Chapter 59 — A Compromise

“Wait here to be called,” the second-year boy instructed before going behind an L-shaped length of counter and spindled railing dividing off a section of the large room and seating himself at a paperwork-piled desk, returning to his work. He was the same boy that came for Zena, and like the Library Guild members Ria had seen working at the Grand Library, he was probably doing work for the academy to help pay for his tuition or expenses.

At a nearby desk, two Silent Sky second-years were having an animated conversation with a woman in academy colors, the words muted by privacy magic.

The well-lit waiting room for the Office of Student Affairs was considerably larger than Soulkeeper Renard’s and considerably more comfortably appointed. While not quite rising to the level of frivolous luxury, the room’s layout and decor left little doubt that, at its heart, the Grand Academy was a school for the aristocracy. Gilded couches and cushioned chairs faced each other in carefully arranged seating areas accented with small, beautifully potted trees.

A third-year, mantled in the colors of House Sorrel and the symbols of Lifegiver’s Bounty, occupied one of the more ornate seating areas, attended by a fellow Order-member who was serving him refreshments. Not wanting to risk any further trouble, particularly with an older student that might be one of Vanessa Sorrel’s relatives, Ria averted her gaze and found a bench on the opposite side of the room.

A window nearby afforded a view of the grounds outside the Hall of Registration and Advancement, and pretending to gaze out the window, she turned her attention back to Master Temiere’s lecture on the use of attuned materials and ambient replenishment circuits for filtering and refining ambient energy into a particular desired element.

Of all the lectures to have to miss!

Thankfully, Arthur was there to take notes, and she was again able to leave Ranger behind and could listen and observe through the bond.

Keira being so down was also worrisome. At least, the girl was feeling less depressed after having indulged in extra helpings of the fancy desserts… though that probably wasn’t going to help her slim down any for her debut.

Ria still felt guilty about making Keira feel excluded. She needed to do something about her bad habit of trying to hide her mistakes from friends and family. How many times had she hurt Jarrel by doing the same thing with him? And the truth always comes out at the worst times, too! Ugh.

Keira’s birthday coming up soon and would be a good chance to apologize. Maybe. Then again, it would be their first event after their debut and Keira would be busy hosting the event.

No. The more she thought about it, with her friend having a tough time of things lately, doing something for her sooner would be better. Perhaps Iselyn would have some ideas, or Aldri…

“Ria of Shadewood.”

Ria glanced toward the counter area and the woman was looking her way.

“Administrator Rente will see you now,” the woman prompted.

Another moment of fate had arrived.

With a nod of acknowledgment, Ria started for the archway at the far end of the room—a path that would take her past the Sorrel boy. Her plan was to keep her gaze to the windowed side, but she began to worry if intentionally ignoring him might be an insult of some kind.

Had Sir Guthrie said anything about the proper etiquette for this situation? She couldn’t remember!

A brief glance in the boy’s direction to gauge his reaction caused their eyes to meet, and Ria’s breath caught.

“You’re the foreign witch the Novidus are sponsoring, huh?” the boy nonchalantly asked from where he was casually leaning back, an arm draped behind the couch’s back.

Ria paused and had to think about her answer. The smoke idiot was the one House Novidus was actually sponsoring. And Priest Dohan had said she wasn’t a witch. But Lady Asara was sponsoring her debut, so maybe that was close enough? “Yes?”

The corner of the boy’s mouth raised slightly in response. “Interesting.”

When nothing else followed, Ria gave the boy a nod and continued on, letting out a held breath once she was safely through the archway.

One interesting discovery was made from the encounter at least: The Sorrel boy’s attendant was a sponsorship student like Ria. It made her glad that House Vorshan was her sponsor instead and that Lord Vorshan was allowing her to act as Keira’s friend and pursue her own interests rather than have to take the same classes as Keira and act as an attendant.

Though maybe she was failing Keira—and Lord Vorshan—by not being at the noble girl’s side more?

The arch led to a fancy hallway with a long rug down the middle and small tables and cabinets displaying art placed along the walls. The name plaque next to the first door she came to wasn’t the administrator’s, so she continued on and passed several more before finding ‘Administrator of Student Affairs, Rente Ravelle’ in large script on a gold plaque adjacent the door at the end of the hallway.

