A Curious King

Yesterday felt like a dream. I sat up crossed my legs and investigated my mana pool. I could see that my mana pool had grown larger, the walls stronger. I could see the funnel in mana pool, churning mana down the funnel and back out into my mana pool. Moreover, I could sense the ambient mana better. I sat there and attuned myself to the world. While I sat inside, I could sense the tree's composition, the birds felt more like lost friends, I could see the structure of the nest and its earth components. It was a surreal moment. Almost like a Disney movie from Earth. Quickly left that feeling behind, got dressed and went to breakfast.

As I sat down to the table Chole looked and me and say, "A new pin to go along with your new master, your uniform is quite decorative. It will not be long until the noble women take notice. I hope you're ready, Will."

This entire week, it seems like all anyone talks about is marriage. My parents, Jason, Rebecca and now Chole. For me courting, I looked at it as running away from a pack of wolves. I was told old to date these children.

I thanked Choles for her advice and continued eating. Vincent was the next to speak, "You must think you're pretty amazing, enrolling in the Mage and Knight's Academies, chosen as a discipline, commander; testing out of history, and magic theory; but you are still just a first-year student like the rest of us. Don't forget in three months you still have to battle like the rest of us, and now you have to battle in the mage's mock battle as well," he laughed predicting my suffering.

Vincent was spiteful, but harmless. He wanted to lord his title over me, but in terms of combat he was, and I were equals and he hated that, because I did not care about sword mastery; and he did. I could tell that was a real source of pain. He was hurt by the fact that we improved our sword skills equally. Also, Vincent was spiteful, but he also provided a nugget of information.

Ignoring most of what he said, I replied, "My master never told me I would have to battle at the Mage's Academy. I only have to attend lessons at his house,"

I could see everyone's head turn in my direction. They all shouted in amazement and joy, except Vincent.

"That's amazing," congratulated Mark. "It's a rare opportunity to train at one's master's house. On top of that you'll get to go to the Mage's Academy to train."

Thanked everyone for their support and then said the biggest lie, I have spoken since arriving on Terra. "It is our patriotic duty to get stronger and protect this kingdom."

Every nodded in agreement, I got up from the table dropped returned my tray to the kitchen and headed to the library to read for the last time.

As soon as I walked in the door, I was greeted by Elder Li, "welcome to your library vont Ballard, what would you like to read today?"

"Greetings Elder Li, I would like to read about the kingdom's laws, especially around finance and trade," I said bowing.

"You are a curious cadet, rarely to people ask for books about laws, even rare law books pertaining to trade," she looked at me curiously. "Sit at your table, Elder Lu will bring you, your books."

I left and headed to my table to study. A few minutes later, the elder brought me my books. I thanked the elder and opened the first book on [Trade Laws]. Honestly, many of the laws were like the ones back on Earth. The only difference being the Kingdom of Fermion had fewer laws on trade, thank the gods. Trade was pretty much deregulated, but there were strict laws on trading to enemies and foreign kingdoms during times of war. Merchants were required to support the kingdom's military, by providing discount services. Although during times of peace, merchants could charge more. What really impressed me was the patent system. Merchants could register their products with the Kingdom's Land Office, which meant other merchants would have to pay a fee to recreate my work or invention. Merchants caught in copyright violation would be strongly punished.

Will began to salivate; with his modern knowledge it was easy to find ways to exploit the holes in this legal code. Without Will knowing, Elder Li was observing him. She saw him smiling maliciously. She could see the greed in his eyes, it was same look monster gave adventures before commencing their attack. She wondered what he was thinking, and what would become of Will after he graduated. Why did the grandmaster accept him as his mentee? Was it Will's maturity, aversion to battle, to his greed for coin?

**

Also, asking the same questions was the king. "My old friend, what has stirred your tired bones after so long, why this child?" the king thought to himself. The king received new reports on every new student to the academy. His clerks would check the background, speak with families, neighbors, and childhood friends. The only thing of note for this child was his penchant for coin, his fierce study habits since a young age, and distaste for battle. Taken together he was unique, but not overtly special. His mana pool was slightly better than average, but not exceedingly so. Why him? Why him! Both the king's father and he had asked Thaddeus to take a disciple, to mentor a youth. Each time Thaddeus would say, he hasn't found the right person. Was this the right person? If he was, what would this cadet become, he could shake the kingdom. Thaddeus was many things, but careless was not one of them. This epiphany had prompted the king to call for his chamberlain to host a soiree and invite Baron vont Ballard and his wife. It was imperative the king build inroad into this child's life. For the kingdom safety, this cadet, future spellsword felt engrained into the kingdom. Variants of knights and mages were few, and this combination even fewer on Terra.

**

Back in the library, Will had finished reading the kingdoms laws on trade and finance. Elder Li noticed Will returned to his normal nonchalant attitude. Bowing to Elder Li, Will left the library and headed to the pagoda to begin his quartermaster duties for a second time.

Walking up the steps to the stop floor, and into Marshall Rolf's office, Will saluted.

"Here is a day pass to conduct guild business make sure you're back by curfew. Let me remind you Quartermaster, these coins are for guild use only. If I find out you spent this coin on yourself, you'll be in trouble," he looked at Will menacingly.

"Guild master, I would never do something like, my only desire is to bring glory to this guild," Will said in his best commander voice. "Guild master, sir. I do have a question?"

"Go on, what is it commander?" he replied.

"Now, that I am of student of the Mage's Academy will I serve as the Quartermaster for their guild as well?" Will asked.

"The mages are loosely affiliated with guilds. Mages serve in a unit, and rarely if that, take army positions. In fact, I represent the Guardian Guild for both academies. I know your sister is apart of our guild as well, are you worried about her fighting?"

"Yes, sir." Will lied. "I was also wondering if I would be responsible for purchasing goods for guild mages and ensuring lodging?"

"Your sister is quite talented, she's ranked third. You do not need to worry about her. As far as the mages go. The academy supplies their goods and pills, but lodging for quest, you'll still need to help," he replied. "Don't worry, if any mages ask for supplies from the Quartermaster Command Post, I will raise your budget," he looked at Will knowingly.

"Thank you, sir" Will bowed and left, running to meet Sarah and Grace at the academy entrance.