Author's Notes: So I might continue this after chapter 10 or so. We'll see.
II: A Talent For Cleaning
"Year 475 of the Sun Calendar: x-month, y-day. In the almost two weeks since coming here, life in the castle has been calm and stable at most. The only thing different now is the magician who appeared into thin air a few days ago."
Thomas set down his quill, satisfied with the short entry he inputted this morning. They were finally going somewhere with the castle. Well, they still have no new shops opened and he hadn't received any visitors interested. Their supplies were still dwindling but...okay, so it wasn't very stable but everyone was working very hard.
There was one who wasn't very contributing though. It was the magician who appeared into thin air. At least he wasn't like Eike though, who Thomas never saw leave the library. Thomas was worried the magician had hit trouble until he reappeared to eat. Assured he was at least human, Thomas joined in his meal to know more about him.
Thomas learned that the magician's name was Luc. Aside from that, he didn't talk much. Thomas sensed Luc was a bit secretive but he was mostly stubborn and anti-social. And maybe moody. Luc got tired of Thomas talking (he hadn't said more than five sentences!) and left with a swing of his staff. With his plate.
Figuring that it would take some time for Luc to adjust, he gave him some space in the meantime. However, this adjustment had now stretched to days and Thomas was faced with a rather awkward problem Sebastian had pointed out.
"Young master," Sebastian said worriedly (he was always worried.) "I'm afraid there's a lot of work in the castle and by the way I see things, he is merely free-loading!"
Asking Luc to leave was out of the question but if things come to worst, it might be the better option. Thomas sighed and thought he should bring this up but Luc wasn't exactly anywhere in the castle. He'd have to wait for him to pop in.
Once more, Luc showed up for a meal. It was going to be very awkward but it was now or never. Thomas approached Luc and quickly tried to swing the topic in about his presence and his...free-loading.
Luc's spoon hesitated for a moment but he continued eating like Thomas had said nothing.
Luc sighed. "I have been ordered to assist you if my powers are of use."
"That's great!" Thomas said, relieved that this had been easier than he imagined it to be. "We need help around the castle. A lot. It would be great if you help with the construction and cleaning."
It was at this moment Luc gave him a very skeptical stare. Then he covered his mouth and yawned widely. The loudness of the drawled yawn made Thomas doubt its authenticity.
"Maybe when I feel like it," Luc answered.
Then he vanished. Again. With his plate. Again.
The second time around, Thomas was more prepared. Luc was obviously not one to get abashed by what he's going, especially since he knows he's free-loading. Thomas told this to Luc out flat – while still being polite and gentle in his tone – in hopes of asserting authority by telling him some rules of the castle.
Luc sighed. "You're not going to give this a rest, are you? Fine but I'm not doing any work that can make me break a sweat."
"You can wash the dishes," Thomas offered. At that moment, Luc gave him a murderous glare. Thomas raised his hand defensively, feeling killing intent radiate from the magician. "Hmph!" Then he vanished. Without the plate.
The following day, Thomas was in search for Luc. He was afraid he had offended Luc and the magician had decided to leave. Sebastian would probably celebrate but Thomas didn't want a guest leave because of his lack of hospitality (oh the crimes of indulgence). When Sebastian showed up, he was truly happy but not for the reasons Thomas thought.
"Master Thomas, you did it! The young lad had finally did work in the castle! I've never seen the floor so clean and the dishes done and set right! Even the sink was cleaned! Ooh, what great timing. My back was aching."
"Take it easy, Sebastian," Thomas said, smiling. "And I told you, you can just call me Thomas."
That was one castle lord job done! The next time Luc appears to eat, he will apologize and express his gratitude. When Thomas climbed up the stairs and to his room, he saw Cecile and Muto huddled behind a door.
"What's going on?"
"Shhh!" Cecile hushed. "Luc is sleeping!"
"Really?" Thomas asked, surprised. He always did wonder where Luc slept. "But it's broad daylight."
"Muto saw him last night – wurf – with broom and bucket to make things squeeky clean!" Muto barked.
"Shh, Muto, lower your voice!" Cecile said. "I saw him too, Master Thomas. After all, I'm the guard of the castle. For a second, I thought he was a thief. It's a good thing I heard him muttering about cleaning."
"He must have been really exhausted," Thomas said, turning to the door. "We should let him rest. I'll have Sebastian send him food later."
When they dispersed, Thomas suddenly found the story confusing. Wasn't Luc a magician? Why did he have to clean the castle manually?