Shopping

Shopping

*****

Disclaimer - (Cause fanfiction is tricky ground and I hope not to offend the creator of the original story and get sued)

This is non-profit and is a fanfiction, a work of fiction. It is an unofficial, non-canon alternate story based on TurtleMe's story "The Beginning After The End". Most of the media - such as the images and video's used in this fanfiction - are from the web. Thus, most of them aren't mine (because I really, really can't draw) unless mentioned. To fit the story, images are also edited by the photo editor. So they aren't mine, just edited. I get much of the text, especially the fight scenes and thought, aside from my oc's, from the original novel, which can be found on Library Novel. Still, support the official release.

Have you ever written something from the back of your head, and then realize oh sh** these were someone else's words. Yeah, that just happened to me, my disclaimer no less. Anyway, like 40% of this disclaimer belongs to KairuSui from quotev

Also if you own a picture or Video that I found online, and you either want your name added, or me to take it down. Please contact me and we can talk it out.

P.s. I also ask that you do not copy my work and publish it onto any other website. If you're gonna use my idea, please ask me (I'll 99.99% say yes unless you're super rude). If I don't contact you within a week, then just assume I'm giving you the all clear and go for it. Just remember to credit me.

I will be writing out scenes even if my Oc isn't in them. As long as she's mentioned, or influencing the characters in some way. This may seem a bit annoying. But that's just how I write. I like to embed my characters into the story line.

Playlist

For the playlist you can go to my YouTube channel, which is under "Anime-lover-forever-1127" and click on the playlist titled "A Woman With Vision {Arthur Laywin}". Or you can use this link

Warnings: Spoiler Alert for chapter 19 for the novel, and 33 for the manga

*****

Today's Special

I'm am not a shopaholic,

I am helping the economy.

~ shutterstock.com

*****

{Third P.O.V.}

Well Morgana was deep in thought, Arthur was wrapping up his fight with his father.

{Arthur P.O.V.}

In the world I had come from, elemental augmenters were merely practitioners of different sects. The Earth, Fire, Water, and Wind Sects consisted of their own techniques that utilized their element.

What had allowed me to become King in my old world was, knowing how to fight in all four different practices of the elements. Translate that here and I'd be a sort of quadra-elemental mage, if that even existed. Of course I did have my preferences. My weakest was earth and wind while my strongest was fire and water. I hardly used wind and even less of earth except for slight support. No. I was feared in battle because of my mastery in the two complete opposite elements of Water and Fire.

While I was training with Gramps, I had tested out numerous theories that I had kept in my mind. One thing I had learned very quickly during that time was that I had absolutely no talent for conjuring. Grandpa brought over an elven conjurer one day when I had asked him to get someone to teach me the basics and I ended up nearly killing myself.

augmenting and conjuring were very different in one sense, and very similar in another. An augmenter could potentially have the ability to do what conjurers were capable of and vice versa. However, this only came with advanced breakthroughs in the top mana core stages as well as a much higher form of comprehension in the respective element.

I had thought that maybe I could bypass that fundamental rule and become both a conjurer and augmenter. I just regretted that I had to learn the hard way how that wasn't possible. Another theory I had tested was my potential ability as a deviant. Grandpa Virion and Tess had both been shocked speechless after they found out I could manipulate all four elements, but after the four months of trying to see if I could control any of the higher elements, I received mixed results.

*****

"Try not to be too surprised!"

Crackling sounds popped in the air around me as my hair stood on its end by the electric current coursing through me. There were currents of yellow lightning enveloping me as I prepared to attack.

"What the..." My father had almost stopped his attack after the shock had left unfocused. Before giving him the chance to recover, I dashed towards him, leaving a trail of charred grass and earth behind me. I blinked behind him, concentrating lightning into my fist as I go in for a hook.

A frightening explosion occurred as my fist collided with his. While my father had managed to block my attack the recoil pushed him into a nearby tree.

Getting back to his feet, my father imbued his arm in fire before looking at me. We both stayed silent, our gaze enough to tell each other our intent. As he lunged towards me with a speed fearsome for his size, I readied myself as well. As soon as my father got in range, he let out a flurry of precise jabs as my assimilated body, coupled with the nerve enhancing effect of the lightning coursing through me, was able to dodge each one with minimal movement. Lightning and fire intertwined as I parried and dodged his fists, each of his jabs growing faster and sharper; he truly was my father.

