Into the fields of Summer - 87. The Platinum Prince 2

After Elvenhasil Square, Etalos brought us to one of the shopping districts of the capital.

The streets were lined with clothing stores, with glass windows inviting all that passed by outside to at least take a peek inside, and all-in-all it felt rather too upscale for me.

The elves walking around the district seemed extra posh as well. The festive atmosphere on the streets, however, was not lost, as we walked past several elves playing the harp and flute, as well the violin. All musical performers had either an air or fire elf with them that played with low level elemental magic to accompany the music.

At one point I finally walked past a store that seemed to fit my taste and Etalos was rather happy to accompany us into the store. We were warmly welcomed by an elf salesman who showed to us their various collections of coats, jackets, and shoes.

I ended up settling on a gray coat with intricate silver accents on the margins, and a white coat with black accents.

Dad ended up picking a pastel blue beret and matching scarves.

Victor then picked a red jacket for himself, it had elvish scripts in gold and silver designs on the margins. He also decided to buy shoes and a leather handbag, I then decided I wanted one for myself as well and ended up choosing a handbag for men similar to that of Victor’s but with a slightly different design.

I asked Etalos to pick a shirt for himself, and, after a lot of coaxing, he settled for a pastel yellow jacket.

The male elf salesman was very attentive to our questions and even made design suggestions. When we got to the counter, I think the color drained from my face when I realized our bill reached 183,560 crowns.

Etalos just grabbed my hand and then put my thumb on the biometric scanner and the saleslady smiled at us and processed the payment.

As the saleslady and salesman put our purchases in exquisite boxes and bags. I whispered to Victor.

“I think we just spent at least 18,000 dollars”

Dad caught on and had a look of utter surprise on his face.

“Shit... I’m sorry, I didn’t realize it was that expensive”

Etalos then chimed in “relax...Chris... please check your account, your grandfather made sure you wouldn’t be left wanting”

I then checked my phone banking app, and damn even after the early morning splurge I still had almost 1,820,000 crowns left in my account.

“Someone’s spoiled” Victor teased.

“Fucker” I said as I poked his side.

The Elven sales staff thanked us and invited us to shop again.

As we left the store, Etalos then explained that the shop we entered was one of the more expensive ones in the district, it was part of an upscale chain of stores owned by a renowned elf designer.

“You all clearly have good taste!” Etalos teased us.

Then, with paper bags on hand we walked through the lively streets and even took several moments to take in the beauty of it all, old world vibe, pastel fashion color schemes, and the different hues of the trees and hedges lining up the street.

Then we ended up passing by a jewelry shop, and then I ended up buying a necklaces of various designs for the three guys with me, Dad had an 8 pointed star shaped necklace, Victor a dragon themed necklace, and Etalos a floral themed necklace, all pieces were made of gold, with small sapphire and ruby gems decorating them, and to top it off, Elfsilk was woven into the gold, elfsilk was this type of precious metal only found in the realm, the light silver hue of the elfsilk worked well with the gold and gemstones. I ended up paying 1,615,987 crowns in that store much to the enjoyment of our sales agent.

Dad started to worry that I was now overspending, but Etalos just calmed my father down by whispering something on his ear.

Shit... I was seriously blowing through my allowance. I furtively checked my bank account and to my surprise, I now had at least 2,500,000 crowns.

I gave Etalos a confused look and he just gave me a mischievous smile.

“Etalos...” I asked.

“Yes?”

“Why is my bank account even larger than what it was earlier?”

“Uhm...your Patri said that I should just send his personal secretary a message in case you needed more”

“*sigh* I feel guilty spending all this tax money”

Etalos let out a snort “it’s not tax payer money...your Patri and the rest of your family have their own investment accounts, and businesses aside from their uhm...service to the realm” Etalos being careful not to let on with the staff that my Patri was THE Patri, as we couldn’t fully rely on the detractor spell.

“Oh. That slightly makes me feel better then”

“Your grandfather made it clear to me to make sure you enjoy this day... as you have school tomorrow”

“School?” I asked.

Dad and Victor were confused as well.

“Your grandfather arranged for you to spend the day at the Hall of Maktar tomorrow, you’ll be tended to by silver level professors from the Capitol University for a crash course in various subject matters”

“Hall of Maktar?” Victor asked.

“It’s the Hall...with the time dilation magic I told you about”

“Ohh... “ Victor replied.

“Good thing you’re using it for different reasons now” Etalos added, and I’m sure I saw him give my boyfriend a certain look. Oh shit, I think Victor’s right, Etalos might have some beef with him.

“Now now, Etalos...be nice” I smiled at the elf.

“Can’t help it...I’m sorry” Etalos muttered as we left the shop.

