Chương 34: Chapter 33

Cal sat in a small, out-of-the-way cafe while eating a small lunch. The training had gone well, and now he was just trying to avoid the crowds. Eating in his dorm would be a surefire way of accomplishing that, but it was currently occupied. Preparing something himself would have also been an option, but after learning how to properly hold a pointy stick, he didn't have the will left to make something. He was in a corner, having chosen one without a window. As far as venues on campus went, this was muted.

Simple clothed tables were orderly placed inside, most occupied by pairs or more of students. He'd hoped to be able to go unnoticed here. The voice that had called his name proved otherwise. Turning around, he saw Jessica flanked by two others he didn't recognize.

"Hey Jessica," he greeted tiredly.

"Where's Ryan?" He found the two not usually far apart.

"He's partaking in club activities." She pointed to the empty chairs.

"Do you mind if we join you?" He should have taken this to go.

"Feel free," he said in a tone implying they should not. They either ignored or missed the message as they readily set down their plates and took their seats.

"Hmmm." Jessica leaned forward with her head resting on her fist.

"Anne would never forgive me if I let this pass," she said as a way of explanation.

"What went on with you last night?" Cal could see why those two were friends, but he supposed most people this age liked to gossip.

"I'm not sure what you're referring to." He defended weakly. It wasn't a complete lie; he'd avoided the forums like the plague and refused to listen to anything Alice had to say about it. Jessica's mouth parted, paused, and then closed. Her eyes studied him, specifically his chest.

"That's not your shirt." Her observation was spot on.

"It's not-" He cut himself off. He was about to say it belonged to Marcus. The man had lent, or rather gifted, him a spare he kept in his locker.

"Any of your business?" Her friends shared a look.

"I'm going to level with you guys. It was a long night of poor decisions." Most of which were made by our dearly departed.

"I'd rather talk about literally anything else." In truth, he'd rather talk about nothing.

"Oh no, I can't let you off with just that." Jessica's eyes narrowed, and her face split into a smile that gave him unease.

"I would love nothing more than to hear it from you directly, but should your memory be faulty, I can start listing what I've heard." No, that was definitely not something he wanted.

"Nothing happened." If they were only talking about drunk Cal's escapades, that was the truth.

"I had one too many drinks, and that's it."

"Are you sure that 'I' wasn't meant to be plural?" Jessica asked with a raised eyebrow. Cal huffed and looked to the side. Knowing it was meant to be talked about did nothing to help with the discomfort.

"Lily happened to be there," he reluctantly admitted.

"First name basis already?" The edges of her lips pulled higher, resembling the cat who caught the canary.

"I just called you Jessica." Cal leaned back, beginning to get exasperated by the line of questioning.

"Are you saying we have a thing?"

"Oh my, how forward." She batted her eyelashes and held a hand to her face in a scandalous matter.

"Don't let Ryan hear that. He's surprisingly jealous; I wouldn't want you to suddenly disappear." This conversation was entering dangerous territory.

"I'm going to reiterate." His voice strained, and he tried to express his deep desire to move on.

"Can we talk about literally anything else?" Her playful eyes searched him before she pulled back.

"Oh fine. Although I will point out you called her by a nickname and not her given." He glared at her innocent expression.

"How did your exams go?" He took the out, even if it led to another topic he'd rather not discuss.

"I passed everything I took," Cal replied while mentally cringing. The results weren't posted yet, but he didn't have a hard time of it, so barring some wonky grading, he'd be fine. The problem was that he skipped out on his last one. It was something Alice hadn't quite pieced together yet, and he was loathe to point it out. He'd have to talk to the professor about it. An excuse would have to be made, something not to the effect of, 'I was busy speaking to Federation spies operating in the city.'

"That's good to hear. I might not have done so well on one of mine. Professor Klechin was very unreasonable." One of her friends, a girl with blonde highlights, nodded emphatically and joined the conversation.

"I know, at least we'll be done with him after this year. I'll go insane if I get marked down again for not showing all my work. Like, the answer is right. What does it matter how I got there?"

"I can't believe you two still don't get how to deal with him." The other student, a guy with various piercings, shook his head.

