Return to Guidon II
Will watched the footmen load Rebecca, Elder Thaddeus, and his luggage on top of the carriage.
Will did not bring his new suits, he decided to leave them in Yorkshire because he most wore his cadet uniform and mage robe. Although Will did bring his baronet white and black sash.
Parked behind Will's carriage was the duke's. Will stood by himself as everyone talked in pairs around him. His grace, the duke, decided Elizabeth would return with Will and Rebecca.
Will watched as his father and the duke spoke amicably. The duchess and his mother were excitedly discussing something. And Elizabeth and Rebecca had also paired for a conversation.
"Come now, or we'll be late," said Elder Thaddeus.
Everyone hearing the grandmaster's voice immediately hugged or shook goodbye.
Elizabeth and Rebecca hugged their parents good by before stepping into Will's carriage.
Will was surprised to learn that his parents planned to stay in the capital.
Will's mother wanted to spend more time with Kathryn. Kathryn's wedding was planned for his fall.
The first to approach Will to say farewell was the Duchess Charlotte vont Whitby. Elizabeth felt horrified seeing her mother speaking to Will.
"Baronet William vont Ballard, safe travels on your voyage home. I hope to see you more in the future," she said coyly.
"The city is abuzz about your compassion for orphans. Before you go, I wanted to inform you that the king has donated the property for the orphanage, also I announced at court this morning I'd match your 10 gold a monthly allowance.
I admire what you did for my daughter. She was quite surprised this morning when she found out. Farewell Baronet vont Ballard, safe travels," the Duke vont Whitby said appreciatively.
Will thanked duke and hugged his parents goodbye.
Elder Thaddeus and Archimedes were the last to board the carriage.
A short while later, the carriage exited Yorkshire's southern gate and met the highway.
As the carriage driver drove the carriage out of sight of Yorkshire a pensive Elizabeth finally spoke.
"Will my father told me you're building an orphanage in the Rabble District. Moreover, the rumor is you're building a huge inn with beds, a kitchen, a dining room, and filled with games.
Also, I was amazed to learn both churches plan to help with healing and watching the children.
However, what surprised me was your 10 gold month allowance to the orphanage. Why did you decide to do it?" Elizabeth asked nervously.
"It's wrong for children to suffer the misgivings of adults. Children are not responsible for their poverty. It is only right to help them," Will said truthfully.
Supporting children was good public relations on any planet. After Will earned over 14 million gold, he wanted to look for a good cause to donate. Elizabeth gave him the perfect opportunity.
Secretly, people admire and hate rich people, and rich people had richer people. That's why he decided to build an orphanage and donate a million gold to the Church of Gaia to counter that resentment.
On Earth, this was basic public relations. It's hard to dislike a multi-millionaire who builds orphanages and donates to the church.
"Yes, I agree. I also like the name you chose: Miss Jane's Home for Children. I'm sure she was surprised more than anyone by your investment," Elizabeth said chuckling.
"Disciple, I admirable your benevolence," Elder Thaddeus said.
"Yes, my bother has always been benevolent! Yesterday, when my brother told Mei, my family and I were very complimentary.
Will does not part with money easily, whatever happened on your date must have inspired him.
It's a rare day when nobles help the less fortunate. But, it should happen more often," Rebecca said.
"Actions don't lie. What people say is meaningless, until they spend their coin," Elizabeth repeated.
"Wise words, Elizabeth," Elder Thaddeus commented.
"Thank you, Will," Elizabeth said gently crying tears of happiness.
"Will the Winter Ball is coming up. I know it's for a grade, but you are allowed a date," Elder Thaddeus said.
"I accept," Rebecca said to Will utter horror.
For a brief moment, Will pictured escorting his sister in on his arm, dancing with her, her suffocating him, and trying to kiss him. Will could feel his skin starting to get hives. That would never happen.
'Elder Thaddeus that devious master. The shrewd man mentioned the ball, knowing his crazy yandere sister would want to be Will's escort. Figuratively, putting Will's back against the wall.
Ignoring his sister, Will asked, "Elizabeth may I escort you to the ball?"
"I'm sorry Rebecca, but I accept," she said smiling.
"Are you two going to get married?" a dejected Rebecca asked looking sadly out the window.
It was like a bomb went off in the carriage. Elizabeth turning her head to hide her embarrassment. Hearing the question, Will's eyes grew wide in shock. Things quickly returned to normal when Elder Thaddeus and Archimedes broke the tension laughing hysterically.
As the man, decorum dictated Will responds, "Rebecca, there is a possibility that I ask the duke for Elizabeth's hand in marriage. We get engaged and then court until graduation before we marry," Will said.
