOiH1
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"No no no, there aren't any notes to take here."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62dk1EMBAH
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"O-Okay."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6YNy2M7Kb
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She put the paper away. I got up and sat next to her.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Oy2lk2EHO
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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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCh0Tvk55Z
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"W-Wait, how do I–"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCulEjwvM5z
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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?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOFw3aTh0M
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"But what if I can't let it out?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39t7BmeXaC
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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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxblAqVrFE9
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupDz3g9weq
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"F-Flinty! Look, you did it!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTeTsAHpsV
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"Huh?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xXetEfqzz
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She jumped a little, opened her eyes and, most likely, lost control.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZN2RGuZned
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The fireball suddenly grew to three times its size. Then eight times.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1RoeX7PTb
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I messed up, getting all excited.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9CadSUNZO
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjzWWhwPL0
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I couldn't do it in time.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wg69l8BZn
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**BOOM**228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nmvmEmAwo
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The world around me faded.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcOSp6wU2A
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–
–
–
"...Little Weasel... don't go... Huh?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCByU9ZQb6
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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?228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37GFANYSlR
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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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxGL026yaM
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ881SVGLTXG
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmf743FKdj
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I was in the greenhouse.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfJfynKI8x
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"The Tea Mage must've brought me here. HELLO!? MISTER TEA MAGE?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKANjqeUl9Z
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHquSLFZDC
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Thank God, they were okay.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1irnOzDYxj
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp49biHn3F4
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"H-Hi Flinty. Are you okay?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVh6tLoVBQ
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTBx0jTO9h
"Am I okay!? Kenny, you– you–"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIKOqhUvkU
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wwfrChQZu
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"This is... my coat?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK79BOeAJpD
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"Y-Yeah. Freed said that it was fire-resistant, and he said that... that without it... you could've..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iKdWAM5z3
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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?228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVB0Df7gRNz
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I love you. I really do. Thank you.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqa3LG2m00
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"And thank you Flinty. Thank you for bringing it to me."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQXabBTN6A
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She sniffled and nodded. I grabbed the coat and put it back on.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1eWv759s4
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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–"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTa9hiPzy0a
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"FREED! SHUT UP!" Yelled Flinty.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgz0wJGkoH
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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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7NIJ7GyVd
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKAG4jVu5u
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"H-Huh?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGhrXGmxud
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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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnA43mN5tT
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"T-That's terrible!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbkzc4wRIz
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Oops. Now she looked like she was actually going to cry. The Tea Mage shook his head at me.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPf8OEi062G
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"Uhm, well, Flinty..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhfMGzLnfe
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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".228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMkQF7p7Bb
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It felt wrong. It felt super wrong.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5ekBW3qwM
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–
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr65ubRkj5h
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2HrsxkJsZ
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaz8WY9xdW
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAlKy1W1b1
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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?228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCmTpI3tzR
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"...Ah!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKODuEmD9y2
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I just remembered something she told me about earlier. Heh, good job, Kenny, you smart man.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSKd4yAa5i
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"Flinty, I know you're a little sad right now, but how about we go explore the city?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPEO0jCqrL
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"...Huh?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63q0eH7LCO
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She meekly turned her head to me.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72baCIxt4H
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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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBlljDXf4i
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She turned her whole body to me. Her eyes were wide open, but not in a bad way.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjehyokc4j
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"Are you sure, Kenny? Do you really want to go around with me?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hTPuRwmIr
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"Yeah. I'm sure. I'm very sure."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitXACRkKtt
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Her face quickly lit up. It wasn't as bright as usual, but she was smiling now at least.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JQjI0M5es