I was at a severe disadvantage because of my height and reach and my father wasn't one who'd let that opportunity go wasted. He kept his optimal distance instead of carelessly getting close as I did all I can to get in range. As I parried each of his fists, I fired small bursts of lightning, slowly whittling down the feelings in his arms. My father didn't notice until it was too late, though; his swings and jabs were becoming dull and sloppy. Seizing the opportunity, I ducked under his swing and prepared for an uppercut and just when my fist was about to make contact, my father's knee was positioned just below my jaw.

It was a stalemate.

The tension from the spar immediately dissipated as my father clasped my shoulders. "Ow!" he let out a surprised yelp.

I still had electric currents surrounding me, giving him a little shock. I smiled back as I dispersed my mana, allowing my father to pick me up. While I was able to finally break through into the world of deviants, I was still a beginner. I had a lot to work on for my lightning attribute magic since this was something completely new to me as well. As for ice attribute magic, it was even harder for me at the moment. Using either of them required an excessive amount of mana, most of which was wasted on inept utilization. I was also bound by a strict limit on the duration of use, with lightning magic for about three minutes, and for ice, even less.

While, right now, using lightning attribute magic was more of a liability on myself than an asset, in the future, this definitely wouldn't be the case.

The reason why only very few mages were able to transcend the basic element that they were adept in and into its higher form was that the higher form was completely different and incomparably more difficult. Of course, while me being able to learn both lightning and ice within four months probably didn't back up this point, need I remind you again that I was a complete beginner in these higher forms of elements. While my old world helped me gain knowledge and understanding to transcend into the higher forms of the elements, my old world experiences didn't prepare me for after I had become a deviant.

As for sound and gravity, I had yet to produce any favorable results. In order to even take the first step, a mage needed to understand the link between the basic elements into its higher form. After that, the mage's body needed to be able to naturally understand this link and harmonize the structure of the mana from the basic element to its higher form. For wind and earth, even if I had somehow become able to grasp the link between the basic to its higher form, my body wouldn't be able to change the structure of the mana particles.

My theory held true when I realized I wasn't compatible with wind and earth in this world as well.

The energy from my body was drained and as soon as my father put me back down, I collapsed on my butt. It was then that I had the chance to finally notice the dead silence surrounding my father and I.

My father had always been the type to easily accept facts and he knew I was already some sort of monstrous genius so me being a deviant didn't really surprise him all too much. However, this hardly applied to everyone else here. The only one that seemed fascinated was my sister, but that was simply because she didn't really get what had happened. She was probably used to seeing Father fight so nothing outside of that really registered as odd. Vincent and Tabitha's faces are all in sync: faces pale, jaws slack, eyes wide. My mother had her hands covering her mouth in shock, while even Lilia knew that what I did wasn't normal. Compared to my father's excited yet unsurprised acceptance, this reaction was more so within my expectations.

Morgana on the other hand, had none of those normal reactions. In fact, she looked as if she hadn't even seen half the fight. Her gaze was on us, but her mind seemed to be somewhere else.

{Third P.O.V.}

"Haha... Surprise!" Arthur threw up his arms, laughing weakly.

"Kuu~!" Sylvie scampered towards him, giving him a concerned gaze, as if asking, 'are you okay Papa?'

Vincent was the first to speak up.

"D-deviant!" he managed to spew out.

"My god..." Tabitha just sighed in astonishment.

Morgana shook her head, as she realized she had zoned out for the second half of the match completely, as she was overcome by memories of the past.

"So, Art. When exactly did you learn that new trick?" His father asked, more in a curious tone than one of shocked bewilderment. Shaking his head while ruffling his son's hair.

"Not too long ago Dad. I can barely control it, though," the boy replied sheepishly.

The group all made their way back into the living room where they all situated ourselves around the dining table.

"Rey... your son. Do you realize the kind of future he has? He's only eight but he's already stronger than a veteran B rank Adventurer," Vincent said, hardly able to contain his excitement.

Reynolds scratched his head. "This is crazy. I thought that him awakening at the age of three was already terrifying but to think he would become a deviant as well."

"What? He awakened at the age of three?!" Tabitha cried out, bolting up from her seat.

Morgana's eyes widened, "what stage are you at then?", she asked the boy who was sitting across from her.

"Light red."

"That's one higher than me." The girl mumbled, but Arthur heard her.

"Wait, you're also..." The boy began,

"I'm a conjurer, Wind and Water." Morgana answered, cutting him off. She then turned her head to the adults, "I'll answer your questions later, cause I feel like where things are headed right now, you'll be more concerned about their conversation."

