The Burning Flowers

Chapter VIII

At five o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, Fayela Rio bid Jessi and Hiro goodbye before making her way down the third-year dorm tower and trudging through the snow-covered campus towards the Academy front gates. Multiple times over the past few days did she consider refusing to show up despite the fact that she had already told Rennigan she would. After all, there wasn’t a single thing she wouldn’t rather be doing than going to the home of the Glaus family for dinner, and the reason she didn’t bail was because she considered herself a woman of her word and took pride in the fact that she always kept her promises. Against her better judgment, when Rennigan came to her and said that his father wished for her to stop by for dinner, she told him that she would do it, and even now, she questioned her sanity at that moment. She didn’t owe Rennigan Glaus anything, and she certainly held no love for his father given all she knew about him, so for all intents and purposes, she should have laughed in his face and walked away.

Yet here I am… What the hell is wrong with me?

As she recalled the moment when Rennigan made his request, she couldn’t help centering on his slightly embarrassed expression. “Listen, Rio, just do me this favor and I’ll owe you one! My father…well, let’s just say I don’t want to disappoint him. He’s been asking to meet you for a while, and since I know you have no damn interest in helping me with anything, I’ve made up excuses to get him off my ass. But I’ve run out of them, so all I’m asking is that you bite your tongue and come to dinner. That’s all I need.”

I don’t think I’ve ever seen him that uncomfortable, she mused. Whatever… Having Rennigan owe me a favor is absolutely going to come in handy, so I’ll do what he said, bite my tongue, and I can laugh about it with Jessi and Hiro afterwards.

Faye let out a baffled sigh, watching as her breath rose up in front of her face, illuminated by the firelamps lining the side of the darkened path. She reached one of her gloved hands up and pulled her scarf over her mouth, bitterly shivering at the post-dusk cold. She at least took some solace in the fact that Rennigan would be calling a carriage to take them to his home, for if she had to walk across Erika in this frigid chill, the chances of her changing her mind were much higher.

Arriving at the front gates, she caught sight of that very carriage waiting on the road just outside, as well her silver-haired teammate leaning against it, his arms folded across his body as he, too, shivered. She raised her hand in a half-hearted wave when he noticed her approach, and though he refused to make eye contact longer than a few seconds, she didn’t fail to catch the hint of relief on his pale features.

“Well I’ll be damned, Rio,” he grunted. “I honestly thought you weren’t coming.”

Faye shrugged nonchalantly. “I said I’d be here, so I am. I’d have thought you’d understand me a little better than that after all these years.”

“Mm. I suppose so.”

That was the extent of their conversation before Rennigan pulled open the carriage door and stepped inside, Faye right on his heels. The two took seats opposite each other and against the window, settling in just as the driver flicked the reins and began moving. She wouldn’t have considered the silence uncomfortable, but it was far from comfortable, with that ever-present slight tension hanging in the air between them. Despite having been teammates for two and half years, fighting alongside each other and working together, Faye still hardly considered Rennigan Glaus a friend, nor did she think he saw her as such. They were a means to an end for each other, obstacles to overcome until the day they finally graduated and could part ways for good. There was no doubt that when that time came, she would remain close with Hiro and Jessi, and he would never be heard from again. Rennigan was the outlier in their team, a role that was completely self-imposed due to his pompous pride and refusal to see them as anything but pawns in his quest to reach Nyx Rana’s still vacant position of apprentice.

Resting her head against the carriage wall, she absently gazed at the neighborhoods they were driving through, noting all of the solstice decorations that had been erected for the coming festival. Erika was always an active place, but when the two solstice festivals rolled around, the Great City only grew more crowded and chaotic. Faye learned very early in her life to avoid the main roads once December hit and to stay away until January had properly begun. Since the Glaus Estate was close to the Academy, they didn’t have to travel far before pulling up to another set of gates, which were almost instantly opened to admit them to a huge and beautiful courtyard that, had it not been covered in snow, would have almost certainly been a stunning green given the size of the lawn. A marble fountain was the centerpiece, seeming almost as big as the main room of Faye’s dorm and having been carved into the shape of a group of mermaids, the mythical maidens of the sea, spouting water out of their mouths, their breasts exposed in what she considered an unnecessary addition to piece.

