13 You Should Just Give Up (1/2)
After leaving the stage, Harrison rushed back to the inn he was staying at and took out the magic communication talisman. He couldn't send a lot of information such a far distance, so he kept the information short and informed the school that he had recruited a rare magic genius this time. After finishing this, he finally calmed down while his eyes flashed with excitement. He could maybe get a promotion or resources as a reward for bringing back someone with high talent. This could allow his magic to increase a stage. He fantasized slightly what the future held in store for him once he got back. Feeling extremely grateful towards Greyson, he suddenly frowned as he remembered a certain spatial bag of bribes from the shopkeeper. As a decisive man, Harrison refused to keep something that was incriminating towards the genius he met. He got up quickly and rushed over to the shop.
Not knowing Teacher Eldred's thoughts, the shopkeeper was delighted to see him come over. He thought that the teacher was here to tell him that, although he didn't fail the boy, he would make his life miserable. Or at least something negative and in that direction. Harrison seemed to see through his thoughts and scoffed inwardly, ”you think everyone is as dumb as you. Who would go out of their way to torment a genius magician? I could just help him now and he would bring me enormous benefits in the future when he becomes someone important.”
Just as they sat down, the shopkeeper smiled, ”Teacher Harrison, what brings you back to my humble shop?”
Without answering, Harrison snorted and threw back the spatial bag.
”Everything you gave me is still in there. Since I didn't complete what you asked me and I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea about my intentions, I'm giving it back to you.”
”Is it not enough? I can give you more as long as you make sure to give that brat a hard time later.”
Harrison sneered, ”You seem to not understand the situation, so let me make it clear. With his background, Greyson has somehow reached the novice level fourth stage at 5 years old. Most people can only reach this level at double his age and, if they do reach it at the same age, those kids are all the direct descendants of huge families. When I say huge, I mean much bigger than my own as in the top 4 noble families in the Dalia Kingdom or the royal family itself. Those kids have amazing resources and of course high talent. Greyson would have to have that much more talent then them because he has yet to get any resources. He doesn't even know a proper spell. With the right education, he will quickly become a magician more powerful than me and be given a high position most likely. He will be in a position higher than the current King of Elysa. You are asking me to be a bully to this sort of man? I have already reported to the higher-ups about him, so they will definitely protect him. Plus, I can get all sorts of benefits for bringing him to the school and if I treat him well I can continue to get benefits. Now, explain to me, what amount of money could you give me that would tempt me to make such a stupid decision?”
The shopkeeper just sat with shock written all over his face. Getting lectured like this was humiliating but he also started to reflect on his actions. Maybe going against the kid for something like his pride wasn't worth it? Wouldn't it be much better to be friends with an upcoming genius? Suddenly, he was speechless and lost in thought.
Harrison snickered and got up to leave.
”I will give you one piece of sincere advice. You should just give up. Live your life and forget about the boy. I assure you, he will definitely forget all about some small city shopkeeper once he is gone to another kingdom with a higher position.”
...
Greyson and Claude could both barely sleep that night. After they got back to the Devereux manor, Claude's family threw a party in celebration. Everyone while smiling ear to ear thinking of the future prospects of the family's young master and his friend. Only one person could not smile, she spent the entire night brooding about Greyson leaving. Greyson noticed Catherine's unhappiness, but decided to pay her no mind as he wanted to be happy and not get dragged into her drama anymore. Claude's father could not come along to say goodbye as he had an important city to run so Claude decided to write him a letter to let him know the good news and to say goodbye. Greyson saw this and decided to ask Claude for a favor. He wanted to send Sister Lily a letter with the good news. Thus, that night two letters were sent out harboring the good news.
The next morning, the two boys were bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. One could see the dark circles showing lack of sleep, but that didn't effect their excitement and energy levels. They ate one last meal in the manor before running off to the city gates where they were supposed to meet Teacher Harrison. They ran quickly and got to the gate fairly early. Not able to calm down, they chatted while continually glancing at the gate to see if Teacher Harrison had arrived yet.