Brad lathered his hands with soap and diligently scrubbed them at the sink. Afterwards, he slicked his hair back at an angle as it gave off a slight sheen. Seeing as they were next, he took it upon himself to take a bath so that he doesn’t look bad in front of the crowd. As a noble, it was only to be expected that they were concerned with personal hygiene and being presentable. They must set an example for those below them so that they don’t bring shame to their kingdom. Though he upheld that belief, it seems that not all of them who hold such prestige practice it in their daily lives. He believed that a noble’s caliber as a person could easily be evaluated by the way one presented themselves in public. If they wore neat, orderly clothes, those that are around are more inclined to give them their respect and undivided attention. On the other hand, if one were to enter with unsanitary features, they will become subject to derision, as they should be. Although commoners could never hope to reach his ‘prim and proper’ standards, He believes that they too are expected to abide by the minimum at the very least, so as to look acceptable in society. However, not everyone is acceptable, there are always exceptions.
“Hmph.”
Brad snorted audibly as a certain person’s silhouette appeared in his mind. After wiping his hands with the towel, he went on his way towards the special room reserved for the Headmaster’s esteemed guests. Naturally, his father was already inside, mingling with the other nobles as they watched the matches from atop. His father’s aide had told him that he was being summoned to the room by his father regarding something about his entrance. Perhaps his father had cajoled the Headmaster into giving him preferential treatment once again. To have such an amazing father, he could not be more thankful.
“Hm?”
As he was on his way, a lone figure stood near the end of the hall. It seemed that the figure had noticed Brad as it began moving towards him. Anxiety clouded his heart, but he could not bear to run. He calmed himself repeatedly, telling himself that there would be no one willing to do harm to him at such an event. Especially with his status as the Headmaster’s guest. Once the stranger had gotten close enough, Brad sighted a familiar face, reminiscent of the one that passed his mind a little while ago.
“Figured you’d be here.”
No, it wasn’t just similar, it really was him. Jenyx stopped short of Brad. The atmosphere was weird, something seemed wrong. His body trembled inexplicably as he gazed back at Jenyx.
“W-what do you want? Are you here to plead your case? No matter what you say, I won’t change my mind. You will both suffer my wrath!”
There was no way he knew of his inner turmoil. Taking advantage of this, Brad acted just like usual in front of Jenyx. It didn’t make sense for him to be afraid. The most probable explanation for his agitation was due to being concerned about associating with the other nobles. Yes, that must be it.
Upon hearing his reply, Jenyx placed his hand inside his pocket. Brad’s panic became apparent through his face upon seeing Jenyx reach into his pockets, thinking that he was carrying something dangerous with him. His worries were soon quelled as Jenyx revealed a handkerchief. However, as soon as Jenyx unfurled the handkerchief in front of him, Brad's face turned white as a sheet.
“W-where did you… get that..?”
The crest of a blue serpent circling a pentagram stared down his soul. Brad fell on his behind upon seeing it. Calling it famous was a terrible understatement. The crest belonged to a legendary figure who has since disappeared from public view, yet still commanded awe all throughout the entire 7 kingdoms. It was the personal symbol of the Magic Engineer, Jullsariah Feldrann.
“Y-you’re related to the Magic Engineer..?”
“...You could say that.”
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In an instant, Brad assumed a form resembling that of a praying zealot, kneeling down with his entire being that he scraped the ground with his head.
“P-please forgive me for everything! I beg you! I-I didn’t know! Please!”
Brad did something he never thought he would do in a million years; begging someone like Jenyx for forgiveness. Faced with the overwhelming presence of the crest, it was the most logical move possible he could conceive. Nothing less than expressing his absolute, heartfelt remorse while kowtowing would suffice.
“You know just as well as I do... we’re way past that now.”
Brad’s heart sank upon hearing Jenyx’s reply. Just imagining the retaliation from an existence so exalted made him tremble like a newborn babe in the cold. Losing the influence and power they’ve accumulated through the years was the least of their worries.
“...”
Jenyx approached the trembling noble. Seeing Brad look at him with such a fearful gaze wasn’t as satisfying as he thought. As expected, only one thing can appease him. Jenyx turned towards the light at the end of the hall. The faint sounds of laughter and gossip from the nobles in the room became even more apparent to the two once they focused. Jenyx beckoned Brad to move towards the room by tilting his head. Brad slowly got up and walked towards the room. He could feel Jenyx’s stares poking holes behind him, making him quicken his pace.
“Ohh! He’s here! My son is here!”
Upon seeing Brad enter, his father immediately approached him and raised his glass.
“Please support my son on the special match bestowed upon him by the Headmaster in recognition of his abilities!”
The nobles in the room toasted to one another and cheered Brad. Usually, he would be feeling good about himself and would accompany his father in merrymaking in situations like these, but... he was far too concerned about the fate of their family and the dwindling patience of the person behind him.
“F-Father! May I speak to you… privately?”
Brad apologized to the other nobles and basically dragged away his father to the corner, which surprised the latter as he spilled some of the wine on his clothes.
“What in blazes are you doing, Brad!? These cost me a f--”
“Please listen to me carefully, Father!”
Before the count could even complain, Brad pulled his father closer and whispered something in his ear. It wasn’t long before the count’s relaxed expression instantly turned to panic, resembling that of his spawn’s earlier. His fearful eyes slowly went to Jenyx.
“I-I implore your mercy, young one. We had no idea about your connection to the Magic Engineer. Please, have mercy on our family…”
Jenyx turned away from the two, ignoring their pleas. His eyes reflected the images of the nobles who were every bit as odious as the father and son begging him for forgiveness at the corner of his eye. So much avarice and amorality in one room... it was a wonder their kingdom had yet to fall, he thought.
“First, you’re going to remove Rose from this matter…”
Upon hearing his most-awaited reply, the Count repeatedly nodded and spoke a quiet, whisper-like yes.
“And I want you to name me as her replacement.”
!!
“You want to… fight me?”
Brad unwittingly blurted out what was in his mind.
“I don’t plan on abusing the symbol of my father’s ‘friend’ any more than this. But if you refuse, I won’t have any other choice.”
“W-why do you still want to fight..?”
“...If I had to say why, then it's because I want to prove you wrong. Simple as that.”
Jenyx’s fist tightened as he approached Brad. There was no mistaking the anger in his eyes.
“Well, what’s your reply?”
“...How do we know you won’t exact retribution once the match is over?”
“Hmm... You’re right. How about a Duello di Visterga then?”
The Count and Brad looked at one another for a brief moment. Duello di Visterga was a style of dueling that originated during the 7th King of Visterga’s reign, attributed to his fondness for gladiator battles. It had its own set of rules, one of which stated that both duelists are to be hexed by specialists sanctioned by the kingdom to ensure compliance.
“I accept.”
!?
Beside him, his father's head had twisted in such an exaggerated fashion he wouldn't have been surprised if it popped right off. However, he understood this reaction. Still, Brad had made up his mind.
Jenyx smiled.
“Good, then let’s make it official.”
The three walked towards the Headmaster. What an idiot! Brad thanked his incredible mental fortitude for not saying it out loud. Seeing him be so consumed by anger that he would pull off such a ridiculous stunt amused him. Due to his connection to the mighty Magic Engineer, Brad forgot that he was still dealing with the moronic failure and excuse of a human being that is Jenyx. He was simply lucky enough that his father befriended the Magic Engineer, but that luck ends today.
(“All for his foolish pride, huh? I guess a commoner only has a commoner’s brain after all. For this humiliation, I will etch every bit of my fury into your body!”)