Chapter 18

"Why is that?" He asked, "I'm pretty sure you told me you'll be a worker for me. Perhaps I remember it wrong?"

As he continued to throw me fierce glares, his fingers were intertwined in front of his lips.

"I'll be back before the Grand exam happens. I will only be leaving for a few months to gather information from all over Helwyn. I want to know the different cultures, places and many more. You do know that I'll be a writer, don't you?" I lean on my seat as I finally feel the confidence in myself, "In order for me to be a writer, I have to know everything and have a holistic view of everything, isn't that right?"

"Hmm... I guess you're right," he said, still questioning my plan.

"I AM right."

"Do your friends know?"

"They do."

We actually planned everything in one night. We talked about what we were going to do following the final exam with Professor Mergid.

----------Flashback from a month ago-----------

A week after we came back from our short vacation.

"I'll end this session with a final exam because I've already taught you everything you need to know. It will take place next month. I'll let you know the date as soon as I check my schedule for next month."

"What is the coverage of the final exam?" Ara asked, looking serious.

She's determined to put an end to this tutoring.

"Everything we've learned since last year." Professor Mergid said, "I know you can do it, and also, the test will contain over a thousand questions, so make sure to study well."

"Thousand?!" Mia exclaimed.

"Isn't that more than the grand exam?" Caz asked.

"The Grand Exam comprises 700 questions, so take my exam as a reviewer before the grand exam. Won't it be better to be prepared?"

We all sighed,

Well, it is better to prepare for the grand exam.

The night that day,

"What will we do now after the exam? We still have almost a year left before the grand exam, right? What are your plans?" Mia asked, "For me, I'll start by reading a few medicinal books and maybe finding an instructor who will help me become a physician."

"That's nice," I commented.

Mia is the type of girl who likes to plan her future and has never failed to follow through on her intentions.

"I suppose we'll start training with Sir Arch," Noah speculated.

They don't have to take the grand exam because they will be future knights of the north..

"How about you Avi? You do know that I'll be your assistant, right?"

I looked at her, "Are you sure about that? Don't you want something else for yourself?"

I've always assumed she simply had it in mind since she's concerned I'll be lonely.

"It is for myself. And... I, too, aspire to be an author." she looked down to hide her flushed face.

"Why are you embarrassed, huh?" Noah teased him as he elbowed her.

"Shut up!" Ara smacked his back.

I chuckled, "Then don't be my assistant and be an author yourself."

"However, I'm worried I won't be able to pull it off." She sighed.

I sighed, "Don't be."

"So, what are your plans following the exam?" Kye inquired.

"Hmm..."

I haven't planned anything yet, but maybe…

"Perhaps touring Helwyn to learn about the culture, practices, and everything else. You know, just ways to gather data around the country. That way, I'll know what to write next."

I smiled at the thought of my plan.

It's not bad, isn't it.

"I'll come along with you! I want to gather information, too!" Ara exclaimed.

"All right."

"Shouldn't you consult with the duke first? You know that he's sponsoring us, right? He might find it suspicious if you won't tell him your plan and just leave the estate." Caz said.

"Then I'll talk to Sir Arch tomorrow."

----------End of Flashback----------

"We actually discussed what we were going to do after the final exam, and we all had various plans." I said, "And Ara will accompany me, so I won't be alone,"

"All right, I'll get you somewhere to stay."

"No!" I blurted out, "I want to do everything on my own. I want to be independent."

"I'm funding you, there's nothing wrong with that," he said, his brow wrinkled.

"I know, but you do know that I'll be moving from one area to another, so finding me a place to stay will be a headache, and I'm not sure how long I'll stay in that place, so let me decide."

The duke worries too much.

"All right, I understand. Then just remember to send me a letter whenever you move so I know where you are. Who knows, maybe I'll need you to compose something for me."

I nodded, "I understand."

I stood up and bowed to him, "Thank you for everything you've done for me, I'll promise to return the blessing you've given to me."

"Stop. Now go, you need to study for your exam with Mergid, right?"

I chuckled, "I'll take my leave then,"

I bow before leaving his room with a bright smile. I immediately ran to the library to meet my friends.

"What did the duke say?" Ara asked as soon as I walked in.

"He said it's fine as long as I will send a letter every time I move from place to place."

"yes!" She cheered.

"You're leaving?" I faced Ravin.

He's only residing in the mansion now that his academy is over, and he's being tutored to take the duke's position.

"For a few months only, I'll be back before the grand exam." I explained.

"I see..." He murmured.

I shrugged and continued on reading books for our final exam tomorrow.

"By the way, when will we be leaving?" Ara asked,

"What about a week later? We need to get a few items before we leave."

"All right."

As of today, we have gotten a large sum of money from the duke as a result of the duke's allowance for us, so we are not concerned about our expenses. Even so, we make decisions every time we spend money. We try to buy only what we need and not what we want as much as possible.

...

Finally, the day of our final exam with Professor Mergid arrived.