Chapter 17: Fors
Seeing Xio's somewhat conflicted expression, Enber could already guess who wanted to meet him.
'If I'm not mistaken, it should be the future "Magician," Miss Fors. She has a rather laid-back personality and tends to be casual about certain things.' Recalling the novel's details, he filled in the blanks Xio hadn't mentioned. Not wanting her to stew over it, he said,
"Let's meet back here at noon, then."
"Alright, we'll be on time." Xio sighed in relief and nodded quickly. "It's getting late, and I still have things to handle. See you at noon!"
After parting ways, Enber paid his bill and took a public carriage to Cherwood Borough. He had decided to follow Detective Isengard's advice and buy a proper suit. Naturally, his first stop was the clothing shop run by Jane's family. Better to spend his money supporting a friend's family business.
The store wasn't far, and Enber soon arrived near the street. One block away, he spotted Jane's father, Mr. Charlie, stepping out of the shop with a dark-haired, brown-eyed gentleman. Mr. Charlie showed remarkable respect, personally opening the door of a carriage before watching it leave. Only when it disappeared did he return inside.
The scene left Enber curious. 'Who was the middle-aged gentleman who commanded such deference from Jane's father?' But then he laughed at himself. Backlund was full of important people; there was no point playing detective over a random guess.
Inside the shop, he immediately noticed Jane behind the counter, doodling out of boredom. Grinning mischievously, he crept up and knocked loudly on the counter.
Jane jumped in shock, then pouted when she saw his teasing smile.
"Enber, how dare you show up here? If it weren't for you, my father wouldn't have grounded me for a whole week. And now you scare me again! Well, how are you going to make it up to me?"
Enber smoothly sidestepped the accusation.
"You were grounded by Mr. Grant? Over Professor Kapunsky?"
"Yeah, my father's worried I'll sneak back to Professor Kapunsky's study group… even though I already promised I wouldn't!" Jane huffed, then asked curiously, "So, what brings you here today?"
"I've found a job and got an advance on my salary, so I'm here to buy a suit."
Jane's eyes widened. "A full suit costs at least ten pounds. What kind of job pays you that much up front?"
"I'm working as an assistant to Detective Isengard Stanton. My weekly pay is three pounds, and I received a one-month advance."
"I've heard of Detective Stanton! He's quite famous and supposedly connected to Sivellaus Yard!" Jane said excitedly.
At that moment, Mr. Charlie Grant emerged from the back, nodding approvingly.
"Young man, you'll have a promising future learning from a detective like him. Investigating and solving cases can take you far."
"Good morning, Mr. Grant," Enber greeted politely, adding modestly, "For now, I'm still in the learning phase and haven't had much involvement in real cases."
"Learning is life's greatest treasure," Mr. Grant said with a nostalgic air. "I once worked as an assistant in Mr. Bryan's clothing factory. Thanks to the knowledge, connections, and savings I built there, I was able to open this store. So work hard, lad."
"Mr. Bryan?" Enber mused aloud. The surname caught his attention — it was the same as his own.
"Mr. Bryan is a prominent businessman with many clothing factories in Backlund. He stopped by earlier for an inspection and discussed supporting me in opening a chain of stores. Though this shop is mine, he holds a thirty percent stake in it. He's been incredibly generous, never interfering and always backing my ideas," Mr. Grant explained reverently.
'So the gentleman earlier was Mr. Bryan himself… Mr. Grant certainly speaks of him with near devotion. Perhaps Mr. Bryan helped him rise from assistant to shop owner. That would explain the gratitude.'
At that point, Jane interjected, "Hey, