The four met when the sun began to stretch its orange arms across the sky. While waiting for them all to convene, Medurio reflected on his current plight. There were some upsides for him at least. His helping hands had done some of the work, hopefully enough that they could take some of the blame if it were to come to it.

“I broke my regimen for this.” Siegfried explained as he did pushups on the worn stone. He had been training here for longer than Medurio had waited. Artur and Scrulo… Those two were sure taking their time, time that Medurio was quite irritated to have taken from him. Surprisingly, Siegfried was silent until now. Sure, there was a glare now and again, but there was a lack of yelling and rude comments. Good for Medurio, this was his first time thinking clearly in the man’s presence.

Medurio was rolling around on the side of the fountain. Now he rolled to face Siegfried, nearly falling over in the process. “Weren’t you the one who proposed that we show at this time?” He lazily looked over at the man who was breathing heavily, “It does not seem like you broke it to me.”

Siegfried continued his pushups. “I train with my sword as well, and they only allow that in the practice field.”

“Hmm,” He decided this was the longest he cared to speak with the man.

The two latecomers finally appeared and faced the bored stares of those who were early. “Apologies friends,” Artur said with a quick bow. He was wearing a burgundy vest with matching beret and pants, something that Medurio guessed wealthy people would define as casual.

Artur’s eyes immediately went to Siegfried, “Is he alright?” He said with worry.

“Just some training,” Siegfried replied as he pushed his body into a sitting position. “What was the holdup?”

Scrulo spoke up, “I took the liberty to explain to our new companion here what that rascal had busied himself with.” Meanwhile he pointed to Medurio, who frowned for far more than that.

“Why?” Medurio replied, no longer fazed by the fact that Scrulo reported his crimes to every man within speaking distance.

“He’s helping us!” Scrulo said as a matter of fact. “Would it really be kind to a man to unknowingly get him involved in matters such as this?”

Medurio sighed in disbelief, “Fine, are you two ready now?” He sure hoped they would say yes, his mind was enveloped in a fog of boredom.

“Aye,” Scrulo said as he calmly watched the sunrise. “What’s the succeeding ingredient?”

Medurio fished for the text in his bag so he would not say it incorrectly, “A dash of sugar.” He read it again, “They could have been more specific.”

“The definition of a dash would vary on who you spoke to,” Scrulo thought aloud. “So they either meant a few flakes, or a spoonful. But since they directly included that word for the ingredient…”

“Less than a spoonful than,” Medurio concluded. “As close as we’ll ever be to the definition.” Just as he thought before, these people could do the thinking for him and at least one of them was somewhat intelligent.

Siegfried slouched back slightly, letting the wind cool off his face. “Would the tavern happen to have any of it, Artur?”

Artur shook his head, “It’s a tavern not a bakery. The only things we stock are meat and alcohol.”

“So you get a drink, a meal, but no desert?”

“There’s a bakery right next to us, and they do a damn better job then we ever could.”

“I don’t know of any other places besides a bakery that would have it. Even then, sugar is expensive isn’t it?”

For Medurio, buying anything was an impossibility. He had no job and hardly any money from his father, a pastor of slightly greater wealth. “I don’t think I could simply buy some unless one of you were willing to pay for it on my behalf,” he said even though he knew what the answer would likely be.

The three looked amongst each other cluelessly. Artur shrugged, “I could get you some. But is sugar not a northern specialty? I assume it would be difficult to even be given permission to purchase it from the merchantry.”

Medurio groaned, “Any other ideas?” He had one, but it would lead to immediate scolding from the others. The group had grown quiet now, thinking, thinking for too long in Medurio’s opinion. He supposed that he would have to say it now. “They may have some in the kitchens. I heard they were giving away pastries at some event. Perhaps that was an ingredient?” He braced himself.

Scrulo looked at him with narrowed eyes, the first barrage. “I hope this doesn’t involve one of your special methods.”

Siegfried went next, “It could be done that way, but is there really nothing else?”

And finally Artur, “It’s not like they have anyone counting individual crumbs.”

The two doubtful members eyed Artur curiously before Scrulo began to lecture them. “You both are in need of some reeducation. You realize that that is a crime! Then we would not only be committing heresy, but thievery as well!”

Artur snorted, “You make it sound worse than it is. We are not stealing from some poor farmhand friend. Plus, the amount is so minuscule that I doubt even the gods would notice.”