Arthur nodded, without questioning her, he did as she had said. He didn't know why, but he felt as if she would never lead him astray.

Alice just nodded at this. "Arthur managed to blow up most of our house in the process."

Both the physical men in the room, leaned back, sinking in their chair as they let out a synced sigh..

"Papa? Are yoo okay?" Eleanor poked her father in the cheek.

Laughing, Reynolds picks her up off of her mother's lap, "Haha, yeah I'm okay princess."

Vincent got up from his chair now and looked seriously at us, arms stretched out on the table.

"Rey, how about enrolling your son in Xyrus Academy?"

"What? You can't be serious, right? He's only eight!" Arthur's father refuted, sitting up on his chair.

Tabitha chimed in. "Rey, Alice, I think your child is more than capable of exceeding at Xyrus."

"I thought that only noble geniuses were allowed to attend Xyrus Academy?" Alice responded, concern etched into her face.

Excitedly, Vincent voiced out, "I can handle that! I do a lot of business with the Director of Xyrus Academy so she'll be lenient in the enrollment process."

"B-but the school fees are much too extravagant for us to handle," The Mother argued, still doubtful of the idea of sending me.

"Alice, that should be the least of your worries. We will be glad to pay for the fees. Arthur's talent is immeasurable. Who knows what he can accomplish. Even if we don't pay, I'm sure he'd find nobles that would beg to sponsor him. We're honestly thinking of sending Morgana this year as well." Tabitha held Alice's hands in her own for reassurance.

Morgana choked up at the new information.

"Ahem! Do you mind if I have a say in this?" People seemed to forget that the person's future they were trying to decide was right here with them.

"I have just arrived back home today. Can I spend a bit of time with my family before I decide whether to go to school or not?" Arthur asked, giving a meaningful gaze to Vincent.

"O-of course. I apologize. Haha. I guess I was too excited there for a moment." He just laughed weakly before sitting back down.

"Thank you." The boy gave the Helstea family a smile. "Also, I think your daughter may have a few words to share of her own." he said, tilting his head to direct their gaze at Morgana who was still trying to cough the water in her lungs back up.

"Morgana!" Vincent exclaimed, patting the girl on the back to help her process, "Are you all right now dear?" He asked, once she had begun breathing normally again.

"I'm fine." The girl said, voice a little horse. "My throat just feels kinda sore." She then turned to her mother, "You can NOT, send me to the academy this year. If I go now, it's going to be practically social suacide!"

"Well... I suppose you do have a point." Tabitha frowned.

Vincent began laughing, "Doesn't she always. All right, we won't make you go till you feel you're ready."

Seeing this, Arthur turned his head to face his mother. "Mom, where do I sleep?"

"Oh yes! I almost forgot! You'll have your room next to Eleanor's in the left wing. Come on, let's all go up now, it's getting late."

Sylvie had already fallen asleep on his head and Eleanor was nodding in and out of her dream world while we were discussing my future.

Today has been a long day.

{Arthur P.O.V.}

Mother and Father lead me to the room I'd be living in from today onwards. It was a lot larger than my room in Ashber but still decorated in a homey fashion. While the furnishings did leave a lot of open space, it worked perfectly for since I needed some space to train. "Morgana's room is right across from yours. If you need to find your way, I'm sure she won't mind helping you." My Mother said, pointing across the hall.

As I settled Sylvie down on the bed, Mother and Father sat down next to me.

"We'll go shopping together tomorrow. We need to get you some clothes." My mother ran her fingers through my hair.

My father squatted down in front of me, grabbing my arm. "Arthur, whether you're a genius or not, you're still my son and I'll be proud of you and love you regardless of circumstances." His face was unusually serious. It was comforting knowing that they would always treat me as their son instead of their "little genius".

I quietly nodded in return. I thought of revealing the full extent of my abilities but I decided that it might be safer to do it in baby steps.

Before he stood back up up, he pinched me cheek and gave me an evil smile. "Besides, I know you held back on me with your lightning magic today. Don't think that you fooled me! We'll do a rematch soon.

My mother just chortled at this, "I swear, all you guys think about is fighting."

She looked at me with a comforting smile in her eyes. "Your father is right, though. No matter what kind of genius you are, you'll still be my baby boy."

"Haha. Can't I be your adolescent boy now? I'm eight and a half now Mom!" I grinned back at her.

"Nope! You can't!" She just retorted before the both of them left my room.

"Get some rest now. Let's go shopping with your sister tomorrow. It'll be a great chance for you guys to bond." My mother said before closing the door behind her.

