It took them two hours before Claude called it off. "Okay, Alexi's asleep so let's do this later! You're all dismissed!"

Mathias sighed and rubbed his weary shoulders. His arms never shook so much in his life as he received the powerful blows of his father's greatsword. Normally, he only used it against his sister, but he seemed overeager or over-judged Mathias' capabilities, the boy thought.

Nevertheless, the whip was more problematic.

If magic didn't artificially stiffen the blades, he would have had his head lopped off more times than he could count.

Erik was staring at Claude with newly reinforced idolization.

"Okay! I'm getting sleepy too! So let's all head back. Ah, right, my tab."

Almer waved it off.

Mathias still gave the man a gold coin, pointing at Alexi, and signing the coffee he was given. Erik did the same. Erik had not eaten since breakfast and Mathias, all day, but had their fill of drinks; their stomachs were howling for something solid, however.

Claude laughed and forced another one in Almer's palms as he tried to reject it.

Soon the other students appeared and started clearing their tabs. Or what they assumed to be their tabs. A few cookies, a few drinks, and what have you.

It rarely exceeded a few silvers, menu-price, but they kept giving him money.

He lowered his head to Erik and Mathias and spoke to Claude.

"Ah, get up, it's fine," Claude laughed. "He says that he is grateful for your business all this time and hopes he can see you all more. He also mentioned, he'll ensure some money is put into making the place look a little bit better, but it'll take time."

The man lowered his head again - and Claude pushed Almer's head back up.

Mathias nodded at his father's decision and Erik laughed too. "Most people are just bothered that we might not be wanted anywhere else so we'd love to come anytime we can! It's our pleasure, honestly."

"Okay, okay!" Claude shouted from outside. "It's getting late so y'all get going now! Pay your tabs and get back to the dorms, we're closing now!"

Some groaned, but everyone understood the reason. It was already a lot later than the store was obligated to stay open and there was a long day ahead of them.

They ran over and added more money into a steel box Claude made to ease Almer's troubles.

"Yup, yup! Keep it coming! Now is that all? Erik, if you will."

Erik ran inside and verified the situation. After confirming with everyone, he shouted, "yeah, everyone says they've all paid!"

"Hmm... maybe those two didn't... Mathias, pay for your friends. I think that's all we're missing."

"...?" He sighed and added two more gold coins.

Even so, while his uniform was pricey, for his blood anyways, he still had more than forty gold than the day before. Since it was originally about a hundred, he thought he might get lucky and keep the reactionary, extorted prices. Even he did not think it was worth that much. Luckily, he was still paid for his services and those that did pay got something out of it. Their dresses were actually noticeably a step-up in quality, as were the accessories they wore.

And he still ended up having twice as much money as he would've had if he just used his original prices.

'... What do you even do with money when you don't have to buy books or furs?' He contemplated seriously.

Claude pushed him on the back and turned him towards Erik. "I'm gonna pick up something to drink. You interested in joining me, Almer?" He repeated the phrase in the man's language and Mathias took the hint once he saw Claude pick up Alexi off the ground.

After grabbing all of his things, his new clothes, and the bag he brought prior, he, Erik, and a few of the stragglers went back to the dorms.

"... Man, your dad is so cool...!" Erik said finally as they walked to the gates.

"Scylla?" The guard asked.

"Yeah!"

The students showed their ID cards and they were let in without a fuss. They dropped their things off into their rooms and most of them met back up in the dining hall.

"... I can't believe that...!" Erik said, staring starry-eyed at Mathias.

'Please stop. It's weird.' He wrote and passed it over to Erik.

Quickly scanning it, as if normal, Erik laughed. "Nah, honestly. You're lucky. I wish my dad was like that. He's fine and I love him, but still. Didn't he say he just started using this blade," Erik said, putting his crescent blade on the table, "because his hand scythe was bent back from all the saplings? That he had to thresh an entire quarter just because he snuck out one night? Hah... I never heard any of those kinds of stories from my dad..."

"...?"

Mathias assumed his parents were odd, but not more than any others.

'They're probably more strange than you think. Mine are just open about it.'

"Maybe? I'll them when they come. I left early this morning for it and it seemed fine, but I didn't hear anything about being part of a new, legendary blade school..."

"...?"

"Well, whatever! Hurry up and eat," Erik said, despite the fact that he was the only one who hadn't finished. Mathias already grabbed seconds. The second Erik did finish his own second portion, he shouted, "okay! Guys! To the baths!"

Lisanna and Wendi walked in just as they were leaving.

Ayla looked at Lisanna jealously, grumbling, "hey, did you...?"

"Y-yeah... his Mother asked me too..."