"All you have to do is show up to his office hours, ask a question or two, and you're golden." Jessica scoffed at the comment.

"And have the old creep leer at me? I think not."

"I know!" The other girl bounced in her seat.

"He's gotten worse, hasn't he? I've caught him staring a bunch of times."

"Nothing so overt, but I've felt his eyes." Jessica shivered, recalling the memory.

"Can't you report him?" Cal asked.

"He's the brother of Duke Ferrum. It's not worth the political capital to have him reprimanded."

"That guy's pretty strong, isn't he?" There were a handful of names Cal had been aware of prior to arriving in the Empire. Duke Ferrum was one of them.

'Tough Bastard' is how he was described.

"Are you ill? Every member of the Fingers is without peer." The girl with highlights answered him. By definition, they were each other's peers, but Cal didn't correct her. Cal chewed on his sandwich while digesting that piece of information. Maybe the Fingers weren't all to be dismissed if he was a member.

"He might be retiring soon." The piercing guy speculated.

"Klechin is probably bitter that his sister was chosen over him to be the steward of their house. If the Duke leaves active service, that means he'll never get the chance."

"Ugh," the girl reacted with a look of revulsion.

"Rather he be a steward than deal with him here."

"You want him in charge of the Western front?" The boy shot back, looking at her with bewilderment.

"Who knows," she said airily.

"With any luck, he'd die defending against a beast wave."

"You shouldn't joke like that." Jessica broke in between the two's debate with a serious expression.

"If he ended up on the front lines, then that means the worst has happened." Cal took a sip of his drink. A resentful younger brother of a powerful duke. It sounded like a dangerous combination. It certainly came off as a more promising lead than a bastard or ducal heir. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

"What's he teach?" The trio looked at him strangely.

"You know, so I can avoid him in the future."

"I wouldn't worry about that. He doesn't teach senior courses; the chances of you getting him for next semester are... slim." Jessica finished with an awkward smile.

"Is he involved in any campus organizations?" If he hung out with a shady group that would build his case. They all looked at each other and gave a collective shrug. That was less than helpful. A flash appeared in the corner of his eye. The student who'd caused it quickly hid their phone, prompting a series of giggles from their table. That better not become a thing.

"You can't blame them. After what yo-" Jessica silenced her with a look.

"What Raina is trying to say is that it's natural to be curious after the stir from last night."

"What Jessica is trying to say is if you don't want people taking pictures of you. Maybe don't break a bar."

"What Harold is trying to -" Cal raised his hands in surrender.

"I get it." He was getting Lily into a sobriety program before he left.

"Hey, man." Harold clapped him on the shoulder.

"Look on the bright side. Everyone's forgotten about the duel you chickened out of." Sure. The problem would be when they remembered. After lunch, Cal was meandering down a random path while thinking about where he could lay low when he spotted a familiar silhouette headed in his direction.

"Benjamin, how's it going?" Cal greeted the man.

"Callum." Benjamin nodded in response.

"Do you have prior obligations, or are you available right now?"

"I'm free; what's the deal? Something for the club?" Cal didn't mind hanging out with the man. He'd make good insect repellant.

"Nothing like that. As I've said, we only required your name for roster purposes. Rather, I am here on behalf of His Highness. He wishes to speak with you."

"Nevermind. Turns out I'm super busy." Cal didn't miss a beat, turning around and walking away.

"Please reconsider. I would consider it a personal favor." Benjamin called out behind him. Cal paused his step. He didn't want to deal with the prince. Especially today of all days. It just so happened he needed a favor. He swiveled and faced the man again.

"I want to add a supplier for our club. A grocer I found. It's not a fancy place, but they have good produce. That something you can do?" Benjamin perked up.

"Absolutely. However, I would need to inspect it myself. Shall we organize a visit? We can leave for it after your conversation with His Highness." Cal was taken aback by the eagerness displayed.

"There's no rush. We can organize it later," he hurriedly replied. Visiting the city again this weekend was a firm no.

"I see," Benjamin spoke with a subdued voice, and Cal felt like he'd kicked a puppy.