“We are insulting the gods as it is by aiding Medurio in his attempt at mimicking their power! Do you not think that it would be foolish to anger them even further?”

An idea appeared in Medurio’s head, something to prevent the headache coming from the arguing. “What if I were to bless the concoction before drinking it?”

Scrulo turned to him, still tense, “Bless it? But that is not part of the steps, would it not ruin the concoction?”

“Not necessarily. A blessing by the Lower Goddess of Alchemy would only improve the outcome.”

“It would work but that would not make you any less guilty in the eyes of an inquisitor. More so, it would not nullify thievery! Is that not right Siegfried?”

Siegfried grunted, too tired to put up much fight. “I agree with neither of you, do what must be done. I will not touch the stolen goods myself though.”

Scrulo gritted his teeth, “You three… Fine, do what you want! You will soon come to realize that you are mistaken. Saint Molaire, heavens upon him, said that those who take from others do a greater disservice to themselves.”

Medurio rolled his eyes, another philosopher to add to his list of people he didn’t care about. In his mind, the only disservice he had done to himself was accepting Scrulo’s help.

For the majority of students, the cafeteria they knew was in the services building in between both dormitories. But that place was full in the morning and the kitchen was likely too busy to allow just anyone in. The staff cafeteria on the other hand, was within the main building. Medurio heard passing conversations of it serving higher quality meals and hosting guests such as the Pope himself. In his mind that meant that they had sugar.

They took a straight path to the main building, the clock tower at its peak directing them and the many other people around them towards it. Once again Medurio would have to put up with their banter as the others went at it, this time with Artur joining the fray.

“I’ve been curious about this for quite some time now,” Siegfried said to Artur. “Didn’t you say that you had made a pact with the Lower Goddess of Snow?”

Artur nodded his head staunchly, “The beauty of Goddess Nixus is boundless, and I am firmly devoted to her.”

“Huh?” Scrulo muttered, “How can you know the beauty of that which you have never laid eyes upon?”

“I need not see her beauty to know that it is there. For past legends say that she is as the snow, graceful and wonderful as one.” Artur’s words sent a shiver up Medurio’s spine, Scrulo was terrible at choosing company.

“Why did you choose her anyway?” Siegfried asked, “I’ve seen southern fellows, and they’re a lot bigger than you are.”

“Not every southern man is like those big brutes you read about. I was born in Nevasis province, southern Roscudo. Place where it snows just as much as what you would consider a southern nation.”

Siegfried snorted, “That explains the accent. I’m surprised you even have a patron god, don’t you people worship the empress instead?”

“What?” Artur said with sudden exasperation. Medurio could already tell that this would not lead to a nice place. Arguments over Ros and Bendi beliefs were a known cause of broken noses throughout Medurio's side of the world. His father had told him it had all been caused by some broken alliance nearly a millennia ago.

Scrulo had a sketchy smirk on his face which made Medurio uncomfortable. Perhaps he believed this would act as a payback of sorts?

Artur continued, “Don’t you dare insult her name you… You plebeian! Our divine empress has led our great nation on a wealthy path for centuries! What have your kings ever done? Nothing but made a mess out of your oh so powerful Königreich!”

Siegfried’s face instantly warped into a scowl, “Isn’t it around this time that your people grovel at the heels of your hag empress?”

“By the gods take that back! You good for nothing son of-”

Medurio could already tell that this had gone way past where it should have. With not even a second to think it over, he restrained Siegfried, pulling him back before he could pummel Artur. Because if they did fight, he knew that the skinny Ros noble wouldn’t be standing afterwards.

Before Artur could reach Siegfried, Scrulo pulled the man away. A maneuver that caused them to struggle amongst each other.

“Calm yourself!” Medurio shouted as Siegfried shook around like a rebellious cat. Suddenly, the man slammed his elbow into his stomach, causing Medurio to wince. “Bastard!”

“Let me go! His mouth has no right insulting the Fatherland!”

“We have a job to do you spastic,” Medurio said tensely. He honestly cared none for their petty argument and the longer they meddled with the ingredient gathering, the more angry and forceful he became. “You have no right to cause such a scene when you are here to help me!”

Eventually, the four stood apart, out of breath and silent for some time. “You fools,” Medurio said raspily. “If one of the disciplinarians saw that they would have done the inquisitor’s job for them.”

