Magi's Path (Aether's Revival Book 3) by Daniel Schinhofen (motivational books to read txt) 📕

“A storage-enchanted item would make transport easier,” Hao said. “I could see about acquiring one. I’m sure a number of enchanters here in the city have a few.”

“I would be surprised if they didn’t,” Alvis agreed. “The only other option would be to engage a spatial magi to transport the additives directly to them, but that is prohibitive.”

“Hmm...” Hao said, clearly considering the option.

“Father,” Yukiko said, “we have an item that can store things. It shouldn’t be a problem to have them made ahead of time.”

“I see,” Hao said. “Very well. I will make sure the account is added to so you can continue to supply them while they are here. When this academy year comes to an end, they will let you know where they are in tier and ranking so you can prepare a full year’s worth of additives for all three. Armsmaster Watashi will be the one to hold the account as he has been. I will, of course, also be back for the last tournament, so we can settle everything.”

“I’m glad we’ve arranged this business dealing,” Alvis smiled widely. “I do believe it was the reason I was contacted by Aether’s Guard to produce supplements for the magi they’re planning to invite to their clan after the tournament.”

“Ah, so a profitable contact came from this?” Hao asked with a sharp smile. “That’s good. I’m sure you’ll keep that in mind when the end of the year comes and we haggle the price of the initiate supplements for them.”

“Of course,” Alvis said, his smile going a little stiff.

“Not a lot, just a little,” Hao chuckled. “After all, we’re both men of business.”

The stiffness faded slightly. “Of course. Shall I bring the just finished supplements now?”

“Please,” Yukiko said. “Also, just so you are aware,” she said, slipping her medallion out of her kimono, “we’ll need the next set to be stronger.”

Both Alvis and Rhea’s eyes widened at the sight of seven sunflower yellow rings glowing on her medallion. They looked at Gregory and Jenn, who had also produced theirs.

“So fast...” Rhea whispered, her lips curling into a big smile. “If it became known they used your supplements…” She trailed off when she realized she’d spoken out loud.

Alvis had nodded at her words, then froze.

“I see... Maybe a deal could be arranged?” Hao smiled like a shark smelling blood. “Once the tournament is over and their strength is known, of course.”

Alvis looked torn— he knew Hao would push for all he could, but the potential profit of it being known that it was his supplements that’d helped three apprentices reach the seventh rank before the first apprentice tournament could be huge. “I look forward to speaking with you after the tournament,” Alvis finally said to Hao.

“As do I,” Hao chuckled.

“Rhea, go bring the supplies for them,” Alvis said. “We don’t want to delay our honored customers any more than we already have.”

“Yes, sir,” Rhea said, rushing into the back.

~*~*~

“Thank you. We won’t be long,” Gregory said.

“I’m interested in meeting the crafter,” Hao said. “Yu was very pleased with the bracelet you gave her.”

All five of them entered Rough Gem, and the receptionist straightened up. “Can I help you?”

“Gregory Pettit. I had some items commissioned,” Gregory said, moving to the front of the group.

“Oh, yes, sir,” the receptionist said. “Give me one moment, please.”

“I can’t wait to see what the mystery gift is,” Yukiko said from Gregory’s left.

“Me, neither,” Jenn said from his right.

A minute later, the receptionist returned with the crafter following them. He was holding three longish and flat boxes as he came to the counter.

“Ah, Pettit. A repeat customer is always good,” Blon Wesla, the owner, said with a large smile. “I have the pieces here.” He set the boxes on the counter in front of Gregory. “I do hope they are what you wanted.”

Both Jenn and Yukiko stirred beside him, their eyes focused on the boxes. Gregory, seeing their intent expressions, gave Blon a nod. “I’m sure these will be perfect, but I’m going to present them now.”

Blon smiled proudly as he stood there, waiting to see the reactions.

Gregory pulled the topmost box to him and opened it. The silver metal of the bracer gleamed, nearly identical to Yukiko’s bracelet in coloration. The shiny surface had the clan’s emblem engraved onto it. Smiling, he turned it over so the straps could be seen, but also so they could see the other surprise. Sunken into the back, on the opposite side from the flaming shield, were several gems. The gems formed a series of hearts, one set inside the next. In the center was a peridot, which was surrounded in turn by golden topaz, then bloodstone, and another peridot as the outermost stone.

“You both love me, as I do you, and you also love each other,” Gregory said softly. “This was the best way I could think of to represent it.”

“It’s lovely,” Jenn said with a trembling voice.

“I agree with our wife, dearest,” Yukiko said.

“Why a bracer?” Hao asked, looking on from a few feet away.

“Because we also need protection for ourselves, and to guard our hearts,” Gregory said. He pulled the bracer out of the box and turned to Yukiko. “May I?”

Yukiko pulled her kimono sleeve up for him, and Blon cleared his throat. “Excuse me. I thought you might not consider it, so I took the step of having these made for you.” He held out some cloth to Gregory.

Taking them, Gregory smiled. “I see. Thank you.” He pulled one of the three sleeves onto Yukiko’s arm before strapping the bracer over it.

“That’s much better than just bare metal. Thank you, sir,” she told Blon. She touched Gregory’s face and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “And thank you, dear