“Anyways...tomorrow?!”

“Yes. However your Patri made it abundantly clear that you stick to the 1:5 ratio”

“Why?”

“You’ll be having lessons and lectures for hours on end inside the hall...1:5 is already pushing the endurance of your silver level professors”

“Why do I have to go through that?” I asked.

“Your grandfather knows that you’ve picked some information from your interactions with the rest of us, and from the books you’ve read as well, however he felt that you needed a more formal, albeit rushed, initial course of study”

“This should be good son...” Dad added with a cheeky grin.

“You’re having way too much fun at my expense” I huffed, dad was certainly amused that even in the realm I had to study.

The four of us dropped by a small park and ended up enjoying some cold sweet tea from a vendor before we went to the restaurant for lunch.

We were driven by Nomir from the park to the restaurant and I even invited him to join us, he politely declined at first but after some convincing...okay...maybe some threatening, he relented and joined us.

The restaurant looked modern, with white and gray color motifs, and minimalist decor.

It was bustling yet subdued at the same time, I mean all tables were occupied but everyone inside acted in such a way that it just felt...I dunno...classy?

We were escorted by a young female elf to our reserved room and we found that more than half of the crew had already arrived. It didn’t take 10 minutes for the rest to join us.

The food did certainly not disappoint, it reminded me of Turkish and Greek cuisine but the elvish spices and cooking techniques pushed the envelope to another level.

The group talked about how their day went so far: Erica and Lucy, together with Mark and Troy visited the textile market where they bought some fine fabrics, they also dropped by a holiday food bazaar; Reza, Luca, Konrad, and Patrick went to the Elvish History Museum; Henry, Raymond, Hashim, Stefano, August, and Leo went to Fountains of the Realm and Elf Museum of Art.

Everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy the capital, and after an hour of catching up with each other and asking Nomir and Etalos where to go next, we decided to part ways and continue our respective tours.

In the afternoon, for our group, we ended up visiting the Elf Museum of Art and Elvish History Museum.

We all made it back to the palace by dinner time and had a meal as a group in the dining area of my wing.

During the afternoon: Erica, Lucy, Mark and Troy went to the Elvenhasil Square and to a nearby shopping district and each of them blew at least 30,000 crowns; Luca, Victor, Konrad, and Patrick spent the entire afternoon in the art district, and they all bought paintings and small modern elvish interpretations of sculptures, all of them easily spent 60,000 crowns each, Henry, Raymond, Hashim, Stefano, August, and Leo also went to the Elvenhasil Square and then dropped by Food bazaar, they seemed to be the only group that did not spend that much, however that might change the following day, as all of them will be continuing with their tours around the city except for me.

Hashim and Stefano together with Luca and Konrad grilled me about the Hall of Maktar, it seemed that the idea of being able to dilate time for learning or training intrigued them.

“I’m not sure if it will work for non-Elves, but I’ll ask around okay?” I assured them.

“You better!” Konrad huffed, he was clearly jealous, I’m glad he’s become closer to the rest of us, he’s been more outgoing and less reserved compared to the first time we met him, Hashim and Stefano were rather amused with Konrad’s pining while Luca was just left in disbelief as he clearly wanted to try it.

After dinner, the day clearly had taken its toll on me, but in a different way, I was still motherfucking horny, the moment the door closed, I pounced on Victor!

“What’s gotten into you?” He asked in a strained voice, clearly surprised and amused by the clear spike in sexual appetite from my part.

“Sorry babe...but I just have to have you” I said as I undressed him.

That night...I think Victor fell asleep mid fuck again...but I can’t blame him, he was on his 9th then.

I had so much pent up sexual energy, honestly, I’ve never been hornier in my life, I swear I was about to pounce on the wait staff earlier at the restaurant...Nomir as well, and Etalos...and Hashim... and, basically everyone, *sigh* hopefully Victor can keep up with my increased libido, I was warned by Uncle Selvenus that this was a temporary effect of the Ascension, but he didn’t tell me it was this bad!

—-

I woke up early, my boyfriend still thoroughly wiped from last night... or was it early morning?

I had breakfast with Reza, Konrad, Hashim, and Patrick, the rest of the crew was still asleep.

I then walked through the palace gardens to Taha Hall...and then to the Hall of Maktar.

I came across some guards and servants along the way but not that many.

As I entered the Hall, I noticed it’d been changed a bit, there were aides for learning such as a white board, a desk and chair for my instructor, and a desk and chair for myself, several shelves filled with books were there as well.

After a few more minutes a slender lady, who seemed to be in her early thirties and of North African descent clearly Hegodeya, introduced herself as Jenta.