“It’s an ugly thing, isn’t it?” Rennigan grumbled, seeming to have noticed both what Faye was staring at, as well as her aversion to it. “Both Mother and I told Father to cover them up, but he said it would ruin the art. Not sure how, though. He was never quite clear on that.”

Faye frowned, sensing an odd bitterness towards his father that was rarely present in Rennigan’s voice. “I don’t think it’s my place to comment on a Council Elder’s choice of decoration.”

“Ha! Holding back for once, are you, Rio?” Rennigan snorted. “I suppose that’s good though. Better to avoid insulting him.”

“R-right…”

The carriage pulled to a stop just outside the mansion’s front doors, and though Faye expected the driver to step down and let them out, she was surprised when Rennigan didn’t bother to wait, doing so himself and departing before the man had even begun to get out of the coach. Following after her teammate, Faye once again grimaced at the chill, raising her head to get a better look at the Glaus Estate. The mansion had two-stories, with an architecture that was no different from most of the buildings surrounding it with its beige walls and red-tiled, slanted roof. She could see some light coming from one of the windows on the first floor, and as they walked up the semi-circular steps leading to the porch, it suddenly occurred to her how little she knew about Rennigan’s family. He said his mother and father had invited him, but she had no idea if he had any siblings or extended family that would be present. She quickly whispered the question on her mind, but Rennigan just spared a glance back and answered,

“No, I am an only child, though not for their lack of trying. My existence alone is a damn miracle in their eyes. As for the rest of my family, well…my father long ago estranged himself from them. Do not worry, Rio, the only people present at this dinner will be us and my parents. You need not deal with any other Glauses.”

Faye furrowed her brow with surprise, but she decided not to press the subject any further as Rennigan reached the doors and pressed his hands against them, sending mana into the security charm to permit them access. The entryway was a circular room mostly taken up by a spiral staircase leading to the second floor, but with a large archway just to their right that led into an adjacent dining room. The coloring was mostly golds and browns, with portraits of landscapes and past Glaus figures filling space on the walls. As she was admiring the design, Rennigan was already shrugging out of his coat and pulling open a door just to the right of the front entrance that was revealed to be a closet. Faye was about to do the same when she heard footsteps against the marble ground approaching from the archway, soon followed by the appearance of an older woman she quickly identified as a maid based on her formal black blazer, tie, and long skirt that came to her ankles.

“Ah, you’ve arrived, Young Master,” she greeted with a gentle bow, her wrinkled features lighting up with a smile.

Then, to Faye’s surprise, the most genuine and warm smile came over Rennigan’s face as he quickly moved to approach her and embrace her in a hug. “It’s good to see you again, Rosaline. I’m sorry I haven’t been back for some time. I’ve been busy.”

“No, of course. We’re just happy you could make it tonight.” Ending the hug, the woman named Rosaline then turned towards Faye and bowed to her as well. “And it is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Fayela Rio. I am Rosaline, the head maid of this mansion. We’ve been long hoping to meet somebody from the young master’s team.”

Not completely sure how she was supposed to be acting, Faye just gave her own grin and replied, “Er, yes, thank you very much, Ms Rosaline. I’m happy to be here.”

“Wonderful. Then let me take your coat and I will show you to the main dining hall. Come.”

Since Faye’s family had never been rich enough to own a maid, she was a bit averted to allowing someone to help with a task as simple as removing a coat and shoes, but she also didn’t want to be rude, so she accepted Rosaline’s offer before she and Rennigan followed the older woman further into the house, sparing slightly awkward glances at one another. Having believed the dining room adjacent to the entry hall was quite large, Faye was far from prepared to enter the hall that had to be nearly twice its size. Five chandeliers hung from the center of the slanted and tall ceiling, and just under it was a rectangular table so large that she would have expected to find it in the dining hall of a Great Lord as opposed to a council elder.

Then again, Kloras Glaus is supposed to be ridiculously influential, second only to Solomon Orland, so maybe a table this big is necessary for him.

Her attention remained only on the room for a few more seconds before realizing that two people were already gathered at the far end, and given the circumstances, they didn’t need to identify themselves for Faye to know who they were. Kloras Glaus sat at the head of the table, with long, braided silver hair and nasty golden eyes the same as Rennigan’s, though Kloras sported a thin mustache taking up most of his upper lip. He also had the same wiry build as his son. The woman who she knew must be Rennigan’s mother, though Faye could not recall her name, did not have silver hair, but it was a pale enough blonde to still resemble her husband and son, having been cut so that it only reached her shoulders. Her eyes were a dark brown, and in sharp contrast to the men, her features seemed much more warm and welcoming.

