Wilson's day was stressful, to say the least. As per John's retelling of his itinerary, he had etiquette lessons today. While he knew the ins and outs of etiquette, as he had plenty of real-life applications of them during the two years he had been an heir, he cannot emphasize enough that what was taught was vastly different to the actual thing.
Polite society-wise, he did nothing wrong. But this etiquette teacher at the academy is an old fossil who has been out of touch with the actual mannerisms of the nobles outside of the institution. He got a reprimand from them, and a red mark was noted in his grade.
He was currently on the hallways, walking towards the courtyard to retrieve his sword required for the next part of his test. The hallway is quiet and deserted; the courtyard he was going to was the most remote one, as he liked privacy whenever he practiced his sword.
Wilson quietly mused on what he could do to make his changes less dramatic. He could have instructed John to retrieve the sword, but he needed fresh air to think. His display earlier is sure to alarm people for many reasons. His mind is currently overloaded with knowledge worth ten years, and he is sensorially overwhelmed with all things he missed when his eyes weren't working.
He is still adjusting with everything. His morning is not enough to pull himself together. It's too short for anything.
"What went wrong with you, Willy?" An arm suddenly was slung around Wilson's shoulder. "You're often perfect with this exam, then you suddenly became all bad for the old man Charles to get red-faced."
Wilson's green eyes only rolled as he removed the offending arm from his shoulder. The arm's owner only chuckled and instead tugged on Wilson's shirt like a child. Annoyed, Wilson could only fully face a smiling brunette whose green eyes bent into crescents.
"I'm testing something." Was all Wilson said. It was kind of a lie, but also a truth. He wanted to test people's reactions to the possible deviation his actions will create. After all, he is different from the Wilson of this time in outlook, mannerism, and even preference.
"You'll give Uncle Steve a heart attack when the old fossil sends home your report." The brunette said with his arms crossed. "His heir suddenly has a huge dip in grades. He'll overthink and possibly rush over to the academy to check on you or drag you home."
"Don't bring my father into this, Chris." Wilson warned. "He's already too far from you to stress him."
"I don't bring any stress to anyone," Chris denied, looking offended at the accusation. "I've always been a good boy. My papa could testify."
"Uncle Philip's words are to be trusted in matters pertaining to you," Wilson easily countered. "Aunt Hillary has emphasized more than enough during her visits about your antics. So much she has to ask my father, her brother, to take charge of disciplining you. Would you like to be stuck on our territory for the vacation again for extra lessons from my father?"
Chris only pouted at his words. The brunette cannot rebut as his mother will really do as what is being said. Anyone from the house of Thymes are known to be people of action. Once they decide on something, it is harder than stopping a horse from bolting at the sight of a predator.
"Always sharp on your words, my dear cousin." Chris sighs and decides not to play around anymore. "I don't mind you failing for the sake of proving something, but can you at least make it a little gradual for people not to be alarmed? Alexus will probably corner you for this drop."
Wilson could only rebut in his mind that he doesn't have the time to make his decline less obvious. Other than ingrained habits, the things taught at this point of time were something he has not visited for years. He is confident in tackling the tests, but the timing is bad enough to allow him to refresh his memory.
"I have a conference with him later this afternoon; I'll talk with him about what I'm currently doing," Wilson said, almost grumbling. "But first I need to attend the Third Prince's gathering in a while."
"I forgot you got an invitation." Chris's eyes briefly looked sharp at the mention of the gathering. "Don't take this badly, but that guy is not good news at all. If possible, you should not attend that gathering."
"...I realize that." Wilson sighs, as it was apparent to those with enough perspective what the prince was doing. He was simply an idiot back then to be used thoroughly.
"I've already accepted the invitation and gave my word on my attendance. I can't call in sick for the day, given that I did attend my test just fine at this time."
"...tch." Chris clicked his tongue like they were not talking about a prince. "As expected."
"Compared to most, I'm lucky enough to have an invitation." Wilson patted Chris by the shoulder. "I had the chance to decline."
"Which you didn't. Moronic, in my opinion. But you did have a chance," Chris said with a bite before he suddenly became thoughtful.
Wilson noticed his pause. Knowing him his whole life, being a cousin and a brother, he knew he is up to something. It often involves some trouble, and Wilson did not wish to be dragged into it.
"Whatever you're planning, don't drag me to it." Wilson warned as he took a few steps to distance himself away.
"Come on, this is not bad." Chris didn't allow him to distance himself. He took a hold of Wilson's arm with an iron grip. "This will give you a reason to get away from that gathering and perhaps an explanation of your failing grade."
"... I'm listening."
"That's my brother!" Chris said as he leaned in and whispered in Wilson's ear.