I don't even have the energy to wash up. I just plop into bed, bouncing the slumbering Sylvie,

who whines at me before nodding off to sleep.

Before I fall asleep, I remember something. "Hey Sylvie, what was up with you earlier. Why did you jump Morgana." I asked her verbally.

Sylvie took one look at me and huphed, 'You'll find out eventually.' she answered, mentaly.

"Why you little... Fine. I'll figure it out on my own." I grumbled, yet I couldn't help but think,

Today was a long day. It was a good, long day.

With a smile plastered on my face, I followed Sylvie into a comforting sleep.

*****

I woke up the next morning to my baby dragon licking furiously at my face.

"Haha I'm up Sylv, I'm up!"

"Kyu~!" She was hopping up and down on top of me, a feeling of excitement radiating from her.

I thought of Tess. I had never thought I would miss being woken up by her spartan methods. I wonder how she was doing?

Tess had become my closest friend growing up, and while she had turned a bit fierce, she was still the same kind-hearted Tess that worried about me and took care of me while I was in Elenoir.

I took a quick shower, dragging my smelly dragon with me.

She cried in distress at the warm water drenching her but I didn't relent and soon after, we were both sparkling clean.

"...kyu" Sylvie moaned, plopped down on my bed, exhausted from struggling.

"Don't complain! Both of us were filthy and we didn't wash yesterday either."

I hear a knock on my door, so I quickly put on the rest of my clothes.

"Coming!" I said, my shirt still over my head.

Opening the door, I looked down to spot a shy Eleanor, looking down, with her foot rubbing something on the ground.

Standing next to her was a yawning Morgana.

"Well hello there, Ellie." I squatted down so I was eye level with her, giving her the most gentle smile I could muster.

"G-g'morning Bruhder. Mama told me to w-wake you up." She muttered, her head still down.

"Haha I see! Thank you very much little sister," I exclaimed while patting her head. This seemed to get a good response out of her as she started blushing a little.

"Can you take me down to the kitchen?" I asked, holding out my hand.

"En!" She nods excitedly and while she hesitated for a second, she grabbed my hand and pulled me along.

"Kinda why we're here." Morgana said, tone snappy.

I raised an eyebrow, this was nothing like how she was yesterday. "Not a morning person?" I asked.

A light blush appeared on her cheeks, "Sorry about that. It's not your fault, it's mine. I'm a lot nicer once I have my coffee. So yeah, not really a morning person."

'Not a morning person huh', I think. 'Almost reminds me off...'

{Morgana P.O.V.}

Sylvie followed behind us, trotting while taking a look around at her new surroundings.

I'm met with a pleasant smell of bacon as we entered the kitchen. Inside, I spotted my mother andAlice cooking something as they chatted. My sister was sitting down at the table already, her legs swinging, obviously waiting for breakfast.

"Good morning Mom, Auntie, Lilia!"

"Good morning Mom, Ma'am, Lilia!"

Arthur and I greet at the same time.

"G'morning!"

"Kyu!"

Both Ellie and Sylvie echo from behind the two.

"Ah! Ellie managed to wake you up! I remembered having the hardest time waking you up even when you were a baby, Art. I swear you slept like a log." Auntie Alice chuckled as she placed some eggs into a large plate.

"Morgana was easy to wake. You just don't want to get on her bad side before she has her morning coffee." My mother laughs. "Did you sleep well?" She smiles as she tossed the bowl of salad she had in her hands.

"I slept great, Mrs. Helstea." Arthur answered.

"I kinda slept late. I was up late last night reading." Morgana yawned.

"Hi, Ellie, Morgana! G-good morning Arthur... " Lilia softly said as her voice trailed off after meeting Arthur's gaze.

Arthur smiled and returned the greeting.

I chuckled, 'Aww, look who has a crush.' I coed internally, until I felt a small stab in my heart that came out of nowhere. 'Where did that come from? Is it because Arthur reminds me a lot of Grey? Oh, who am I kidding. He's old enough to be my son!"

{Arthur P.O.V.}

Breakfast was great. Mother mentioned that usually the maids are the ones to cook but she wanted to cook today for me. It had been too long since I had mother's cooking and I now realized how dearly I had missed it. I made sure to give some of the meat to Sylvie who didn't hesitate to gobble whatever entered her mouth, including my finger. Eventually, Morgana, Ellie and Lilia both wanted to try feeding her so I told them to go ahead. Needless to say, Sylvie warmed up to them a bit more after being fed by them.

