After a brief recap, Mallorc nodded thoughtfully. “Hmm, If that’s what you resonated with the most in the Second Infusion, then I imagine you’ll connect just as strongly – or even more – with the Third. There’s a tea that I want you to try tonight: Peony White Tea. I want to see what you taste in it and hope it will help guide your meditative practice.”

  I grin, excitement bubbling up. If Master thinks it will help, then I can only expect the best.

  “I am really looking forward to it. Remember, the censor from the Trade Ministry is coming this afternoon. I’ve organized all the books and receipts, and since we’re not expecting any deliveries today, there shouldn’t be any edits needed before his visit.”

  The Old Man’s face turned grim. “Managing the books has always been the bane of my existence. I wish I’d realized how much paperwork came with running a business before opening a tea shop.”

  I chuckle, “Don’t worry, Master. I know that you hate that part of things, so I’ve made it as simple as possible. I can’t present the books for you, but I left notes outlining everything the minister will look for. If it is Minister Gio again, it should be quick – he’s very competent.”

  I unlock the front door and flip the sign. A few regulars immediately shamble in, greeting me warmly before settling at their tables. I wave and begin preparing their orders.

  After a few hours, I feel the fortitude from the Assam wear off, leaving my body light yet strong. Huh, that is something I will need to talk about with the Old Man tonight.

  Around midday, the censor walks in – it is Minister Gio.

  “Good afternoon, Minister Gio. I’ll let Master know that you’ve arrived. Can I get you anything while you wait?”

  “Hello, Camden. I hope you are doing well today. The clouds are starting to roll through, so I’d like to finish my audits quickly. Just let the Old Man know I am in a hurry.”

  I bow slightly and find Mallorc in the mana tea storage room, rummaging through shelves.

  “Master, Minister Gio is here and in a hurry. The accounts and notes are under the front counter. Need help finding anything?”

  “No, it’s fine, Cam. There was an aged tea that I swore we still had in stock, but I can’t find it. Not for a customer – just got a craving. Tell the minister I’ll be out in a minute, and we can finish the audit quickly.”

  The minister didn’t wait long. A minute later, the Old Man emerged with everything in hand. While he’s occupied, I continue tending to customers. Only one orders a mana tea, and he’s patient enough to wait until the audit’s done.

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  “Cam, could you come here, please?” Mallorc’s voice cuts across the shop.

  I push down a flicker of anxiety as I approach the table. “Yes, is there something missing from the reports?”

  Minister Gio smiles – a rare sight in all the years he’s audited us – “Not at all. As always, your reports are flawless. The notes you prepare for this financially awkward Old Man answer any questions I might have. I hear your Sowing Day is this week. I’d like to offer you an internship in my office. You don’t need to decide now, but if you don’t get the class you want, know that you’d do well in the Trade Ministry.”

  I return the smile politely, “Thank you, Minister Gio. I’m flattered and will give it some thought. I’ll reach out to your office next week with an answer.”

  He glances at Mallorc, “Ah, you’ve raised him well. I’ll take that as a soft no for now, Camden. Thank you both for making my job easy – and for helping me finish before the rain.”

  I wave as he leaves, then turn to the Old Man, pointing him toward the VIP table, repeating the customer’s order so he can serve it.

  Before walking away, the Old Man pauses. “Cam, I appreciate how much face you give this shop – not only with customers but with officials as well. You make me proud.”

  The seldom spoken words of pride take me by surprise. Before I can respond, he’s already off. The rest of the day flows smoothly. Jasmine and Eurid stop me for a quick chat as I pour their afternoon tea.

  Eurid grins, “Well, Camden, you seem to be in high spirits today. Did you stumble upon that legendary inheritance you were wishing for a few days ago?”

  I smile brightly, “Of course, Eurid. I actually found it right here, sitting at one of these tables.”

  He frowns, unsure if I’m joking. “Then Friday’s your last day here? I’ll miss your service – I’m busy tomorrow.”

  “No need to worry, Eurid. I’ll still be around for a few months. Can’t leave the Old Man high and dry.”

  I share a grin with Jasmine, who gives me a playful wink and laugh as I leave Eurid still puzzling over my words.

  The day winds down at last. I sit across from Mallorc, and a wave of heat roils off him as steam curls from the teapot.

  “Old Man, what was that heat just now?”

  He looks up, surprised. “Interesting. I didn’t think you would be able to feel mana before your Sowing Day. It seems that you’re highly compatible with the meditation manuals – and progressing faster than I expected. The heat was the mana flow I use to activate the liquid temperature skill. A little bit of fire mana lingers in the water, reacting with the tea’s mana to enrich its flavor.”

  He pours a cup of tea for me, the liquid shines pale yellow, its aroma sweet and earthy – reminiscent of honey, toasted grain, and maybe dried sweet grass. I take a long sip. The first taste is bright, with a gentle vegetal bitterness. The body is soft and round, finishing with a lingering sweetness like honey.

  A gentle breeze brushes against my skin, and my body feels impossibly light. I can feel the mana from the drink settling in my diaphragm, and I instinctively know this mana would help me move unhindered – flowing like a willow branch grazing still pond waters.

  I smack my lips appreciatively. “Old Man, this is good stuff. It echoes release from restraint – flowing with energy. I can almost feel the breeze on my skin. The imagery isn’t as strong as last night’s practice – but I felt like a willow branch dancing across the water’s surface on a summer afternoon.”

  Mallorc grins wide. “Go meditate boy. I’m excited to see what inheritance chooses you on Friday.”