Georgio continued “When your sons arrive, you’ll understand exactly what I mean. For me, second born, you are taught that you mustn’t ever ‘embarrass the family’s name’. It was your name, but nearly borrowed, for you were not going to be the inheritor of the estate. For the name to be truly yours you must devote your efforts to helping it fluroush, by backing the first born.

“That was your responsibility. You needed to not just be good in finances but better than your elder. Because it was you would guide them from making rash decisions. They were taught to lead. To be daring, and commanding. You, no, no, no. Your focus is on being the good adviser. You had to be better at managing everything. Because you needed to be their aid. To think about issues before they arrived. To be their listening ear. To be their damn emotional support” he said, slamming his on the table.

“And be your own support. You need to be the hands of the family that get sullied in the work, that cleans up, and ultimately feeds the head of the family so that they can make the right choices. The head tells where the family go, the hand just guides the reigns in that direction. Never getting to lead.” Georgio stares off for just a moment and then snaps back.

“And that’s what you’ll teach the others. And it’s better they learn their place earlier than later.” He smiles, “Much easier that way. And they too will come to learn and enjoy their role. That said, their lives are different. And since I am second born, I’ve gotten to experience difference. So I pity you, and I pity low-towners. My family’s focus has been on our noble duties and trade development.

“It was impermissible that anything would pull us away from that development. I, specifically, could not lead us to do anything else. As the second born son, not only would it viewed as irresponsible for me to focus on anything else, but extremely bad taste to focus on an ‘altruistic venture’ with no known return on investment.”

“You mean helping low-towners” Urberer asked, his lip line flat.

“In other words, yes. But no one could say I was leading us down a bad path now given my brother’s interesting choice in brides. That said. If helping low-towners would have been bad taste, what does a noble marrying a commoner equate to?” He smiles at Shelly. “Above our station I suppose.”

Shelly’s body did not move, an her arms remained crossed tight across her chest like chains holding back a prisoner. Her nostrils flared and the faintest sound of her breath could be heard. The smile on Georgio’s face continued to creep open, exposing his teeth.

I need to say something. When in doubt. Compliment. When negotiations are going south, own up to something true. Redirect them.

“History does speak of your family’s honorable history.”

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Time to pull from one of father’s old lectures.

“‘The twin-lions roar and claw at enemies of the empire.’ It’s what I learned growing up. Your family fought in many of the great wars, especially the demon wars.” Urberer paused, noticing Shelly’s eyes fall on him. He couldn’t read any signs from her eyes, and so decided to continue. “The honor your family has shown for years in service. You all once had a different family crest than the twin-lions. But after years of twins, and how you majestic and fierce you all served, your heraldry was changed. If memory serves me right.”

Georgio tilted his head. He didn’t say anything for a moment and simply looked at Urberer. Georgio fingered his family crest as a soft smile came across his face.

“You are quite learned Monk Urberer. It is curious that you’d know such an uncommon thing.”

“The temple has many books Sir Wyncrest, and I have to serve many nobles. I have found it best to show respect by knowing something about the people I serve.”

Let’s not get him asking me too many questions about my background.

Georgio did not respond immediately and instead allowed his eyes to take in Urberer. Feelings of smallness, and a wanting to attack or flee flushed through Urberer, confusing him. The smile made the feelings worse. It was a sensation he had only a few times in life. One was When Urberer stood up to a bully at academy. The bully chose not to fight Urberer that day. He simply looked at Urberer, smiled, and said ‘it wasn’t worth it.’ Urberer had thought that was the end of the story until that bully, and friends, large friends in fact, found Urberer alone a few days after. It did not end well for anyone. And the lecture Urberer received from his father about ambushes was long and drawn out. Though, he didn’t remember his father being as proud of him when he found out how he had gotten into the situation in the first place.

“You are good Urberer. I see now why so many people come to you,” Georgio’s smile unwavering. “Our history is unique and our quest for honor is historical. I think helping our low-towners, in this time where we are not at war is the best way to pursue two goals: more honor and benefiting those, who benefit us; a winning situation. That said, if I could donate funds to the orphanage and be more involved I would. It would be a great place to start, don’t you think? Maybe you can help me with that Monk Urberer? You do seem quite sociable after all.”

“Oh? What do you mean Sir Wyncrest?”

“The process of getting me involved with the orphanage has been rather slow. I’ve reached out to high priest Arcbin several times already.” Georgio takes in a slow breath, his eyes glancing out the window as he speaks. “He is a busy man. I respect that. However, time keeps moving. I’m not a fan of waiting.” His eyes dart back to Urberer. “There are people who could use help I’m sure. I want to help them Monk Urberer, but I can’t do it while paperwork is stalled.” Georgio places a hand on his shoulder and shakes him gently. “That’s just the start. I’d like to give more funds to the guards too. Look out there. There are so few and I’ve heard ….” He trails off.

Urberer eyes shifted from Georgio out to the window. A sea of people continue to move pass, buying items from the various venders. His eyes searched, and searched for what should be there, something that was a staple of life in the Merchant Quarter; but he couldn’t find it, not the way it was meant to be.

Where are all the white-shells? There should be quite a few guards out here given the time of day? What are they doing?