“Ah, Son, you’ve arrived, ” Kloras greeted with a stiff grin. “And Miss Fayela Rio! It is a pleasure to finally meet you!” The Council Elder got to his feet, folding his fingers together before him as his eyes seemed to scan Faye, as if immediately trying to get a read on her. “My name is Kloras Glaus, member of the Council of Elders and head of the Glaus family. This is my wife, Katrina. We thank you for accepting our invitation.”

Until just a few days prior, Faye had never considered how she would act should she ever be in the presence of Rennigan’s father, a man whose negative reputation far preceded him. Given the trouble he had already caused the royal team, a part of Faye truly wished she could snap at him the way Abi told her Ryokumo once had, but she didn’t have the flippant and bold demeanor of that wind mage. At the same time, she was nervous she wouldn’t be able to conceal her distaste for him, so she had been constantly going over her introduction in her head for this very moment.

“I thank you for inviting me, Council Member Glaus, Madame Glaus,” she replied with a bow. “I am humbled that you would welcome somebody like me into such a beautiful home and I look forward to the meal to come, as well as getting to know the both of you.”

Once Faye had introduced herself, Katrina motioned towards the chairs across from her. “Well, no reason for you both to stand so why don’t you take your seats. Rosalina, if you wouldn’t mind, please tell the staff to start bringing out the food.”

“Of course, Madame.”

The head maid excused herself as Faye and Rennigan sat in the indicated spots, at which were plates, silverware, and glasses filled with red wine. She certainly didn’t fail to notice how on edge her teammate was given the fact that Rennigan’s leg was rapidly tapping against the ground as he stared at every possible place except for anybody’s face. And of course, if someone like Faye could notice his anxiety, his parents were certainly going to.

“Rennie,” his mother began warmly. “We’re not going to embarrass you in front of your friend so calm down.”

Faye, who had been taking a sip of the wine, struggled not to spill it as she repressed the laugh that threatened to emerge at hearing Rennigan’s nickname. While his parents didn’t seem to notice, Rennigan kicked her foot under the table in a silent, “Don’t you dare repeat that name to anybody”, as he gently picked up his own wine.

“I am calm, Mother,” he said softly. “I’m still just shivering a bit from the cold. It was quite terrible out there. I truly miss the warmer weather.”

Kloras shook his head. “Well you better get used to it. Winter hasn’t even properly begun and you’re already wishing for spring? Aren’t water mages supposed to be less susceptible to the chill?”

“Some,” Rennigan answered. “But not all. Seems I am one of the unfortunate ones.”

“Well then practice.” With the curt order, the councilman turned his stern features towards Faye, much to her displeasure. “Now, Miss Fayela, I hope Rennigan has been a proper asset to you. I’m afraid he doesn’t always meet expectations, as was quite obvious at your orientation, but I am pleased that you reached first rank eventually. Is he a good teammate?”

I mean, I’m not really sure how to answer that. He’s a jackass who hardly ever listens to me and causes me more headaches than anybody else in my life ever has, but I can’t deny his skill. Ever since that sparring match against Jessi and Hiro…it’s been painfully obvious that if you take Nigreos out of the equation, he’s brilliant at what he does. As much as I would love to take a few shots at his ego in front of his parents, I suppose I’ll do the jerk a favor here.

“Oh yes, he’s been fantastic actually,” she assured Kloras. “Sure, orientation was not how I envisioned it, but we were up against the group eventually declared as the royal team so it was probably an inevitable outcome. I don’t blame him at all.”

She could feel Rennigan’s confused gaze on the side of her head, for she had declared to his face multiple times how much she blamed him for that incident, so she took a bit of twisted pleasure in how thrown off he was.

I’m buttering you up, so you better remember this when I’m cashing in your favor.

“You’re oddly satisfied with the outcome,” Kloras pointed out with a cocked eyebrow. “Do you not think that had you won that match, you could have been the royal team? Do you not feel robbed of that honor? Or are you lacking in drive?”

