Chapter 99   - Master of Rumors

Reaching the Sage Tree, Kai took a corner table and secured his bag in the seat beside him. Despite his paranoia, Danger Sense didn’t detect anything out of the ordinary.

“Relax,” Flynn sat across from him. “No one is going to jump out of the shadows to rob you. And even if they did, I’d take care of them.”

You haven’t met Elijah.

Kai watched Flynn flex his arm with skepticism, “Oh my! I suddenly feel safe now.”

“Are you doubting my awesome abilities?”

“I don’t know where you’d get that impression.” Kai tapped nervously on the table.

“I’ll try not to take your lack of confidence personally,” Flynn said. “But if it makes you feel better, I’ve seen plenty of tourists flaunting purses bulging with silver. You’re not unique.”

That does actually make me feel a tiny bit safer.

“Do any of them get robbed?”

“Not usually.”

“Usually?”

“Well, some just go looking for it,” Flynn called a server to order their lunch. “The enforcers keep a strict eye in poshtown and in the richer districts, but they can’t be everywhere. Some moneybags get duped into scams or pickpocketed. And once in a while, a fool wanders off to the outskirts or outside the walls believing themselves untouchable and comes back naked the next day.”

“Really?”

“Oh, yeah. It was hilarious seeing their pompous bare asses walk back,” Flynn chuckled. “I wish you could have seen it too.”

I don’t. But thanks.

“How come I’ve never heard of it?”

“They’ve only begun to happen recently. And, you know, the Republic doesn’t advertise these kinds of accidents. They clamped down on the rumors pretty hard, even put a twenty coppers fine for anyone who is found spreading baseless slander. And I mean copper mesars, not chips.” Flynn said, leaning closer to whisper.

“Did they catch the culprits?”

“Nope. The enforcers made a big fuss but couldn’t find a clue. No one knows who did it. Just another mystery people whisper in the night,” he said with a dramatic flair.

It was indeed strange. With such high-profile cases, the Republic must have poured all its resources into finding the culprit. It was either a professional or an organized group.

Captain Zerith might be a weirdo, but he’s not incompetent.

His wonderings were interrupted by Mrs. Calla serving the lunch. The hostess of the Sage Tree greeted them with a pleasant smile before giving Flynn a disapproving look. “That mouth of yours will get you into trouble one of these days.”

“It’s worked out fine so far. I’ve never gotten into any trouble with the enforcers,” he replied proudly. “And I’m always careful.”

Mrs. Calla shook her head and left them to eat their meal. “Your luck will run out eventually.”

“It hasn’t happened yet.”

Kai waited for her to be out of earshot before asking, “You never told me how you two know each other.” She always knew how to get a hold of Flynn, and the first time he came here, they both tried to fleece him with bogus prices.

“Who, Calla? She’s just one of my many admirers,” Flynn said with a cheeky grin.

“She’s three times your age.”

“Almost four, actually. But don’t tell her I said that.”

“So…”

“She’s just an old family friend,” Flynn replied evasively, stuffing a piece of bread in his mouth.

Kai let the argument drop. Whenever the topic of his personal life came up, Flynn always found an excuse to evade his questions, especially if it regarded his family. He appeared to have a complicated relationship with his mother. And Kai was reasonably sure he truly had one little sister. That was about it.

Well, it’s not like I told him much about my family either. Spirits! He’ll certainly find out they’re in Sylspring.

They ate their own meal in silence. Flynn was a handful, but he always managed to find the latest news. Be it town gossip or the Republic’s moves. And Kai paid him. Their relationship was transactional.

I don’t think I’m getting the short hand of the deal…

Flynn could certainly be irritating, but at least he was honest. The thought made him pause.

Flynn honest… Isn’t that the contradiction of the century?

Kai had lost count of all the times Flynn had tried to scam or pickpocket him in vain.

He’s always so obvious about it that even a child would notice.

Maybe that was it. Kai had seen the little thief sweet-talk more than one tourist out of their money. He could be subtle when he wanted, but he never tried with him. So, in a twisted kind of way, Flynn was honest, presenting himself in all his irritating glory.

Better a slap in the face than a dagger in the back. Well, neither would be preferable, but I’ll take what I can get.

“I know I’m dashingly handsome, but you’ve been staring for a while,” Flynn pulled him out of his thoughts.