"I overstepped. My apologies."

"We'll go. The timing is bad right now because... house heir sort of grounded me." When in doubt, blame Alice. A look of understanding flashed across Benjamin's eyes.

"You needn't explain further. I would like to clarify that acquiring a new supplier is your right as a club member. I do not consider that as paying a favor. That being said, are you willing to meet with His Highness?" There were many other things Cal would prefer to do.

"Fine, fine." Cal sighed.

"Lead the way and let's get this over with." He didn't particularly need another favor from the man. He simply found it hard to say no in the face of the pitiful expression. He had to remind himself this was the man most of the campus was afraid of; it wasn't hard with people shying away from them. Cal found the silence slightly awkward and decided to break it.

"So what got you into cooking?" The man inclined his head in his direction. Benjamin then pulled back his sleeve, revealing a bracer of some sort. Cal felt him pour magic into it. A bubble settled in around them, preventing them from being heard by outsiders.

"May I ask first how you took it up?" Cal obliged, not seeing any harm in it.

"I was on my own for a while. Life's a lot easier with a good meal, and the only way I was getting one was if I did it myself." Benjamin mulled his words. Cal was wondering if he changed his mind about answering when he finally spoke.

"My mother taught me. It always amazed me. How she, a woman without an ounce of magical talent, could evoke such a reaction from those meant to be far above her? I wanted to wield such power and begged her to teach me. She did, for a time. Once my potential was discovered, I put greater importance on training my martial ability." Benjamin's voice was laced with sorrow.

"I'm sorry for your loss," Cal muttered.

"The past is written. However, the ink has yet to dry on the future. I honor her memory as best I can by putting my heart and soul into the craft she dedicated her life to. Regardless of anyone's opinion." He'd dealt with his fair share of zealots, those determined to die for their beliefs. Benjamin came off no less sincere.

"For what it's worth. I think that's a pretty cool way to live." Compromise was good. It kept the world turning and people living. But sometimes you had to take a line and hold your ground. Cal thought there were worse things to have pride in.

"As I said. I do not take in the opinions of others." Benjamin spoke tersely before softening.

"I believe in this case I will make an exception." Cal didn't fight back the small grin that formed on his face, though it surprised him all the same.

"How'd you end up serving the prince anyway?" He took the opportunity to ask a question that he'd thought of before. Benjamin gave his own smile.

"My mother served in the kitchen of the Imperial Palace. His Highness had a habit of sneaking off when he was younger. As the son of a servant, I was not familiar with his visage. So when I saw a strange boy stealing from the pantry, I took it upon myself to intervene." His eyes had a glint to them, recalling a fond memory.

"I subdued him easily. At the time I felt accomplished; looking at it now, I realize he was humoring me. He managed to sway me into releasing him, and we became acquaintances. Then, soon after, friends. I never questioned why he avoided the sight of the adults when we played together. It was weeks after, when we were spotted by a Royal Guard that I realized I'd been played a fool. My mother and the other servants were aghast at the revelation; I was made to peel potatoes for months afterward."

"Best friends ever since then?"

"There were more steps involved, but in essence, yes. His Highness, well, I won't deny he can be difficult to deal with some days." The delivery of that told Cal the 'difficult' was being downplayed.

"He's a good man with a strong heart. I understand your first meeting was less than ideal. I'd ask you to provide His Highness a second chance as it would."

"If it were someone else, I might think they were paying lip service." Cal stuck his hands in his pockets and kicked an errant rock from the path.

"You owe him a lot, don't you?"

"Owe him?" Benjamin tilted his head in Cal's direction and shook it.

"Friends do not keep accounts between themselves. They trust, rely, and support one another without restraint. That I hold such a friendship shows what differentiates His Highness from the rest of our colleagues." Benjamin's gaze swept toward some of the bolder students, and they quickly ducked or otherwise averted their sight.

"Nobles are transactional in nature. Had I entered the service of any of them, I would be expected to give all I have, life included, for the fortune they graced me." Benjamin's vitriol leaked beyond his words, and Cal felt the surroundings tense.