“Dear…” Katrina interrupted but Kloras cut her off.

“No please, answer, Fayela. I wish to get to know you, and I feel your answer to this question will prove to me what character you have.”

Is he trying to get me to smack talk Rennigan? Why? Am I really just here to be interrogated by this asshole?

“Well, Sir,” Faye began, choosing her words carefully. “It’s not that I lack drive. I do sometimes wonder if that match, had we won, could have sent me on a much different path. And while it is true that Rennigan could not beat Noctis, it is also true that I could not beat Abigail, nor could Jessi and Hiro overcome Caeli. We were outplayed on almost every level despite the fact that for most of the match, we had a numbers advantage.”

“And anyway,” Rennigan cut in sharply. “You know full well, Father, that Princess Ilirianna had her eyes on the damn Noctalus to begin with. So long as they weren’t utterly obliterated by us, she would have picked that team…especially given Master Grunly’s weird obsession with Abigail.”

“Hmm…I suppose.” Kloras then spread his hands and gave yet another stiff, emotionless smile. “Well, I do not mean to make you feel as if I’m questioning you, Fayela, but given that Rennigan has refused to introduce us, I find myself curious to know your thoughts on these past years. He doesn’t talk much about it, after all.”

“N-no, it’s fine, Sir,” she said. “Though, I do wonder why you chose only me? I mean, Jessi and Hiro could have—”

“Oh, I have no interest in sharing a meal with Kraton savages. There’s nothing I could gain from them. An Erikan-born like yourself is of a far more appropriate status to be invited into my home.”

“E-er? What?”

Kloras let out an amused laugh, as if he found her stunned confusion at such a disgusting statement funny. “Please, I don’t mean to offend you if you consider those two friends, but step back and take an objective look at them? They’re abhorrent excuses for Academy mages. They lost to Ryokumo Caeli when they had him cornered, and Rennigan has expressed his frustration with their failures on assignments. Just this past autumn, they were nearly killed by a group of rogue mages on an escort job that required the two of you to bail them out. They’re useless idiots who are not properly trained and only know the brute force that Krato’s schools teach. Why would I waste my time with people I already know are worthless?”

Throughout the week, Faye had intended to go to this dinner and act as polite as she could, mostly to avoid any further issues with Rennigan. She knew Kloras was set in his ways and that he wasn’t the most accepting man, but she had hardly been prepared for such a vicious dismissal of Jessi and Hiro. Faye’s initial instinct was to let him have it—to do away with her pretense of respect and verbally rip into the bastard to defend the honor of her closest friends, and she truly believed she would have. Yet, completely taking her off guard, it was Rennigan who beat her to it.

“Father,” he practically spat despite the neutral expression on his face. “I would ask you to keep your opinions of Pafran and Yuahl to yourself. Yes, I have expressed dissatisfaction with them, which I believe is fair, but there is a difference between being dissatisfied and utterly disrespecting them as people and as mages. I apologize if this is rude, but I will not sit here silently while you speak ill of my teammates—especially not in front of Rio.”

The hell? Faye thought as she stared at Rennigan’s face with wide eyes. Not once in my life have I heard Rennigan say a single good thing about Jessi and Hiro. So where did that come from? Don’t tell me you actually like them, Rennigan?

“Son, I am…” Kloras, who looked about ready to snap at Rennigan then and there, fell silent as Rosalina walked back into the dining hall with an uncertain expression. “Yes, Rosalina? Where is the food?”

“Apologies, Master Glaus, but…well, we have a visitor…”

Kloras cocked an eyebrow. “A visitor? At this hour? I thought I told you to turn anybody away. We have guests.”

“Yes, I know, but… You see, the person at the gate is Master Nyx Rana. She says she needs to speak with you about something important. You’ve said never to turn her away, so I thought I’d come and ask what you’d like me to do.”

Faye and Rennigan exchanged surprised looks, neither having been expecting a Master of Ijiria to turn up on the doorstep. Kloras, however, gave a pleased smirk as he listened to the head maid’s news.

“You know what? That’s perfect. Rosalina, tell the staff to prepare an extra seat for Master Rana. Kat, you and I shall go greet her. Come.”

“Huh? Father, are you—?”

“Yes, Rennigan, I am certain. Please excuse us, Fayela.”

