Chapter 392: A Measure of Importance |
Chapter 392 - A Measure of Importance
“And that’s how Alden became my roommate.” Kai finished his story with a shrug. “Really, he’s quite a nice guy. You just need to push past the stares and scowls. He’s not nearly as scary as the rumors make him out to be.”
“Of course…” Reishi slowly massaged the pale blue scales on his temples with his webbed fingers. “And you’re taking Alchemy lessons from a Blackwoods…?”
“More like occasional tutoring. But that was only after we took the top spots in the Trials.”
“Right…” Reishi dabbed the spilled tea with his handkerchief. The indigo droplets slid off the enchanted fabric like tiny crystal gems. His face scrunched at the damp cloth as he tried to recompose himself. “Naturally. You teamed with a scion of the Great Houses and ranked first in Realion’s Mid-Term Trials.”
“Well, we got lucky.” Kai perked up in his creaky chair. “Do you know about the Trials?”
“A few tidbits.” Reishi returned with a dismissive sniff. “They’re pretty cagey, but I looked more into the academy after you enrolled.”
“Oh, that…” Kai put aside his teasing smile. A new emotion welled up in his chest. “Thank you. That was very thoughtful of you.”
The merman gave a terse smile. “It would have been better if I found something useful. They keep an impressively tight leash, considering the thousands who enroll each year. Understandable, given half of the Republic’s upper echelon attend Raelion. By the time I found some looser lips, you’d already been enrolled for weeks. I saw no point sending you information you must’ve already learned yourself.”
Reishi shifted his pale eyes, studying him with a hint of curiosity. “Is it?”
“Huh…” Kai bit his cheek, taking a moment to actually consider. “Yeah, in this context, I think it is.”
Despite the merman’s nonchalant tone, it couldn’t have been easy or cheap to learn even those few tidbits. And he did everything without any expectation of recognition or praise.
And people say you’d sooner pry water from a desert than a fair deal from a merman. What a bunch of idiots.
The pressure of the relentless courses and his own personal messes suddenly seemed a little lighter. He leaned back with an easy smile. “Anyway, what did you learn exactly? Quantity isn’t everything. And you always had an eye for the most valuable bits.”
“Mayhaps.” Reishi finished cleaning his robes and poured himself another cup of tea with precise motions. He couldn’t entirely hide his pleased look. “Though not much that could interest you. The structure of the courses, social dynamics, gossip about professors. Most of it was too contradictory to be of use. The Trials were the most talked about and controversial topic in recent years. But again, information was scarce.”
He blew on the steaming tea with an annoyed huff. “The only thing people could agree on was that they’re dangerous. Especially the Moon Trials that close each year. I got the impression, the early and mid-term tests tend to reward adaptability and creative approaches. Using your head as much as your skills. That also works for the Moon Trials, but no one passes them without running into some direct confrontations. At least, for the martial and mana students.”
Kai nodded, thoughtfully. “Guess that makes sense.”Preparations and strategy were important, but when plans failed, the academy must want to ensure their graduates could back up their cunning with brawn. “Thank you.”
“As I said, it’s not much.” Reishi raised his porcelain cup and inhaled deeply. “Buddying up with Blackwoods… Blessed Waters…” His elegant sippings intermitted with mutterings and gurgled curses. “I sank cargoes of mesars for the chance to make such contacts. And you just end up cozying up in the same kitchen. I can’t tell if you’re ludicrously lucky. Or unlucky.”
“Probably both.” Kai grinned. Many events could turn into boons and curses, depending on how he handled them. “Are the Blackwoods really such a big deal?”
Reishi watched him flatly over the rim of his steaming cup. “They’re one of the seven Great Houses.”
“Right…” Kai bobbed his head as if that elucidated everything. “So… they’re like… really, really important people?” He scratched his jaw, considering. “Think I can fund a House and shove one off for their spot?”