Ria took a deep breath to calm her nerves and prepare. This was an encounter that might determine her future at the academy—or lack of it. She needed to be on her best behavior and not react with her emotions.

Clacking the door’s gold knocker rewarded her with a deeply voiced “Enter.” and she did.

As she reclosed the heavy door behind her, Ria’s eyes sought for the man inside, finding him standing by one of the office’s tall windows, gazing out with his back to her.

Bookshelves and art displays lined the room. In addition to the usual ornate desk with two chairs in front of it, an inviting seating area with facing couches and a low table occupied a space off to the side. A steeping kettle, plate of biscuits, and a delicate tea setting for two graced the low table.

Not sure where to sit, or whether to sit, Ria remained standing and appraised the man while waiting in silence. Tall, confident, powerful, and younger than expected was her initial impression. His aura gave the intimidating feel of the air before a summer storm—smelled of it too.

Still facing the window, the Administrator of Student Affairs began to speak, his voice deliberate and sonorous. “This academy has a long and storied history, traditions, and culture. Over 200 years worth. Attendance clads students in the mantle of that prestige—the prestige of knowledge, accomplishments, and admiration earned by those who walked these halls and grounds before us. That is what putting on a mage’s mantle and wearing the academy’s insignia means.”

Ria straightened her posture, making sure she was showing proper respect and attention. An adult monologuing about tradition was always a bad sign.

“A tradition that you’ve made a point of trampling even before the current term’s first day of classes.” He turned to look at her, his primly-trimmed villain’s goatee frowning—a goatee that she suspected he wore to make himself look older. “I had hoped that, after your first incident and Administrator Cherise’s guidance, you would educate yourself on the expectations of academic society or at least seek out an Order who could help you better settle in, instead you joined an Order of troublemakers and have already involved yourself with last year’s #1 troublemaker.”

Gah! #1 troublemaker? That had to be Hulle or Orlisi. He’s talking about Orlisi, isn’t he?

Looking down his nose, the administrator continued, “Now I have reports that you intentionally damaged the Academy grounds while engaging in further unsanctioned dueling with other students—dueling that has been described by witnesses as a magical barroom brawl… what am I to think?”

Was no consideration being given to the other students using magic on her while she was minding her own business?

“Well?” he prompted. “Are you so enamored with violence that you seek it at every opportunity?”

What?! How’d he assume that? Unable to restrain herself, she blurted out, “They attacked me!”

Her outburst was met with a raised eyebrow. “Then you should have simply used defensive magic and waited for a staff member. Which you obviously didn’t do, as witnesses have reported that you were the first to use dangerous magic.”

Again, she could only stare at the man in disbelief.

The man made a dismissive motion with his hand. “Besides, I have no doubt that your blundering behavior and lack of social graces forced the students to act to uphold propriety and honor.”

Ria’s eyes narrowed. She could see where this was going, and if she was right, even attempting to defend herself would be pointless and counterproductive. “You have no intention of treating me fairly.”

The man leveled his gaze on her for several long moments before slowly speaking. “It seems that you are indeed woefully ignorant of the way of things—as expected for a foreigner. Rather than fairly, I went out of my way to give you a chance to avoid further trouble, and you threw my generosity into the mud. Don’t think I don’t know that you intentionally lost that duel with Phaelys Vesali—and in the most spectacular fashion conceivable!—just to further embarrass House Ravelle. There’s no way a War Hero of your skill couldn’t have avoided that initial attack.”

Though a spike of worry went through her from his assertion that she threw the duel, for the third time since the man began to talk, Ria was rendered speechless—this time, by the man’s shamelessness. She was supposed to be grateful that he arranged for her to be put in her place?!

Anger bubbled up but her strengthened soul readily contained it. Acting on it would be a task for later. She would give Desi whatever the gossip girl wanted to crush these nobles who continued to wrong her.

Her second impulse was to just ignore the man and return her attention to the enchanting lecture, but she didn’t see how that wouldn’t make her current situation worse.