“Get over yourself,” Kai focused back on his grilled vegetables. “I’d sooner marry a snake. I was looking behind you.”

Flynn glanced behind his shoulder. “I don’t see anything interesting… Wait!” He raised his hand to his mouth in shock. “Don’t tell me you’ve fallen in love with me too. I’m sorry, you’re still not rich enough for my taste.”

“Don’t break my heart. How will I go on living now?” Kai raised his eyes to the sky.

Flynn took his hand with a lonely tear running down his cheek. “I’m sorry, but we cannot be!”

Well, his Acting must have evolved.

“I’ll keep my money for myself then,” Kai freed his hand.

“Now, there is no need to make such a brash decision.”

“I’ll think about it. Do you have any news from the Republic?”

Flynn dropped the melodramatic charade. “Watchu wanna know, boss? I’ve got everything. The names of the clerks who accept bribes, how to evade the new taxes. Or maybe you wanna know about the enforcer with a secret romance? There is also the one who lit his pants on fire. Funny story that one. I also got news on the little princess' latest achievement.”

He winked at him. “You wanna know about the golden brat, don’t you? Look I don’t judge. I like them rich too.”

“What about the scholarship program?” Kai asked with a flat face.

“Oh, that. It’s still boring as ever. They now make us swear allegiance to the Merian Republic thrice a day during the boot camp. In the morning and before each meal. Can you believe it?”

It wasn’t good news, but within his expectations. “Do they still plan to keep it going again next year?”

“Yep, though I heard they’ll decrease the spots and be more strict with the requirements. There were also rumors of a special class that only takes the most talented kids from the archipelago. But they haven’t asked me, so that’s probably not true.”

Kai raised an eyebrow to prompt him to continue.

“Okay, it might be possible they didn’t ask me ‘cause I’ve already gotten a profession. But I wouldn’t put too much weight into it either way. There are always crazy conspiracies going around in the training camp in Hawkfield, and none of my sources could confirm it.”

Flynn leaned back on his chair, eating the last crumbs on his plate with a satisfied expression. “Thankfully, I won’t have to go back next year since I’m fourteen. They offered me a job though.”

“Really? You?” Kai chuckled at the thought of seeing Flynn in uniform.

Now, that’s something I wish I saw.

“Yes, me. You should know I was the best in my course.”

“Didn’t you say your class was the smallest?”

“We were the strongest.”

“And the oldest. Basically, you’ve already put a foot into the grave.”

“You’re just envious I got my profession.”

“I—”

—Am maybe I’m a little envious.

“—Can still kick your ass. I don’t see what I have to envy you. Do you want to have another go?”

“That was two years ago.”

“It was a pretty resounding defeat.”

After Flynn came back from the boot camp for the first time, he acted all high and mighty. He believed himself unbeatable with the new skills he gained after reaching Orange. A brief sparring session later, the world was in balance again. Only one of them was left standing.

“You bring that up every time.”

Because it’s one of my fondest memories. I’ll forever guard it in my heart.

If the little twerp thought he could beat him just because he got a profession, and a few years on him, he was dead wrong.

“Do you accept? I’ll bet you five silvers on it.”

Kai could see temptation and caution fighting on his face.

“I don’t have that kind of money.”

“Two silvers then. You said the Republic rewarded the top kids, didn’t you? And I paid you plenty the last few times.”

“That was ages ago. I spent it all on my twin sisters’ birthday party.”

Sure.

Kai gave him a skeptical look. Flynn wouldn’t meet his gaze.

Does this become bullying if I pressure him into getting a beating? Damn, I’m such a merciful god.

“You said you had news about Valela?”

Flynn jumped at the chance to change the topic. “Yep, straight from Higharbor. But maybe I should be the one asking. I didn’t know you were on a first-name basis with her.”

“We’ve only met once years ago. I’m just curious.” And she was the person closest to him skill-wise.

With an ample number of teases throughout, Kai got the information he wanted and then some. There was little substance. Hordes of people praised Valela like a goddess, but the stories of her accomplishments were all spiced up with ridiculous exaggerations.

Looks like she managed to get the love of the masses in the end.

Kai squeezed Flynn dry of all he was worth. The bizarre stories on the enforcers would make for nice ammunition next time Zerith came to pester him.

“What?” Kai asked when they stepped outside the Sage Tree. “Stop looking at me with that beaten puppy look.”

