Chapter 1339 (2/2)
First, he practiced with the Grim Chimera, then Yggdrasil, and then finally Ignition Essence. And truly, Randidly had to expend a different amount of effort for the final of his trio of images. There just wasn’t enough to Ignition Essence right now. The soul of the image was half-formed, as he had discovered previously.
Something needed to be done about Ignition Essence.
“So much to do…” Randidly shook his head. Then he produced the Dreamcatcher of the Long Night and focused on Illym.
*****
Inwardly, Mareen sighed. She had known that he would react like this and had tried to placate him by getting him the most decadent cinnamon roll that she could find, but sometimes even the best-laid plans were torn to shreds by this man’s pride and single-mindedness. The cinnamon roll sat forgotten on the plate in front of him. It was why most of her regrets about this move involved the other people who would be affected by her decision, not the man himself.
This is just something that I need to do, Mareen thought to herself, looking straight ahead. It’s time to move on to a new chapter in my life.
Ed Dugg gripped the edge of the table in the inn and favored Mareen with the most intimidating glare in his repertoire. Considering how much Mareen respected this man, despite his… strangeness, it made it difficult to continue meeting his eyes. “...Is this about money? I knew this would happen. The glitz and glam of the Kharon lifestyle has gotten to you…”
“It’s not about money-” Mareen tried to interject, but Ed had worked up a head of steam. His face was increasingly red.
“True, you might be the most talented assistant that I have ever encountered… and I basically no longer have any idea of my schedule because you handle everything in such an efficient manner… and you have received nothing but glowing praises from everyone who interactions with you… All of my business partners joke all the time that they would snatch you from me in a heartbeat… but do you think that means you can just toss me aside like this?!? Damnit, I deserve to know who you will be working for! No matter how talented you are, you can’t just quit on me without saying anything!”
It’s sweet that his angry tirade is so complimentary… Mareen thought with a mild smile. When it seemed that this time Ed finally wanted her to speak, she tried to say her piece. “I’m not going to go work for anyone else. I’m simply moving to Kharon because-”
“WHAT!” Ed slapped the table thunderously like he had just realized something. “You… you are planning on starting your own business…? I suppose that on my knee you learned every trick of the trade… damnit… to think my own generosity would come back to bite me… My protege has eclipsed me...”
Mareen shook her head. “I’m not starting a business… well…” Even now, she blushed as she was thinking about the kiss behind the Glowstone Ballroom. “Naffur Suite and I…”
“Ohhh, so the Order Ducis is one of the main stakeholders of this company,” Ed Dugg said, this time slapping his own forehead thunderously. So much so that his mustache shook for a full second after the blow landed. “Heh, well this is certainly not what I expected, to in the same day have my right hand quit and then have her turn around to offer me a job in a new venture…”
Suddenly, a bad feeling sprung up in Mareen’s chest. “Wait, Mister Dugg, no-”
“Heh, Mister Dugg… how nostalgic…” Ed stood up and walked to the window. With a grand flourish, he flung open the curtains. The midday sun flowed around his body, adding a distinguished air to his person. He gazed out the window like a pirate admiral looking at his golden horde and reminiscing over the good ole’ days at sea. “To think it was only yesterday that you worked for me… and no, I get it, truly I do… I cannot expect special treatment. Well, that’s fine… I suppose I’ll just take an entry-level position and work my way up through the company… I suppose I’ll send a message to Bekany to tell her that we are moving… Heh, industry is truly unpredictable...”
Mareen wanted to cry. She looked down at the congealing sugar across the top of the cinnamon bun. Really… all I wanted to tell you that I was moving to Kharon to be with Naffur. You really don’t-
Both individuals swayed as the city underneath them shuddered. Then, slowly, they felt Kharon humming to life: the Wandering City had unmoored itself once more.
“Ha! I feel twenty years younger!” Now, Ed Dugg threw open the window and stuck his head out to beam down at the street below. “Ah… that wind… it smells like adventure…!”
Feeling rather aggrieved, Mareen left Ed to his wild imagination and did one last task as his assistant. She contacted Tatiana and tried to work out a series of transportation modes that would actually allow Bekany Dugg to make it to Kharon in a reasonable amount of time. Because it did seem like Ed was rather serious about also moving here…
At the very least, it seems like he got the point that I was quitting… Mareen looked at Ed’s back and crossed her fingers. When he truly seemed completely enthralled with his wild shouts at the street below, Mareen ripped off a piece of the luke-warm cinnamon bun and popped it into her mouth.