Kloras departed the dining room with Rosalina and a nervous Katrina, leaving Faye sitting at the table with only Rennigan, whose jaw was hanging slightly open as he stared blankly at his reflection in the plate. Faye, too, wasn’t sure what to say, for despite being quite close with the royal team, she had never once been in the presence of a Master of Ijiria.

And this is the Master Rennigan seeks to work for. I can’t imagine what he’s thinking given how anxious he’s already been tonight.

But, even realizing that this meal was about to take a very abrupt turn, Faye knew there was something that needed to be said in this brief moment of privacy, so she did her best to push the Master of Water’s arrival to the side as she addressed her teammate.

“Thank you for that. If you hadn’t said something, I would have. Though I never realized you held any respect for Jessi and Hiro.”

Rennigan swallowed his nerves as he shot an irritated glare her way. “Don’t misunderstand me, Rio. I do not hold respect for them. I merely could not comfortably call myself your leader if I sat back and let somebody slander them. I was doing my duty. That is all.”

“Okay. Sure. Whatever you say, Rennie.”

Exhaling sharply, Rennigan turned her way and stuck his face close to hers, his pale skin lighting up red with rage, embarrassment, or perhaps even both. “Listen here! You tell anybody about that nickname and I swear on my family name that I will make you pay dearly! Especially…” He shivered. “Don’t tell Caeli! I will undoubtedly kill you if you tell Caeli.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Oh? Don’t tell Caeli, huh? Well, let’s just see how high a price you’re willing to pay, Rennie.”

“God…I hate you.”

***

Despite his ambitions to rise to the position of Ijiria’s Master of Water someday, Rennigan Glaus had never actually met Nyx Rana, so when the woman walked through archway, escorted by his parents, the young mage felt his throat tighten up and his heart begin beating painfully against his ribcage. As was rather typical of his rivals, the members of the royal team had been in Nyx’s presence before due to how often they spent time in the Citadel, something Ryokumo never hesitated to throw in his face, so he did have some idea of what the Master was like. His father also spoke of her every so often, with every account expressing how strange, air-headed, and aloof she was. It certainly wasn’t the demeanor he would have expected of an Ijirian Master, but his father assured him that it would only make her all the easier to manipulate and coerce. The very second he got his first glimpse of the small, silver-haired woman, Rennigan could immediately understand what they meant.

She almost seemed to be swaying with every step she took, and her pale eyes were half-lidded, making her appear as if she hadn’t slept in weeks. She wasn’t smiling, but her mouth hung slightly open as her head absently turned in various directions, implying that she was admiring the room despite her eyes being blank and uninterested. Kloras was speaking to her, but she clearly wasn’t listening, her attention being swiftly stolen upon noticing Rennigan and Faye sitting at the table in front of empty plates and glasses of half-drunk wine. Nyx tilted her head curiously as she regarded them, but Rennigan was ridiculously uncomfortable making eye contact with her, so he turned away and grabbed his drink.

“Elder Glaus,” Nyx began in a light and airy tone, cutting Kloras off mid-sentence. “I did not intend to intrude. If you already have dinner guests, we can speak of this matter tomorrow. Truth be told, it was not something I desired to discuss in front of your son…or Ms Rio, for that matter.”

But Kloras just waved his hand and brushed her concern aside. “Nonsense, Master Rana. As it so happens, I would prefer them to be present for whatever you wish to talk about. Unless it pertains to Empire secrets?”

“Er, well, no, but—”

“Then please, sit! Rosalina will have the food brought out momentarily!”

Nyx sighed, practically being dragged by Kloras towards the seat directly ahead of Rennigan, much to the young man’s utter dismay. His mother and father then returned to their own places, Kloras grinning excitedly for the discussion to come.

Damn it all, Father! As if this dinner wasn’t going to be stressful enough! Why is Master Rana here?! What the hell could we possibly be discussing?!

“It is a pleasure to meet you both, by the way,” Nyx murmured, addressing Rennigan and Faye. “I’ve heard plenty about you.”

Rennigan stiffened up at such a neutral statement, but knowing he couldn’t very well make a fool of himself, he forced a smile of his own and replied, “It is more than a pleasure to meet you, as well, Master Rana. It is an honor to merely be in the presence of a water mage as famous and respected as you are. You are an inspiration to all who study the affinity.”