“Ehm… dear friend, what can you spare for poor old Flynn for his service?”

“I’ve paid for lunch.”

“I brought you the gossip of months! That wasn’t easy to get.”

“Isn’t my presence reward enough, dear friend?” Kai smiled warmly.

“Fine.”

Kai stared blankly. His brain was having trouble understanding what was going on.

“What?”

Am I dreaming? Did someone slip something in my drink while I wasn't watching?

“I said, fine. This time it’s on the house. In the name of our friendship.”

Kai narrowed his eyes.

Damn, he’s gotten sneaky.

“Okay, fine. I’ll pay you.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I said, I’ll pay you, just not here.”

Outside, his paranoia kicked back in. He wasn’t about to open his bag and reveal his small fortune in the middle of the road. Or show he had a spatial bag that was worth just as much.

“Where are we going then?” Flynn asked.

“To my house.”

“You finally bought one?”

“It's my family's place. They moved here.”

“Oh, why didn’t you tell me? I could have given them a tour of the town.”

I should really make better acquaintances.

Kai shrugged, “They moved while I wasn’t in town.” There was no denying Flynn’s talent at gathering information, hiding the truth would only make him more curious once he learned of it.

If I act like I don’t care, he won’t either. Hopefully.

“Are they rich?” Flynn asked as they walked down one of the best neighborhoods, not far from the Sage Tree.

“No, it’s— my uncle paid for it. But I don’t think he has much left after buying the house.” Kai couldn’t bring himself to utter different words.

Flynn gave a low whistle when they stopped in front of the building with the blue pastel walls and white door. “Your uncle must be the most generous person in the archipelago. Does he accept new nephews?”

“All the spots are taken. Wait here.” Kai was about to insert his key in the lock when the door opened.

“Oh, Kai. You’re back,” Ele greeted him in surprise. Her hair usually tied behind her back fell down her shoulders. “I’m in a bit of a hurry. I was about to join Mom at the market.”

Right then she looked over his shoulders. “Who’s your friend there?”

“Hi, I’m Flynn. Kai’s best friend.”

Ele looked at him confused. “Best frien—”

“Don’t trust anything he says. I’ll be back in a moment.” Kai squeezed past his sister. He left the bag in his room, grabbed two silvers and dashed back down.

Flynn was laughing loudly at something his sister said.

“Did I miss something?”

They couldn’t have been talking about me, I was away for less than twenty seconds.

“No, nothing,” Ele said. “Well, I’d better go. Mum is waiting. It was fun meeting you.”

Flynn stared at his sister with a dumb smile as she walked away. Not even turning at the sound of silver.

“Your sister has a really nice smile.”

“No,” Kai snapped his fingers in front of his face.

“What?”

“Don’t even think about it in your dreams.”

“Why not? Afraid your sister will fall for my charm.”

Kai laughed in his face. “Just that you’ll start pestering her too.”

“She said I was funny.”

“She was trying to be nice. Ele says that to everybody.”

“Did she say that to you?” Flynn gave him a cheeky smile that begged to be slapped.

“A thousand times. Now, take your silver and get lost.” Kai pushed the two coins in his hand. Flynn didn’t glance at them, his gaze fixed on where Ele disappeared.

“If I find out you followed her, the enforcers won’t even find your bones.”

“Shouldn’t you let her decide?”

“Why should we waste her time? And she isn’t rich, so she’s not your type.”

“I was being immature earlier. Now I’ve grown up.”

“That was less than an hour ago.”

“I had a life-changing event.”

“Don’t you dare," Kai hissed. If only there was a skill to make glares kill. “She’d still be oceans out of your league even if there were a hundred of you.”

“Only one way to find out.” Flynn threw one of the silver mesars to him and disappeared into an alley.

Just wait! I’ll skin you alive when I catch you.

He considered running after him, but he wouldn’t be able to catch the sneaky rat unless he used Empower. That would definitely attract some attention. Kai gritted his teeth and slammed the door shut.

It’s not a big deal. Girls her age don’t date younger boys, especially if they are their little brother’s friends. And he’s Flynn, a clam would have higher chances.

Marching to his room, he took out his alchemy station to see what non-lethal poisons he could brew. Dora taught him plenty about itching powders, puking and laxative potions. He still had to decide whether he’d use it or not but being prepared never hurt.