Knowledge was not something to be nagged between four walls and a license.
You'd think that as one of the shining stars of the Intedarshan, the Akademiya would give Faruzan some wiggle room concerning class enrolment and funding. Yet, no. Knowledge could only be spread if you reached a certain amount of arbitrary statistics that Faruzan had to complement with other endeavours.
The purpose of "Appreciation of Popular Literature" was a mere cover for Faruzan to keep on doing what she liked. To push the learning of ancient languages to comprehend and study ancient mechanisms. The Haravatat kept on nagging her about doing some actual, language-related studies, so she came up with this idea. For a few weeks, she'd teach the general public how to properly read.
Now, this public class was not about teaching how to read. The public should have a general understanding of how to do it. The purpose was to inculcate the urge to read and to do it properly. No jumping around phrases, knowing what commas and periods meant, and learning the overall theme of a story. It was a mix of analysis and proper etiquette.
Faruzan wasn't completely thrilled to give this class, but if her dearest potential pupil Collei was among the crowd, it was worth it. Perhaps this was the interest the girl needed to enjoy language and become her first Pupil in a century. If not, then at least it would do good for her development. Such a good kid needed the best!
Other people were attending the public class. Being outside, in a plaza, had that effect. A few kids, two or three elders with nothing better to do and some adults. A bit of everything. Faruzan didn't mind that.
And… that obnoxious Hat Guy as well. Whatever he was doing, he had nonchalantly crossed the plaza twice before finally stopping to listen to her lecture.
After the Interdarshan tournament, she interacted with him a few times. Besides that awful attempt at apologising for utterly demolishing her poor Vairambhaka gear, they had bumped into each other here and there. He once interrupted one of her classes. Another time he flipped her off in the middle of the street for no reason. Last time, he hid from her the moment they crossed glances inside the House of Daena. Faruzan wasn't quite sure why.
Faruzan stole a glance at him every now and then. He seemed harmless. Keenly listening to her. Unmoving. Barely blinking. Which was unnatural and somewhat menacing. If he hadn't revealed himself to be all bark and no bite, he'd be legitimately frightening. In one of her glances, she must have stared for too long because he suddenly smirked and stuck out his tongue like a kid.
What a brat! And very embarrassing!
She had no objections to people who wished to learn, so she just continued on with her class without an issue.
The last ten minutes were for questions of the public. Besides a few dull questions and Collei's more composed suggestions, nobody seemed to be overly interested. Faruzan was hoping they'd show some keen interest, but they seemed to be more interested in Faruzan's narration of the book rather than the lecture itself.
With that, the class wrapped up. It felt like a waste of an hour, but at least Faruzan could spend some time with one of her potential pupils.
"Do you have any more questions, dear Collei?" She quickly approached Collei, who seemed so happy to see Faruzan that she froze in terror.
"Oh, um, well, I mean…"
"I didn't like the story." Faruzan jumped at the unexpected voice. It was that stupid Hat Guy again. "Pick something with more substance, it's generic and boring. Also, I have issues listening to your voice. Raise it higher."
Faruzan didn't like his intrusion. "I will take your criticism and throw it in the bin. What do you want, Hattie?"
He scoffed at her answer, his eyes landing on Collei. Though uneasy at his piercing stare, she simply slightly hid behind Faruzan.
"You don't have any questions, do you, Ranger?" He shifted his weight and crossed his arms. "Why don't you leave the adults alone for a moment? I need to talk with the hag."
Faruzan stood defiant. "Collei has many questions. And don't harass my students. Don't you have anything better to do?" She sighed and rolled her eyes, making sure his attention was on her and not her dear student.
"Don't you? You're bored out of your mind, don't try to deny it. This tedious sham of a lecture is something you don't even want to do. How about I give you what you want?" His cocky smile and disregard for anyone else around was something Faruzan simply could not tolerate.
"Shut it. I am not in the mood for your childish attitude. Do not bother me while I am busy imparting classes."
With a playful chuckle, he threw up his hands and backed away. "Oh sure, I'll leave. I wouldn't want you to throw a tantrum."
He pulled down the brim of his hat and pivoted his body away, leaving like he had done nothing wrong. Faruzan watched his tranquil amble for a few long seconds before clicking her tongue. He was a pushover, she had realised that after the Interdarshan However, he was still so annoying!
"The audacity of that brat. Coming here, insulting my class and demanding attention. Don't you agree, Collei dear?"
"Oh, yes!" Collei answered by inertia, not really sure of what had transpired.
"Now, let's disregard this hiccup." Faruzan finally turned to her potential pupil, who seemed uneasy after their brief measurement of egos. "Any questions, dear?"
"No! I mean, no Madam."
Such a good girl. Collei just loved to learn! Unlike that impudent little… Why did he show no care for some timely knowledge?
A peaceful week had passed by ever since that whippersnapper had the gale to criticize her teachings. It was good he had not appeared, because then he'd have no complaints! Her voice was loud and clear!