"Hmm, fine! I can understand Wendi since she hasn't gone there yet, but still! Next time say, 'please bring Ayla along'!"

"I-I'll keep that in mind," Lisanna promised.

"Okay! Girls! To the baths!"

Both had a lot to do, a lot to plan, and there was little time. As most finished their sculptures, it wasn't too much of an issue. Mathias and Lisanna left theirs as they were when the group arrived - both being hounded by different demands.

"Just give us ten minutes, okay?"

"Okay! Ten minutes!"

Wendi and Lisanna looked at one another and quickly ordered. If they ran back as soon as they finish, it wouldn't be an issue.

Ayla accepted their proposal but still marched off to the baths.

Erik stalled for a moment, ensuring he accounted for two boys specifically and pushed the two into their bathes the second they passed him.

"We need to ask some very important questions!"

Erik shouted, a towel wrapped around his waist and pushing James, Eldrich, and - when he saw him - Alfred into the large room.

Tanner and Jack nodded, Mathias closed his heavy eyes, and the rest stared knowingly at the three who acted a little too boldly.

Erik motioned to the water and had the three sit. There were others in the bath but he did not care as he paced back and forth.

"Okay, I'll start with the one who committed the smallest issue: James, I suspect you have a reason for it, so explain yourself."

James stood up, wrapped the towel around his waist, and accepted the heat. "I acted because I saw that there would be issues with Kira being paired with another. Since Synthy was not acting, nor Mina and Lina, it would make sense that there would be another that would push.

"In order to avoid any rifts caused by her inability to cope with someone that could not be a gentleman, I took it upon myself to ensure she considers herself safe and secure. The girls will act to save one of their own, and the reason they did not is because of Jasmine; however, if there is an event that causes space between her and them, they will aid Kira. And the blame will fall upon the one who chose her and the boys as a whole. As such, without a proper aid, I see only issues arising if she is separated."

Erik nodded along with the reasoning. However, he alone could not make the verdict. "I agree with the assessment. We have much in the way of difficulty getting to know her and her fragile personality is something of an issue. There are alternatives, are there not? A third on a girl pairing? A third on a couple's pairing? Or even an awkward, obligatory female pairing would have been acceptable. Where does the jury stand on the accused?"

Tanner saw the chatter and opted to speak up. "I see no issue with James doing it. I mean, hey, it's probably the best long-term result, provided she opens up and separates from Jazz - not that I'm interested, mind you," Tanner laughed to a muffled course of 'popular bastard' spoken half in jest and half genuine feelings.

"I think so, too. For you all, it's a good result, is it not? We're only a week in. I worry about her dependent personality, but if that means she has a falling out with Jasmine, latches onto either James or Ayla, does that not mean it makes things easier for you all?"

"That... is true...," a boy murmured. "I say he acted well. He knows what he did and why he did it; furthermore, there was no malice and it was for the good of the group, especially since he has stolen away some of Synthy's cohort."

"True, he's the closest to her, indirectly speaking... I agree."

"As do I!"

Discussions continued and James was found innocent.

Erik nodded and locked eyes on another. "As we've determined that James is innocent, we now are going to the second. Eldrich, you know why you are called here today, so do please explain."

Eldrich lowered his head and stepped back into the informal circle that James used as the defence stand.

"Okay, I'll try to explain this as best I can," Eldrich started.

Looking left and right, he said, "I think we all agree that Jasmine is very hot-"

"So that's why!?"

"Ah, no! No! I mean, she is objectively attractive, but it comes with several issues. She essentially leads Kira as a subgroup of Synthy's, but there are several issues with that, are there not? It exposed those like Mina, Lina, Hana, and Synthy to her wiles. I believe Erik and Hunter are in the best position to judge the veracity of my claims: as a record-keeper of the Brotherhood, I know many things. Many are rumours so they're difficult to sift through; however, as many rumours have some truth to them, I did end up trying to find information about Jasmine in her old school.

"As this acts as my defence, I do hope what I'm about to tell you all won't be misused. I'll begin: Jasmine's father, Mathers Thatcher, is the owner of several large companies ranging from agriculture, manufacturing, engineering, research, transportation and industries. There is also talk of his exposure to the black market in various capacities, but the most well-known, due to its association with but passable legal status, is the debt-collecting firm he owns."

Eldrich looked towards Erik before asking, "is it okay for me to continue?"

Erik sighed. "Permission granted. We've yet to verify it, but it logically makes sense."

Eldrich nodded.

"Okay, so keeping in mind he has both connections to the underground and debt-collectors, I'll bring up the target of previous complaint: Kira. She is said to have come from a fallen noble family, who fell three years ago. Her father was imprisoned and had his status revoked on account of the courts discovering embezzlement and fraud.

