Madam Ferd, who had brought little Blowk into her arms and was busy feeding him, expressed her dissatisfaction with Arbeit.

Arbeit, you are our eldest son, yet you havent carried out your responsibilities as an elder brother at all. You didnt even bother to hold Little Blowk, he doesnt like you either and always cries when you get close to him.

Claude, on the other hand, has changed a lot since he recovered from his illness. I often see him reading in a corner and his grades have improved. When I bumped into Instructor Weckham from his middle-school the other day, he couldnt stop telling me how impressed he was with Claude. He has much more mature now and frequently helps out with the chores. Not to mention how much time he spends looking after Anna and Blowk. They both like him a lot and always ask him to read them stories.

Youre the only one that seems to have a problem with him. Hes your younger brother, not your opponent! Youre a grown-up now and have a proper job, but that doesnt mean you can boss your brothers and sister around. You even treat our home like a hotel. You only come back for food and to sleep. I often dont see you for several days! And Ive heard you even tell Anna to wash your socks and underwear. Shes only twelve!

I dont want to know where you spend all your money and I wont ask you to help with the bills, but, at the very least, you could hire a maid to clean your stuff. Anna isnt a stubborn child, so she wont say no to you, but if Claude finds out, hell not let it go.

Lets not sour breakfast, dear, Morssen interjected, Arbeit, hire a maid to take care of your laundry.

Arbeit nodded stiffly.

Morssen took out his beloved black-mulberry-wood and elephant tusk pipe, a pack of tobacco, and a flint sparker. He packed his pipe lovingly and struck the sparker a few times, sucking on the pipe until he could comfortably puff smoke. He drew a deep breath from the pipe and leaned back into his chair.

I chose this path for you so you can become a government official. You enjoyed enjoy the benefits of being a dignitarian because I am one. But only until youre 18. Youre twenty now. Youre just a peasant secretary now. You have to work for your dignity on your own now.

I recommended you to Sir Fux to make it easier for you. If you win his trust, he can put in a good word for you and shorten the time you have to work by half at least. I cant help you with that anymore, its all up to you now.

Morssen took another puff, blowing the smoke out through his nose.

Claude is different. Hes not a very smart kid, but hes good with his body. Hell graduate next year. He still has two years before he becomes a peasant. Weve decided to sent him to Nubissia after he graduates. Viscount Jerrihausen Van Cruz, Claudes godfather, is the governor of Tyrrsim there. He will serve his term in the army under him.

You dont have to worry about Claude taking away your share of the inheritance. He has a chance to gain great glory in the military, but its a dangerous career. I am like you, I dont have the slightest adventurous spirit, nor courage to stand on the battlefield. I chose to become an administrative official to avoid that.

If things go well for Claude, however, he might even come back a noble. Plus, if nothing happens to him, hell make it up the ranks much faster than we can. Tyrrsim is newly occupied territory and there is still a lot of conflicts there, so its the perfect place to rack up dignity and nobility. Its not an all out war, however, so it isnt too dangerous. In fact, things are more dangerous here. Nasri is rearing for another war, which is why Im sending Claude away. I dont want him to get dragged into that.

Morssen put his pipe down, sighing. An unspoken rule in the kingdom was that every physical training course student was a reservist.

Dignitarians couldnt pass on their social status to their offspring, their children became peasants when they turned eighteen.

Claudes footsteps echoed down the stairs.

Im heading out! Claude yelled as he burst into the room.

He gave Blowks cheeks a final pinch before dashing out of the house.

Blowk opened his mouth, ready to cry. Madam Ferd hurriedly stuffed some fried egg into it, making the piggy cough. He completely forgot about the slight pain in his cheek and chewed.

Baby, eat lots of egg and grow up quickly, Madam Ferd smiled.

I dont want eggs. Its not sweet.

Blowk complained, shaking his head like a Japanese pellet drum.

Eggs are usually eaten with salt. When did they become they sweet?

Whatever, just put some honey on them. Dont forget to brush his teeth afterwards, Morssen said as he stood up, Im finished too. Im off to city hall.

Oh, Bennie Morssen said as he took his hat from the rack, I talked to Laor. Hell send someone over to take care of the cesspool. Just hand the workers a tip. Also, we have guests tonight and someone will drop of a package at noon. Just set it up, Ill handle everything else. Pjard will send someone to cook.

Madam Ferd nodded. Alright, dear.

Morssen approached her and knelt down to give Blowk a kiss. He turned to Arbeit.

You have to be here for dinner. You know our guests, but you must be humble so they get a good impression of you, okay?

Two boys, dressed similarly to Claude, awaited him outside the shop opposite his house.

Youre here! Wheres Boa? Claude asked, crossing the street.

The taller one was Welikro Fezka, the son of a hunter, named Kubrik. His father was a veteran of two wars, he was a lucky one who made it through both unharmed. The cost thereof, however, was that he didnt earn any decent dignity. He ascended to the dignitry after the usual fifteen years of service and returned to Whitestag to find a wife and start a family. His eldest child was a girl, his youngest thus far was Welikro, two years his sisters junior.

The one next to him was Eriksson Altroni, a tad shorter but stockily built. His father was a sailor and his family owned a fishing boat called the Shark of Red Sea. It was occasionally used as a transport ship and was known quite well in town as a result.

Hell come later. Did you get the money? Eriksson asked.

Boa was a boys nickname, Erikssons was Eyke, and Welikros was Wero. Boa as the towns wealthiest merchants son, Borkal Bodeman. The three were Claudes good friends and yearmates in middle-school.

His former selfs illness was actually their doing. The four went ice fishing during the previous years winter. Incautious as teen boys their age were, Claude fell through the ice into the freezing water. His three friends pulled him out and took him home, but he fell ill shortly afterwards. The three had yet to go to his house since, they were too afraid of his parents.

Yup, I got it. Dad gave me a thale. What about you?

I also got some. Mine tossed me a thale when I told him, Eriksson smiled happily.

What about you, Wero?

My sister said we didnt have the money, so she gave me two goatskins to sell instead. She doesnt care how much I get for them, though, Welikro answered shyly.

Claude finally noticed the puffing sack by Welikros feet.

No worries, Claude consoled, You dont have to worry about the fee as long as were here. Well figure something out if the pelts dont make enough.

The four had already decided to share horses since it cost a thale per horse. It was much more effective use of their money, not only did they save some, but the horses wouldnt stand idle when they werent taking lessons.

Im here! Borkal, a chub, yelled as he came running.

He stopped mid-sentence at a biscuit stall.

I want a biscuit, that one

Cut it into four pieces! Eriksson shouted quickly.

Claude walked up to Borkal and slapped his wobbling belly.

You came here without breakfast? I think its about time you lost weight. You wont die if you starve a bit.

Come on, Borkal moaned as he swatted Claudes hand away, I woke up late and had nothing but a cup of tea. I ran all the way here too, I deserve a biscuit!

Two sunars, thank you, the stallkeep smiled, handing over the quartered biscuit.

Each took a piece without hesitation. Borkal kept complaining as he paid.

You are going too far. Youre robbing me of my breakfast.

Eriksson swallowed his bite quickly.

Claudes right. Its about time you lost some weight. Eating less is good for you.