To be completely fair, Faruzan preferred his presence to that of Akademiya officials. Those parvenus thought they were extraordinary just because they could decide whether she was still capable of teaching. Because of course, old Faruzan just wasn't what she was like! She's just a leftover relic from a past age! Those fools never even met her beforehand! But no, if you want funding you need to do this, or do that. Do we need to repeat it, old lady?
She hated it.
But of course, that hate was quickly redirected when she was giving another open lecture in the plaza. And she saw that Hattie was once again among the small crowd, if slightly isolated from them.
Unlike last time, he had his arms crossed while tapping his foot. His eyes were hidden below his hat, obviously not hiding the fact that he wasn't listening. Yes, truly despicable! There was nothing more disrespectful than showing up to a class and not listening! Stay at home otherwise!
The moment she asked for a break to rest her voice, Faruzan went straight towards the Wanderer, her brows knitted together.
"What are you doing here?" She immediately demanded. "I made it clear I did not want you around."
"I haven't said anything. I'm just calmly itching to learn from this open lecture." He shrugged, feigning being slighted. "Oh, I cannot do something as simple as this? I'm trying to learn as much as anyone here."
"We both know that's not true. You're not even listening."
"Of course I am. Because you took my advice. Your voice is much clearer today. But… you have not switched that awful book." He uncrossed his arms, puffing his chest a touch. "Ah, I see the issue. You just don't know what to choose?"
The suggestion was unexpected. Was it a valid concern? Or was it just a way to mess with her? There was one sure way to find out.
"If you want me to talk about a particular book, I can offer you private tutoring."
Yes, it was a fine trap! He would never say yes, which would expose that he was just trying to mess with—
"That sounds fine by me.
Faruzan froze for an instant, mouth agape. She almost expected to see yet another awful smirk in his doll face, but it was non-existent. His stern face coupled with his serious tone told her as much.
"Huh? Well… I see, you are just waiting to mess with me again."
"I don't make jokes. As long as you don't try to make me apologise for giving a love-tap to that flying pyramid, then I'll take this seriously. But if you just want to fight again, that's fine too."
"No, I don't want that. The issue here is that you know how to read, and you do not need my help." Faruzan flicked her hair, trying to hide her confusion. "If you wanted to ask me out on a date, you could have asked for help with the awful structure of your papers."
"Don't overthink it, hag. I want your analysis of a book. That is all." He crossed his arms again. "So, yes or no?"
Though this was definitely different from their previous interactions, perhaps he was just asking her for some scholarly help. Yes, after all, he was a scholar. This was just his inquisitive side, unaffected by his childish demeanour. Even he could see that Faruzan was the real deal, as the kids would say.
Maybe he really, really loved her language lectures, and he was an hour away from ditching the substandard, third-rate Vahumana! Yes, to have… that arrogant pushover… as a pupil was a net gain for her!
"Fine, I see no reason to decline. But I have to first finish this class, so we'll hash out the details afterwards."
The remaining half hour of speaking seemed to come and go, her mind reinvigorated by the premises of breaking the routine. Collei wasn't even among the crowd that day, so Faruzan had no reason to actually try and engage with the class more than usual. Yes, perhaps that was a bit rude on her part. But one missed Q&A wouldn't hurt anyone. There wasn't even a test.
So right after finishing the classes, she inconspicuously approached Hattie.
"If it can be now, better for me." He immediately said.
Faruzan did not take kindly his sudden demand. "Hold on. I am not doing this for free. You'll be so kind as to pay for my tea, my throat is quite parched. I want some pastries too."
"You think I have money for that?"
"I have seen you drink tea, so yes."
"Whatever. If you believe we're having this lecture in the open, then you're sorely mistaken." He threw a curveball at her. "Your office will do."
She did not particularly mind. Anyone could enter her office to ask for help. And Faruzan knew how he truly was, so there was no need for a contingency. That being said, she had another issue.
"But I'm hungry." The brief return of Faruzan to a childlike disappointment was brief. "Buy me refreshments."
"I do not like how you demand things from me as if I will do them."
She cracked into a brief giggle. "Ah, sure. I don't want your tough guy attitude to quiver. You're going to do it anyway, because deep inside you're too good to behold. What did I call you before? A little kitten? Meowing loudly but very cuddly?"
"…I'm not in the mood for your sassy bitch mode. Fine, I'll buy your stupid snacks and we'll go on our merry way. I better see you at your best, because I hate wasting time."
The little shopping trip was sadly too short to be enjoyable, and her company was not the best. He did not talk at all. Which she would have appreciated a century ago quite a lot. Nowadays, Faruzan was fighting hard against her old habits, and that meant at least to try and communicate.
On the way to the Akademiya, there was a little bakery which also sold some tasty little confectionery. Faruzan had managed to fight off the urge to buy, mostly because money was particularly scant. But now? Ohoho! Now she could finally buy those sweet little tea pastries. Rather, the little Kitten would buy it for her. Such comfort!
He didn't even complain and bought them without a fuss! Which was a bit disappointing. Faruzan didn't mind his more compliant side, however. The fact that he could show more emotions than apathy and contempt was quite the find.