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"Okay, let's go then!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4b7YzV6bKE
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrijfjvznM
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"W-Where are we going to go first?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6Vhhw8uqK
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4loehgFLY
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"Who knows? Let's just go somewhere! I'm sure it'll be fun!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0C83RzXNAs
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Yeah, let's.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9PT1viNUF
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–
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I didn't know Flinty had such an adventurous spirit. I frankly couldn't keep up.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnXMxlDzEC
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYrKAAnDyl
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNih0vZPd5
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"This is the combatant's guild!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdCGGzRKbn
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYMTbRzzRq
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"This place needs a renovation."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGroNbNNpLx
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"Oh, that's not it! It's just that, you know how combatant's are."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzv9dWbHBU
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I shook my head.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6ZR3KeFVF
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"Ah, well, they're pretty rowdy, I hear. I guess the damage must be from them."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4Q4HPM5B9
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"How did they get the sign, then? It's at least ten feet over the ground."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSJe7jj8QP
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"..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LpeCjYqwL
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Flinty started to share in my disappointment, but she was trying her best not to.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXs8GumD6J
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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–"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSEAyY0eUl
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"Do not even suggest it."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIcu1ZYm8E
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She nodded with a sweat bead dripping down her face.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3kFVke4yx
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"Come on Kenny, let's at least look inside!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUQo7Xa6c9
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"...Well alright."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfz1cgL4rb
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEUHKN3Uwv
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsLgMa26wG
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"You aren't supposed to be hearing those words yet!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qBUCIO9Hj
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She pouted.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSriSA4x80h
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"I'm allowed to hear cuss words! And I can say them, too."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4F356dxN4a
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"Oh. Please don't say them, though."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGi69oqukF
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuJ0pA6It9
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6imSKYsTxh
"Huh? Flinty?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJ3RwRyJ2o
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"O-Oh, Sorry, Kenny."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpkTd2cuw6
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She didn't look very happy putting her hand away. Strange.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKH6phzCG6U
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjY5kQarFU
"Hey, you two look pretty young, are you really trying to sign up for the guild?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEC55QC2eL
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlO5EWdrxdZ
"Oh, not at all, miss. We were simply exploring."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPvGri5ae6
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHdYncfHcA
"Exploring...? Hah, well, I feel bad for you suckers. This place is a pigsty. Have fun!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQSxgpu9Ew
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC94sqli8gF
She vanished into the space behind the counter. I looked at Flinty slyly.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFU5Xub7r2O
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkp20mY9YC
"See? They don't give a crap about this place."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLzIMNMR9x
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"Hmph. I still want to look around, though."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxD4XgTQqRU
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjLQ0MjmqT
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!228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnZJExWJPi
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1t8f84TRB
"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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfeoxvlEeu
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CU64rRg07
"Kenny, is this... a bar?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnx2VufQaW1
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJ9PDHpygy
"Huh?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPLsHw8mhJ
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAAE0blyF7
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvIBxXqg0a
"Yeah, looks like it. But where's the bartender?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33NVQdp3Li
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"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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvE8HxMXwr
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"You're right. Wait–"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wlAdXXtfQ
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5I2KWIf7Vk
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8t6jUkZxY
"Hi, I'm Flinty, and the boy next to me is Kenny. Who are you?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm12RZ4r2hq
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAMYsOEFFB
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxCniGTlLn
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sg7fOYayC
Worst of all, though, she didn't respond to Flinty's question. That's rather rude. I knew she was shady!228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SqStiCArx
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuT6jaC0r80
"A-Ah, well, it's okay if you don't want to say. Are you a member here?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAS6VsRq5w
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuIRNd5LMB
"No. I'm here for another reason."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfEOussNnA
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKU5XZVeD9q
"And what may that be?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKMkOC4Tk5
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"None of your business."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfM6IodP5Cr
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"O-Okay..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4SCf5zKRP
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Flinty turned her head to the front. I leaned into her ear and whispered.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVbPTm2VLh
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzORGNqSG4h
"She is super shady."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbOA6B5WzL
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MsQPHxQya
"Oh, come on, Kenny. Be nice."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zhAYFaGmA
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUIwCAE9NH
"But she isn't being nice herself at all!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVKwZ6kepU
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Flinty rested her cheek on her hand and gave me a deadpan look. Ugh. I stopped complaining.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhZyXAMBay
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CCsPGStMm
"So, are you here for a drink?" Flinty asked the woman.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzD4UHkRPo
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"Yes. But, as you can see, the bartender is too busy to serve."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO33dYTaA3G
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"T-Then let's get his attention!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BORmx1AtA
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kLrDERg77
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlvea3ISiu
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"Let me handle this."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMW20oWTU2
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"W-What, why?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZ5ivMHzlN
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0eunV51MK
"Because I know a thing or two about drunks."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2k5nHuROh7
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Flinty looked anxious all of a sudden.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCDxp6FI74
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"S-Sorry, Kenny."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgxHH5DHdL
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I didn't understand why she was apologizing, but whatever. I got off of the stool and walked towards the rowdy combatants.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0CFWYyE75
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknabuHhIgS
Thank you, Father, for teaching me the dangers of alcohol. Those nights you sat me down and lectured me were precious.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduFd5OenQT
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"Hey, you guys!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZp23AH8QK2
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They all looked at me. I wasn't ready for the pressure that came from their gazes.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceatF6WjLO
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"Uh, mister bartender, a lady at the front wants to order."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhkgUdziG8
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaypJbKPDf5
"Oh, my apologies! I'll be right with you!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe4fmzc57Q
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAknVpbJw1
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsBAft0sJj
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteCgDnwBGe
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrml8ncd85
"Thank you for the juice bartender," I said.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡot0EZrFD00
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"Of course. Don't worry about paying either, you helped me die down that quarrel. It's the least I can do."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5pax7BDka
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp55mojeg45
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She was looking at her mug. It was empty, meaning that she drank it, but she looked as if she'd just killed somebody.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UsEvaFXsa
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"Here's your bill, miss."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9vyRvaObI
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DRYfeih35
"...I..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38zXwLfr5h
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She was having a difficult time speaking.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sNOK7AGEF
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"I forgot to bring money."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdnD2N2Aio
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFffcmvCmLr
"..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkEzi1wrgH
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5mZowPEyp
"..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBvyHdpPIq
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"..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CKSrCbr22
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbACWmi9bmp
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Ha. What a moron.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmezxbxMOvb
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"Mister bartender, I'm willing to work until the beer is paid."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjzo3KyBIU
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHoi9EOPzz
"D-Don't worry miss, I can just put it on your tab. I'll need your name and–"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPib8BfNQO
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yBR4dd8uY
"No! I can't do that, but I will work for the beer."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDFPHBXyD0
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKT14kxDuu
The cloaked woman was standing now and bowing. My suspicions crept back; why did she want to keep her name hidden?228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5M5Cv0ds3
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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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiTeevDDue
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"..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zjdz6laB1
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Darn you, Flinty. Darn you. I took my pouch out again and sifted through it and found another triangle Grant.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5g6RkEYsOE
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjhzOFe8RN
"Hey, cloaked woman."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeH5m3Qy28
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwlXnn16W9
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHLbuZUp57
"You can keep the change. Bring a wallet next time."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHltrLODwl
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"Yes, of course. Thank you."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSt0Bi2nhR
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She gripped the piece and bowed at me. How strangely polite. I didn't like it. She's still too fishy!228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIootRilZBf
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"Alright Flinty, let's go."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhuRVFW6Ez
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"Yes!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU62ykUDZvR
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvMnOHWGCK
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"What?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZZm2G2gh9
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"Kenny, you're awesome."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEQcpmawKi
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I think I felt my face light up for the first time.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZsaHnuvH8
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUPTtxvNra
"U-Um, Thank you, Flinty."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xM8WsCd9C
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kHSSAOm8Q
"Now come on, we still have a whole city to explore!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWaTBY7umF
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTwvv0xcqY
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF91RYvXMjR
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She looked back. "Come on, Kenny!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvB916Av1LQ
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yd33ERomk
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There was something special about this person. Maybe because we were both kids, but, I had a strong desire to keep her safe.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuOhVnVCT4
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6utQQvnk2
"...Is something wrong?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjx7Eh7z9Ee
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNlwqn6Ntt
"Huh? N-No, I'm just thinking."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gvM5DXOEC
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTst08BouNV
"Think later, I'm talking to you!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw218wywllm
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"R-Right."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYAFKnrhjL
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I didn't know, but I was okay with that. I'd know eventually. I was sure of it.
