99 Chapter 99 William Returns! (2/2)

”Stella, what's wrong?”

”Your mother is…intense. Very concerned for your well-being.”

Joseph hung his head in shame. He should have seen that coming. He was away from his mother for almost a year, and the first thing he does, was introduce her to a girl that he kept by his side all the time. He owed Stella a lot.

As some of the tension began to drain away, his eyes became heavy. He hadn't realized how exhausted he was. Restoring his fatigue with mana was better than coffee, but still not a replacement for sleep. He'd been awake for over 40 hours now.

Daniel turned to his father.

”Master William. Excuse me.”

William turned to him.

”Speak quickly.”

”Your son did not sleep last night, in order to keep issuing orders. I think now would…” he didn't get a chance to finish as William turned on him.

”Joseph.”

Joseph looked up at him, trying to get his eyes to obey. Why was it so hard to get his father's image to stay in focus?

”Son, go to bed. You can leave this to me for a few hours at least. We will finish talking in the morning.”

Joseph gave his dad a hug. He missed him a lot!

”Stella, I trust him to you.”

”Yes, Master William!”

She straightened in pride and turned to grab Joseph by the arm as he slid out of his dad's arms. The trip back to his room was quicker then he thought it should have been. Was she dragging him or carrying him?

Once they arrived, Stella turned to him, pus.h.i.+ng him gently onto his bed and taking off his shoes.

”Is it what you were hoping for?”

Joseph sighed. He was so tired, it hurt to think.

”I wanted it to be calmer, not so crazy, but yes, it is so good to see everyone. If I can see Miss Selena tomorrow, it will be good enough. I haven't gotten to practice magic since dad's letter arrived, but the AMCC is still chugging along in the back ground. I was hoping to impress dad and Selena with FLAMING ARMOR and ESSENTIAL FLAME. My base FIRE also advanced to intermediate. None of that is obviously happening tonight.”

She gave a laugh as she gently pushed him down and pulled his blanket up.

”Master Joseph, you are the only person I know you can be worried about getting behind on your studies in the middle of an emergency that could have countless people killed.”

”Does that make me special?” he mumbled as he started to drift off to sleep.

”Yes, Master Joseph. That makes you very special, and precious, too!”

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