The Summoned

The day after.

We walked to the school entrance and Headmaster Rauf stood waiting.

"The academy must be temporarily closed.

We apologize, but a water main broke, during the summoning lessons, and must be repaired.

It will take, roughly, three weeks before all of the damage is fixed. You're welcome to stay here, in the dorms, inns, or go home.

We'll extend it to a full month."

He bowed and bade us all good day before heading inside and locking the door.

I used loom and peer.

I examined the entire building and saw that the damage was extensive.

Before I could do anything, Linh grabbed my sleeve.

I canceled the spells and she said.

"Please, I want to see your childhood home.

Can we spend some time there?"

I smiled.

"Sure. Let me cancel mimic from my clothes, first."

I did and held my arms out.

She jumped up and I carefully laid her across my shoulders.

"First, I'll register at the adventurer's guild and then grab a few quests."

I walked for the building marked on my phone and saw a Smith shop along the way.

I printed off a picture of a piece of jewelry.

Before she woke up, this morning, I measured Linh's wrist.

Her paws don't allow for a ring, so, a wristband will do.

I took the printout and headed into the shop.

"Hello OH HELL!

Um... sir... please take her out!"

"My wife goes where I go. She won't hurt anyone."

"Wife!? That's..."

"I am far beyond amply aware of who she is."

"Oh... alright then.. how may I help you?"

I laid the picture, face down, on the counter and set four large gold coins on it.

"I'd like to order this, please.

How much will it be?"

He picked up the picture.

"I see."

He scooped the gold up.

"One silver coin."

"Seriously?"

He nodded.

"Yeah. If you've married Linh Miêu, the diamond mines in the Northwest will be accessible again."

"I wouldn't count on that, sir. I hear that another beast has taken her place."

"I see. Well, still, you could have withheld that information in the hopes of keeping the price low.

I already quoted you, however, so it remains the same price."

Linh bowed her head.

"It's refreshing to meet an honest businessman, sir. Thank you."

He looked stunned.

"She talked!" He stammered.

I looked off to the side and scratched the back of my head.