Leon Greyrat: The Second Son - Mushoku Tensei OC

Chapter 56 - Arriving in Sharia

— Leon Greyrat —

After a few long months on the road, our group finally arrived at the Magic City of Sharia, a city of the Kingdom of Ranoa, one of the three magic nations of the northern territories, and more importantly, the home of the Ranoa University of Magic.

It was a grand city, which one would expect from the de facto capital of the Magic Triumvirate, and from what I read, it had separate districts for commerce, living, students, and crafters.

Quite a similar structure to Millishion, now that I think about it.

During our travels, a new year had dawned, meaning it was now the year K421, marking four years since the Displacement Incident occurred and my family was separated.

That meant that I was sixteen now, and since a couple of months had passed in the new year, Eris was sixteen as well.

And past that, Rudy was now fourteen, while Aisha and Norn would be turning eight later this year...

We were all slowly growing older, a fact that I both appreciated while at the same time... feared.

Or perhaps saddened was a better word.

After all, while I enjoyed experiencing everyone's growth, each year spent like this, still separated, was a year missed in the comfort of our entire family.

But that would soon be changed.

My goal... my most important goal was slowly coming closer.

I felt excited.

But I wasn't the only one who was excited.

"We finally made it."

Deciding to have her entrance into the city in person, Ariel was currently riding with me as we walked through the city gates, heading to the lodging district as Luke went ahead to secure our group's accommodations for the coming week.

"You seem happy, Ariel," I said calmly from behind her.

"That's only natural," she nodded.

I couldn't see for sure, but I was almost certain she was wearing a smile right now.

A true smile.

"This is where my campaign will finally start. Without my brother's influence and past promises muddying the waters, I can truly begin my comeback," she said, looking back at me over her shoulder. "Who wouldn't be excited?"

...As I thought, she looked better with a genuine smile.

"I see," I nodded. "And you'll be becoming a student, right? Isn't it the middle of the school year, though?"

"Yes, but I have already taken care of that," she said, turning her head back to face forward. "I have been in communication with the principal for quite a while and have already secured a spot with my connections. Now it's only a matter of building connections and convincing those in power of my abilities."

She then leaned back against me, making me look away from her as she rested her head on my shoulder.

Seriously, this damn princess... was she doing this on purpose?

I had an itching feeling that she was.

"And you're sure you cannot join me?" she said, just barely above a whisper, into my ear.

This girl... she always enjoyed teasing me like this, even though Eris and Sylphy were right next to her.

Why, I didn't know, but it was definitely annoying, even if I did like the genuine smile it brought about.