Chapter 6- An Old Friend

'It's been awhile...' the only thought that resounded in Pascal's head. He'd of course come to Aethel Gardens many times but those were times when he was younger and mischievous. It'd been a long time since he properly stood underneath the tall Autumn Oak which acted as the guardian of Aethel.

Pascal would pass by of course; the Gardens were a place everyone had to pass to get to Dusk Fields. But those who truly stayed behind to stand underneath Autumn Oak were few to none. And now at this time on a blisteringly hot summers day with clear blue skies above, Pascal was the only one here. His heart beating along with the steady summer winds as they swept through the Autumn Oaks leaves.

"Rare to see you here, Guttersnipe. Enjoying the summer sun?"

Pascal tilted his head at the statement, his quiet moment of contemplation broken by the sarcastic yet polite tone of the man behind him. "My Lady's second personal butler, Hevsham Isinger. Still as grumpy and sarcastic as ever."

Cladding a simple black suit was a man with hair as dark as what he was wearing. Hevsham Isinger, was the ward of Ivras Ai, the previous Duke of Hilver City and now one of only two personal butlers of the duchess of Hilvers: Ryshara Tilvana Ai. "I believe I'm quite allowed to be grumpy Guttersnipe. Her Lady specifically asked me to come greet a simple plebeian as well as to escort said plebeian to her home."

Pascal gave a smirk, he turned around to face the man behind him. Jet black eyes, strong jaw line... Every aspect of him was in a sense the very definition of what the general public would consider perfect. Pascal's usual indifference faded away as he stared at Hevsham, a playful grin making its way across his lips.

"Tsk Tsk, Mr Isinger I'd expect a butler of the Greatest Household in Vastro to have more... Decorum. And let's not forget at least I'm a plebeian with a title that even nobles can't turn a blind eye to." Stopping there Pascal's grin turned from playful to condescending as he continued, "Where as you, you're just a plebeian working for a man who wouldn't let you marry his daughter."

Silence pervaded the air as Pascal's words ended. The visible frown lines on Hevsham as he quietly clenched his fist in indignation, humiliation. He had no way to refute Pascal's words. They were all true and the humiliation he'd receive soon turned into anger as he launched his clenched fist straight at Pascal.

Hevsham's fist had ignited, a wreath of blue flames cackled as his punch was about to land square on Pascal's jaw. As the flaming fist inched ever closer to Pascal's face he raised his hand and simply cupped Hevsham's burning fist.

Struggle insued as Hevsham increased his output of mana aiming to at least burn Pascal. It was all for naught however as Pascal's signature grin flashed across his face. The blue flames which had burned, seemingly extinguished as the mana supporting the spell was forcefully pushed back into Hevsham's body.

"Ahhhhh!!!" Hevsham let out a blood curdling scream as his once normal looking hand burned from the inside out. The mana which he had let out was out of his control as he glared at Pascal. Striking blue veins appeared on Hevsham's hand.

Hevsham was on his knees. The severe pain starting from his fingers had shot up through his entire body, as if a hammer striking hot iron. His face contorted as his own mana was burning him and all he could do was glare at Pascal's grin.

"Tch, the fun is over..."

A long blade, it's edge, resting silently on Pascal's neck. And a man, tidy and neat with a butlers suit holding it. Grey haired, well groomed mustache and pale ashen eyes. "Young Master, you took much too long that Her Lady, personally insisted I escort you." Pascal looked deeply into the man's eyes, a hint of true respect reflected in both.

"Sorry to keep Ry Ai waiting. But never did I expect for her to send you, Gus." Pascal flashed a mischievous smirk as he ended the sentence. Gus gave a long sigh as he sheathed his blade back in his cane. "Only you call me that, Young Master. The great Gustav Friar, the scourge of Orin. His name shortened to a simple Gus... Age truly does get the best of us."

The two stared again at each other before laughing. The Autumn Oak seemingly responding in kind as its leaves fall upon their head.

Gus picked Hevsham back onto his feet and gave him a tight slap to his face. Looking down at Hevsham, Gus could not control his anger. As Head butler of the Ai Household all servants were trained to keep their emotions in check especially when it came to receiving personal guest of the household. And yet here in plain sight a butler of this esteemed household had attacked a man. And not just any man. A boy! A boy who wielded more power in Hilvers than the duchy itself. The boy coined as Guttersnipe, The King of Gastra Hallow.

"Apologise, Hevsham. Do it now." Gus was pissed and annoyed beyond compare, his once elegant noble voice stained from the rage building in his chest.

"I didn't do anything sir he..." before Hevsham could finish his sentence another slap, and another until finally his right cheek turned a bright red. Gus looked at Hevsham. Finally calming himself down, Gus spoke, his voice back to normal, "Fool. You're lucky enough that the person you attacked was Pascal. Even if he caused you pain you wouldn't have died. And even more so you're lucky that I and him are old friends back when he was still building his empire and I the newly appointed head butler. So apologise now or else I'll let him continue, till your own mana burns you into ash."

Indignantly, Hevsham bowed towards Pascal. No words were said but Pascal couldn't be bothered especially since Gus had intervened. "Don't get too worked up mate. You're here to escort me so let's. And on the way you'll fill me in with what's been going on with you for the months we haven't met."

Gus gave a simple nod and smile. With Hevsham trailing behind. The Guttersnipe and The Scourge of Orin went on their way.