No, after everything else that had happened, she needed to try to negotiate her way through this. A second official reprimand would make her time at the academy miserable even if she escaped further discipline. For now, she would try to play his game.

Blinking as if she just realized what he had said, Ria tilted her head with what she hoped was a surprised face. “Y-You did?”

It was Administrator Rente’s turn to blink. Maybe he was not expecting her to so readily believe him?

He coughed to clear his throat. “Wasn’t it obvious?”

“I’m so sorry, Administrator Rente!” Ria apologized, making her eyes wide and innocent. “I hadn’t realized! This is all so new to me. I really did want to do my best, but I hadn’t any time to prepare, and I was so nervous being in front of so many other students—they were all watching me, and my spell failed…”

She dropped her gaze dejectedly to her hands, and struggled to resist the desire to peek at his reaction.

After a pause the man carefully spoke, “Well, the damage is done, and now you’ve made yourself a target by your repeated affronts to the established ways.”

“I-Is there anything I can do?” Ria took a hesitant step forward and looked up at him plaintively.

Administrator Rente’s silence and unreadable expression made her stomach flutter. A strange thrill ran through her at trying to deceive the corrupt man, but it was complicated by an anger that she had been unjustly pushed to this. She hoped her nervousness helped hide her anger and made her more believable.

“First, you should set aside any childish notions of fairness. Children seek fairness, Ria, and fairness is not what we do here,” he chided. “Adults seek advantage. Sometimes mutual advantage. Sometimes an advantage that gives power over another. Sometimes, disadvantaging your adversaries and competition is sufficient.”

Ria slowly nodded. There was truth in his words, even if the implications rankled her sensibilities of what was just. Clearly, Administrator Rente was not a follower of Justari.

He motioned in the direction of the couches. “Sit. Perhaps there is yet something we can do to improve your situation.”

Thanking him for the consideration, Ria seated herself as directed, and to her relief, the administrator seated himself on the couch opposite. Had he chosen to sit beside her instead… it would have been awkward and maybe worrisome.

Administrator Rente leaned forward and poured himself and her a light tea with a faint floral scent. “Go ahead and enjoy the tea and biscuits. Students who come to my office are often upset about various troubles. The tea has a mild calming effect and the biscuits might ease any stomach troubles.”

Ria nibbled on a biscuit and after seeing the administrator drink from his teacup, she sampled hers. The delicate flavor wasn’t objectionable in any way and paired well with the slight taste of tree nuts in the biscuit. Whether to be leery of the tea or not… was likely unnecessary when considering how the man seemed to value appearances.

The energy-infused ingredients did have a mild soothing effect that reminded her of the tisane Ana’s mother had prepared to help Ria focus when learning Lu Xi’s Tranquil Pool of Gently Rippling Calm that time she was unstable from the soul cultivation.

“Now that we are comfortable, let us continue our discussion. When do you think seeking mutual advantage would be most appropriate?”

The question surprised Ria. The natural answer would be that one should always seek mutual advantage in relationships, but not only was the administrator clearly not looking for that answer, it simply wasn’t true.

Would she seek mutual advantage with the king of Revant or his soldiers? Would she with her opponents in the arena? With the girls who had attacked and wronged her?

When considering her plans for Elaine, the leader of the prior attack, Ria found her answer to that last question at least: she disadvantaged Elaine and was intending to help the unfortunate girl in small ways in order to further advantage herself—hardly an example of ‘mutual advantage’.

Mutual advantage was the obvious approach when dealing with friends, but was it only for friends? Was there a case when she would seek mutual advantage with an adversary? A stranger?

In the case of strangers, she was inclined to think that she would, but when shopping, didn’t she tend to seek the best price? But sometimes she would pay more to someone she liked or for quality or because she didn’t want to give business to someone she didn’t like. Did that mean some merchants were ‘adversaries’?

So, when would she seek mutual advantage with an adversary? Maybe when there was no other way to get what she wanted?

“With friends, those who you want to be friends with, and when one’s adversary is in a position of strength and has something you want,” Ria carefully answered.

Administrator Rente nodded, his expression showing mild approval. “And in that light, how would you evaluate the situation between yourself and me as Administrator of Student Affairs?”