She asked for me to activate the Hall of Maktar. I turned the dial to 1:5 and she visibly winced as the Hall activated itself.

Jenta was a professor in public policy and government relations and discussed with me the elvish government structure.

We spent hours discussing and going through the basic principles of Elvish law.

In my time with Jenta, I learned that the King was actually an absolute monarch, but clearly was assisted by capable technocrats and trusted confidants.

The Advisory Council and High Circle are immediately underneath the King. Then a layer beneath them are the Council of Governors, Council of Ministers, Mage Council, and High Court. However Jenta clarified that it is possible for council members to be hold membership in other councils as well, like the High Mage, who is the leader of the Mage Council, is also a member of the Advisory Council and High Circle, same goes for Uncle Rehanmir who is a member of the Council of Ministers as the Minister of Civil Security and serves as a member of the High Circle and as a member of the Fire Council under the Mage Council.

After my time with Jenta, I ended up having a short meal break then an elf that had Hispanic features and looked to be in his mid thirties introduced himself as Salfir, we were to discuss Elvish History.

Salfir was very knowledgeable and quite engaging, we discussed from the myths of the time before Kung Maktar, the time of the four tribes, and then the time when elves started to have written records up until the time of the realms creation and modern elf society as well.

After Salfir, I had a very interesting class with Metnar, an Elurdeya elf who looked to be in his mid thirties, we discussed the realm’s geography which was rather enlightening, now I had more of an idea of what was in the realm, the cities, towns, provinces, mountain ranges, lakes, rivers, and forests.

The snacks and meals continued throughout the process of my day in the Hall of Maktar. Going in and out of the Hall in between “days” would have been more of a hassle that lead me spending my “nights” inside the Hall, used the time I had to meditate and read from several magic books I had with me inside.

After Metnar, it was Resola, a beautiful Heradeya elf, we discussed elvish literature, arts, and culture.

Then came two elves, Gijor, and Jetlein. Both handsome Sokodeya elves that were bordering early forties, the two guys discussed modern elvish public policy, a crash course in economics, and the current state of elvish government. Both even tested my practical skills in mathematics and economic and monetary theory and both seemed impressed with the results.

—-

The day... or days rather in the Hall of Maktar were certainly enlightening yet tiring, *sigh.*

I even learned about the Elvish Education System. It was a dual track system, an academic track not much different from how humans do it, and a magic track which was directly under the Mage Council’s authority instead of the Ministry of Education.

In the academic track, it was evident that the elves took their time studying, as for the first tier which is the equivalent of the 12 years of basic education back on earth, the elves had 16 years instead. Then after the first tier, an elf can either go to a 6-year 2nd tier certificate for vocational/technical/apprenticeship studies or a an 8-year third tier certificate which would be equal to a bachelor’s or undergraduate degree.

A fourth tier or the equivalent of a graduate or master’s degree took 4-6 years to complete while a fifth tier degree or the equivalent of a PhD took just as long.

As elves had long lives, it was normal for elves to accumulate multiple 2nd or 3rd tier certificates in their life, very similar to how Victor accumulated quite a number throughout the years.

In the formal system, magic and elemental control were taught at the very basic level. For those that had the talent for magic or elements, it was normal for them to enroll in a magic school simultaneously with the formal schools, then if they become skilled enough in magic or a certain element, at least silver level, they could then enroll in a Kashi or High Academy for Magic/Element.

There are lower level magic schools for Bronze, Copper, and Basic levels that were more accessible to the public.

The sun has already set when I left the Hall of Maktar, my head full of new information about the realm, I was enjoying the crisp cold evening air, then I realized that Etalos mentioned to me before that he just finished his third tier certificate...I did the math...and if an elf started the first tier at 4 years old... fuck... Etalos is at least 28 years old?!

My friends seemed to have spent the night in the city for dinner, so I joined Patri, Matra, and Uncle Selvenus for dinner. My other uncle was in the city and had to deal with some issues regarding Akros.

“So how was it?” Patri asked, “I assume you learned a lot?”

“I did... but goodness, way to go to cram a lot of information Patri”

“I heard you actually did quite well”

“I tried...” I huffed as I ate some Borfelian roast.

“Well dear... at least now you know more about the realm and your people”

“Yes...thank you, I’ve come to realize most of my training these past few months have been centered around elemental magic”

“That’s true, my dear boy” Patri commented. “Also... tomorrow, you’ll be attending the meeting”

“Meeting? What meeting?”

“The audience with Reza you made happen?”

“What? Why do I have to be there?”

“Just because I say so...” Patri laughed lightly. “August, Konrad, and Luca will also be there...and also some ministers from our end”

“I will stick out like a sore thumb, I know nothing...”

