Trip

As the mana explosion happened, I sensed several sources of mana coming to where I was. I suppose it is guards, probably Marcus and Dad as well because I can sense two sources of mana so huge it made me dizzy.

After I awakened, I felt lightness in my body but it wasn`t for long, since I passed out after a minute or two because my body was exhausted. When I opened my eyes, I was already in the bed in my room.

I saw Chloe cleaning my room and she saw me as well. She immediately came up to me with the words: "Young Master, you finally woke up. How do you feel? Do you feel discomfort anywhere? Should I perhaps call for a doctor?"

"No, I am fine, thanks Chloe." I replied while getting up. Then, I asked: "How long have I been asleep?"

"It`s already an early afternoon of the following day, so you have been asleep for more than 16 hours. Your father said that it can take up to a few days, so we don`t have to worry. By the way, congratulations, young Master! You have done it! I will be looking forward to seeing you achieve heights in magic that even the gods will envy, just like your parents!"

"Thanks, Chloe! I am really happy and excited about it as well! By the way, do you know where my parents currently are?"

"I am not sure, but I suppose that your father is at his office. And as for your mother, she is most likely working as well but I have no idea where she can be. But soon will be the lunch time, so you can meet them there."

"Oh, okay. Thank you again, Chloe. See you later!" with these words I left my room and headed to the living room because my Mum might be there, I had a feeling she was there.

As I was walking, I decided to find out what have changed in me after I awakened. One thing I was sure of is that now I was able to sense mana and magic. While I was thinking about what else changed, I was already not that far away from the living room and my feeling was right, I was able to sense an immense source.

This feeling was still alien to me, especially unusual it was when I was near someone like my Mum who had so much mana. I was even somewhat uneasy at heart due to the mana's pressure.

Anyway, I was already in front of the living hall's entrance. When I came in, Mum was aware about me, since she had two cups of tea ready on the table.

"Here, have a tea." She said, but as I was going to make my first sip, Mum continued: "How do you feel? What do you think about your knew power?"

Without making haste, I sip a bit of tea, put the cup back on a cup holder and replied: "I am fine now, but the ability to sense mana around me is still strange, especially being close to someone with as much mana as you have."

"Haha, first of all, congratulations with your awakening, Domi, I am so proud of you! As for your new feeling, that's completely normal for someone who has just awakened, you will soon get used to it. Anyway, I assume you came here looking for me, so what is it that you wanted?" She asked with her always warm smile, as warm as the tea I was drinking.

"I didn't know what to do before lunch, so I wanted to see you, Mum. And I was also curious about what should I do next with magic, how to refine it and stuff."

"Oh, that's so sweet from you!" her eyes were shining bright as if there were tens of little stars, when she calmed down, Mum continued: "As for what you should do next, your next goal is to unlock your element, it will be way harder and will take way longer but it is essential and without element you will be limited in magic very much. It will probably take few years but most mages struggles for decades and often unsuccessfully."

"Mhm, as I thought. It is as my teacher and books told me. In that case I should continue to meditate and collect as many mana particles as possible, right?"

"Indeed, you're right! You are so smart, it makes your Mama so happy! *Sob* (tears of happiness)"

Confused, I immediately asked: "M-mum, why are you crying?! Are you okay? H-have I saddened you somehow? I'm.."

"Don't worry." she interrupted me: "You definitely didn't do anything wrong, I am just so happy to have you!" She came and hugged me. Then, she put me on her lap and continued.

"Now, that you can your pure mana, I will teach you its basics. First lesson to learn is to create an orb of mana. To do this you have to concentrate on pushing your mana from your heart to the palm of your hand. The size of it depends on the amount of mana you put. At first try to just create it."

"Oh, okay. Then, let me try to do it."

I closed my eyes and concentrated on pushing my mana out of the heart to palm of my hand. I struggled for few minutes to do it and when it finally reached my hand, it was formless and disappeared immediately. I was so sad that I was about to start crying.