Not too long after, they entered the Akademiya. And after a bit of a trek, her little office which also acted as a workshop. Nobody said she couldn't do so.
"Sorry for the mess."
Faruzan excused the top-notch condition of her office, which was more of a workshop rather than anything else. Though everything looked pristine, the odour of iron and burnt plastic permeated the place. The room itself wasn't very big, with barely enough space for two bookcases and a small desk.
"Spare me the humility." He merely answered. "Shouldn't you be bragging? Some classic Faruzan?"
"Eh? Is this some new youngster slang? Why would I brag about this? And this? And that?" She extended her arms and pointed everywhere, which was still spotless regardless of her pique. He did not look any less impressed.
"…Forget I even asked. Stop pointing like an idiot."
The scholar just mumbled a few antique words before speaking up. "Let me open up a window and we can start."
As Faruzan headed to do as she said, the Wanderer ambled towards one of the bookcases. It was filled with strange and pointy artefacts. One of them was a metallic eye, slightly bigger than his hand. He picked it up, feeling a wave of energy cut through his body for a brief instant before he put it back.
"Interested?" Faruzan approached him alongside the last breeze of air from the now-closed window.
"Why would I be interested in this junk?"
"Argh, do you really have to be like that?" Faruzan's shoulders drooped before she regained her usual posture. "Must you always act with such ignorance?"
"Ignorance?" He blurted out without thinking, caught in the backfoot.
"I physically reel every time you wave around your short stack of stupidity whenever you interact with something unknown. Where's your sense of wonder, your curiosity? More importantly, where are your manners?"
"My my, did I hurt somebody's feelings? Surrounding yourself with things older than yourself won't make the good old times come back."
It stung. Faruzan merely scoffed at his words, choosing to sit down on the chair behind the desk. And it still stung. So she pointed at the remaining chair in front of her desk. "Sit down, come on."
Perhaps he regretted his words, or perhaps he didn't. Regardless, he did not follow up with another scathing remark like usual. He promptly sat down on the uncomfortable wooden chair and rummaged through his coat.
"It's a short story."
He produced a small stack of papers. Ten pages clipped together. Handwritten. Faruzan took a moment to observe the papers before taking them in hand. She recognised the writing immediately.
"You wrote this." She mentioned, skimming through the pages. His handwriting was very dry, almost like he typed it by machine. But the structure, with barely any commas or dots, was one she recognised from reading his previous works. "Do you want me to correct this?"
"Correct what? It's flawless."
"You do know that I am a Haravatat scholar, right? I may specialise in machines, but languages and writing are my second nature. And there's more to writing than just sticking sentences together. Like you do."
There was a slight bite behind her words, though she tried her best to control it. As much of an uncaring brat as he could be, he did want to talk about his work. And as a teacher, she had to acquiesce.
"Let's just focus on the lecture and analysis." He clasped his hands together, trying to hide his slight nerves. "If you want to correct it as you read, then be my guest."
"Very well," Faruzan opened one of the desk's drawers and pulled out a fountain pen and a small bowl filled with hard candy. "You don't deserve the candy, but I give it to everyone. Come on. Take one."
The Wanderer grimaced at the sight of the candy. "I don't like sweets."
"My good students took all the butterscotch candy. There's just lemon and mint flavour so they're not sweet. For some reason they don't like it even though it's very good for the throat."
"Ugh, you're certainly an old lady, aren't you?" He took two candies, one green and the other yellow. "Sour candy is tolerable."
"Greedy, I said just one." She put down the bowl on the corner of the desk before focusing on the paper. "Let's see what you've written. There's no title, and there's no title page. You also have not written your name, nor your class, or Darshan."
He sighed and threw one of the candies inside his mouth. It was very sour. "It's not an essay, read it already."
"Fine, fine. Filled with air and empty promises, there once was a paper soldier…"
The story was quite simple. Once upon a time, a woman created a small paper soldier. It was brave, kind and beautiful. It wished to protect its master in any way it could, but the master only saw a paper soldier. Again and again, it tried to show his boldness, his fearless courage and his affable nature. But the master only saw a toy. Because the master knew that it was easily combusted, and those traits were actually flaws. The paper soldier then got desperate. It destroyed marionettes, scared children and fought the most fearsome foes. Yet the master did not show any appreciation. And then, the paper soldier desperate to show its worth, snatched a match. It lit a chimney on fire, sure that it would prove that he was not combustible and walked into its flames. It exploded into vapour.
It took twenty minutes to finish the small story, as Faruzan kept on pausing to underline certain words and sentences.
"Quite the interesting story." She finally said. "An interesting way to show the fragility of life, and a very bold move to end it in such a sudden way. There are quite a few interesting themes, such as bad parenting, how dreams might not entail what we truly want and a wish for another's approval. But let's talk about structure because I have—"
"Hold on, no." The Wanderer leaned back against the chair, balancing himself on the two back legs. "The story isn't finished."
"Oh? Well, the story carries its themes well enough. I wasn't sarcastic when I mentioned that I enjoyed the sudden ending. Although most people won't like it, the ones who take literature seriously will."