Everyone was right, Morgana was back to her usual self after she had a couple cups of coffee in her.

"The carriage is waiting out front so just leave the dishes in the sink and let's head out!" announced Tabitha.

Xyrus was an amazing city. I couldn't help but stare at the different sights that came into view as we travelled down the main road. I could see magic shops, armories, spell books, and even beast core shops! There was everything a mage could ask for. Adults and children were all dressed extravagantly while luxurious carriages passed alongside ours. Some buildings were several stories high, making this city seem a lot bigger and denser than Ashber. I could also see children a couple years older than me all wearing similar uniforms, some black while some grey and red. I could only assume by their pretentious demeanor that they were students of Xyrus Academy. While uniforms in my old world were meant to protect the financial backgrounds to lessen discrimination, here, it seemed that the uniforms themselves worked as a sort of gold medallion that they could show off to the rest of the world.

We had eventually reached the fashion district of Xyrus.

From my past life, I already knew that nothing was harder than shopping with women. But by not having to do that in over eight years, I seemed to have forgotten that.

Looking through a window, I saw a shop full of orbs, beast heads and other such artifacts. "What sort of shop is this?" I asked the girls.

"Those small orbs you see are called beast cores." Tabitha answered. "They're magical cores extracted from mana beasts to power you up, although the effects between cores can vary vastly. A bit of a gamble to spend hundreds of gold on. But if you're lucky, one might even contain a beast will."

"Hundreds of gold!" I asked, shocked. I'm good with my beast will, thanks.

"If not thousands." The black haired women laughed.

"Yeah. But I suppose you're one of the last person who would need something like that. I mean you do have a bond." Morgana said. "But if you're interested in them, the Helstea auction house receives quite a bit of beast cores and even infant mana beasts. We could take a look at them when we get the chance." She offered.

"I'd appreciate that. Thank you!"

"Enough of that." Lilia said, pushing me towards a particular shop. "Come on. There was a place I wanted to take you as soon as I saw you."

"I-Is this necessary?" I asked, looking at the man who had his scissors to my hair.

My mother sighed in response,"Arthur, dear? Your hair is atrocious."

"I don't know about that." Morgana shrugged. "I kinda like it. But you should still get at least a trimming, if nothing else."

"Don't worry, ladies. I'll make this boy shine~" said the hairdresser. "Like the flawless gem he is~"

*****

Next was me being used as a mannequin for each of the girl's own preferences in style. My mother wanted to dress me in simple clothes, while Tabitha wanted to transform me into some sort of prince. Even Lilia and Ellie made me try on some clothes.

Seeing my discomfort at all the clothes the other girls were picking for me, Morgana giggled and handed me a set, "Here. Try these."

I groaned, which was quickly cut off when I got a good look at the set of clothes. It was a simple black shirt, with a gold line embroidered along its neck, with brown trousers. My eyes light up, finally a break!

As I stared at them, I remembered how much Amber loved to shop. She'd always joke about how she wasn't a shopaholic, she was just helping the economy. I suppose it was true in a way. She spent a lot of time shopping in stores that were about to go out of business. Attracting consumers, on top of the hundreds she would spend there.

Yet, despite all the thousands of dresses she had, she always stole his. "I'm your wife. I have a right to all your clothes. It's in our marriage agreement." I thought she was only joking, till she pulled the contract out later that day.

I couldn't help but feel like this would be something she would have picked out for me. It did check off all the points she had for men's clothes: Simple, Stylish, and Convenient.

"Don't do that Morgana. It makes the rest of us seem like big meanies!" Tabitha whined at her daughter.

My sister nodded, agreeing with the set Morgana chose. "You need to look good since you're my bruhder!" She announced loudly, her hands on her hips.

"Why thank you Eleanor." Morgana smiled and bent down to hug the younger girl, "I'm honoured to have your approval." She giggled, not the least bit sarcastic.

I couldn't help but smile at the sight.

*****

Sylvie could feel the exhaustion radiating from me as we exited the store, so she comfortingly perched on my head, as if to gloat.

I ended up with ten different sets of clothes, half from Mother and the other half from Tabitha. Both Mother and I tried to stop Tabitha from buying me anything but she scolded us, playfully said, "Just think of it as an investment. Besides, I've always wanted a son," while winking.

We looked around more after towing our bags of clothes into the carriage. I was excited to see the armory. I had really wanted a decent sword to start practicing swordsmanship again; It was apparent that my skills diminish after such a long break from proper training.