Hearing Will, Elizabeth's face grew a darker red.
"I guess, I thought you and I would have more time to spend together," Rebecca pouted.
"Rebecca you must concentrate on your life. This year you graduate from the Mage Academy and began your study as a Disciple of Aether," Elder Thaddeus admonished her.
"Yes, grandmaster!" Rebecca said.
"We can spend a day together every time, I return to Guidon. One day!" Will said holding up one finger.
"Yay!" Rebecca said and jumping out of her seat to hung Will. Everyone laughed at her excitement.
The next day, as the carriage continued to Guidon, Will remembered the shadow panther beast core in his pocket.
"Master, I purchased a shadow panther beast core. The stall's owner said there are two types of shadow panthers. Which type is Archimedes?" Will asked handing the beast core to Elder Thaddeus.
"Ah, this is a novice beast core from the shadow leopard. It's similar to the one you fought in Death Valley. Archimedes is a shadow jaguar. Shadow jaguars are taller, stronger, faster, more fierce panthers," Elder Thaddeus said.
"Master, how come Rebecca doesn't have a familiar?" Will asked.
"Light mages can't conjure familiars," Rebecca said.
"Master, how can you tell it's a novice beast core?" Will asked curiously.
"Here, you can feel there is not much mana inside. My best guess is some got a shadow panther cub and killed it when it became unmanageable," Elder Thaddeus said.
"Master, people keep beast as pets?" Will asked surprised.
"Yes, it is a repulsive business. Nobles purchase beasts to ostentatiously display their wealth. The castle has a menagerie filled with beasts," Elizabeth said disappointedly.
"Will why did you purchase this beast core," Elder Thaddeus wanted to know if this was for business or personal use.
Elder Thaddeus knew his disciple. He wanted to know if Will purchased the beast for business or for a personal reason. Will rarely bought items for personal use, he rarely even purchased clothes for himself.
"Master, I don't know how to describe it? I guess, I felt pulled to buy it?" Will said struggling to identify the feeling.
"You felt a pull from this beast core?" Elder Thaddeus annunciated every syllable.
"Yes, it was strange. But, I felt a connection to it?" Will said.
"Elder Thaddeus is Will alright?" Rebecca asked.
"Yes, he's fine. His familiar is waking up?" Elder Thaddeus said.
"Ancient texts speak of an astral plane where deceased beasts are reborn as familiars. In this plane, the Goddess Diana reincarnates them and watches over their sleeping souls.
The ancient writes, familiars sleep until they detect their master, and they slowly begin to awaken. Every familiar is reborn to a specific master.
As the familiar awakens, the familiar and magic-user are pulled towards each other until they unite forming a life-bond," Elder Thaddeus explained.
"Life bond?" Will asked nervously.
"Yes, the magic-user and the familiar joined together until magic-user dies," Elder Thaddeus said.
"Will I be able to communicate with my familiar, like you and Archimedes?" Will asked curiously.
"Oh yes, and Archimedes can also speak with your familiar. He is looking forward to having another familiar around the house," Elder Thaddeus said chucking.
After another night on the road, the carriage was nearing Guidon.
On the highway, the Will noticed the growing number of soldiers marching south to Death Valley. The expressions on the soldiers' faces were a mix of emotions: excitement, sadness, but mostly worriedness.
As the tired soldiers walked the highway, Will heard the signing and the steady beat of a drum. The soldiers smiled at the passing carriage. The soldiers waved or bowed at passing carriages, but always smiled.
Most of the soldiers had sickles, machetes, or bows. They were badly under armored. But, they marched on anyhow.
"Master who is going lead the troops to battle," Will asked curiously.
"The King," Elder Thaddeus said unhappily.
"Do you remember what I told in Cardinal Silva vont Gaius' office? Once someone becomes a journeyman, their leveling speed slows down considerably because you need much more experience to advance in level.
Moreover, when you reach the rank of master, your leveling speed slows down even more. It is common for people to be stuck as journeymen for decades or the rest of their lives. Even fewer people advance to the rank of master and even fewer become grandmasters.
It is unfortunate to say, but war provides a large amount of leveling experience. I benefited from fighting in wars, it allowed me to gain levels quickly. After the beast core didn't help breakthrough, the king is hoping to gain enough experience to break through to the rank of grandmaster and extend his life," Elder Thaddeus said.
"How do beast cores help with leveling?" Will asked.
"Magic-users can absorb the mana in beast cores. Until your an adept it's safest to break the core and absorb the escaping mana. When you become a master, you eat the beast core absorb the mana," Elder Thaddeus said.
The rest of the carriage ride to Guidon flew by, and Will could see the skyline front north for the first time.