Reishi threw his head back, sinking bonelessly in the plush armchair with an ungentlemanly groan. "Grandpa warned me humans can’t help but destroy themselves.” It took several seconds for him to recompose. He leaned forward as far as the mirror allowed, and spoke very slowly. “Yes, Kai. The Great Houses are all very powerful and dangerous. Even if this Alden seems one of the most sensible of their blood. Do be careful.”
“I will.” Kai schooled his smile with a pinch of seriousness. “And I understand the power they wield.” Conceptually, he did. Spiritsknew he’d studied enough of their feats and histories. He just couldn’t help finding the near reverence people had for them a little silly. “I won't poke their powerhouses. Just… don’t they have like, thousands of members? Do I need to tiptoe each time I cross one?”
“Yes and no.” Reishi raised a webbed palm to forestall protests. “You’re both correct and wrong. Great House Aurent and Florentalle are just as large as you imagine. Probably larger. They have tens of thousands of descendants bearing their name. Naturally, not all of them have standing. Their influence inside the family can vary hugely. You just can’t tell by their names unless you learn about their internal family politics.”
“By contrast, the Astares let only the immediate family line carry the name. All their descendants twice removed get shoved into the cadet Houses. Though it’s also one of the less static houses since they marry or adopt remarkable talents into the main line. So, yes. If you meet one, you better scrape and bow. The secret of how they pass down their Space affinity is one of the evergreen gossips of high society. Theories range from techniques of ritual procreation to blood oaths with some ancestral entity, and less savory practices.”
Hmm, I knew that dean looked shady. He and that chirping abomination of his.
“House Hart similarly restricts their name to the main branch, though not to the same extreme,” Reishi continued into teaching-mode, sharing precious tidbits.
Kai recorded every word. Even after the classes and textbooks, his grasp of patrician Houses felt woefully inadequate once he scratched past the surface. “So, what about House Blackwoods?”
“They fall somewhere in the middle. Precise numbers are guarded, but they have a few hundred descendants with varying degrees of power and importance within the family.”
“Wait… have you heard of Alden?”
Reishi shook his head. “I haven’t. Which is also telling. The Blackwoods possess over half of the Republic’s master alchemists. The number is even higher if you count those more loosely affiliated. Unsurprisingly, they can and like to train their talents internally.”
As the merman let the words hang, Kai dutifully beat. “But Alden enrolled at Realion.”
“Indeed, he enrolled at Raelion. That’s the second telling point.” His nails began drumming across the mirror. “Adding both facts together, your roommate is likely either in very poor standing or in the main line of succession, requiring more than Alchemy.”
“Oh…” Kai sank into the chair. Snippets of old conversations replayed in his head. Though he had long had his suspicions.
Something tells me it’s not the first.
“Yes.” Reishi clapped with vindicated gratification. “With your track record, I only regret that there is no bet where I can invest my fortune.”
Huh, what are you saying exactly?
The merman chuckled. “Don’t scowl at me. Naturally, I’d invest your shares too.”
“Uh, thanks then,” Kai snorted.
“You’re welcome. I have a reputation to uphold.”
“Yeah, yeah. I appreciate the wisdom. Still, I don’t think Alden will smite me if I look at him wrong, or continue eating the licorice stash he hid in the pantry. Spirits, he didn’t despite the rumors I caused.”
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Reishi blinked, then gave a vehement shake. “No, I’m not even gonna ask.” He ruefully tilted his empty cup. “But he does not need to wish you ill to do you harm. Truly, he doesn’t need to do anything. The Great Houses never lack scores of sycophants eager to gain their favor. If someone thinks you’re a threat, a bad influence, or just a potential leverage.” He snapped his fingers meaningfully.
“Truly, greedy idiots don’t need sensible reasons. That doesn't consider the darker side. No one stays in power without making enemies. And the Blackwoods have held their position for a long, long time. Only two others have lasted longer. Anyone who’d dare target your roommate wouldn’t care about collateral damage.”
Memo 37: Stay on Alden’s scary family good side. Do not tease his passion for blueberries in public. Do not get squished between him and his enemies.