“Sorry about that,” Ardur said. “It usually ends this way.”

Medurio looked at Siegfried, hoping that the man would also apologize. “Hmph,” the man grunted arrogantly. “Don’t think I’ll forget your words so easily Ros.”

Artur straightened himself, “Of course you won’t.” He extended his arm for a handshake, “But how about we forget it for now, helping our friend should be a priority.”

Siegfried shook it firmly, “Right, I almost forgot. His actions are far more offensive then your words could ever be.”

As they released their grips, Artur’s eyes wandered elsewhere. “Now she’s a pretty one.”

“Huh?” Siegfried turned to where he looked. A woman with bright golden hair and a soft face strolled nearby. “Unfortunately, I agree with you this time.”

Medurio looked to see what the commotion was about. He supposed that she was quite beautiful, although that was not why she caught his attention. He remembered speaking to her at some point. A woman by the name of… What was it? The thought immediately cleared. Three puzzle pieces suddenly came together in his head. The cafeteria, the woman, the sugar. That was it! Immediately, he went towards her, to the surprise of his three companions.

“Excuse me.” Medurio said, repressing the urge to utter what he knew was not her name.

She turned to him, Artur and Siegfried were telling the truth. “Yes? Oh, Medurio! It’s good to see you again!”

His memories came back to him. He had partnered with her in class at some point in the past month, for theology of all materials. Unfortunately, his knowledge was poor on the subject and she had to do the majority of the thinking. He finally remembered her name, Livia Chara. “I was wondering if you would be doing a favor for me, a small one.” He squished two fingers together to accentuate his point.

Livia frowned, “I’m sorry, could you ask me later? I have to go to work.”

“That’s exactly what I wanted to ask you about.”

Livia raised a brow, “Really?”

“Yes, you do work at the staff cafeteria, right?”

“I do,” she narrowed her eyes. “They won’t let you eat there, even if I ask them for permission.”

“No, no. I’m not asking for that. You see me and my friends here,” He gestured to the three men behind him, watching like a pack of wolves. “Are actually looking to obtain a very small amount of sugar.”

Livia held up her chin with her fist, “Well we do have sugar. Buuut, I’m quite sure they won’t allow me to lend it to just anyone.”

Medurio frantically shook his head. If he lost his chance then he would have to go ahead with the much more stressful plan, too bothersome for him. “Not to worry. I would only need a small amount, just enough to cover your fingertip.”

“Uhhh.” Livia looked around nervously. “What exactly would you need sugar for? Honey is already quite good.”

“It's a specific ingredient for a very specific potion I am brewing. Honey would not be of much use sadly.” Medurio watched as Livia shuffled around, “I doubt anyone would notice, unless you measure your inventory. Do you measure your inventory? Because if you d-”

Livia put up her hand to interrupt him, “Fine, I’ll do it. But you owe me. This is not something that I am fine with doing. Will you ask me for this again if I succeed? Because I will definitely only do this once.”

Medurio faintly smiled at his success, “Don’t worry yourself, this is a one time occasion. Sugar is not a common ingredient for alchemists.”

Livia gave him a hard look, “Fine. I’m going to be late if you keep bothering me. Come back at midday, I’ll have some for you.” She began to walk away hastily.

Medurio returned to his three companions with a wide grin on his face. “I didn’t expect you to be the one to beat us to it,” Siegfried said with arms crossed. “I’m quite impressed given that it was done by… Well, you.”

“Damn!” Artur exclaimed, “What did you say to her? It looked like you had her real riled up!”

“What?” Medurio said in complete confusion. “I asked her if she could get us some sugar. I remembered her telling me that she worked at the staff cafeteria when we were class partners sometime ago.”

Artur whistled calmly, “So she's still on the table?”

Medurio stared blankly at him before coming to the realization that the man was a bigger fool than he thought. “No clue.”

“As if she’d wanted to speak to a Ros.” Siegfried said mockingly.

“I saw her first, you brute!”

“She said to come back at midday,” Medurio said forcefully enough to draw them out of their approaching argument.

Saying their goodbyes, they went their own separate ways for the meantime. Medurio was at least relieved to have some rest. Perhaps I should let them fight? he thought. That would only leave Scrulo, but he’s the reason why this all started in the first place. He shook his head, he didn’t like to see them fight anyway. Especially since it could catch unwanted attention.