As Lachlan was busy being dragged away toward the first aid room, Gareth stepped himself off the fighting stage. As he stashed away Wing Clipper a servant approached him with a glass and pitcher of water.

As he refreshed himself, a knight approached him and whispered something to him. With a small nod of his head, Gareth then left the arena.

“All right everyone! The Coldwater Estate tournament battle has been concluded!” The official announced, “Head over to the Polarice estate for the next three matches!”

As the official was announcing, several of the spectators had already gotten up and begun to leave the area already. Many of them in discussion and in awe about Gareth’s impressive display.

“Alright children, would you like to come with us and watch the next few matches?” Duchess Coldwater asked.

Gilles excitedly followed them along while Viola followed them silently. Duke Coldwater was already making his way toward the limousine, not bothering to wait.

“Uh… no thanks. I’m thinking about going to the city for a bit.” Bryson said. He would rather not have to surround himself with family and people he didn’t really like. Besides, Viola was cross with him right now.

Sable simply looked at Bryson with slightly narrowed eyes. Bryson did his best to avoid contact, it felt as if she was analyzing him. Before wordlessly following the others away.

“Alright then. Bryson, stay safe.” Duchess Coldwater said sweetly.

“So what are you going to do now?” Lila asked as the rest of Bryson’s family left.

“I see you’re done hiding.” Bryson said.

“Hey, my job is not getting in their way! What are you going to do alone now?” She said indignant, fidgeting with her bracelet.

“I don’t know, go home. Play some games.” Bryson said with a shrug.

“Actually, there is something your father requested.” Out of nowhere Phillip interrupted the two.

“Ah!” Lila screamed shrinking behind the chair once more. Bryson instinctively jumped backwards; hands raised in a strange defensive stance.

“Pardon my interruption young master.” Phillip said politely. Bryson could see his eyes were brimming with laughter.

Bryson with slightly gritted teeth spoke, “What is it Phillip?”

“Your father thought that you might not want to attend, so he has set aside some assignments for you.” Phillip explained.

“What do you mean?” Bryson said cautiously.

“He said that you must keep up with your studies. There are plenty of studies that I have prepared for you on behalf of your father. From mathematics, history and magic. I have prepared projects for all of them.” Phillip said.

“Oh…” Bryson said bleakly, “Wait. You said magical studies, correct?”

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“Yes I did.”

“So… would it be alright if I were to go to the magic store and try and decipher one of the enchanted devices?” Bryson asked hopefully.

Phillip gave a small pause, pondering for a second, “I suppose that would be a decent application of your magical studies. Very well young master, don’t forget to bring a guard with you.”

Bryson inwardly gave a sigh of relief, “Yes, I’ll keep that in mind.” Alright, avoided work for today. Bryson thought happily.

***

“What is this.” Bryson asked with a raised eyebrow, staring at the new member joining him on his trip to the Warrington Sprite. Upon entering Darlington, he decided to walk the rest of the way to town. If nothing but to kill some more time.

“That’s rude.” The new member said, “I have a name.” She said placing her hands on her hips and puffing her chest out confidently.

“Frost. Explain.” Bryson said irritated already.

“Look, Lottie’s never been to a magic shop before. In fact, neither of us had. I thought it would be fun.” Lila said with a shrug.

Bryson then turned toward the corporal Nico Reese, who had recently returned back on duty a few weeks ago. Apparently, the weird blade that had injured Nico was actually poisoned which caused him to go through rehabilitation longer than usual, or something. Bryson didn’t really bother listening to the report in detail once he learned that Nico would fully recover.

“Well, I-I thought it would be harmless.” Nico said.

“Yeah, what’s wrong with me joining?” Lottie questioned.

“How did she even get here?” Bryson questioned.

“I messaged her, she knows her way around the city.” Lila replied.

“Is that even safe?” Bryson asked.

“Hey, I know to be careful. Besides I came with friends.” Lottie stated.

“And where are they?” Bryson asked again.

“When they heard you were coming they left. People don’t like you.” She said plainly.

Bryson gave Lottie a tired look before looking back over to Lila, “You’re going to pay for what she buys?”

“Uh… well.” Lila said awkwardly.

“What happened to all that money I gave you?” Bryson said with a shake of his head.

“I had to pay off a lot of family debt! Most of it’s gone.” She cried.

“Of course it is.” Bryson said rolling his eyes, glancing at Lila’s bracelet before focusing on Lottie, “You get one thing.” Bryson said sternly.

“Okay!” Lottie exclaimed happily, she quickly running forward.

“Lottie wait!” Lila shouted out chasing after her younger sister.

“Hurry up slowpokes!” She shouted back.

Bryson and Nico watched as the two Frosts bounded away from them.

“Well, I’m not running. Get them back here.” Bryson commanded.

“Yes sir.” Nico said giving an amused smile as he chased after the two.

I’m starting to regret my decision. Bryson thought. This might be a long day.

***

Bryson and his group after much delay finally made it to the street where the Warrington Estate was located. The massive sign had been upgraded since he had first visited the place all those months ago with the rest of his family. It now was fully illuminated and had a massive wizard hat built on top of the building as well.

Bryson noticed that the illumination from the sign wasn’t lights but from magic. Ever since Bryson had received his power, he was able to tell what had magic and what didn’t. It was hard to describe how exactly he was able to do it, he was just able to.

Seeing the magic was only a semi-accurate way of describing it, while he can see that something is there, it wasn’t like he could actually see a real image. It would be more appropriate to say that he could feel the magic. Almost like a sixth sense that allows him to tell what was and was not magical.

He still had no idea why but–

“Hey! Let’s go in already!” Lottie yelled out impatiently at him, she was already across the street and standing before the entrance next to Lila.

Giving an annoyed sigh Bryson trudged across the street along with Nico as he reached the other two.

“Behave yourself.” Bryson warned Lottie.

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” She said dismissively before opening the door and heading in.

Bryson glared at Lila, “I swear to the gods Frost. You keep her under control.”

“I know, I know. You worry too much. She won’t do anything.” Lila assured before heading in herself.

“Well… should we head in as well young master.” Nico asked politely.

Watching the two Frost sisters explore the place through the clear glass door, Bryson rubbed his temple in frustration. I hate this. Bryson thought before entering the building himself, ignoring Nico.