Looking Around New Quarters

Chapter 64 - Looking Around New Quarters

Once they shuffled through the doorway, Chastain allowed it to remain open while chatting further. Even Duran was loathing to walk further into the abode. It had a starkness he found familiar and comforting.

"Err, exactly how are you going to contact them?" Arlon inquired. His reluctance was apparent even to Duran.

Claude eyed them over his shoulder. "Don't you two worry about that." He instructed. "Rather, why don't you go bathe, change into cozier and warmer clothing." He eyed Arlon in particular. "Then, I'll let you two know the results of my conversation with them."

This began sounding like a setup to him, but Duran merely nodded. He recognized when to give up.

Evidently, so did Arlon, who rolled his eyes and shrugged ruefully. "All right, you win this time, Claude."

Duran grimaced when the entire building rocked and shuddered as the wind howled through the alleyway. "I think we shouldn't tarry here any further." He frowned at the materials and such. "Will this be all right?" He glanced at where the stall had stood either and blinked. It was no longer in sight.

Claude smirked when Duran rubbed his eyes in astonishment. "You two aren't the only ones who know a bit about magic when storms are around." He tapped his can authoritatively. "Now come on, we don't have much clearance before this area floods."

Without further commentary, Duran indicated his interest in gaining further information. "Fascinating."

"I want to learn more, when possible," Duran nodded in agreement. "This place is so interesting." He was fascinated at what occurred in a fraction of a few seconds. Now Duran could understand why people found the area inexplicable to describe. Nothing would remain if the merchants didn't want to be seen again.

The two males sighed and reluctantly followed him. Neither one really relished the thought of going back outside. Not only that, but they had no guarantee that their boat was even moored at the dock either. It might've pulled free or capsized when the latest squall hit.

Duran was pleased to discover that both rooms contained separate bathing areas. He heard the water activate in Arlon's and chose to simply remove his clothing and put on a robe. He sat on the bed cautiously and relaxed against the headboard while contemplating everything he'd learned.

It was quite a shock when he admitted how friendly everyone was so far. Still, Duran knew better than to take it all for granted. When he heard the water turn off from Arlon's section, he headed into his bathroom. There Duran turned on the water and washed thoroughly. He actually felt more comfortable in this very basic bathroom and bedroom design. It was functional, nothing more or less. He sighed because this was more familiar than the elaborate rooms in the domicile that Miss Augustina owned.

*

In the kitchen, Chastain had a quick conversation with Miss Augustina and Maurice, who happened to be with her at the time. Both of them were concerned about Duran and Arlon. He appraised them of the situation and gave them his advice. "I've already set up rooms for them to reside in for the time being." Chastain exhaled. "The weather is too unstable, and there's no telling when it'll subside." He glanced out a window with some perturbation. "Only through multiple layers of buffering have I kept this entire block from going beneath the waters."

"Thank you for taking in those two," Maurice grunted. "I was supposed to return to Midway Town, but I cannot. There's been a few avalanches." He grunted. "It seems a revolt took place in the household. Everything is in flux."

A revolt? Chastain stared at the communication device in dismay. Well, now, wasn't that just too convenient. At last, he shook his head. "I don't think I'm at all surprised. Not with the way Maribel and Andre were handling their err duties lately." If they could call screwing over Matilda and Dougal by canceling meetings right and left, the business of any kind. Chastain sighed. "Not only that, but I think they were searching for people who'd vanished into the slums." There were all kinds of crazy rumors floating around now. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say that Duran's arrival was some kind of catalyst for further rebellion in various sections of Anemone." Not that it was a bad thing, but the timing could've been better? He sighed. "So, will you spend the rest of their belongings here?"

Maurice nodded. "I'll stick around for a little while. See what I can do to help with the restoration efforts needed once the storm blows back to the ocean."

Somehow Chastain didn't see that happening any time soon. "All right." He glanced over his shoulder at Arlon, who listened to what was said in silence.

Maurice grunted. "If Arlon's there, tell him that I received word about him needing to submit the curricula sometime next week." The message was just a repeat of what Arlon had heard earlier. He rolled his eyes when Maurice confirmed. "He only has this temporary reprieve since all kinds of blockages have occurred around the entrances and exits of the Academy."

Chastain snorted. "Eh, whatever, I'm sure he's already completed the changes." Arlon nodded in confirmation. "Well, I'm sure that the Academy gates will take first priority for cleaning and restoration when we consider how much higher the stakes are than before."

"Right." Maurice nodded. "Good night."

"Night." Chastain hung up and glanced at Arlon. "So, how do you feel about all this?"

Arlon shrugged. "Don't know, really. He's sharp as a tack but completely out of touch with the world around him." He shook his head. "I'm a little worried about what'll happen if the examiners attempt to shove him into the accelerated course."

Hmm, Chastain had some ideas to prevent that. it all depended on what Duran wanted to do. "Well, we can talk more about the situation later." he looked around thoughtfully. "So, did you two manage to eat earlier? If so, are you hungry again?"

Two growing males would indeed have big appetites, and Chastain didn't see any reason to stint on feeding them. "What else have you figured out about him?"

