The hiss of steam and the grinding of brakes marked the train's arrival at the academy station. Trafalgar stepped down from the wagon behind Marlen, the cool air carrying the chatter of dozens of voices. Students, porters, and travelers alike spilled onto the platform, but not everyone disembarked, the train still had other stops ahead.
Marlen wove through the crowd with practiced ease, his posture straight and unhurried. Trafalgar followed closely, keeping a steady grip on the strap of his coat until they reached a quieter section of the platform.
"Well, young master Trafalgar," Marlen said, turning to face him, "this is where I leave you." He reached into his coat and pulled out a folded sheet of paper, offering it with both hands. "Here. As you would expect, your family has a branch office here in Velkaris. If you ever find yourself in trouble, go there immediately."
Trafalgar accepted the paper, tucking it into his coat pocket. "Alright."
