Turnabout Reverse Apprenti
Chapter 1.
A lacy black parasol spun round and round. Effectively, it shielded the young woman who sat upon the wooden bench. She turned away momentarily from the man seated next to her to observe a loose thread on her black dress. Then, she looked up at the gargantuan library she called home.
She became aware of her 'zoning out' and promptly whipped her head back to the top-hatted gentleman.
He'd gone off topic again. His memories veered toward his lost love, Claire. The woman chose this moment to interrupt.
"Hershel, as much as I love to hear about your past, I can't help but feel a bit jealous," she stated twirling her parasol more vigorously.
"Hm?" the top-hatted gentleman named Professor Hershel Layton innocently inquired. "Whatever do you mean Miss Mystere—I mean Ridelle?"
He held on to his hat, as he often did when asking about something.
"Well," she began, "I can't help but feel that…"
Ridelle stopped twirling the parasol and adjusted her glasses.
"You only enjoy my company because I always have puzzles," she accused.
Layton's eyes widened a bit, but he recovered with a small smile.
"Miss Ridelle, I assure you, I enjoy your company as much as I enjoy solving puzzles."
"Oh, always the gentleman," the librarian thought.
"I apologize Hershel. Let me be direct this time," Ridelle announced as she placed the parasol beside her. She turned her body to face him on the bench. Perhaps Layton could sense what was coming, as he braced himself by holding the brim of his hat.
"I like you Hershel Layton, and I thought you felt the same when you started visiting me so frequently. However, I see you still have another on your mind."
The professor tipped his hat over his eyes.
"Oh…That obvious?" he confessed.
"Hm," she replied with an affirmative. The two sat in silence for a moment.
The professor spoke first.
"It has been several years since I last saw her spirit. I thought…I had gotten better," he related.
Ridelle leaned in a bit to peek under the brim of his top hat. Layton's eyes were glassy. She sighed sadly, a pout forming on her lips.
"Dear Professor…I feel that this is my doing."
"No-no, I apologize for inconveniencing you Miss Ridelle."
Layton stood from his seat.
"No," the librarian grabbed his sleeve, "I will always be glad to make your acquaintance Hershel, b-but I must do something about this."
Ridelle paused and put her hand to her chin in thought. She did not let go of Layton's sleeve either, leaving him to stand there awkwardly. The woman finally stood with an idea in mind.
"That girl who was with you in Labrynthia," she started.
"Miss Maya Fey?…Or Espella?" he provided.
"Maya Fey," Ridelle confirmed. "Didn't she say she was a spirit medium?"
A teen Luke Triton knocked on the door to his father's office. He still wore his signature blue cap, but had long since replaced his sweater with a sweater vest and his shorts for slacks. He rocked on his heels waiting for a response.
"Come in," called the tired voice he knew as his father's.
The teen gently opened the door and closed it firmly behind him.
"Luke, what is it my boy?" his father asked.
Luke noted the professor would have addressed him in a similar manner. The teen took a deep breath to calm his nerves. He had practiced this. There should be no trouble at all.
"Father, I would like to study abroad in America," he began.
"…Luke, why so far away?" the man chuckled.
Since returning home from Professor Layton's apprenticeship some time ago, it seemed Mr. Triton could not keep his son from traveling. Luke had visited many parts of the U.K. in his spare time.
"We'll find a fine school for you here, in England," Clark Triton assured.
"No Father. I've already been accepted. I would just need to respond, and I just wanted to ask if you could financially support me. I do have some scholarships, so it won't be terribly expensive," Luke pleaded. Clark sighed.
"Money isn't the problem Luke. I just want to know, why do you need to be so far?"
Clark stood and put a hand on his son's shoulder. Luke pressed his lips together, puffing his cheeks out a bit.
"…I've always liked traveling. A-and I have been curious about seeing America since meeting Mr. Wright and Maya," Luke reasoned.
"The lawyer?"
"Yes. I plan on studying law when I go to Uni. I promise the school there is really great Dad, and I plan to come back for collegiate studies," Luke started pleading again.
"Alright, alright, I'll take a look at the info you have," Clark conceded. Luke's eyebrows rose, then he remembered the manilla folder he had clutched in his left hand.
"Right," he replied giving his research over to his father.
"I'll give you an answer in the morning."
"Of course. Thank you Father." Luke tipped his hat.
"No need son. I'm just always surprised by how self-sufficient you've become. I'm proud, though I regret not being able to take credit," the elder Triton mused.
Luke was taken aback thinking of the professor once more. Their parting had been sudden. Professor had needed his support then, but his father had requested he return home immediately. Of course, Layton could not refuse. Former apprentice and master had kept up light correspondence since then, but Luke was reluctant to visit London again. He might not have the willpower to return home.
Luke smiled at his father.
"It's alright Father. I'm appreciative of all you have done for me. Thanks."
Luke Triton took his leave and quietly closed the door behind him.