"Her company was trying to enter into the agricultural sector in the Northern Reaches, near Lord Knight Commander Rettih's land, but all progress suddenly stopped. The contract that was initially signed and sealed was nullified by Salam Rettih, following the charges made by the Council towards Kira Jessal's father.

"His company had no record of leveraging, but even with the fines they immediately filed against him, there was no reason for the company's collapse. However, it is said that debt-collectors began completely baseless requests with documents they said to be debt-instruments; yet, with the man in jail, and time-limits on the courts, the family could not respond to all.

"Their lands and assets were completely seized from them, their subsidiaries switched to supporting other Thatcher based corporations and families, and Kira, her mother, and three young siblings were kicked out - still laden with debt.

"I'm interested in confirming the rumours, and others surrounding Jasmine, if that pleases everyone - even at the expense of my own future."

Eldrich lowered his head apologetically.

Erik sighed. He assumed it was something to that effect, but he reiterated it to be sure. "So you intend to take the burden of researching the Thatcher family insofar as its associations with Kira is concerned?"

Eldrich nodded solemnly as a blush covered his cheeks. "I-I would've preferred Kira..."

Considering he had the opportunity, those words held weight to the boys.

Erik nodded and stopped pacing as he crossed his arms. "Okay. The jury, you've heard his story. Speak your thoughts."

Tanner and Jack stayed silent, but James came to his defence. "I, too, believe that Kira should be prioritized above Jasmine. I should add that I do not have feelings for her in that way so please do not misunderstand my intention. However, Jasmine's reach is too deep. If it is as you say, then there will be few ways to extract her from Jasmine than confirming that evidence. I must remind everyone that that is speculation and rumour - and none are to leave this room or your mouths after this is adjourned."

Hunter nodded. "Regarding the finance trail, it is hard to conclusively put everything in order. It was clearly scrambled and much information is still unknown. However, knowing what I know, I would say that the theory holds the most weight. I would also add that Jasmine is not necessarily beyond saving - a low-priority target, but her reaction when she heard her father was coming was one of anxiety."

"I see. I'll keep my thoughts to myself as I am somewhat jagged. Please deliberate and I'll call on you in a few minutes."

Erik turned to pace back and forth as Alfred began to sweat.

Mathias was somewhat annoyed that they all opted to talk around him again, but Tanner tapped his shoulder and asked, "hey, man. What do you think of that? Buying off the Council?"

"...?" He pointed to his throat.

Tanner raised and eyebrow and shrugged. "Nod if it's likely, tilt your head if it's possible, or shake your head if think it's unlikely."

He shrugged.

Tanner laughed. "Or shrug if you don't care. But, man, you two, Kira and you, were talking in training, I heard. Forgive me for being unable to verify it, being unconscious and all that, but still. She seemed somewhat calmer from the rumours."

He tilted his head - in confusion.

"It's possible?"

He shook his head.

"It's unlikely?"

Mathias rolled his eyes. He was being baited. Tanner laughed again and said, "I think it's worth a shot! If nothing else, the only blame will befall him, right?"

"Yes, that is the case," Erik said from the side.

"Then... it's fine," one said before patting him on the back. "Good luck."

Eldrich received other consolatory pats, and Erik looked around. "I take it that he is deemed innocent?"

"His burden is his own to carry," Jack said with a laugh and mock-formality.

As there were no dissenting opinions, Erik nodded. "It's official. Eldrich has been relieved of guilt. You will have a tough road ahead of you, godspeed, man, godspeed."

Erik lowered his head and gave a silent prayer. The others did the same, following his lead.

After a long-minute, with Eldrich basking in the pity of the others around him now, Erik said, "I'll remind you that that information is not be spoken of again. We'll leave it until it is confirmed, useable, or other not liable to incite bigger issues for us all. However, there is still one more defendant to stand trial. You know who you are."

Erik did not look at him again as he paced. Back and forth, back and forth. Alfred finally summoned the courage to go to the center of the ring.

Mathias finally realized he was indirectly staring at them all and the ring was made to give him full-sight. He thought it was weird and moved over.

Erik paced a little more to one end and the entire group followed Mathias.

"...?"

"The water's nicer over here so deal with it," Tanner said with a laugh.

He sighed and closed his eyes again, apathetic to the watery world of bath trials.

"Alfred, you stand accused of the most egregious sin: you are well aware of the threat that was passed to us, as a class, correct?"

"Y-yes..."

"That in the case of issue, we would all have to run another lap?"

"Y-yes..."

"And that regarding you or others that were named, any unmanaged issues between your parents - or potentially yourselves - will result in a personal penalty, correct?"

"... I-I am willing to accept it, yes..."