"Make no mistake, I would give my life for His Highness. Only, I know he would do the same for me." Cal hummed in response. Not wanting to commit to anything. It was a ringing endorsement. A hollow feeling entered him. He didn't want or need anyone to die for him. But would anyone? The closest he was to a person in this life was Albert, and yet the old man was ignorant of his true nature. Only Her and Millie had any inkling of it. He slapped himself with both palms. This wasn't worth thinking about it.

Benjamin gave him an odd look but withheld any comments. Eventually, they made their way into a building. Its design was such that it appeared as if someone had taken a normal building and twisted it while pulling upwards. There was a spiral staircase that they used to ascend several stories. At the end was a door; Benjamin made to open it before pausing and turning.

"As a final word, there were, are many who took offense to the future Emperor keeping a commoner in such close company. His Highness pays them no mind; we are all his subjects. I hope you remember that." The meaning Cal extracted from that was surely different than intended. The prince saw all those beneath him as equal. How perfectly narcissistic. The door swung open, and Benjamin beckoned him forward. Cal went through finding himself in a pleasant rooftop garden with unpleasant company.

There were potted flowers on stone benches decorating the scenery. A small fountain stood at the center with some birds currently taking refuge. Rolland stood some meters away, observing it. He turned to them.

"Ah, Benny. I see, as always, you succeeded in your task."

"Have I done something to make you doubt my capability?" Benjamin asked with an edge. In light of their conversation, Cal recognized the playfulness in it.

"No no. Rein that bloodlust of yours in. We can't be fighting up here; the Deputy Headmistress will have both of our hides. However, I would make an exception if dear Callum here decides now is an opportune time for our rematch."

"Fat chance." Cal didn't mince his words. Benjamin was nice and all, but that wouldn't mean Cal was going to play nice with this prick.

"How hurtful. In any case, there are some matters to discuss, Benny, if you would?"

"I believe my knives require some maintenance." Benjamin gave a shallow bow and left via the door they entered. Were they supposed to maintain their weapons? Did he need to sharpen his spear or something?

"I've been hoping to talk to you for some time; you tend to alter direction whenever I near. A coincidence, I'm sure."

"I wasn't trying to be subtle about it." Cal crossed his arms, meeting the man's stare.

"I'll admit I played a mean-spirited joke. That being said, your reaction to it feels disproportional. Tell me, is it something else I did, or do you simply disagree with my position?"

"It's not that." Cal denied it, even if he wasn't sure what Rolland meant by position.

"You remind me of someone I don't get along with." That was an understatement if he ever said one. The Second Seat and he had skirmished many times. The man had a way with words that would make you want to squeeze his neck until his eyes popped out. He couldn't regard them as fights; neither of them were ever serious. That included their last encounter. As much as it pained him to acknowledge, the First and Second did not pull out all the stops in countering him.

That's not to say they were letting him continue on his march to HQ, they just didn't try as hard as they could when stopping him. He often wondered what would have happened if Millie hadn't talked sense into him and hashed out a deal with the brass.

"Oh, so you judge me based on your perception of another? I have to say, I thought better of you." Rolland spoke in a disapproving tone. Cal suddenly felt like a bit of an ass. That was what he was doing, wasn't it? He'd mostly gotten over it now, but there was a time when he was upset over the majority of people projecting the Fourth's reputation onto him. His life would have been far smoother if they'd treated him as his own person. Damn, he was a hypocrite.

"You're right," Cal said while releasing a tense breath. That shouldn't have needed to be pointed out. He should have realized it himself, but he let himself be swept away too easily by his emotions.

"Hmm?" Rolland tilted his head while looking at Cal.

"Many people attempt to lie and curry favor, but I can feel it. You mean that." His instinctual aversion to the prince meant it was small, but he did feel regret somewhere deep within him.

"It was irrational. I shouldn't have treated you that way. It wasn't fair." The smile on Rolland's face gained a different quality. Cal couldn't be sure it wasn't a trick of the light, but somehow it felt more genuine.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Rolland." Cal took the hand offered to him, giving it a firm shake.

"Name's Callum." The hand felt cold in his grip.

"Great to meet you, Callum. Would you like to talk about last night?"