"I couldn't care less about that." Again, his bratty attitude had reminded Faruzan of who he was dealing with. "The paper soldier gets a second chance at life."
Faruzan just sighed. "Ah, right. You youngsters like those tropes. What will it be, he goes back in time to the moment it was born but will all its memories? Ah, hold on, it wakes up in another world where a bunch of women love him?"
"What? Who would read that crap?"
"You'd be surprised. These Inazuman light novels have filled the youth with strange, generic ideas. You know, back in my day…"
"No, none of that happens." He stopped balancing and brought the chair closer to the desk once again. "The paper soldier revives because a… girl picks up the pieces and repairs him. Now, nobody remembers him. Nobody knows the awful things he did. How would he go about life now? Any desires he had were broken alongside the fire. He has no purpose anymore. What does it do?"
Faruzan fixed her posture and leaned against the table. She was staring at Hattie, but not actually looking at him. Her mind was thinking, traversing possibilities as she tried to give him a proper answer. He did not see it that way, which only put him more on edge.
"Well, it's paper. So being a courier works."
"Are you being dense on purpose? What I meant is that it has nothing to drive him forward, no positive desires. He can follow around whatever desires the girl who helped him has, but is that really what he wants? Though he accepted all his wrongdoings, it does not mean they don't affect him at all. So what does he do?" His voice gained that low pitch that conveyed his anger. Or rather, frustration.
Though the text clearly depicted the protagonist as an "it", the Wanderer kept using he and him. He wrote it, so why did the pronoun switch? Did it matter?
Faruzan could see that the matter was not a matter of pride, like what happened in their first interaction. He was evasive, quiet. There was no arrogant playfulness anymore. So Faruzan answered in kind.
"Starting your life anew is not a set path. Everyone has different views of how that works. If this soldier remembers its… his deeds, then he remembers what drove him before. Was it truly looking for approval? Did he really want to be a soldier? Or was he looking for something else?" Faruzan twirled her thumbs, debating whether to reveal a fact about herself, before adding. "For example, I realised that I had quite a few things a century ago that I did not appreciate back then. Perhaps that origami realises it too now."
"Maybe." He averted his eyes, drumming his fingers on the table. Then he nodded to himself and returned Faruzan's stare. "That doesn't mean he knows what to do. Like I said, he only follows the girl's orders. That's the only thing he's good for, so he does it."
Those words irked Faruzan in the wrong way. She warily tapped the fountain pen's lid against the table.
"Why are you so eager to disregard that girl from the story? If she's helping him, what's so bad about that? Let me tell you, nobody helped me and that was… Nevermind that. If you want to develop some drama with the girl, be my guest. But having a positive influence is already quite good."
"I am not disregarding her help. I am simply pointing out that… is it truly what I want, or am I following a path someone else set for me?"
Faruzan paused for a moment, observing if he had realised his own slip-up. Seeing no apparent reaction, she made a few minute adjustments to the pile of papers.
"So, what you want to know is how old Faruzan remade her life after being lost for a century. All of this, just so you can try and apply it to your own experiences." She handed over his short story, which he reluctantly took back. "That is what I want to believe, yet the fact that it is you making such inquiries leads me to believe this is some sort of jest."
"Believe what you will." He dispelled the papers away and stood up without hiding his animosity. "I believed there would be something useful in talking with you, but the only thing that has changed for you is time. You don't know what it is to start from zero, carrying all the burdens and misdeeds of your past life. You just came back, and everyone knew you were the once great Faruzan. The only struggle you have is not having students."
"If that's what you believe then kindly leave my office at once." Faruzan kept her words short and to the point. "Have I not already advised you to not show hostility to what you do not understand? My return wasn't immaculate. Everyone I knew was dead; my family, my friends, my compeers. Every day I return home alone, to an empty house. Everyone else looks at me like a product of a past age, something to be sorry for. While the youngsters just stare at me like I'm a witch bent on scaring them away. And why wouldn't they? Nobody does Haravatat studies anymore, much less my speciality. I have to do asinine open lectures and kowtow to the Kshahrewar for scraps because it doesn't matter who I was a century ago. If time was the only thing that had changed, I wouldn't be here."
The Wanderer did not sit back down out of pride but leaned against the top rail of the chair. "So? That does not mean you are not literally doing the same thing."
"Just because I'm still a professor here doesn't mean I'm the same, you petulant whippersnapper. I'm not even the same person I was a century ago, and I am not referring just to my eyes." She calmly put back the lid of her fountain and saved it in the side drawer. "If there's anything positive to all my struggles, is that at the very least I have changed my ways. I'm not a self-centred, arrogant and apathetic woman anymore. It just took losing everything for me to change."
"…I see."
"You see, huh?" Faruzan felt whatever self-placed constraints she had inside her mind break. "Well, you want to know what it's taken me a year to realise? That a mind clouded by arrogance and guilt from past failures will not help on the road to recovery. So what should that toxic little soldier do? He should stand trial for all the wrongdoings he's done. And then he should pat himself on the back, because realising one's offences completely on his own is quite commendable. The path of improvement might be long and narrow, but he… you've started it."
