Mom had us visit every non-restaurant shop in the district, and my arms are becoming exhausted from the pile of packages and boxes I'm having to carry. At least she restrained herself and didn't buy everything she was interested in. I think I've definitely got all the 'supplies' I'll need for the two months I'll be staying in the villa, and Mom has confirmed that they'll be sending things from the estate as well.
I appreciate the concern, but I don't think I need most of this stuff. For example, eight new outfits is excessive when I hardly leave the house in the first place. Plus, who is stopping me from just washing the clothes I want to wear, then wearing the same outfit over and over. And even on top of that, I'll hardly have the chance to wear them at all when school starts, since 90% of my time will be spent in uniform.
At this point I'm only going along with this to humor Mom, but she doesn't need to know that. I appreciate the effort she's putting in, but I also dread trying to sort through all of this when we're done.
"Huuu... this should be enough, let's head back." She sighs.
I think she noticed how much I'm struggling. It's concerning how disappointed she sounds, did she want to get even more?
We make our way back to the spot where Mom told the driver to wait, and turning a corner I can see the carriage. The driver is feeding the horses and he spots us. Before we reach the carriage, he climbs back up to the box, and prepares to leave.
Mom and I get into the carriage, and I set down the mound of boxes on either side of us. We begin to move just as the sun starts to set. When we reach the hill leading up to the villa, I look out the window towards the palace. Just as I read, it lights up with a golden glow during sunset.
The enormous palace stands high over the city, surrounded by a vibrant golden halo that gives it an indescribable majesty. The spiraling towers scrape the sky, as if trying to reach the stars. For a moment I'm lost in its splendor, but I'm pulled out of it by the carriage stopping.
With its image still in my head, I step out of the carriage and start pulling boxes down. Two butlers come to assist.
"Morgan, let them handle that. Dinner should be ready, and I'd like to eat while it's still hot." Mom calls to me from the front door.
"Oh alright, I'll be in shortly."
The servants and I quickly get all the boxes out of the carriage, and I jog inside so as to not leave Mom waiting. Reaching the dining room, I sit at the table, where there is food already set. Mom seems to have waited for me before eating, so I gesture at the food as if to say 'go ahead'. We eat quietly, as both of us are too tired to hold a good conversation. Soon enough, we both finish and head off to our rooms. I flop onto my bed face first and nearly fall asleep immediately, but something pops into my head right at the last moment.
Where did I put that book? I think I placed it in one of the boxes that I had been carrying.
I push myself off the bed, as suddenly I'm in the mood to read. Leaving my room, I search the building for one of the butlers that helped me unload. A clock in the hall reads 10:42, so I assume they're doing last minute clean-up before returning to their quarters for the night. Eventually, I run into one of them doing just that, and ask where they placed the boxes. He points me to the entrance hall, and sure enough, they're stacked up neatly along the wall opposite the door.
Picking through the boxes, I eventually find the book in one of the first ones we got. Other than the book, the box contains two full outfits that Mom picked out. Since I already unpacked this one, I'll bring it back to my room along with the book.
Once again laying in bed, I examine the book's cover. So far I've thought of it as a book, but it is far more reminiscent of a journal if anything. The worn cover and stitched title tell me that this was likely produced and distributed by the person who wrote it, rather than any company. That aside, what really intrigues me is the contents. I carefully open the book, so as not to damage the cover, but to my surprise it doesn't feel flimsy at all. The first page contains the title written out in a handwriting I can only describe as difficult to read.
'Will Given Form: A Comprehensive Guide to Awakening Your Concept.'
I turn the page with anticipation and begin to read.
* * * * * * *
A heart beats like thunder.
A vivid silver light shines.
* * * * * * *
I awaken the next morning with the book open on my lap. Seems like I fell asleep while reading.
I climb out of bed, placing the book on the small table next to it. Getting dressed, I decide to try one of the outfits that I brought back to my room. Although I did have to try them on when we were out shopping, I never moved. After I've slipped into everything, I check how I look in the mirror.
Mom definitely knows how to coordinate an outfit, but I have to give massive props to the tailor. Not only did they make gorgeous clothes, they made them incredibly quickly. No doubt due to magic, but I'm sure it still takes considerable skill. I have genuinely no idea how much money Mom must have spent on everything yesterday.
The outfit consists of a thin white dress shirt, black embroidered vest, and suitable gray pants. I can see myself wearing this frequently, as it is far more comfortable than I assumed it would be.
Mom should be leaving soon this morning, so I head down to the main section of the villa hoping to find her. Sure enough, she is standing at a table in the foyer writing a letter, while the servants load a few things that she got for herself and Father into the carriage.
"Another letter to the King?"
"Oh Morgan! Good morning, and yes another letter to the king. He responded quickly, which is very unlike him."
"Well that's better than no response at all before you leave."
"Yes, it very much is. I'm going to drop this off before we leave the city."
She smiles and approaches me, examining my clothes.
"I see you're wearing a new outfit. Do you like it?"
"I do, it's very comfortable."
"Wonderful! I'm glad." Her smile widens.
She pauses for a moment, staring at me.
"Well I must go soon, please take care of yourself okay? You have all the servants at your disposal."
"I know Mom, I'll be fine."
"Yes yes, I know, you're always fine." She pouts for a moment.
I can tell she wants to drag this out and possibly not ever leave, so I give her a gentle push since if I don't, she may do just that.
"I will help you get all your stuff together and then see you off."
"... Alright."
She reluctantly agrees and finishes sealing her letter in an envelope, while I go off to help the servants prepare the carriage.
Later, it is time for her to depart. The sun has only just risen, and the palace in the distance shines beautifully.
"I love you sweetheart, more than anything. Don't strain yourself too much, and ask Vincent if you ever need any help."
"Love you too Mom, I'll keep that in mind."
We hug briefly, then she gets into the carriage. As it moves, she waves from the window, and I wave back. When it finally goes out of sight, the sun has fully risen. I head back inside, as there are things that need to be done.