35 Mission (1/2)

Greyson loved to look at his flute after making it. In a way, it felt connected to him since he was the one who made it. The mana from the engraving connected the magic tool to his spirit as if a piece of him had been separated into it. By the time he had finished the flute, he forgot that the month was ending soon and threw the painting competition to the back of his mind.

He went to his other lessons and continued practicing his magic when the letter suddenly arrived. Once again, Lyle had picked it up and came running into the dorm. Greyson soon took the letter into his hands and saw the bold golden letters on the back written in pretty print 'Dalia Painting Association.' Heart in his throat, Greyson hand slightly shook as he slowly ripped open the letter. Unfolding the parchment, he paused for a moment, afraid to look. Feeling frustrated looking at him take so long, Lyle just grabbed the letter away to read it instead. His face lit up afterwards and he gave Greyson a hug.

”You did it! You got first! It says right here 'A Mother's Smile has placed first after much review.' I knew you could do it! They say you have to get to the capital 2 weeks later for the award and celebration.” Greyson felt his genuine excitement and warmly smiled.

Without any effort, his win at the competition soon spread out to his teachers and he received a bunch of hearty congratulations. Seeing some of the small presents, he felt like he really had a family here. But, the more he felt their warmth, the more he missed the church and Sister Lily. He decided that after he came back from the capital he would visit the church and give Sister Lily his savings so she could fix up the church building.

...

In the midst of his preparations, Greyson was interrupted by an awkward looking Lyle. For an hour or so, Lyle had been coming up to him so say something but then thought against it and turned away. Watching him come back and forth soon frustrated Greyson, so he finally spoke out.

”Hey, Lyle, what is it? You can just tell me.” Lyle paused for a second before taking a deep breath.

”Actually, Grey, I have a favor I wanted to ask of you. I'm just sure that it will make you upset, so I'm not certain I should ask.”

”Well, you never know. Maybe I won't be angry, so why don't you just ask first.”

”Uh, well, I was wondering if I could take advantage of your looks...”

”Hm?”

”So, I might need you to dress as a girl...” he mumbled.

”Huh?”

”I need you to dress as a girl!” He finally built up the courage to say.

”A girl? Why do you need me? Why don't you just ask a girl?” Trying to hold in his temper that was about to flare, he continued asking because he knew Lyle wouldn't ask for no reason.