{Morgana P.O.V.}

I followed Arthur's gaze to see him staring at an armory. "You wanna go?" I asked.

He perked up like an actual child, "Can we really?"

I shrugged, "See no reason why not. We have the time." I turned my head to my sister, "Lilia. Can you wait for us here, and tell mom where we went?" I asked her.

She nodded, "My feet are getting tired anyway."

"Come one. Lets go." I told Arthur, grabbing his wrist and pulling him forward to the armory.

I watched with a smile as Arthur jumped around the shop like a child. "Thanks." He turned to look at me over his shoulder.

I waved it off with a smile, "No need for that. You were supposed to be the one to enjoy yourself. But you ended up playing doll for us instead. Sorry about that." Plus, I still need to see you with a sword, I silently chuckled to myself.

"Na. I know you mean well. Morgana-" Arthur was about to go on, but was cut off by a voice calling to the kids.

"Can I help you? This is no place for kids. Please leave while I'm asking nicely." A man said to them, though his tone wasn't nice at all.

The man next to him nodded, "That thing you're looking at is a dangerous weapon. Do you understand what that means? It's isn't like the toy swords you have at home, brat."

"We were just looking. No need to be so rude." I said, putting my hands on my hips, or what I had of them anyway.

The man completely ignored me

'God do I miss my old body.' I sighed. 'If I had it now, this idiot would be begging for me to marry him on the spot.'

He went on, "There's a candy store just outside th-" the second the man put his hand on Arthur's shoulder, it was slapped off.

"I'm well aware of what a sword is. My apologies for getting in the way." Arthur told the man calmly. This time he grabbed Morgana's wrist by one hand, and the door handle by the other, as he prepared to leave.

"Hold it, bray!" The man shouted angrily. "What house raised such a rude-"

But he was cut off by a loud, "Get your hand off my son!"

Morgana recognized the voice at once. Auntie Alice.

"What do you think you're doing? My name is Igastus from the house..." he began produly, was quickly went quit once he saw me mother standing in the doorway next the other fuming women.

"Igatus?" My mother repeated "You're from the branch family of house Ravenpor. Would you like me to revoke you and your family's participation in the Helstea Auction House?" She threatened.

The man collapsed to his knees and bowed down, "Please! I-I had no idea this be-child was with the Helstea hour! My sincerest apologies!"

"We'll let you off the hook just this once." I sighed.

"Thank you for getting me out of that situation." Arthur said.

"Truth be told, I was more afraid of what you and Morgana would do to that man." My mother laughed.

*****

{Arthur P.O.V.}

Eventually, we arrived back home, my physical and mental strength depleted by the time father came back home soon after.

"How was your day, Son?" He chuckled, taking a seat next to me on the dining table.

"I never thought shopping could be so utterly tiring," I groaned.

As if hearing my complaints, Vincent and Tabitha sat down across from us.

"HAHA! I heard you got beat up by a bunch of women today, Arthur!" Vincent exclaimed.

I just feebly nod while Tabitha smirked and looked at Mother, "The little prodigy of yours isn't as big of a deal as I thought he was." Lilia, Morgana and Ellie giggled at this.

"I will admit that a woman's endurance can not be matched when they're out shopping." I just wryly refute.

"Maybe we should build up your stamina then?" Morgana laughed.

"No!" I quickly answered. After spending hours shopping with Amber, I never once was able to build up a tolerance for shopping, I doubt I'd be able to do it now. "I thought you were on my side." I groaned.

My father and Vincent laughed harder at this and nodded their head in agreement.

The sound of a doorbell followed by a couple of knocks gets everyone's attention.

"Ah! Looks like she's here!" Vincent perked up.

The look on everyone else's face told me that Vincent was the only one who knew what was going on.

Vincent came back, leading an elderly woman into the dining room.

"Rey, Alice, Arthur, I know you guys said that you want to put off school for later but I just couldn't hold it in. Everyone. Meet Cynthia Goodsky! She's the Director of Xyrus Academy."

Noticing the slight twinge of annoyance on my face, Vincent immediately said, "Don't worry, I didn't bring her here to make you go to school right away. I just wanted her to meet you."

The Director gave me a smile that I couldn't quite understand the meaning of and held out her hand. "Nice to finally meet you, Arthur."

*****

Considering that I used the 'Today's Special', in the story, I'm giving myself some brownie points.

Also, I'm assuming the errors on Eleanor's speech are intentional, to give the effect of a child who is still developing her words. Because I got that directly from the text, I'll choose to just go down that route.