“Then...it’s time to learn, and stop underestimating yourself... you always doubt not only your strength but sometimes your ability to lead and make decisions as well”

“Chris...you made a promise to your people...or have you forgotten?” Uncle Selvenus chimed in.

“*groan* of course I haven’t...fine fine...I’ll go”

“Good” Patri and my uncle exchanged knowing smiles.

“Also...before you retire to your wing...the High Mage and The Master Healer are to conduct some tests on you”

“Tests?”

“Just for us to see how the Ascension has affected you...and...” Patri’s voice then trailed off “and you’ve got to admit, some unexpected, and unusual, things did transpire that day”

“You make it sound like I’m some sort of experiment, Patri”

“I don’t mean it that way...but Chris... you’ve been breaking records like it’s a walk in the park...we have to know more about what you are dealing with”

“*sigh* I understand Patri...sorry for my outburst”

“It’s fine Chris...I know it’s confusing and it must be taking its own toll on you”

“Just remember...we’re here for you son” Matra warmly smiled at me.

After dinner, Patri accompanied me to one of the testing rooms in the palace. Inside the room were Zenfar and Sarad waiting for us, along with two other elves clad in white and gray uniforms.

“Hmm...ready to know what your ascension has bestowed upon you?” Zenfar teased.

“It couldn’t be that significant... it’s only been two days... “

“Remember...you just spent 5 days inside the Hall of Maktar, your growth continues inside the Hall” Sarad added.

“Okay...let’s get this over with”

I then entered a glass tube and I felt magic poking around my body, the air started to feel warm, and I felt tingly all over.

Zenfar and Sarad had worried looks on their faces as the they looked at the data streaming into the screen in front of them, the two specialists that came with them seemed just as confused if not more confused than the elder elves.

I spent more time in the tube than what I would have wanted, this test was different from the ones I’ve had before and different from the ones my friends had when they entered the realm, this was more thorough.

And then with a soft beep, I was signaled that I was free to exit the tube.

“So...how is it gentlemen?” Patri asked.

Sarad and Zenfar exchanged confused looks, I’ve been getting more of those recently.

“Is something wrong?” I asked.

“Uhm. Not exactly” Sarad answered.

“So... what is it?”

“Okay... three key take aways from this test” Zenfar answered.

“Okay?” I nervously answered.

“First... even if you’re still a hybrid... physically, you’ve become more of an elf...”

“You mean?” I asked.

“Some vestigial organs or internal organs that have no use... well they’ve all but disappeared...”

“What?”

“Wisdom teeth, tailbone... even your appendix... gone”

“Okay...”

“That’s not all...uhm...your ears”

“What of my ears?”

“They’re actually like that... that’s not glamour anymore.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“You’ll have to use glamour to go back to rounded ears back on earth”

“Okay...okay...is that all?”

“No, your highness” Sarad answered.

“What else?” Patri asked.

“Remember that for us elves we age based on our strength or pool of magic... and with us being magical creatures we get to live hundreds of years, the average elf living up to three hundred”

“Yeah...I know, that’s why Patri over here looks like he’s not a day over 55 even though he’s more than 500 years old or how King Ethnar seem to only be pushing 60 even if he’s a thousand years old” I answered.

“Yes you’re correct”

“So...did my aging slowdown or something?” I curiously asked.

Sarad and Zenfar exchanged looks and then the Master Healer answered. “Chris... you’ve stopped aging”

“Is that even possible?” Patri asked.

“The first time ever, your majesty... we’ve doubled and triple checked at the cellular level...Chris is not aging at all”

“Excuse me?! Did I just hear you say what I think I heard you just say?” I exclaimed. “Am I a vampire now or something?”

“The halting in the aging process is where your similarities with vampires end; magic, speed, strength, other abilities considered...you’re far superior”

I kept silent.

“And what of the last key point?” Patri asked.

“Remember how Chris tested as a high level platinum even before the Ascension?” Zenfar said.

“Yes... he’s quite the skilled and powerful child, he even bested me and Rehanmir together”

“Well... “ Zenfar paused, he cleared his throat and then continued “his magical pool...well...it’s more than quadrupled since then”

“Impossible...” Patri whispered.

“We expected Chris to improve on his marks from before, thus we added more crystals for the sensors to work, in retrospect if we didn’t add the crystals... the sensor might have overloaded itself”

“Anything else?” Patri asked just above a whisper. He was taking his time to digest all this news.

“Yes... “ Sarad answered. “If our calculations are correct... the prince is not yet even halfway through the changes bestowed by the Ascension”

“How strong will he become?” Patri asked.

“To be honest... we don’t know” Sarad answered.