Before I left Hale's room, the scouter told me a few things to keep in mind.
Ayen is just as dangerous as the rest of the world, the headmasters make everyone aware of that, and that death is not uncommon within the academy.
Secondly, was that the entrance exam was still held in Aleon, anyone between the ages of 13-19 can participate, and that an infusion was required for entry.
Third was that the entrance exam is a test of will, endurance, and strength. It was a test unlike anything anyone around my age should have experienced.
He did mention that it would be barely any different than if I fought that chaotic for five days straight.
In short, I would die.
I sighed as I entered the hallway, and went to the stairs.
Hale said he would take the deal after my bit of convincing, and that he would also go to Aleon a different way than I would.
So, we split up, for now.
As I headed upstairs a few of the maids and other servants gave me a little greeting as I walked by them.
I only just give a little smile and continue to the Duke's doors.
It's a little walk aways, so I was about to head through the garden, training ground, and dining hall. All areas as I am starting to become familiar with, a little bit.
I arrived at the hall, and the duke's doors towered over me like usual.
Tak. Tak.
I gently knocked on the door using the loose handle.
"Come in." A tired, stern voice replied.
I opened the door and carefully closed it behind me, my eye not used to the level of darkness in here.
But it quickly changed to a bit brighter in here, and Lynel was at his desk, writing away.
He looked like he'd been up all night.
Which does make sense, considering the attack.
"Ah, Fault." He looks at me but doesn't smile.
So, I do, "G-good morning, Duke Lynel."
"Mmh." He grumbled with a little nod.
I could tell he still didn't like me that much, but he wasn't as threatening as he was previously about it.
"May I… ask something of you?"
He raises an eyebrow and looks up from the paper he was writing on. His pen glinted under the light of his lamp.
"Speak."
I gulp, "I'd like to request that…"
I bow my head, "M-may I work and train here?"
He stared at me silently, as if he were also shocked.
Then, he sighs, "...For how long?"
My eye widened and I looked back up at him, "J-just until Hale says he arrived at Ayen Academy… a little under a week or so once he leaves later today."
"..." Lynel stares at me, he remains motionless, thinking about my request.
He mutters to himself, "Xyren to Astor…" He scratches his chin.
"...Fine." He finally says.
"T-thank you-" I begin to smile.
"But don't think that it's easy. Not for a moment." He commands, but his voice isn't steel, it's turned more soft.
"Thank you."
"I'll have a schedule for you by morning, you can sleep in the same room, but if you mess up once, I'll send you through the Gate without hesitation. Thus leaving you penniless in Aleon, where you'll probably starve to death."
I gulp and nod, bowing deeply, "T-Thank you, my Duke!"
*****
Hale sits in his room, already done packing for his trip to Ayen Academy.
He didn't have much to pack up, anyway.
He told the scouter, Jerrin, to wait for him for a little while.
This would most likely be the last time he sees Fault for a while, not until they're both in Ayen, at least.
Jerrin told Hale that Ayen Academy offers year-round boarding, but Hale would have to wait for the start of this next semester to attend actual classes.
So, he waited in front of his door with his few items, waiting for Fault to walk back to his own room.
Hale heard steps walking down the hall, coming from the stairs, and smiled when he saw his friend's familiar figure.
"Fault." Hale smiles and waves, walking toward him.
"Yo." Fault gives a little gesture back, his own smile growing a tad bit.
"I'm headed to Ayen tonight."
"I know."
"You're gonna try to get in through the entrance exam?" Hale asks.
"I'll try my hardest." He nods.
Hale stared at Fault for a bit, not entirely sure how to say bye to… his older brother. That's how Hale viewed him.
A warm older sibling, even if he was a bit shorter than Hale himself.
Fault's skin was a couple of shades paler than Hale's own. His hair was an ash-like color, just like the remnants of Tenna that he could recall. The cloth that covered his missing eye was strapped tightly, and was also quite long, too. It whisked a bit as he moved his head, like a long scarf was tied around his head.
He typically wore black, and the shirt he was wearing was no different.
His one remaining eye was green.
"S-sorry." Hale spoke, realizing he was staring at him.
"Are you trying to say bye?"
Hale nods slowly.
Fault sighs, and opens his arms, "C'mere."
Hale stares at him.
"Well? No bye hug?" Fault makes a little joke.
"That's…" Hale gives up his protest and hugs Fault.
The two had been through a ton the past couple of weeks. More so than their entire time knowing each other.
A moment passes as Fault steps back, "Hey, go wild out there. Your infusion seemed great, Mr. Two-Class."
He grins and pats Hale's back.
"Plus, it's not like we won't see each other again. I just gotta work my ass off to enter, while you can just cozy up in some fancy room, I think."
Hale grinned, and he began to laugh.
Fault did too.
They laughed and joked around for a little while longer.
Fault smiled, "Alright, go give'em hell."
Hale nods, resolving himself.
"A four to five day journey to Aleon through carriage…"
They shared one more laugh before Hale headed upstairs.
He hadn't spent as much time as Fault in the castle, mostly because he felt like he was dying in bed due to his infusion.
But it still felt nice that he had somewhere to stay, and he was thankful for it.
He walked through the hallways and found the main entrance.
No one was there to send him off, only Jerrin stood nearby. The carriage was already prepared just a little ways away.
Jerrin wore a smile on his face, "I believe you'll be a fine addition to Ayen, Student Hale."
Hale nods, "Alright… let's go."
Jerrin turned around and walked Hale to the carriage, opening its side door and letting the tall boy step in.
…
Night came, Hale had left already, and Fault was walking back to Duke Lynel's study.
As he arrived, he entered once Lynel had given him permission.
"So, what's the plan, my Duke?" Fault bows respectfully, already acting on his incoming work.
"Here." Lynel stands up and walks over to the one-eyed boy, handing him a sheet of paper.
Fault looks down at it, reading its content.
—
It said a bunch of what he'll be doing, things such as cleaning or making some food, things he already had experience with, then after midday hits, around 2PM, he's sent to training grounds for at least five hours a day, either sparring with whoever wants to, or just practicing against the training dummies.
Then his pay at the end of the time allotted… it made his eye widen.
"T-twenty gold!?" His hands tensed as he gripped the paper.
Lynel raises an eyebrow, "Should I make it higher?"
Fault shakes his head immediately, "N-no! Twenty is fine!"
'Twenty gold is enough to last a year! Holy-'
He tries his best not to visibly show he was freaking out over the pay at the end of his week.
"It's only valid for this week, once your time is up, we'll send you to Aleon, just as planned. From there, you're on your own." Lynel speaks firmly.
Fault nods, "Y-yes, my Duke!"
"Remember, during your time working and training like this, you're no different than any servant or soldier here. You will treat me with utmost respect, and do your best, no matter what the task is."
Fault bows and nods again, "Yes, my Duke!"
"Here, this is Gate's salute." Lynel takes a few steps over to Fault and adjusts his hand and wrists.
His right hand in the center of his chest, making a circle with his fingers and thumb.
"It represents the gate, and the heart of humans. Do not salute lightly, Fault."
Fault nods, holding the salute.
"But that's only if you're permanently here. So…" Lynel scratches his head and sighs.
"Just don't do anything rash, keep your wits about you, and stay consistent