It's about midday as we return to the villa, and I promptly flee to the restroom. I'm not constipated, I just need to think in peace. Mom has lots of plans for the rest of the day before we head back to the estate, and I want to sort through at least a few things before they become stale.
I sit for a moment, processing everything that has happened today so far. First, pain-in-the-ass professor who seems way too full of himself. Though at the same time he seems perfectly capable of being serious. Unluckily for me, he said that he's a history teacher. I need to mentally prepare myself for having to deal with him for at least a year, possibly more. Though he isn't a complete fool. He shared knowledge I didn't already know, and I bet that isn't all he has. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I memorized the academy's entire history textbook before I took the entrance exams. I'd be disappointed if he just pulled from it during classes. This is all assuming I even get him as a teacher, as there are multiple history classes and I doubt he teaches all of them.
Secondly, the Rankings. I want to at least-
"Morgan are you okay in there?"
Oh no I've been in here for too long, Mom might think I'm actually constipated.
"Yes I'm fine."
"Well we need to leave soon, so try to get done with whatever you're doing in there, okay?"
"Alright, I'll be out in a minute."
I didn't get through as much as I wanted, but I guess it's fine for now. The ride back to the estate is a full day, so I'll have plenty of time later.
After a moment, I emerge. Heading out to the foyer, I spot a small shelf that I hadn't seen when I combed through the building. On it are a few books that normally I wouldn't pay any mind since I'm in a hurry, but one of the titles stands out.
'Will Given Form: A Comprehensive Guide on Awakening Your Concept. By Time Blade'
Not only is the title intriguing, but who in the world is 'Time Blade'. The book is very thick, so either 'Awakening Your Concept' is very complicated, or that isn't the only thing in it. I don't know what a concept is, but somehow I feel drawn to this book, and I bet I'll learn a lot if I read it all the way through. No reason not to hold on to it. I should get moving.
Grabbing the book, I jog down to the entrance hall and see Mom and Vincent talking. Mom spots me almost immediately.
"There he is. Vincent, we will be back by sundown, please start dinner preparations the moment we come into sight. Something small will do, I'd like to get to bed early tonight."
"Yes Madam, it will be done."
"Wonderful. Morgan we must depart, there is much to be done!"
Mom sounds excited. I quicken my pace, and she exits ahead of me. As I climb into the carriage, she says something that catches me off guard.
"We're going to go get you some supplies, since you'll be staying here until school starts."
"I'll be what?"
"You'll be here until school starts, didn't your father tell you?"
"No he didn't, all he did was brag about how he isn't a typical noble."
"..." Mom brings a hand to her face and sighs, exasperated. She recovers quickly.
"Okay, well it's as I said. I will be returning tomorrow, and over the next week or so we will be sending you supplies for the villa. It hasn't had anyone living in it for quite some time, and I'm certain you noticed."
I nod. It felt clean, but empty.
"Today we're going to get you new clothes and anything else you can think of. I know your fashion sense is abysmal, so I'll be curating outfits for you. I also know that you'll never wear something if it stands out, so don't worry."
As much as it pains me, she's right on all counts.
"I understand."
"We'll talk more about it later. I need to write out a letter." She knocks on the wall and the carriage begins to move.
A letter?
"To who?"
"To the King. Your father and I have been discussing a railway from here to Larum with him. Larum's Mayor is also involved, but he has far less power over this."
"I see. Does it seem like it will happen?"
I like trains, so I can only see this as a good thing. I imagine Larum would benefit from it quite a bit as well, though that is likely why they want to have it built.
"So far, yes. Though it will likely still take a month or two, even with a construction mage on the job."
"Why would it take that long?"
"Most of them are busy tinkering with that Arena in the Academy. The work they're doing sounds very advanced, you should try to find out more about it during school."
"I certainly will."
"Now shh, I need to write."
She pulls a small piece of stationary and a pen out of her handbag, and begins to write. It's incredible how perfect her handwriting is, despite being in a moving carriage. I look to the window at the scenery.
Our villa is in the southeastern corner of the city, near but not next to the outer wall. The few other noble residences are situated in the southwestern corner. Most nobles don't appreciate being crowded, so the houses are spread out over the plains. This is in sharp contrast to ours, which is right on top of a hill in a middle-class neighborhood. Personally I prefer the city view, but I don't know if it was part of the King's prank or if Father picked the spot.
I couldn't see it well last night or this morning, since it was dark, but the Gray Sea and Pyrite Palace atop it make for a beautiful scene. I guess this counts as my first time seeing the ocean. I should find some time to go down to the waterfront, I bet it's very nice this time of year.
At least I'll be able to look at this whenever I want while I'm living up here.
As we enter the district below the villa, Mom finishes writing her letter and knocks on the wall, stopping the carriage. She gets out and gestures for me to follow.
"Driver, please deliver this to the post under my name, they will know what to do with it. Then please meet us back here at this spot, we only be a couple hours at most."
The driver nods and takes the letter. As the carriage begins to move, Mom turns to me.
"Now, shall we?" She smiles and leads me by the wrist towards some nice shops on the street.