Wilson was thoughtful at the first part of the plan. But there were quite a few ridiculous things at the later part. It was outrageous, and he admitted it was a good plan. However, it will cost him his dignity in the long run.
"...it's a good plan, right?" Chris said with a huge grin.
Wilson only gave the other a jab in the ribs in response. His rejection is clear without any words needed. He could even feel a frown painted on his face.
"Anyone with a thinking mind can see through it." Wilson admits it is feasible, but he does not want to compromise his dignity more than he already did back then. If the situation is dire enough he might consider it, but it is foolish to resort to sacrificing himself this early in the game.
"Most people are not keen on using their brain, my dear." Chris said as he rubbed his ribs. "Besides, if Alexus cooperates, people will not doubt any ulterior motives. He is that rigid for people not to think anything inappropriate."
"There is no guarantee that he will even cooperate with your scheme. He is sharp enough not to be manipulated for others' plots."
"If there is anyone who can convince him that the sky is green, it will be you." Chris met his eyes with all seriousness. "As long as you ask him, he'll do what it takes to make it happen."
Wilson's mind flashes to his last moments: The careful touches, the low confession, and the soft wetness on his cheeks as he faded away. For someone who was all prim and proper, Alexus must have looked all wretched seeing his dying body.
"I refuse this plan." Wilson firmly said.
"What plan?" A voice interrupted the two of them. Wilson felt his body tense at the familiar voice, while Chris looked absolutely glowing.
"Alexus, good to see you!" Chris beamed. "You see Willy here ne—"
Wilson was fast to put a hand to his cousin's mouth. He must not allow him to speak nonsense to Alexus. Much more be dragged with all the ridiculousness that will follow.
Alexus looked at Wilson, puzzled. His hazel eyes met green.
Wilson took the moment to look at the younger version of Alexus. He was handsome as he could remember him to be. Black-haired as most Davises are. Lean and tall for someone at nineteen. His face and skin are still free from scars from wars.
Last he saw the man was twenty-one, growing a little taller than he was at nineteen. His face had a scar at the side and his left back hand had a forever long line from a slash in the northern expedition. He carries a sense of danger as someone who has been in a battlefield and has been stained with blood.
"Ignore him. He is just up for some mischief," Wilson said, ignoring his cousin's protest over the hand over his mouth.
Alexus regarded him longer than he likes. But it was something he did even when they were children. It made Wilson a little uncomfortable as he knows now that he harbors romantic intentions towards him. His lingering gaze could mean more, and given his meticulous nature, he could have picked up changes in him.
Chris, not wanting his mouth to be held hostage, ripped Wilson's hand from his mouth and made a distance from his cousin. He made a hacking sound, probably from choking on his own spit. It was a common occurrence, so Wilson is not really worried. Too many instances to be alarmed of, unless he is really having trouble breathing is when he'll start caring.
"Do you really need to do that?" Chris said, his green eyes had a glisten from the tears build-up. Wilson saw it and realized he had put more force than necessary. "I only want to help."
"At the cost of my pride."
"Where was that pride when you followed that guy back then?"
"Was fed to dogs. Fortunately, the dog spit me out, and I got a semblance of it back."
Chris could only make a sound of disgust with Wilson's rebuttal. Wilson could only shrug at the other's response.
"I'll not ask what made you two argue, but can you two tell me what made you wander the halls at this hour?" Alexus said after clearing his throat to get their attention. "Don't make me write you up for loitering."
"On the way to retrieve my sword. The exam for combat is apparently after the etiquette exam."
"Yes, there was a change on the exam content last minute." Alexus confirmed that there was that change. "The student council was a little surprised with the change last minute. Which, before you guys question the reason, I am here to rush off a few tasks for the council. How about you, Chris? Why are you here?"
"Class was dismissed early." Chris cheekily said. "There was an accident in our class during combat class; to facilitate the incident, our class was dismissed early, and I sat in Wilson's class for fun."
"Did you cause the accident?" Alexus asked straight.
"No!" Chris was quick to deny. "I may cause any other accidents on normal days, but during exams? I put my shoes down from causing incidents."
Both Wilson and Alexus gave him a judgmental look. This offends Chris, but he is aware of his records. He could only sigh and wilt like a flower in winter.
"... I'll accept the excuse for now. But I'll check the records to make sure it won't cause trouble later." Alexus said, the unspoken words being that he will take up the aftermath if something comes up.
"You're the best, Alexie!" Chris said as he lunged to hug the man. Alexus easily dodged him, brushing his sleeves that got momentarily caught with Chris's hand. Not bothered by being dodged, Chris ran off his mouth.
"If only you can also help out Willy here to get away from the Third Prince's gathering, you'll be perfect."