“Mmm.”

Giving a grunt that betrayed nothing of what Nyx felt or thought, she then turned to Faye as the rock mage awkwardly echoed Rennigan’s sentiments, though she stuck with a simple “It’s an honor to meet you, Master,” as opposed to the over-the-top introduction he gave. Almost immediately after, Rosalina and three other members of the staff arrived with their dinner of roasted quail, steamed vegetables, and refills of their wine. Rennigan hadn’t considered himself that hungry to begin with, but Nyx’s arrival had killed any chance that he’d be able to keep anything in his stomach until the night was over. The Master didn’t seem too interested in the food either, but as was polite, she picked up her fork and began to eat. Whether fortunately or unfortunately, Kloras hardly gave anybody time to swallow their first bite before he began the discussion.

“Well then, now that we have our food, why don’t you explain what it is you need from me, Master Rana?”

“Yes, yes, of course.” Taking a sip of wine, Nyx let out an almost tired sigh before continuing. “To be perfectly honest, I do not come here with a unique request. It’s no secret that a rough majority of the Council adheres to your wishes, so your support is a necessity if the Iijis and Masters wish to accomplish their goals. Therefore, I am here to ask for your support in authorizing two Masters of Ijiria to take up an assignment.”

Kloras smirked, very obviously pleased with himself at how much power he had over the Masters of Ijiria. Rennigan knew that Nyx often reached out to him whenever King Markreas needed him to agree to something, and since the young man agreed with his father’s desire to keep the Masters in check, he, too, was glad that Kloras Glaus held such authority over them.

“I suspected as much,” Kloras said with a chuckle. “Alright then, go on. What does Markreas desire this time? Which Masters, where, and for what reason?”

“Viiro Noctis and Acostav Luz to Stellareid in order to escort a high-value captive back to Erika,” Nyx answered, though she did spare a hesitant look towards the silent Rennigan and Faye. “Doctor Uma Miyon of the Kosah-Rei was apprehended by Lord Cartigan. We wish to bring him to the Citadel for interrogation and, when necessary, erasure.”

They’ve captured the doctor? Once again, Rennigan and Faye exchanged glances with one another, both knowing how massive of a victory that was. The leaders of these cultist bastards have been eluding the Empire for years now. If one of them has finally been apprehended, then perhaps we’re on the right track to ending this!

“I never met Doctor Miyon myself, but he nearly killed Master Taurus. If that’s not enough to make him seem terrifying, I don’t know what is.”

Recalling something Ryokumo had said about Uma Miyon a while back in what was a rare moment of seriousness from the fool, Rennigan couldn’t help but find himself already in favor of permitting the Masters to travel to Stellareid. Of course, even if his father fully supported such an undertaking, he would never concede to the Masters immediately, rather he would make them squirm a bit first.

“Curious,” Kloras said. “Lord Cartigan caught Miyon? Well, I see what Markreas is thinking, but are both the Noctalus Masters really so necessary? Either of them alone would be more than enough firepower to protect the captive so why both? Are you holding details back?”

Nyx lethargically shook her head. “No, I was merely giving you the summary. Shall I go on?” When Rennigan’s father motioned for her to do so, the Master of Water proceeded with her explanation. “We are playing it as safe as possible. Rotana Vesh has been sighted in the region, and we highly doubt he will let Miyon be transported without making an attempt to rescue him. Yes, one Master will be enough to protect him, but two have a chance of killing Vesh should he act. In addition…” Nyx smiled, as if knowing what she was about to say would irk Kloras. “The royal team will also be present so that, should things go poorly, Album Luz can erase the doctor—a contingency plan, if you will.”

Kloras narrowed his eyes and Rennigan felt a surge of rage shoot through him, the smirking features of Nigreos and Ryokumo appearing in his head to taunt him. Of course they’d be involved! Those bastards are always getting the important jobs dropped in their damn laps!

“Since the Noctalus Masters and the royal team are already heading to Noctalus for the solstice, we intended for them to make for Stellareid afterwards,” Nyx finished. “But we need the Council’s permission, so I humbly ask that you voice your support for it. If we can lure out and kill Rotana Vesh, the threat posed by the Kosah-Rei will significantly decrease.”

