Chapter 38: Two Drunken Peas In A Pod

Chapter 38: Two Drunken Peas In A Pod

“There are those we cannot talk about, even mentioning it here is liable for the church to track me down and declare me a sinner.

But are we really humans if we ignore their suffering?

I propose a concealed effort to provide supplemental aid on a monthly basis.

Is the Goddess so inhuman as to scorn such a thing?”

- Unknown, Resource Allocation Suggestion (298, 3rd Era)

Olivia threw the door open. Gwen was on the other side of the door, but just as she was about to say something no doubt polite, Bedwyr strode past them both to the center of the room. For some reason, his brother was wearing his formals; A sharp jacket with gold trim over the top of a red dress shirt. Completed by slacks and polished pointed blacked shoes

Gwen wasn’t to be outdone by him either, wearing the clean girl’s version of the formals, which substituted the slacks for a nicely cut black skirt. Though, she’d chosen to wear bright red heels instead of the issued dress shoes. The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñòv€l-B1n.

Erec’s brother took in the scene with a passing glance, raising an eyebrow at the barely disguised drunken Garin behind the couch. Erec frowned at his brother and crossed his arms.

“Have you been drinking?” Bedwyr asked, sniffing the air and no doubt catching the scent of liquor. His eyes hardened as he looked at Erec and Garin. “Garin, stop trying to hide. I see you.”

“Ah—no worries,” Garin gave a fake laugh, standing up and swaying in his spot. “And yeah, just a bit.” He rubbed the back of his neck and tried to flash an award-winning smile. Bedwyr strode further into the room—almost acting as if he owned the place. Like he belonged here like he could do whatever he wanted.

Erec stood straighter and shot him a scowl. The last words his brother spoke to him were still echoing in his head.

“Ah, it’s a pleasure to see you.” Olivia gave a slight curtsy to both Bedwyr and Gwen. “Can I pour you some tea, perhaps?”

Gwen smirked. “Naw, but I’ll take a shot of whatever those two had. Their faces are all red, so it must’ve been good.” She pointed toward Erec and Garin.

“Ah. I’m afraid we don’t have any alcohol in this dorm; those two decided to go out and drink.” Olivia shook her head, guiding Gwen inside with her.

“Did they? Funny that. Considering why we’re here...” Gwen trailed off.

“So you’re not just here to check out your brother’s dorm—you uh, didn’t happen to see a couple of angry girls wandering by in the halls, did you?” Garin asked, eyes dancing between Gwen and Bedwyr.

“Causing problems?” Bedwyr asked.

“No, no, just had some fun, some drinks—and maybe left a little earlier than they’d like.”

“Oh, of course. I’m sure that’s all there is to that story.” Bedwyr’s eyes slid from Garin to rest on Erec. “How did you do on your exams?”

“Well enough,” Erec said and uncrossed his arms. He was painfully aware of the need to put a strong front against Bedwyr, or his brother would run him over.

“Did you get an A? Which courses were you assigned?” Bedwyr pressed him; his eyes carried a heavy weight as they judged Erec. He had no choice but to shuffle and look away under that intensity, or else he’d risk drawing out the anger under the surface.

Erec shifted his eyes towards Garin—who looked away and leaned in more on Olivia, taking advantage of her help to distract himself and refusing to address his friend’s attention.

“So you’re here to admonish me for that too? I’m oh-so-sorry, Bedwyr; I don’t mean to tarnish your golden reputation.”

“Erec. Drop it.” Bedwyr puffed up his chest, danger entering his eyes. “If you don’t, I’ll make you.”

Erec paused, feeling that hot anger grow under his skin. He wanted to hurt Bedwyr, to make his brother angry. To get a measure of revenge against him for abandoning their family and refusing to talk about Mom. For everyone who ever compared him to his brother. So bad. So badly did he want to get under his skin and get a measure of revenge.

But it was pointless.

Bedwyr was offering a helping hand, and he was shunning it because he felt spiteful.

This was no way to live life. No matter what his Divine Talent drew out, he wasn't a mad Knight.

One... Two... Erec counted off in his head, letting the tension drain away. Bedwyr sensed the shift, as he backed away. Scratching the back of his head. There was embarrassment on his face. Unhappy that he’d let his little brother rile him up this far. ...Ten. Erec softened his expression and frowned.

“I’m sorry. I’ve been out of line.” Erec admitted. “Can you forgive me?”

“It’s fine. After a year apart and the terms we last left, I can forgive abrasion as we learn to live near one another again.” Bedwyr rolled his eyes. “I came to invite you and your friends, and I highly suggest you attend the party. You should take care of your public image in this place. Some of these people will one day become future Lords, Dukes, and Earls. But I won’t force you.”

“I’ll go.” Erec agreed, though inside, he dreaded the event already. Bedwyr nodded and moved back to Gwen, pacified. His brother folded his arms and refused to meet Erec’s eyes.

“Tell us about this party.” Olivia said to Gwen, her eyes lit up.

“Ah, yeah,” Gwen mumbled before shaking her head and flashing the other girl a smile. “Pretty much this is an annual affair. They rent a ballroom in the main Academy every year. There’ll be music, food, drinks—though perhaps the two boys have had enough of that tonight—but make sure you show up in your formals.” Gwen spilled out, growing more cheerful with each sentence. The tension in the room cleared and gave way to excitement of the two girls and Garin. “It’s tonight. We were just stopping by before heading to it.” She smiled at Bedwyr. “I suggest you all prepare and head over soon.”

“Ah, so I see. Is it common for people to take dates?” Olivia asked. Gwen flushed a little, but the comment didn’t shake her.

“They aren’t required, but they do make it a bit more fun...”

The two slipped into a brief conversation, and after Olivia obtained all of the details, his brother and Gwen left.

Erec wasn’t happy he had to attend a party. He wanted to rest and recover from the hell that had been training. But, this was an extended hand from Bedwyr. A gesture of good faith, perhaps. He bit back his complaints and prepared himself mentally.

Except, he wouldn’t be wandering into this battle alone. Garin and Olivia didn’t count since they were made for this kind of thing. No.

Erec stared at Colin’s closed door. If he had to wade into the battlefield of courtly politics and evening get-togethers, it wasn’t fair that he’d be the only one forced to attend.

After throwing on his formals and having Olivia fuss over him and Garin, he slammed his knuckles on Colin’s door.

If he had to suffer, so did Colin.