"I see."
His muted acknowledgements were all he could muster as he made sure to record every one of her lines on his mind. He stared at the desk, away from Faruzan's gaze.
"I know why you are so reticent of that girl, or friend or whatever. Because you're still bound by a fatuous way of thinking. Accepting someone's help is not a weakness. Me doing all of this alone is an exception and a horrible one at that. The fact that you have someone who cares for you it's something I am particularly envious of. And you, being able to accept that help… That's what true strength is." Faruzan rubbed one of her eyes, wiping away a tear before it made its presence. "You can take another lemon drop. And close the door when you leave."
Faruzan sat back down, focused on a few papers she had piled beside her desk. She glanced at how he took one lemon drop and ambled away from her desk. He opened the door and paused.
"That eye thing looks cool."
He then left, shutting the door with a thud.
If Faruzan had not been sitting down already, she would have collapsed right away. The wave of emotions swirling inside her was so potent that it left her dizzy. She wiped her nose, held back some tears and chose to do nothing but stare at the door of her office.
Cathartic. That's how it felt.
How long had she kept all that inside? She was speaking about him, but in truth, it was just an open mirror of her own situation. That idiot daring to complain for not being alone. She had never felt the urge to kill someone so strongly. And yet, she understood him. How troubling and hostile everything feels. The lack of motivation. The questioning of all your beliefs. The emptiness and apathy that overtake all your actions. The anger against your very self. Faruzan had not jumped to kill him, before most of all she just wanted to stand up and hug him. Tell him that she understood it all. That it was a hard journey, but that she could help him to not repeat her mistakes. That's what being a teacher entailed.
But she didn't. And now Faruzan wondered why she hadn't done so. Perhaps he wanted that too.
It didn't matter anymore. Would he even come back again? It didn't matter. No, it certainly did not matter in the slightest. This was just how everything was.
The sun was starting to set, so Faruzan sluggishly stood up and sighed her worries away. She picked up her handbag and saw the tea pastries he had bought her.
"Now they'll taste sour."
She forced herself to look away and walked out of her office.
Faruzan closed the door, which accidentally snagged her skirt. She sighed in exasperation. Then she unlocked the door, checked that her skirt was fine and finally closed it. Except now it didn't close properly.
"What is it today…"
"Done for the day?"
Faruzan came short of jumping as the Wanderer casually walked beside her.
"Archons! You affrighted me!" She made sure to breathe out before giving him a once-over. "Did you leave something inside?"
"You." He answered as smooth as sandpaper. "You said you always went home alone to an empty house. I'm feeling generous today, so I'll accompany you."
"What makes you think I want you to do that?" She countered, turning towards him.
"Didn't you say accepting someone's help instead of denying it is a sign of strength? I'm making an effort here, don't decline my… How would you say it? Bequest?" His cheeky attempt at humour quickly soured his expression. "If you don't want it, I'll go. But that's on you."
Though she did not appreciate the insult to her vocabulary, Faruzan hid away a kind smile. "Fine, I'll entertain your boldness, Kitten. Whenever I lock this stupid door, that is."
"I'm taking my offer back if you're going to act smug about it. I am just being considerate since you were helpful." He watched Faruzan struggle with the door lock for a few seconds. "You're the puzzle master, too tired to think?"
He gracefully separated her from the door and inspected the frame. Then he simply opened the door and snapped it shut.
"The frame is sagging. You should probably get someone to fix that."
"More things to complain to the Akademiya. I'm sure they'll have it fixed by next year."
After finally locking the door, Faruzan and her unlikely Student walked out of the halls of the Akademiya side to side. He didn't speak at all. Which wasn't that strange. She had never seen him talk much, but at least he was there. Or something like that? Faruzan couldn't help but wonder why he had decided to even show up. She had joked about it before, but he did seem much nicer than his barky demeanour would imply. At least with her.
And as they left the main entrance of the Akademiya, he suddenly spoke again. "Why do you say that?"
"Say what? I didn't speak."
"You said that it will take a year for the Akademiya to act."
"Oh, that? Because it's a bureaucratic behemoth that cares more about sticking to the book rather than actually seeing past their continuous brownnosing. Some people do try to do their jobs properly, but even if they do it takes months for anything to get done. Having most of the Sages removed has done wonders at the very least. If a couple of months ago it was bad, a century ago it was even worse." Faruzan saw the uninterested narrow eyes of the Wanderer. "You don't care about this, why do you ask?"
"Someone I know would be concerned about it, so in turn I must be concerned as well:" He blankly answered.
"You sure have the power to turn what would be a charmful characteristic into the most annoying trait in existence," Faruzan replied. "You know nobody is forcing you to talk, right? We can walk in silence."
"I see."
Although their agreement seemed to be quite beneficial to them both, Faruzan grew to dislike the silence. This wasn't a century ago, she couldn't just stay silent for no reason. Which is why she spoke once again after they crossed a busy road.
"Where do you live?" She asked.
"Nowhere. Here and there."
"Well, but where do you sleep?"
"Rocks. Or grass. I do not need to sleep, it's just a hobby."