As my eyes started filling with tears, my Mum said: "Hey, Domi, don't feel so upset about it, it's just your first try and it was already amazing! Let me show you, maybe it will help. So, firstly, you like grab a part of mana from your mana core, then you push it to flow through your mana veins to your palm and imagine the round orb in your hand, try to feel it and just like this it will appear in your hand!" After that, a perfectly round, beautiful orb of pure mana appeared in Mum's right hand. It had vividly white colour with slight blue shade, making it so mesmerising and I could even feel coldness coming from it. I wonder if I could have it like my Mum's.

After my Mum showed me how to do it, I tried again and this time after concentrating for more than a minute it was more successful, a ball-like white orb with visible shade of yellow and very rough surface. It appeared for a second or so, but I was so happy, I couldn't hold my joy.

"Look at it, Mum! I did it! Yay!" I shouted happily, smile on my face was as wide as possible, if only I could I would've smiled even wider.

My Mum was full of joy no less than me: "Wow! You did it, Sweetheart!" Her smile was as bright as always, for a moment it stunned me, mesmerized me, but I came back to my senses quickly.

Meanwhile, a maid came to the room to tell us that the lunch is ready. It wasn't long before we started going to the dining hall. Walking down the corridor next to my Mum, the sunlight shone brightly because of the countless windows on one side of the corridor, it was a wonderful day.

"Oh, by the way, Domi, I have some good news. On the weekend we will go to the Capital!" Mum said, surprising me with this amazing news.

"Really?!" I asked astonished. "Yay! We will go to the Capital! I am so excited already! Is Dad going with us?"

"Hmm, I don't think he is free on this weekend, unfortunately."

"What a pity, I would like Dad to come with us, but I guess there is nothing I can do about it, as always. *Sigh*" My mood dropped from peak of excitement to sadness in a blink of an eye.

"Don't get so upset, Darling. I will tell something, but it's a secret, so promise to keep silence about it, okay?"

"M? Okay."

"*He promised me, that, even though he can't go this time, he will come next time, but it's a secret, so shh!*" – Mum whispered and this improved my mood.

"*Okay, I will keep it a secret, Mum!*" I whispered in response with a smile shining on my face.

"Now you look way better, let's make haste and be on time for the lunch, Domi." Mum said with satisfaction on her face with a slight smile.

…

After this events I had a lunch with my parents and then continued my trainings. This day ended like most before it. The week has passed with me training every day and so the weekend came close and it meant only one thing. That's right. I was going on a trip to the Capital with my Mum! It's been a few months already since the last trip.

 Normally we'd go once or twice a month, but this time we haven't been there for quite a while. That's why I am super excited to go there this time.

The trip will be tomorrow, thus I was so thrilled, I couldn't sleep the day before. Finally, when the day has come and I opened my eyes that morning, the sun was shining bright.

I got up, got dressed, did all my morning agenda and went to the dining hall for breakfast. There I met my parents. They were already sitting and waiting for me, chatting in a meantime.

When I got to the table, Dad was first to ask me: "Oh, good morning, Domi! How did you sleep tonight?"

Right after him Mum greeted me as well: "Good morning, Sweetheart. Do you remember what day is today?"

"Good morning, Mum, Dad. I slept well and of course I remember what it is today. We are going to the Capital!"

"My, my, I am starting to feel sad more and more as I look at how thrilled you are about this trip, because I can't go with you two, son."

"I am sad because of this too, you know! It's unfair that you can't go with us so often, Dad!" I replied with a disgruntled voice.

Immediately, Mum supported me saying: "I think so too, Liam! You should go with us more often!"

"Oh my, now it's two versus one, that's unfair!" Dad replied, trying to defend himself. A slight smile appeared on his face, as well as Mum's and mine.

As we continued talking about this matter, the breakfast ended and we started getting ready for the trip. After an hour or so we departed from our manor.

A few minutes before our department:

"Domi, Celia, best of luck to both of you and stay safe. I wish I could go with you, but it's the best I can do. I will await you."

"My, my, make sure to finish your work today before we come back. I am sure we will have a new story to tell you in the evening."

"Yes, Dad. Do as Mum said and let's meet in the evening!"

After this we departed on a few hours' journey. I like this part of our trip as well, because I can see some spectacular and stunning views alongside the ride.

…

As the time went by, I spent some time looking at the window and even more time talking with my Mum as well as playing some games that we could play with no equipment.

Then, the view of the wall appeared in my sight as we were getting closer they were getting bigger and bigger. Each time I come here, I am stunned even by these walls. As I recall from my history classes, this walls were built before the War of the Ancients more than 500 years ago. Teacher also told me, that these walls were severely damaged during that war and renewed shortly after the events.

Yet the city itself was founded by the First ruler of this country several thousand years ago. And there is still that part of the Capital constructed in the time when he lived, but it is mostly for noble, royalty and other wealthy people, yet the entrance in this area isn't restricted and anyone can go there.

Anyway, we were already in a few-minute distance to the gates and, because the latest ring of walls was built a few centuries ago, the city already expanded beyond them. Thus, the first checkpoint to enter the Capital was right in front of us.

We passed it without any problems and entered the outer part of the city. Although it is a part for a lower-class families, it is quite clean and fancy. The houses, the streets, shops, etc. are eye-catching. However, we didn't stop there and the carriage was going through the main street to the walls to enter the main part of the capital.

The second checkpoint was also passed without any problems and thus we entered Averia, the Royal Capital.

The view of the city was as captivating and breath-taking as I remember. Huge, beautiful main street as well as secondary ones. In any case, we continued to drive through the city for quite some time. When we finally arrived to the one of the few city squares, we got off the carriage and the adventure started.

We were walking across one of the fancier old street with many shops, restaurants and other places. We visited many shops and Mum bought me a lot of treats as well as some for the Dad.

After some time we came to the restaurant for a lunch. The food there was super delicious! Then, when we continued walking across the city streets, I carelessly ran forward with a chocolate ice cream cone that I always buy, when we come to the Capital because of its incredible taste, I ran into some noble lady and stained her dress.

When I got up after I had fallen on my bum, I apologised: "Ouch… Oh, no! I have stained your dress! I sincerely ask you to forgive my carelessness, Miss!" I bowed.

After my Mum caught up to me, she calmly asked: "Oh, my. What has happened here?"

"Mum, I was careless and ra…" without having a chance to finished my sentence, I was interrupted by this lady.

"You ask what happened? You uneducated son blatantly stained my exquisite, expensive dress that I bought only a few days ago. That's what happened and now you have to compensate me damage that your incompetent son caused to me."

"Domi, is your point of view the same?" Mum asked me with the same calmness as before.

"Yes, Mum, and I have already apologised!" I said, feeling guilty and trying to make up for my mistake.

"So that's how it is. And how much do you want as a compensation?"

"Let's say, 200 imperial gold coins." She said. I was able to see smile on her face. As I know, 100 gold coins is really much, to say the least.

"That's not the price of this dress." Mum replied with just the same calmness.

"I don't think so, also my emotional damage and time wasted today is included in this price. But I am, or I should say "was", in a good mood, so I reduced the price."

The crowd already started to form around us. And they were shocked by something. This got me really nervous, what if this lady in some very high-ranking noble?

"I can give you 50 imperial gold coins and no more. That's my final offer."

"It's nowhere near the damage compensation price that was dealt to me. In this case, I guess, we have to call for the guards and meet at the court. At the imperial court to be more precise. Because, you see, I am a noblewoman and not an ordinary one from another country. So, someone call the guards! There is a criminal!" she shouted.

It wasn't long before the city soldiers came here: "What happened here, ma'am? Why did you call for us?"

