Chapter 165 - Now a Student, too

Masha's POV

 It's been a day since my master's 17th birthday. Today was Timau, 15 of Moparas, and according to him, today was the first anniversary of his life in this world. I was curious, so I asked him about that. Then, after explaining to me what and who he was, I was shocked to learn that he was a Renad, or Traveler from Distant Land as folks from the Zale Valleys would call. But because of his kindness, I felt lucky to have a master who might be that kind of person from that race, but that person was kind and understanding to me.

 Later this morning, while we were doing our route somewhere, Master Russell asked me if I would like to attend a school for a decent education. "Attend a school?" I was stunned to hear that. "You'll enroll me into one?"

Master Russell then nodded. "Yes, and I'll pay for the tuition. Have you ever gone to a school yet?"

 "No, I haven't due to my uncle's debts and abuse," I responded back with doubt and concern. "But are you sure about that?"

 "Yes, so you could learn the basics like reading, writing, arithmetic, and others," replied my master positively while eating his small snack. "Don't worry, it's okay if you don't want to. I won't pressure you."

This made me think for a bit, and then, thinking that I would need the necessary skills to survive, I accepted it.

 "Yes, I'll do my best to study and get the necessary skills for me to survive."

Master Russell then smiled at me. "Great! Later, we will go to a school in the Outer District so I can inquire about your enrollment."

I was happy to hear that, knowing that I could get a good education.

Third person POV

 And so, at 3:14 p.m., Russell and Masha returned to Outer District, Fort Right from their route in Et Bonde Jem, the capital of the Zale Valleys, in the Province of Haki-Palat, and went straight to the Outer District's Outer District Academy. There both of them got off and went into the school. Inside, Russell inquired about an interview for Masha's enrollment to the headmaster. After some waiting time, he and Masha went into the headmaster's office for the interview. There both of them sat down facing the headmaster. The interview started with questions about Masha and her unofficial guardian. Russell explained to the headmaster about Masha's status as a slave bought by him with money, much to the headmaster's surprise. Because of this and the fact that Masha barely had any formal education, the headmaster decided to accept Masha's enrollment into his academy, letting her status as a bought slave pass under the pretense that she was sold off by someone who was supposed to be her guardian after her parents died, only to be bought by someone else to free her. Russell was happy that his slave had been accepted into the academy, and Masha was happy, too, promising to do her best in her studies.

 "Great," the headmaster happily replied back, "you may start next Raolau. Thank you."

With that, Russell and the headmaster closed this with a good handshake, before Russell and Masha would leave the academy.

 After that, both of them went to the marketplace and bought some school materials and a few sets of uniforms for Masha. And then, both went home and shared this good news to Kelly and her two daughters, as well as to Azalea and John. Their friends were stunned but were delighted. Rai and Ria wondered about attending school like Masha and Quinn but were unable currently due to being stateless technically and officially.

 At the same time, in Garion City, Samuel gave some food from Russell's birthday party to Janet while explaining to her where it came from. Janet was stunned and accepted it. "Woah, I didn't know yesterday was his 17th birthday. Delayed happy birthday for him. Sorry, I was busy yesterday with work."

 "That's okay," replied her Renad friend back. "You didn't know that, so it's okay. Maybe next year."

 "Yeah, thanks. I am happy for him, too."

 And so, next week on that Raolou morning, Masha, in her academy uniform and with her new school bag, said goodbye to Russell and his friends and went to the academy for her first day. There she went to class, and she said her introduction of herself and her family (that is, Russell and his friends), to her teacher and classmates. Quinn was stunned to see that she became a student at his academy but was happy after hearing her backstory that didn't allow her, or deprive her, of a good and decent education. Her first day went great, and she went home with Quinn to Russell's house, where both of them would do stuff in the house until Russell and his friends returned home from work. But Masha was unaware that she had a hidden magical ability within her. What was it?