Send letters (2)

That must be the acceptance letter from the Magic Academy. Hand it over—I'm Master Jermyn's steward," an elderly man said, emerging from the opened door. 

Houshao'nao knew the snobbery of wealthy households; they'd never let a poor boy like him enter. He extracted Jermyn's letter and offered it politely: "Uncle Steward, here's Master Jermyn's letter. Please see it reaches him." 

The steward, eyeing Houshao'nao's disheveled state, nearly laughed but was won over by his manners. He stifled a chuckle, accepting the letter and slipping something into Houshao'nao's hand: "Thanks for delivering it. My master's been fretting the letter was lost." 

Houshao'nao felt the weight of a silver coin in his palm. Suppressing, he smiled: "I'm glad Master Jermyn can rest easy now. May he thrive at the Magic Academy and become a great magician." 

"You have a way with words. I'll tell him. Farewell," the steward said, impressed. 

Once the door closed, Houshao'nao opened his hand, sighing in relief at the silver coin. 

"Another silver coin—now you can eat," Dier said, peeking at it. 

"Actually, this is partly your (credit). Let me treat you to dinner tonight?" he offered, clutching the coin. 

"Really? But we shouldn't waste money—" Dier began, then brightened. "Well, just two dishes?" 

"Deal." He grinned at her blushing cheeks, momentarily speechless. 

At Master Ken's house, luck smiled again: another silver coin as a tip, leaving both giddy. 

"Dier, if President Giles gives us a coin, it's yours as payment, okay?" Houshao'nao said, hopeful. 

"Really? Thank you!" Dier's eyes lit up. 

"Of course—sharing is fair. Is that his house?" He pointed to the opulent manor. 

"Yes, see how grand it is? Even more so than Jermyn's or Ken's," Dier said. 

"Maybe you'll get a gold coin. I'll knock." He rapped on the door. 

"Who's banging like a brute? You'll chip the paint—you'll have to pay for it!" 

The rude voice startled them—it sounded like President Giles himself. The door cracked open, revealing his bulbous face, indifferent to Houshao'nao's appearance or Dier's elven features. 

"Honorable President Gi… Giles, I'm Master Sheffield's attendant. Pleased to—" 

"Spare me the niceties. What do you want?" Giles snapped, waving a plump hand. 

Houshao'nao exchanged a confused glance with Dier. 

"Hurry up—I'm closing the door." Giles' eyes flashed with irritation. 

"Wait! Master Sheffield sent two letters for you." Houshao'nao quickly handed them over. 

Giles' arrogant gaze transformed at the sight of the letters. He squeezed through the door, snatching them, examining the handwriting and seal meticulously. The Magic Academy letter went unopened. 

"Tell Master Sheffield I'll handle the sender's business. Assure them I'll report any news immediately. Understood?" he said, suddenly (majestic). 

Only now did Houshao'nao recall Sheffield's words: *"He controls the nation's economy."* This was the man—ruthless, calculating. 

"Yes, sir! I'll relay your message exactly," Houshao'nao bowed. 

"Good. And no one hears of this letter. You delivered only my son's acceptance letter. Clear?" 

"Crystal, sir." 

"Here—for tea." Giles fished a copper coin from his pocket, handing it over reluctantly. 

Dier and Houshao'nao could only stare, disappointed. 

"Thank you, President Giles," Houshao'nao said, masking his dismay. 

The iron gate slammed shut. They looked at the worn copper coin, laughing hollowly—more bitter than amused. 

On the way back, Dier giggled: "Such a rich man giving a copper? Unbelievable, right?" 

Houshao'nao knew Giles' miserliness was an act but couldn't reveal the truth. "Yea. Take the silver coin; I'll keep the copper." 

"No! We agreed—Giles' money is mine. Don't backtrack," Dier said, blushing. 

"But it's unfair—" 

"Gentlemen keep their word, don't they?" She glanced at him slyly. 

"Fine. I'll work hard and repay you later," he relented. 

"Deal!" She smiled, tucking the copper coin into her pocket. Noticing his gaze on her hand, she shyly added, "We should return—it's getting late." 

"Right." He snapped back, embarrassed. 

By the time they reached the guild, dusk had fallen. Houshao'nao rushed to Sheffield's office, knocking urgently. 

"Enter," Sheffield called. 

"Master," Houshao'nao panted, in. 

Sheffield looked up, closing a document wrapped in swirling water magic and locking it in an enchanted box. "Deliveries done?" 

"Yes, Master. Jermyn's letter to his steward, Ken's to his brother, and Giles' directly to him," Houshao'nao reported, head bowed. 

"Did Giles say anything?" Sheffield asked, approving. 

"He'll handle the sender's affairs and report promptly," Houshao'nao replied. 

"Good work. Take this—buy a new robe." Sheffield placed a gleaming gold coin on the desk. 

Houshao'nao's heart warmed, but he hesitated. "Master, I can accept wages for work, but not gifts. It might make me greedy, vulnerable to bribes." 

Sheffield studied him like a curiosity, then smiled, retracting the coin. "You're unique. Kerry mentioned your… *aversion* to magic in his letter. He sent you here for me to study your condition. I'll take you on—reluctant no more." 

Houshao'nao froze, clutching the old staff in his pocket, eyes stinging. Kerry's thoughtfulness overwhelmed him. 

Noting his emotion, Sheffield clapped his hands. "Kerry and I graduated from Aifar Magic Academy together. I'll honor his request. Now, let's head home—it's late." 

Houshao'nao swallowed his gratitude, helping Sheffield don his robes and holding the door open, ready to follow his new master into the evening.