Arlon shrugged. "He's multi-faceted. There is a rough shell on him, but I think he has learned a few etiquette lessons from someone." He made a sour face. "I doubt it was from his parents, though."

Chastain laughed. "He strikes me as someone who'll figure out different ways to deal with shocks that he might not anticipate occurring." he sighed. "Well, let's just hope all this works out."

Arlon shook his head. "I had to stop doing circling earlier when we were tailed. He got sick."

Oh right. Chastain definitely remembered them talking about something similar. "Hmm, well, we've established that he is definitely stubbornly independent."

Arlon rolled his eyes. "That he is true."

*

As he headed for the main area where a small kitchen was located, Duran paused when hearing voices.

"He's certainly well-mannered for a rumored country rube," Chastain commented. "I knew something was amiss when Andre sent the call out for assistance." He shook his head. "It seemed even he bought into that image someone projected for the lad."

Arlon grunted. "He's quite knowledgeable and skilled. I think he's going to wind up in the accelerated section of the Academy."

For a second, the two men fell silent. Duran hesitated. Clearly, neither of them welcomed the thought of him joining the advanced section. Either something was wrong with it, or they'd just seen something happen to others that twisted them into creatures that weren't the same as when they entered as new students. He cleared his throat when it became apparent that they wouldn't say anything else.

Claude waved him inside. "Do come to join us, boy." He greeted. "I suppose you heard some of that?"

Duran nodded. "I did. I am fine with avoiding that future of winding up in the accelerated course." In fact, he'd done his utmost to simply get in with the bare minimum. "Unless there are people who get flagged from the beginning because of suspicious behavior?" No one ever checked grade point averages. Duran frowned. Unless it was a nitpicky individual that followed up after his initial application.

They shook their heads immediately. "No, they work with a sliding scale of achievements and merits," Claude confirmed. "They did use to make the scholarship students work as indentured servants to others who had higher status rank." His face darkened. "Though I heard that was altered in the last two generations." He shrugged. "Now it is all about competitive studying."

Duran's mouth compressed. "I did get in through studies and because I'm a craftsman." He folded his arms across his chest. "They evidently were looking for people who could train as chefs or work as servitors. I said no to both."

When the two men grinned in approval, Duran heaved a sigh of relief.

"I admire your guts." Arlon laughed. "I learned to cook under threat of being thrown into permanent detention and criminal record." He shook his head. "While it was true, I was a prankster, I didn't go as far as doing anything criminal."

Claude rolled his eyes. "The point is, you'll do fine." His eyes glinted.

Arlon clarified. "The accelerated course is only for those who'll eventually wind up in the upper courts of royalty." He made a sour face.

Claude sighed. "In short, corrupted officials and smooth-talking criminals can also be con-artists."

Duran shook his head. "Nope, that is not what I'm interested in." He grimaced. "Though I'm sure if my parents knew about that particular set of studies, they'd cease their opposition." He shuddered. "I'd rather they didn't find out, though."

Arlon coughed. "I'm sure they know, though, since both Maribel and Andre went through it. They're the only ones who remained relatively similar in attitude after graduation and internship in several high courts."

Hmm, they had a point, Duran conceded with a bemused frown. "Yeah, I think I remember Andre and Maribel telling all kinds of hair-raising gossip that mother and father soaked up like sponges," Duran recalled. "They later tried using that information for their business deals." He shook his head. "I'm sure my smart siblings fudged the truth on occasion because all of those ventures tanked shortly afterward." He rubbed his back, wincing in recollection. "They didn't react very well." He grimaced. "Sorry for destroying the good atmosphere. I generally don't talk about that type of thing while away from home." Duran sighed in frustration. "Anyhow, what else can be discussed?" He eyed Claud and Milton. "I think we should redirect the subject to something more positive and fruitful." At least that's what he hoped would happen.

The two men winced. Upon realizing who'd taken the brunt of the punishments. That the parents meted in retaliation on those offspring within their reach. Duran met their gazes calmly. "I'd rather Maribel and Andre not know who was their whipping post." His mouth tightened. "Though I'm sure they'll now witness sights and sounds they'd thought their parents ceased long ago."

Glum silence fell once again. It seemed this was not Duran's night. Everything was forcing him to remember horrors he'd instead not go through, even in verbal form. He rubbed his forehead. "I'm sorry. I think I'm just very weary from everything I've gone through today." He attempted a weak smile. "Not quite managing to stay optimistic as normal."

Claude cleared his throat. "Well, now, I think we should discuss the results of my conversation with Maurice and Augustina."

Arlon brightened. "Yes, that would make a good change as well." He paused. "Not only that, but I think I'm wiped out enough that I'll go for an early night."

"That does sound good." Duran nodded. He wanted to change the subject as well. "I'm curious to find out what they had to say."

Claude smiled. "I think you'll be pleased to know that Augustina and Maurice are pleased that I'll take over hosting the two of you." He shrugged. "Your belongings will be in the separate rooms by the time you two return from the academy tomorrow afternoon or evening, depending on what you get up."

They agreed it was time for bed. Duran yawned. "Well, now that we've got a plan of action, I'm heading to sleep." He looked at Claude. "Thank you for the spare clothes. I'll make sure that they're properly cleaned." He bowed politely and headed for bed.

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