I think I got everything…
He closed the mnemonic thread. “Thank you for the heads up. And the general info. Really, you should give lectures in Professor Ermellie's place. But I’m not sure it changes anything with Alden. I’m not going to treat him differently just cause he’s alittle more important and disgustingly rich than I thought.”
Reishi smiled. “I’ve known you long enough not to expect sensible action. Just keep an eye out. Maybe I’m wrong, and he’s nobody important. But if you spot an ancient blood feud brewing, duck. The scions of the Great Houses are, well…” His gaze fell on him, and his pointy grin twitched upwards. “Normally, I’d call them trouble magnets. But that feels insulting in present company.”
“Looks like I’m already halfway to replacing one of the seven.”
Reishi pointedly ignored him, giving a morose look at his empty cup, and muttering something about humans, ill fate and not listening to his wisdom. He produced a mirror with a bone cover from a fold of his robe and started checking for gray scales.
“Is that a true thing?” Kai curiously peered at his colorful crest, shiny scales and spiky fins.
“Do not look so eager.” Reishi scowled. “No one trusts a weathered merman. I’m going to charge you for the rejuvenation treatment at the House of Enlightenment. They do not come cheap.”
“I remember no such clause in our contract.”
“I must have been charmed by a siren when I drafted that. It should be considered immaterial!”
Kai hummed.
I really should bring Rain next time.
They continued chatting and joking about lighter topics. Hunger tugged at his mind as his stomach ran out of patience and demanded sustenance. “We should catch up more often. Thank you for the advice. And the chat. And everything else.”
“If you thank me another time, I’ll start worrying if you're alright.” Reishi chuckled. “I’ll keep in contact. Do you want me to send you your returns?”
“Nah, just reinvest everything.”
Compound interest, here we go!
“If you’re sure, I’ll make it worth your while.” Reishi nodded. “Though we should update the contract terms for that.”
“Oh… What did you have in mind?”
“Nothing since I’ve already included that clause. I knew it!” He pointed an accusing finger; his green-orange crest brightened. “You haven’t read the contract.”
“Uhm.” Kai took out his pocketwatch. “It has really gotten quite late.”
“Damn you. I can feel my scales grow dull and brittle. I take back my words about merman blood. You’re an oddball even among humans.”
“Thank you, I can always rely on you. Though I should really go. Valela must be waiting for me.” Despite the words out of his mouth, Kai remained seated.
“Uh huh.” Reishi gave him a flat look.
“It’s gotten late. I don’t want to worry her.”
“You really don’t need to tell me.”
“Fine. If you insist, my stomach can wait five more minutes. There is something else.” After the earlier discussions, it seemed almost easy to recount the mess he’d made of their relationship.
Contrary to his show of reluctance, Reishi listened to each detail with rapt attention and investment. “Ah. Finally, something relaxing and low stakes.”
“It’s not relaxing. Or low stakes.”
“I meant for me.”
Kai suppressed a scowl, his tone terse. “Any wise advice?”
“Have you tried telling her the truth?”
“Yeah.”
“The whole truth? Including the part you haven’t shared with me?” Reishi studied him with a sharp-toothed smile and chuckled. “Don’t worry for me, I enjoy the wait to unveil myself.”
“Ehm…” Kai rubbed his neck. “I told her most of it.” He’d been honest about everything, except the reasons why he wanted to wait to enter any relationship: his past life. He was sure he’d tell Reishi too someday, just not while they sat in a House of Mirrors.
The merman steepled his fingers. “You see, normally, my professional sensibilities would make me recoil from complete and total transparency. But the goal of certain negotiations isn’t always to win. Be honest with her. Whatever happens, it's better to fail with the truth. Omitting stuff is no true victory, and if you fail still, you’d drown in regret. Either it works out or it wasn’t fated.”
“I… You’re probably right.” Kai fidgeted with the buttons of his silk shirt. “Though that seems much easier to say than to follow.”
“Of course.” Reishi grinned. “Why do you think I enjoy offering others advice so much?”
* * *
After wishing Reishi goodbye, the clerk outside informed him that Valela was still in her mirror room. Apparently, her talks were going even longer than his, so she sent word not to wait for her.
