Looking at Mancin, as I put the books in my Spatial focus following Daphnia’s instructions. I said “Thank you for the books and of course I'll treat studying them very seriously. I want to be the best I can be before Edens admissions tests.” Smiling, He said, "That's reassuring, I knew I saw the heart of a scholar in you..” He paused, turning his head to the side.

Looking into the distance, as his eyes glowed a blue hue. He mumbling something I didn't quite catch. Turning his head back, to look at me. He said, "Well, it looks like our time might be cut short. My lovely wife just informed me, that Alfred is here to pick up Madison. I guess they made plans a few days ago, to go see Madame Astred today. Madison wanted me to ask if you would like to go with them?”

The last time I went out with them, things didn't turn out for the best. But this time I'm better prepared to handle trouble. Plus I've got my permit, so I can't get into trouble for not having it, either. Although I don't know who Madame Astred is but she sure sounded interesting. No, I can't let my curiosity get the best of me. I just told Mancin that I'd take studying for Edens admissions tests, seriously.

My indecision must have shown on my face, Because. Mancin said, "While I truly believe learning is important. It won't be the end of the world if you don't start right now. Plus Madam Astred is known as one of Free cities best mana tenders. People from all over the city to haven help them with their mana.”

My eyes shining, I said, "Really, are you sure? I just told you I'd take studying seriously.” Interrupting me before I could continue, smiling. Mancin said, "Kyle, just stop. This isn't some test to see how serious you are about studying. Going out and experiencing life can be great chances to learn something new.”

Standing up, He said, "Come on, let's get out there. So you can go, experience more of the city for yourself.” Following behind Mancin as we walked out of his study, back into the grove. I said, "I'd just like to say thank you again for your help.”

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Pausing, He said, "It's not a problem.” Coming up to Daphnia, Madison, and Alfred as they talked about their plans for today. Turning towards us, Daphnia said, "Ah, there they are, see I told you both they'd be out shortly.” Getting up and rushing at me. Madison said, "Come on, you need to change, so we can get going. If we want to get there before noon.”

We said our goodbyes and I thanked Daphnia for breakfast. As Madison pushed us out the door. Taking maybe ten minutes to reach my room. Shoving me through the door. Madison said, "Hurry up and get changed, I don't want to be late, and I hate dealing with the crowds of East Hill.”

“Okay, okay, there's no need to push me," I said, shutting the door behind me so I could change. It didn't take me long to finish getting ready. Checking my reflection in the floor-length mirror, Before heading towards the door. Setting off down the ever twisting paths of the city. After walking for over half an hour, did it dawn on me how big Free city was. We had been walking down, the same Long cobblestone hallway broken up by wooden doors and intersection of other hallways.

Just when I thought we’d never get out this hallway. We came out onto a busy street, crowded by a sea of people. Wearing heavy fabrics of various colors that hung on their bodies. With large gold rings on their fingers, necklaces made of large diamonds glistening in the sunlight and giant gaudy earrings framing their faces. It was a spectacle, to mention the heavy smell of clashing perfumes that clogged my nose.

Coughing, I said, "Madison, what is wrong with these people, and why didn't you warn me about the awful smell?”

Laughing, she said, "Where's the fun in that, I really wanted to see how you'd react. It was definitely worth it too. Those people? They call themselves the elated throng. But they're really just servants of the nobles and the wealthy. Copying anything they think is a trend that the nobles do.” My nose burnt, from the overload of fragrance. My stomach turned with nausea from the swirling colors of the crowd. Trying not to puke, I said, "Are we close to Madame Astred’s? Because I don't know if I can handle this crowd.”

Her face scrounged into a frown, She said, "Not that I blame you, but yes we're close. We just need to head further into East hill, for a few more blocks. Reaching towards me and pulling my arm. She said, "Come on, the sooner we get through this. The sooner we can get to Madame Astred.”