Faruzan wondered if that sort of cut-dry humour was the one he liked. Because everyone slept, obviously.
"…Do you feel like you don't belong anywhere?" Faruzan continued, her eyes focusing on a couple of kids running around. "I felt like that as well. Even now, I suppose. It is like I went to another world, where everything feels similar, yet isn't. Like trying to fit a triangle in a square. It clearly can enter, but something is missing."
"Of course you use geometry to highlight your issues. I don't care if I don't belong to any society. I am only here to pay back a debt, that is all. After that… Well, I'll see what comes after that."
So he didn't know and pretended to not care about it, that was what Faruzan interpreted his words like.
"Well then. Befriending an old, respectable senior such as myself will help aid you. Helping old ladies will make you look much more nicer than you actually are."
"Surely you mean that befriending me helps you. Not backwards. I'm the one helping you sort your thoughts." He quickly countered with an annoying tone in his voice.
"You're not helping me, I am helping you."
"Yes, I," He tapped his chest with his thumb. "am helping you." He poked her cheek before it was swatted away.
"You're so obnoxious. I retract my help." Faruzan crossed her arms and looked away.
"Good."
A sideglance later, Faruzan spoke. "You're supposed to retract your help too."
"I hate it when people tell me what to do. So no. I won't do that. Now let's enjoy the silence."
He kept on walking like nothing was wrong. So Faruzan wasn't about to be any less and did so as well.
The remaining trip was short. They soon reached a row of houses not too far away from the centre of Sumeru city. Single story and relatively new, though they were closer to Faruzan's age than they appeared. Most seemed to be inhabited by fairly mature people. And elders. Lots of them.
"Well, here it is. Hopefully, you won't prank me now that you know where I live." She realised the slight vulnerability of those words, so she was quick to add: "Kitten."
Though she appeared calm, she was quite embarrassed. As long as he didn't know that these houses were retirement homes for old Akademiya scholars, everything would be fine. Being the only young-looking girl in the entire neighbour felt somewhat hostile.
He lifted the brim of his hat, fully showing his face. He didn't seem to care about the environment at all. In fact, his eyes met Faruzan's, showing a faint gleam that she hadn't ever before seen,
"…I apologise for insulting your trinkets. It's your office, decorate it as you will."
Faruzan blinked her confusion away as she scrambled to find her keys. "Oh. That's okay." She finally managed to get the keys and open the door. "I am not sure how to take in your sudden kindness. But I appreciate it."
"Hmph. You better."
Faruzan placed her hand on the doorknob. A moment later, she turned to the Wanderer. "Do you want to come in?"
His face did not shift in the slightest, but his eyes narrowed ever-so-slightly. It didn't seem he wanted to do anything with that.
"I can offer you some tea?"
"Right. Tea." He shrugged, looking around as if he was expecting someone to be stalking him. "Tea. Fine. Sure, whatever. I won't back down so easily."
"Have you never heard of the word, yes, thank you? I am trying to be kind as well. Leave the shoes at the entrance, okay?"
Faruzan entered her home and maintained the door open for him. He showed some doubt for an instant before entering.
"Excuse me."
The interior itself was quite small and narrow. Right after entering, there was a tight hallway that led to some type of living room. To the left, there was a wider hallway which led to two doors. One was the bathroom, the other one a quaint bedroom.
After removing their shoes, Faruzan led an uncharacteristically robotic Wanderer down the narrow corridor. They entered a small living room with two wide windows. In the middle, there was a table, barely big enough for two people. The walls were covered in paper and a few furnishings looked older than Sumeru itself. Immediately to the left of the room, there was a kitchen.
"It's a nice place." He commented, seeing most of the house with a mere head turn. "Not a spot wasted."
"Are you really alright? Hearing you say so many positive things is a bit unnerving." Faruzan hung the handbag on the ear of one of the chairs. "Take a moment to calm down, I'll go make tea."
"You've invited me to your house and are serving me tea. I see no reason to diminish its worth." He sat down on one of the chairs, which squeaked as he sat down. "So, where are we having this tea?"
"Uh, in the only table around? I know it's a small table, but we can fit."
"The table?" His eyes lingered on Faruzan before they looked at the small table beside the kitchen. His tension suddenly vanished and he sauntered over to it. "Ah, really? I thought it was yet another useless decoration. You see, it doesn't smell like an old people's house so I let my guard down..."
"Listen… If you're trying to be nice just because I have a sad background, you can stop it." Faruzan entered the kitchen, where she presumably started to heat water. "I do not like pity."
He sat down on one of the two chairs and heard how Faruzan picked up a few metal cases which probably contained tea leaves.
"I appreciate you think so highly of myself to think I feel pity for your peculiar life. To be truthful, Faruzan, I may not like you. But I understand you. Time snatched everything from you. Everything was stolen from me as well. I understand first-hand that leaving that prison was just the first step of many. You were right that this is a long and narrow path, with little room for mistakes. And in comparison to me, you're miles ahead on the road to recovery. To see that someone has advanced so much quicker than me only boils my blood." He turned towards the kitchen, where he could barely see Faruzan looking down into something. "But more than that, I respect you. That's why I wrote that stupid story, so you could show me what you've done differently to me."