Ugh. They certainly weren’t friends, and whether he viewed her as someone he wanted to become friends with was doubtful considering they had both already acted against each other. And if they were adversaries, she was hardly in a position of strength even if she did have something he wanted.

Which meant any exchange offered would need to be to his advantage. Was that what he wanted her to realize? She drank more of the tea to hide her grimace.

“At a disadvantage,” she answered and set the teacup down. If not for the calming tea, Ria was sure her heart would be thudding with anxiety.

“Indeed.” He gave her a wry villain’s half smile. “Now do you understand the position you have placed yourself in?”

It was as Lord Vorshan had warned. Her blunders had led to others having advantage over her, and she would be made into a pawn to do their bidding.

“What would you have me do?” Ria asked. Orlisi had pointed out that she had other options to gain power, but for gaining the influence needed to have Crysellia invade Revant, she would need the connections that the Grand Academy provided.

Administrator Rente also returned his teacup to the table. “That is indeed the question. First, it is much too soon for you to be involving yourself in the affairs of the Greater Houses, particularly without the knowledge of the dynamics between the various factions or having established the support needed to push back against those you would displace. Everyone here is fiercely competing for advantages and resources, whether for their families or themselves.

“Unfortunately, while your relationship with the Novidus could have been readily explained away… thanks to your public friendship with the daughter of Jeria Emberflow and the foolishness of having Phaelys Vesali accompany you on your debut, you will have no choice but to suffer the games of power and advantage seeking.”

Ria gulped. When put that way, the extent of her blundering was rather terrifying.

“As for how to deal with your lack of social knowledge, the answer is simple.” He made an open-palmed gesture. “In the future, you will regularly seek my advice on such matters, and I expect you to follow it.”

The demand was harsh. He wanted information and control over her political actions. Lady Asara would not be pleased. Even so, the arrangement could still be of benefit to her. She would gain direct access to a member of House Ravelle who had a position of authority and would be able to learn more about the Houses and their politics. And it was likely also something informal enough that she could renegotiate the boundaries once she was in a stronger position.

At her nod of acceptance, he continued, “To address your lack of support, I will arrange connections for you and will require favors in return.”

Ah, favors. There it is.

“And by relying on your assistance, I can avoid getting another reprimand on my record?” Ria asked, making sure to sound surprised and naive, while also confirming what she would get in exchange.

“That is a separate matter, of course.” He gave her a kind smile—that made a shiver run down her back and goosebumps form on her arms—before continuing, “But not one that can’t be solved. It’s not usually an option for commoners and lesser nobles who tend to lack the necessary resources, but knowing that you recently won the Newcomers Tournament, I see little harm in telling you. In the case of damage to the grounds, the normal course for those with means is to reimburse for the repairs and to provide a token of sincerity to accompany the apology. Of course, any apology to be given to an Order would be handled separately.”

Bribes? No, maybe it was viewed differently. Phaelys had done similar with her—the confections and flowers. She had mixed feelings about being forced to hand over her prize money in addition to the other concessions, but if it saved her from a second reprimand, and if she made use of the opportunities provided by involvement with the administrator and his interests to advantage herself, then the deal was probably worth the inconvenience.

“I’ll do it,” she decided.

“Good. That will make things easier. If you show adequate effort, we’ll have to see what we can do about your first reprimand as well,” Administrator Rente further offered.

Ria blinked at him in honest surprise this time. “You can do that?”

Administrator Rente laughed. “I can certainly put in a good word for you and ask for Administrator Cherise to have the reprimand reconsidered in light of good behavior—predicated on that good behavior, of course.”

An incentive for her to keep up her end of the arrangement and remain loyal—the man was skilled at this!

Ria leaned forward and lowered her head in a semblance of a bow. “I’d certainly be appreciative.”

“I’m sure you’ll do your best,” he assured. “Now that I have your understanding, for the first favor, you will agree to meet with my daughter and accept her apology. You will offer her an apology of your own in exchange. Socially, I expect you to support her when possible and attend events she invites you to.”

Wait, what? Daughter? Apology?