Chapter 39: Chapter 39 : Moving in

Turning the corner, Ralf’s mood instantly lifted at the spotting of his mom.

Ravaged by anxiety, Hana had decided to wait outside the bar. Joel and Greg accompanied her, with the latter entering storyteller mode to distract her from her troubled emotions.

He chose to tell the two stories about Ralf, told earlier.

Which parent didn’t want people to speak of their child in a positive light? With this thought process, Greg began. True to his machinations, Hana’s strained body and mind began relaxing.

What Greg didn’t expect was the level of surprise she showed at his words. It threw him off. Why would she be so surprised at her son’s abilities and actions?

A short distance away, Joel, who was listening in was thoroughly shocked. The revelations were no different than a sledgehammer striking his skull, it completely blew away the previous image he had of Ralf.

“Hey, long time no see,” Ralf walked up and said.

The trio’s heads turned to him, each showing varying smiles.

The Fawkes pair naturally gravitated to each other, embracing in a tender hug.

“Glad you’re back.”

“Mmm.”

Separating a few seconds later, Ralf headed for the carriage.

“Not going to stay for a bit?”

Ralf shook his head. “I’m not feeling too good right now. I’d rather rest up.”

“Understandable, they’ll have to wait another time. Let's get to it then.”

The four boarded the carriage and moved eastward. Ten minutes later, they arrived at the walled district.

At the elegant archway entrance, guards could be seen posted, both Rank 4 Telekinetics.

It was the sight of these guards during yesterday’s roaming that made Ralf eager to live here. Seeing Greg’s face, the guards let the carriage pass through without any hassle. The Flower Districts were the most pricey places to live in Ganurg. Its stellar security was its main draw, but not its only draw, as Ralf and Hana were experiencing for themselves.

True to its name, flowers were aplenty. Planted and arranged with clear artistic vision, the various colours dressed up the district, making for a marvellous display. Of course, orchards dominated this particular district.

The architecture present was a notch above anything outside. The tiled roads which had flower patterns in them, the fountain at the centre, the various sculptures; all highlighted this fact. Moving along the pathway that resembled a barren tree, the carriage soon arrived at its destination.

“And we’re here,” Greg announced. “That’s my house over there,” he pointed at the three-story house twenty meters away before turning around, “and this here is yours.”

The Fawkes pair hopped off the carriage and took in their new home. As with every plot here, it was large. A simple calculation would put it at three times the size of their former residence. A large three-story house stood inside the square made up of thick cream-coloured walls.

Ralf had no complaints. As long as it had a soft bed, a fireplace, and his mother, all was good.

Not rushing to enter, Ralf turned around. “Thanks, Greg, you’ve helped a lot. I’ll remember this well.”

“Thank you, Greg,” Hana followed up a second later.

Greg smiled. “I’ve said this, you’ve earned this place yourself. But if you really want to pay me back, don’t be a stranger. Visit whenever. I can smell no less than a thousand juicy secrets in that head of yours. Spill a few my way, okay.”

Ralf nodded. “Will do. I’ll stop by tomorrow, we can talk then.”

“Oh, fantastic.” Greg’s eyes lit up at these words. He was already clearing his mental schedule in anticipation.

While Greg was thinking of possible lines of questioning, Ralf turned to Joel.

“Thank you too, Joel. Here, as promised.” Ralf handed a pouch to Joel.

At the Adventurer Association branch, Ralf had withdrawn 10 gold coins, five meant for the Red Star, and the rest to pay Joel, for his transporting job.

Receiving it, Joel’s face turned uneasy. He was uncomfortable with doing so little and receiving so much. “Ralf isn’t this too mu-”

It’s not.” Ralf cut in sharply. “It's what you deserve. Good job and thank you.”

The decisiveness in Ralf’s voice crushed any notions of refusing in Joel’s mind. Hearing the young man’s words, his heart swelled with emotion. In this world where cruelty took a thousand forms, kindness was still alive and well.

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Joel took a breath to avoid getting choked up before saying, “Thank you, Ralf.”

The four people then split into pairs. After unloading their stuff from the carriage, Ralf and Hana settled into their new home. Joel was invited to stay the night at Greg’s place, which he accepted. The two then headed for Golden Jug together.

***

Meanwhile in Lagner…

“You really did that…”

Hearing his boss’ words, Jeremy’s eyes were glazed over in incredulity. After a few seconds in this state, he sprang to life, face scrunching up nastily.

“I told you we should distance ourselves from him, so why…why would you antagonize him further?!”

“Why you ask…you can see it for yourself can’t you?" Tucker tapped the ten gold coins on his desk, “Ten gold coins. We don’t see that much in a month, and yet we managed to get that in just over a day. Now, another twenty-five gold coins are due. And then after that, a much larger sum, until finally the cow is out of milk.”

Jeremy’s face twisted up. ‘Ah, this feeling, there’s no mistake. It’s even stronger than before.’ Overwhelmed by his instincts’ screeching cries, his body began trembling.

“This is bad, very bad. We have to break this off now, we hav-”

“Enough!”

Tucker’s palm slammed on the table. “Enough of that bullshit. You’re wrong about him,” he with a huff.

“Wrong?”

“Yes, wrong. Charlie, enlighten our troubled Jeremy here on what happened earlier and explain to him what type of person Ralf Fawkes really is.”

Charlie nodded then began his account.

Hearing from start to end, Jeremy’s instincts clamoured even louder. While the two interpreted the sequence of events as Ralf being a coward, Jeremy’s mind reached the opposite conclusion.

‘Froze up? No, he didn’t freeze up. He made a conscious effort to not move or release any Psi. With his money in the Adventurer Association branch, he knew they wouldn’t kill him. Then, he played the frightened lamb…’

The more he thought about it, the more fearful Jeremy became. His earlier suspicions were further fueled. He took a breath.

“Boss Desmond, I stand by my conclusion,” Jeremy turned around. “I’m going to call the deal off before it's too late.”

[Charlie.]

Charlie nodded, then directed his Psi forth. A second later, a Psi wall obstructed Jeremy’s stride.

“You’ll not,” Tucker said forcefully. “The deal will continue as is. We’ve dragged our feet for far too long. Going forward, the Red Star will expand its methodology.” Tucker glanced at the coins. “If I keep following your advice, I'll end up buried in this shit hole.”

Jeremy’s face scrunched up and snapped back, “If you don’t, you’ll definitely be buried here, and soon.”

“Hmph, nonsense,” the gangster said, totally dismissive of the claim.

Jeremy fists clenched up, but after a few seconds, it relaxed. A sigh escaped from his mouth.

“Nonsense out of your system,” Tucker asked, watching his subordinate.

“Yeah,” Jeremy answered, his voice listless and tired. “I won’t interfere with the deal. You’re the boss, continue as you see fit.”

Tucker nodded in approval. He retrieved a cigar and had Charlie float it over.

“Take it. Jeremy, you’re a valuable member. Take a rest, a few weeks should reset your mind.”

“Thanks, Boss Desmond. Then, I’ll be off.” Taking the cigar, Jeremy moved. With Charlie’s Psi wall dissipated, he made his exit. Steps leading him outside, he headed south.

‘I’ve given my warning. Whatever comes next is on you. I’ve long repaid the debt I owe you, Tucker.’

He glanced up. The burnt sky resembled a sea of flames. Staring at it, trepidation bloomed in his heart and he was hit by a sense of urgency.

‘I can't stay here, I have to leave this place quick before it's too late...’

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