"And are you willing to impose Hana to it?"

"That... I-I d-don't... I don't like it, but...!"

"Alfred: your relationship with Hana, what is it?"

"C-Childhood f-friends... and...-"

"And?"

Alfred lowered his head.

"I see. You desire something more. I will personally say here-and-now to refrain from any attempt towards Hana if that makes you feel any better, but there is a bigger issue at play."

"..."

"The issue is that you did act on what was discussed this morning. And I applaud you for it, in general terms, I really do. It takes balls. However, how it was done and who it was done to - that leaves us with issues. I do believe you understand Mr. Shields's distaste for this entire situation, correct?"

"... C-correct..."

"And that he was quite clear, correct?"

"... Y-yes..."

"And you still intend to go after her, after Hana? Despite the abuse you go through?"

"S-she... w-wasn't that b-bad before..."

"Which is to say that it was there, in some nascent form," Erik spoke sagely, inciting a round of nods. "I will ask you this: you seem to admit to your crime and offer no defence, is that true?"

"I-it is... I-I don't think it's a c-crime... b-but..."

"So you admit to your action being down intentionally and undertaken consciously."

"Y-yes..."

"Then I'll ask you here: what punishment is to be served to someone who threatens an entire group? I say this not as a man among the guys' side; rather, a student of the Scylla class."

Erik sighed as he saw Alfred froze.

"Then I'll give you a concession - one that perhaps the group will agree on. I do not represent them right now, only myself, in saying this.

"It is stupid to come to arms over something that might be an issue but proves to be nothing. I say we suspend judgement until the closure of the exhibition. If he proves guilty, we'll judge him accordingly. I'll take my lashes if it means that I ensure I'm not one to just attack blindly at every slight. If nothing happens, we'll celebrate him as a man among men for having the balls to do that.

"That is my opinion on the matter. Now, everyone, where do you stand?"

"No big deal. We'll deal with it then."

"Cool, I'm down for that."

Tanner and Jack said their two-cents and having three popular guys agree made the action have more validity. At least, it had enough to be internalized as a useful skill to practise to ensure success with women.

Which was an arguable more important matter than a single lap over the course over their school life. Especially since there was no reshuffling of the classes to hide bad behaviour. They thought long and hard on the matter before concluding the matter to be delayed.

"Is that so? Alfred, you are tentatively released. We'll commence a new meeting come tomorrow night. However, as we at this point, Eldrich and Hunter, please share some of the information we obtained. The basic level. We'll be counting on you all for further information so that we all have a good time tomorrow."

Mathias turned to get up since it was probably going to go into strange territory. Furthermore, the crowd broke up a little, giving him some room to navigate.

A hand pressed on his shoulder and Erik jumped into the water finally.

"Mathias, I'd like to thank you as a guy for your mother's actions today."

"...?"

"I agree. I saw Jill's gown, but it was just that: a gown. Your mother's dress is a lot more pleasing on the eyes," Jack laughed.

One couldn't restrain himself and grabbed the gloating Jack and dunked his head into the water. He toothed a smile and retaliated, and after a few back-and-forths, the two stopped.

"Yeah, you might be used to it because of your old job, but we're not! I now grant an automatic two-rank upgrade to all information regarding Lisanna, so that it will cost a whole hell of a lot for to get information on her," Erik said generously. Normally, he was considering a single-rank upgrade, but since he got training from Claude Fellstone, he was very happy.

The guys who understood the system either gasped or nodded in absolute agreement but Mathias did not know a thing about anything they did. To him, saying it was worth two widgets more made just as much sense. Yet, he was good at ignoring anything that wasn't explicitly in his face. Especially when such circumstances could be made simply by closing his eyes to the whole thing.

"For those that are dissatisfied, we also have to take into account that our new attire will be much, much more fitting to take aim at any girls the important people bring around with them when they try to secure lasting connections. I know you know what that means."

The rest stopped grumbling as they recalled the needlessly satiny gowns that they had before. Since most did not speak out and have them excessively modified like Lisanna, they were stuck with it.

It cost a few gold, but they had saved up at least that much for this grand event.

"...?" Mathias asked a question with his eyes.

An important one.

Erik nodded. "Yes, you can leave now. Guys! We'll be starting our discussion! Thomas, Justin, get your asses back over there for now!"

Erik sent off two spies and commenced the meeting as Mathias returned to the room.

He blinked.

And then shrugged.

After making sure no one touched his fur, he ignored the strange scene, heeded his mother's demands to heal the scars on his neck, and wrote all the words he needed to - or might need to - for tomorrow so he wouldn't have to talk to that many people. As a fail-safe, he slept with ice loosely revolving around his neck to remind him.

And slept.