Kloras twisted his lip in exaggerated thought, a performance no doubt, for Rennigan knew his father’s mind was already made. “Well, Master Rana, I see the benefit in this, but I must say…I have been rather lenient with you since the Battle of Hiriech, have I not? I’ve permitted the royal team plenty of assignments, and I’m starting to think I’m not being properly repaid for my efforts. Do you not think it’s time I’m given a little something?”

There it is, Rennigan thought with pride. He knows that this particular mission is very important, so he’s striking now. Well done, Father!

Nyx’s affect remained flat, as if Kloras’s reply didn’t bother her at all. “Well, I would think your payment is this Empire remaining safe, but go ahead, Elder. If it is in my power, I may be able to do something for you if it means you give your support.”

“Within your power, you say?” Kloras laughed. “Tell me, Master, have you changed your mind in regards to taking on an apprentice?”

Rennigan barely contained his shock, for he hadn’t expected his father to go right to the heart of the matter. He had been under the impression the man would continue to chip away at Nyx. And before Rennigan could even begin to wonder what the Master of Water would say in response, she had already shot it down.

“I’m sorry, but no. I understand you wish for me to mentor your son, but I still do not intend to have an apprentice. I am not cut out for the role, and will leave the decision of my replacement to the Grandmaster. If you want Rennigan to succeed me, petition Markreas or Ilirianna.”

Yeah well, that’s to be expected, Rennigan thought with a huff.

“A pity…” Kloras grunted with an obviously fake sigh.

“Is that your only condition?” Nyx inquired. “I do apologize if it is, for that is too big of a job for me. I am willing to hear you out on simpler matters…for I do not think you actually believed I’d accept that. There’s something far more realistic in your head, isn’t there?”

Rennigan’s father shrugged. “Perhaps there is. Very well, Master, how about this? I seek only for my son to thrive in this world, and I know he has the potential to be the Master of Water. I want you to believe that, too—to know that he is worth it, but the royal team just overshadows his. Everybody always remembers how he lost to them, and don’t seem to consider his victories after that battle. I want him to have prestige as well, and what better way to acquire it than helping to escort a target as valuable as Uma Miyon, or to aid in the killing of Rotana Vesh?”

Woah, hold on a second… Rennigan thought as he began to understand what his father was getting at. He can’t mean…?

“I see…” Nyx muttered with a slight raising of her thin eyebrows. “You want him to accompany them?”

“I want his team to accompany them,” Kloras corrected, motioning towards both Rennigan and Faye. “Those are my terms, Master Rana. If you allow them to join the royal team for this particular job, I will urge every Elder to accept the proposition.”

The Master of Water glanced across the table at Rennigan and Faye, as if taking a second to consider them. “I…can at least bring the proposal to King Markreas. That being said, I do not know if we will need that many combatants. As it stands, Abigail and Master Grunly have requested that Abigail’s second-year pupil be allowed to shadow her on this mission. With the royal team, Rennigan’s team, the Masters, and Iris Mackia, I fear it may be too big of a party.”

But Kloras was already shaking his head. “With Uma Miyon and Rotana Vesh, can you really have too many fighters?”

“Perhaps, perhaps not,” Nyx said. “Either way, it is not my choice. I will bring the king your terms.”

“Very well. I thank you.”

With that, despite having been provided food, Nyx excused herself, claiming to have business to attend to back at the Citadel, and departed the estate, leaving Rennigan and Faye utterly stunned by the abrupt turn that took place at what was supposed to be a simple dinner.

You’re kidding me! We… We’re joining the royal team for this?!

“Never say I don’t look out for you,” Kloras told them with a grin. “Markreas does not have a choice but to accept our conditions, so use this opportunity to further your ambitions. Fayela, you claim to be satisfied with what happened at your orientation, but I do think that, deep down, you believe you deserve more. Prove it in Stellareid, both of you.”

Rennigan saw Faye’s features tense with anger, but as had been consistent all night, she refrained from insulting Kloras. “I will stand by my statement that I don’t regret anything. But I do not want you to believe I do not seek to improve my standing. Thank you for looking out for us, Council Member. We will take advantage of this opportunity.”

“Yes, of course we will,” Rennigan echoed.

“Good,” Kloras growled. “Show the Empire what you can do and make sure it is clear beyond all doubt that Ilirianna Iiji made the wrong choice back then. Make me proud.”