Kai had considered waiting anyway, then sighed and headed for the elevators. He still needed to sort his own thoughts, and he didn’t want to ambush her after she finished hours of meetings.
Descending to the ground floor of the Wing Aurea, the smell of food made his stomach grumble. Following his nose, he found a nearby booth that sold sandwiches with freshly cut bread and a variety of fillings.
“Two of them, please.” He smiled at the shopkeeper and stuffed four slices of bread to bursting. With his loot in hand, he devoured his dinner in minutes before heading out.
Four moons cast pale lights among the clouds. Hanging lamps lit the trails across the verdant hills. The night was pleasantly chill. It was late enough that most students and professors had already retired or gathered for activities inside.
Kai enjoyed the stroll back to his dorm. Wiser from experience, a fraction of his focus surveyed his surroundings, while the rest delved into his chaotic musings. Too soon, he stood before the familiar door, room token already in hand. The enchanted locks clicked open with a touch.
Maybe I could go for a longer walk… Huh?
He halted a step inside the threshold.
Perched on the same kitchen chair where he’d left him, Alden still sat, immersed in a weathered tome. From the dishes in the sink, he must have moved at some point. The piles of books around him had also grown, adding a faint smell of old paper. Sensing the stare, the deep purple eyes looked up. “Is there something on my face?”
“Huh, no.” Kai spun away and took off his coat. He’d wondered if he’d feel differently after learning the full extent of his roommate’s status. He didn’t. Perhaps a bit more curious. “I was just surprised to see you still there.”
“You’re not the only one studying,” he said testily, then massaged his eyes. “Though I have spent too long on this ritual assignment. Forgive my mood.” Posture straight, he set aside the book. “What was the volume you wanted me to look at?”
“You mean, right now?”
Alden somehow shrugged without moving his shoulders. “We’re both here and awake. Seeing what you’re working with will help me narrow down what you need.” His brows creased. “Unless you had plans…”
“No, no. Now is good.” Kai strode to sit across from him. Reaching into his ring, the brown leather book appeared in his hands. Practical Potions from the Baquaire Archipelago, by Theodora Etinam. “Here…” His arm froze a third of the way across the table.
Shit! I forgot.
His sleepy mind startled awake, recalling a teeny problem. In his own edition of the book, Dora had named each of the forty-nine potions after him.
They ranged from quirky, such as Kai’s Trusty Ink and Kai’s Unforgettable Signature, to cringe-inducing, I’d-sooner-die-in-a-hole, such as Kai’s Dashing Determination and Kai’s Prowess.
Alden tilted his head, expectantly looking at the leather-bound journal. “Is there a problem?”
“Hmm-mm.” Kai pressed his lips and mumbled, buying time for his panicked mind. The ring had no other alchemy manuals to switch with. Should he make up an excuse and run away? How fast could he blink into his room? How long could he avoid his roommate?
Dammit! Why couldn’t she give them normal names?
Whatever he chose, a deluge of awkwardness was inevitable. Even if he retreated, he’d only postpone the inevitable and use up Alden’s goodwill. This was meant to repay his roommate, not to piss him off.
Why did I not think of it?
Kai swallowed, suppressing the urge to cover his face. Too many thoughts always crowded his head. He hadn’t had much time for Alchemy since leaving the archipelago, nor the means to brew potions designed for the isles’ flora and herbs.
So be it…
Steeling himself, he released his grip on the book. His nails left half-moons on the soft leather cover. “No problem at all.” He smiled stiffly. “It’s just… My teacher named the recipes after a brilliant pupil she had in this copy. So the potion names may sound a little odd.”
"That’s alright. An eccentric naming sense is a common affliction among alchemists.” Alden nonchalantly accepted the book, then froze at the first page.
Okay. It’s not that bad!
“Your master is…” He blinked, eyes fixed on the leather cover. “Theodora Etinam.” His voice came high and thin. “The Theodora Etinam? The Sylvan Alchemist?”