Without You, The Beginning of Magic {Magical AU}

Chapter 17: Established (Part 3)

----------

With only a day before I departed with Nami I had caught up on all my studies and had taught Nojiko to the best of my abilities. Hilvar got somebody that I could keep in contact with to help run my business as well as Nojiko finding other seamstresses that I approved of to help. I made them sign a mana contract that made them agree not to teach others or use it to sell anything but my products or their own clothes using this technique under any circumstance.

Shanks and I grew a little distant after him calling himself my guardian. With Aunt Makino and that happening I now felt a wall between us. I went to the adventurers guild and helped every now and again with things or in the town walking around. The others were doing fine as well. I never contacted Mikeal as he never contacted me, but I talked to everyone else. Sylvar seemed a little shocked about Hilvar, but was happy all the same to hear about him. Lial was helping where he could with Kytrose as Minori returned home to get ready for the exam.

Shanks knocked on the door as I was packing up my final things. "... Your birthday was a few days ago, but you didn't want to celebrate it. Why?" I looked up then down before putting everything into another ring, "It's not the same... I don't find it worth celebrating anymore. I was fine with the dinner and cake. Although our house was filled with such smiles and warmth... It feels cold, so Shanks..."

I glared at him, "You fill Art with so much love and warmth for both you and Aunt Makino... I don't care if you sacrifice some of your work. Art best be the happiest boy he can be when I get back." Shanks huffed, but hugged me, "... Alright Iri... I promise..." I hugged him back, "... We'll be leaving around seven in the morning, so we can arrive by night." He nodded and stroked my hair as he sighed softly, "Alright..." I slipped away, "Good night..." He walked out and waved, "Sweet dreams..."

I looked at Gengi as he was in his large form on the bed. I crawled in and nuzzled into him as he curled around me. Sweet dreams Iri. I whispered, "Make sure to rest Gengi... We'll be on a long trek tomorrow..." He nuzzled me. I know... I found myself nodding off pretty quickly as I was in Gengi's warmth and heard his soothing voice singing softly.

~~~~~~~~~~

I took a sharp inhale as Gengi shook me slightly. Time to wake up Iri. You need breakfast then we can head out. I nodded sleepily as I got up and made my way to the bathroom. I cleaned up a bit and changed into a comfortable and simpler, but still noble dress as I secured my crown, bow, my left earring, and my watch. I grabbed my normal storage ring and my blue ring which held my products, stuffed animals, and bedding. My fabrics, sewing machine, armor, scarf, and all my important things were in my normal silver storage ring with a bunny holding a pure gem.

I looked around and saw that my room was bare, as if I was never there. I glanced down, but made my way to the dining room with Gengi on my shoulder. How're you feeling, Iri? I glanced at him then down, "Nervous... Anxious... Sad... Excited... Happy, so overall... Conflicted." I opened the door to see Nami was eating already, so I giggled and sat next to her as we ate together. Obviously I took longer than she did because I ate more and she began eating before me.

After we were finished eating we headed to the front where an escorting party would be. They would be in charge of food and supplies on our way there. I blinked and teared up at the sight of Lial, Sylvar, and Kytrose. I sprinted up and hugged Lial tightly before hugging Kytrose then Sylvar. I sniffled as Lial patted my head, "You're looking good kiddo..." I grinned, "Yup!" Sylvar helped me then Nami onto the carriage as Kytrose and Sylvar got on to drive us and Lial got on his horse. The carriage had no top, so I looked back and waved at them as we left.

I looked at Lial as he asked, "What have you been up to?" I leaned back and relaxed with Nami, "... There's been so much, yet nothing at all... I've had to attend a few stupid nobel parties as well as..." I glared, "I had to meet with Eugene-san a few times for political purposes... He's extremely stumbern, but I made it clear to him and everyone around that I planned on marrying Law and nothing could change that. I spent most of my first month studying to high hell with Nami. The second month I was getting my business prepared and set up and the third month I spent my time with Art and some friends I made at the adventurers guild."

Kytrose laughed, "I noticed we had posters hanging around the city and we even overheard some people talking about getting our Captain's signature." I flushed a bright red and looked away, "It was a little boy. He looked so excited. How can I say no to that?" They chuckled, but we looked up as the palace guards saluted, "Safe journey your royal highness and Moon Knights!" I smiled softly and nodded, "Thanks. Keep up the good work!"

I looked in front as Lial picked up the pace slightly, "It's half a day to the teleportation circle then an hour to the school. Once at school..." He smirked, "We'll watch your exam." I shivered then glared, "You know I'm going to try to be average, right?" They all burst out laughing, so I flushed a bright red and yelled, "What?!" Nami slapped my back, "That's a good one Iris!" I puffed my cheek, but flinched as Sylvar looked at me, "Your competitive nature will take over... Especially since Princess Kyte, Prince Eugene, and some other strong people will be there."

I looked down, "... Do you think they'll be people that I can actually go head to head against and one that I can go all out on?" Kytrose looked up, "A few people should." They all shivered as I smiled and I accidentally let out my mana pressure, "Is that so?" I leaned back smiling, "It's been so long since I've sparred! I wanna fight someone so bad!!!" I hopped up and looked at Lial, "Lial! S-" He held out his hand, "No way." I puffed my cheek and looked at the other two, but they shook their heads.

I turned around and squatted down as I poked Gengi, "Gengi... My squad doesn't like me anymore to help me warm up... Gengi, why are my friends bullies? I thought they wanted me to do my best, but I suppose not. I suppose maybe they don't want to fight me since I'm out of practice and not good enough anym-" I held my head as I felt it get hit, "Stop that! You can fight at school. I don't want to pull something from helping you adjust your strength again."

I sniffled and looked up at him, "Bully! Lial's a bully! Bully!" I hugged Nami, who patted my head and giggled, "Nami! Lial hit me! Call him a bully!" She patted my head, "Yes. Yes. Iris, Lial-san is a bully." I giggled as they laughed with me. Gengi made the cart lighter, so we could go pretty fast without it hurting. So instead of half a day it only took half the time to get there.