"This woman and her son committed a serious international crime. He stained my dress and she refused to pay the compensation and insulted me! And I am *tells a long story who she is*. So I demand to arrest them immediately!"

These two soldiers turned to us and stared at us for a few seconds, then their eyes widened as I have never seen before in my life and they have fallen on their knees.

"We greet thy Majesty!" they shouted in unison. "We apologise for not recognising You earlier! We will take this lady away immediately, don't worry about anything! Have a wonderful day!"

And then they took her away somewhere, shock and confusion was seen on my face. What just happened before my eyes? But after this we went away immediately.

"You did well, Domi. I am glad that you apologised immediately and kept your calm all the time. But now we will go to the last shop and then we will go home, okay?" She wasn't angry or disappointed at all, rather she was pleased and tried to tell me that everything is okay and had her always warm and beautiful smile that made me calm each time.

We continued walking down the street until we made it to the gate to an older part of the capital. I was curious as to where are we going, what shop would it be? After some more time we finally came to the shop, it was quite hidden in not so noticeable lane and the shop itself wasn't so flashy, yet if it is here it must be very expensive and luxurious.

"Mum, what is this shop? Won't it be too expensive here?" I asked concerned, for I didn't know about how wealthy our family were.

Seeing my concerns, Mum replied: "Don't worry, Darling. The owner is an old friend of mine. He is a good man."

When we entered the shop, a young girl quite older than me was, who was sweeping the floor, noticed us and greeted: "Welcome, dear Customer! Oh! It's lady Cecilia! Master! Lady Cecilia has come!"

After mere seconds, an old man came from the room opposite to us. He had an average height, a beard that cover a good part of his face, grey hair and was wearing a dark blue suit. "Oh, lady Cecilia! I am so glad to see you again! It was quite long since your last visit. I see you are not alone this time. Anyway, welcome to my store! Let's go to my office. Follow me, this way."

"Yes, long time no see, Louis. I am glad to see you as well."

We followed this old man to his office and sit on the couch. Mum and me on one and Louis on the opposite couch. They were soft and comfortable. There was also a small tea table between us. The tea itself was brought shortly after by the girl from reception. It had an interesting taste, I liked it.

As we tasted the tea, old man took the step and broke the silence: "Oh, yes, where are my manners, I humbly apologise for not introducing myself to my new guest. I am Louis, the jeweller and owner of this humble store. And may I know who are you, young man? Are you, perhaps, the one?"

"I am Dominique, nice to meet you." I shortly replied.

"Haha, you don't have to be so shy, Domi. He is a nice man." My Mum intervened.

"O-ho-ho. Don't worry, lady Cecilia. I like him."

*Louis thoughts* So he is the one. I quite like him, I can see that he will become a man one day, yet he has to overcome his shyness.

"So, lady Cecilia, you are just in time. I just had finished new batch of jewellery. What exactly are you looking for?"

"Oh, that's amazing. I am looking for a necklace for Domi. Do you have any this time?"

"Of course I have! Give me a minute, I will bring them here."

After a few minutes he came back with five boxes, he put them in the table and opened.

"Here, there are all available necklaces."

"Domi, this is my present for you. If there is any to your liking, you can have one, if not, we will order a new one for you. Don't rush, take your time."

"Ah, really? Is it okay for me to choose one? Hmm, let me see…" As I looked across all of them, my eye caught a necklace with eight-point star. It looked as if there were two stars overlapping one another but smaller one was rotated 45 deg. It also had some king of a precious stone imbued inside.

"This one." I immediately pointed at this necklace.

"Oh my, you has quite an eye. It is my favourite and the one I put the most effort in. I guess it's destiny. Also this stone inside it. It is one of the most precious in our world. Anyway, I congratulate you with your new necklace!"

Shortly after this we left the store. I was extremely happy with my new jewellery. Then, we boarded the carriage and safely returned home. Dad was already waiting for us. The rest of evening I spent telling him about how great the day was.

To be continued…