Faruzan didn't answer immediately, choosing to divert her attention towards the quality cups she had for visits. It was the first time she had used them.
Because Archons and Gods alike! He thought the same as her! Goodness gracious! Not only did a weight drop off her shoulders, but she felt so light that she could almost jump in joy and float away! That sumptuous youngster! He was so smart! So emotionally mature! He understood perfectly! He was no lousy idiot, he wouldn't let just a few hard words get in the way of him!
He was a kindred spirit!
"I appreciate the sincerity used in your words." There were a couple of minutes of silence as tea leaves soaked in the teapot, with Faruzan staring deep into nothingness. Then, deciding that showing her appreciation would be too straightforward, she chose to show some humility. "I am sorry to say that your respect is ill-placed. I continuously regret my situation. The only thing I can do is steer myself and move forward because that's my only option left. I am not any more capable than you are."
"You're strong enough to be able to do that. I joined the Vahumana because I was told it would help. Most of the decisions I've taken here were decided by someone else. Even if I trust that person's judgement, can it be said that it is my path? I can't and don't know what I want. In comparison to you, who is doing what she wishes…"
His words trailed off right as Faruzan started pouring the tea. Even now, he was still struggling to accept his condition. She wouldn't snap back again for thinking such thoughts.
Then, she returned to the living room with a smile.
"What you want," She placed the steaming teacup in front of him. "Is some tea."
"Genius."
"And tomorrow, you'll get another cup. If you escort me home again, that is. Or are you going to tell me someone's forcing you to do this? Because if that's the case, I will take back the tea."
Faruzan sat down at the opposite side of the table, her eyes more curious about her guest than the tea itself. He returned the stare for a long, intense second before he focused on his tea.
"Drinking tea is not going to solve my problems."
"Maybe not. But having something to look forward to does wonders."
He picked the cup up, enjoying the particular smooth aroma of the tea. A tea blend. Not unusual. There was a certain citrus aroma, alongside something else. A simple sip was all it took to decipher it. It lingered on his tongue for a few long seconds before it finally went down. Saffron tea with a few lemon drops. Strong, bitter, though alleviated by the lemon. It wasn't the best tea he had ever drunk, he could do without the lemon… But it was a very close candidate.
"Bitter, just like you." He calmly said, placing down the teacup. "It's very good."
"My, no sass back? I am dismayed but grateful. I used my secret tea stash, just to blow your mind." Faruzan couldn't hold back the smile so she took her cup and took a sip. It was too bitter, but she added extra lemon to her own cup. "Oh, I forgot the pastries you bought me. Give me a moment."
Faruzan was about to stand up, but he was quick to interject. "Don't break the moment. Let us enjoy the tea."
There was a brief pause. Yet Faruzan took her tea cup and enjoyed it in silence. It was peaceful. Though the tea was bitter, the moment was calm, sweet and relaxing. He wasn't being bratty or snappy either. His attitude was melancholic and mature, something she was more than happy to see. It was good to see there was more to him than just an attention-seeking jerk.
The moment was short-lived, even though Faruzan tried to match the slowpoke pace of the Wanderer. He took his time drinking the tea, enjoying it in a contained glee that was almost charming. Ah, couldn't he act like this more often?
"If this is your special tea blend, I have enjoyed it." He placed down the empty cup. "It was refreshing, though too citric for my liking. Its flavour was strong but not too overbearing."
"At least someone has enjoyed the tea…" Faruzan muttered before her face lit up. "This old mind has much experience with tea. But my special tea is different. This was made just for you."
"Oho? Just for me?" His smug grin made a gracious comeback. "Well, well. Was this the best you could come up with?"
"Hah! Don't try to besmirch your previous review. You liked something I made, so this is your loss." Gathering the empty cups, Faruzan hummed happily an unknown song. "Do you want to stay for dinner?"
"It's fine." He stood up, picking up his hat. "I'll get going."
"But you're too skinny. Let me give you something for the way back."
Faruzan quickly left the cups on the kitchen sink before opening up a cupboard. "Here, take some butter cookies. I made them myself. And some pretzels. Oh! Some butterscotch candy! You didn't eat them before. And I have some dried fruit, you can eat it too. You need some protein too, I'll make you a hard-boiled egg."
"Hold on, I don't need to eat, I can just—" Faruzan had already given him a paper bag full of sweets and snacks before he could weasel his way out of there. "Are you listening to me?"
"Clearly living alone is making you ignore your diet! Where are your muscles, young man? Gone! You need to eat properly!"
The power of an old lady was surging through her. Wanderer knew he had to get the hell out of there before he became an inflated fat balloon, full of food.
"I really have to go." He dispelled the paper bag into his inventory and backed away into the main door.
"Hold on, I haven't heated the water for the egg!" Faruzan chased him into the hallway. "Fine, fine! You can leave."
"Don't misinterpret what has happened. I am merely paying back a service." He said while opening up the unlocked door, not looking back. "If I decide to show up tomorrow, don't expect me to be so kind. And stop trying to feed me food. Tea is enough."
"If this was your attempt at being nice, you have much work to do." Faruzan stopped at the door frame, watching how he walked away. "You know, there are other ways to express gratitude? Such as saying thanks. And in my very special case, it's Thank you, Madame Faruzan."
"I'll keep that in mind. And I've just forgotten." He turned around, his expression calm and natural. "You've been helpful, so that's more than what I was able to give you."
"I haven't spoken about this with anyone, so letting my thoughts out has already helped me enough. And unlike you, I can say that… well, thank you." Faruzan wrung her hands for a long second, reticent if the words would be enough, and just raised her hand towards him. "Handshake? You know, a friendly handshake like the youngsters do it! Right? They do this?"
He thought about it for an instant, and lightly shook her hand. He attempted to disengage before Faruzan suddenly seized his wrist.
"What! Why are your hands so smooth!" She caressed his palm with both hands, her thumbs travelling across his length. "Have you never done any manual labour in your entire life?! You're like a porcelain doll! You're so irritating, why can't my hands be like this?!"
Unsure of how to feel, he snatched his hands back. "Your hands are pretty rough. Have you tried not sticking them in gutters to find shit? Sorry, treasures you call them?"
"Shut it. It's because… I'm old! And you've never done any labour with your hands! Do you even know how to handle anything? You barely even know how to hold a pen! The youth of today, I say!"
"Aha?" He placed his forearm against the doorframe and leaned towards Faruzan. "I can show you my hands know how to handle you."
Faruzan barely had an instant to process his words before a flush developed across her entire face. Wanderer immediately backed away, laughing like he had just stolen a lollypop from a baby.
"Oi! You…! What are you saying, you lascivious adulterer?! You're not entering my house ever again!"
"Disgusting, you thought of something heinous after my boast? As if I would want to touch ever touch your sorry ass." He tried to be serious before an evil grin and laugh soon returned.
"You horrible stray cat! I can't believe I thought you were genuine!" Faruzan pointed at him like she had just thrown a poison dagger. "Don't think I didn't notice how scared you were when you entered my home! You were so nervous, little Kitten!"
The Kitten's laugh petered out as Faruzan picked up his slack. "Old hag's imagination. I wasn't nervous, but cautious. If you understood how to fight in an unknown environment, you'd understand."
"You were barely able to move until I told you to sit down. Did you really think I was inviting you for some libidinous purpose? You did! You assuredly did!"
"I didn't. And also, you use stupidass words. Who the fuck uses libidinous? Ever tried to talk like a normal person? You can't even swear, which is a basic trait of language."
His goading obviously worked as Faruzan's anger got the better of her.
"I can insult just fine!" She proclaimed with the confidence of a fish out of water.
"Alright, try it. Insult me." He was very close to sitting down and observing the spectacle, but he maintained his teasing demeanour
Faruzan bit her tongue before proclaiming: "I'll uh… Shove my fist… up your ass…!"
"Oh?"
"And then… reach up to your… uvula…?"
"Oho?"
"To then pull down… and turn you inside out?" They shared a very incredulous glare, which finally defeated Faruzan, "I'll do that. Kitten."
Wanderer bursted out laughing while clapping. "So completely awkward and over the top, just like you. Strange word to boot. Incredibly brutal for no reason, you really are messed up in the head."
"Being alone in a room for a century does that to you," Faruzan admitted in defeat.
"I'm complimenting you." He stepped back as if disliking his own words. "I should get going. I'll share whatever food you gave me with… a friend."
"Oh, yes. Have a good evening, Kitten."
His eye twitched. "Stop calling me that, Bitch."
"I'll think about it. See you tomorrow."
He nodded once before again walking away slowly, at his own pace. Faruzan stared at how his figure slowly disappeared before retreating into her home.
What a strange youngster. Like the bitter aftertaste of the tea, he had a strong presence that lingered even after he left. He did seem to appreciate knowledge, unlike her previous assessment. But only when it was useful as a means to an end. In that regard, they weren't so different.
He had a rough restart, just like her. And back then, wouldn't it have been so much better to have someone to rely on? Maybe Faruzan could help share the burden, just a little bit. How long had it been since she had met an equal, after all? Not a potential pupil, or a student, or a dogmatic scholar. Just someone who wasn't afraid to stand up to her, while still being kind and respectful.
But the aftertaste slowly disappeared, and so did those thoughts. Just a fleeting scenario.
Why was she thinking of him anyway? Did he think that a sad, convoluted backstory would aid his completely negligent manners? No! It didn't!
"That's exactly right!" Faruzan exclaimed as she poured herself another tea, this time with lots of sugar. Then, she picked up one of the tea pastries he bought and shoved one into her mouth. "You better come back tomorrow! Because I will tell you a few magical words: You can go fuck yourself! Yes! I say stuff I would never say in public!"
Tomorrow she'd show him to never mess with the best scholar Sumeru had to offer! And if not tomorrow, the day after! Or after that one! Until he admitted her inherent superiority over… over something!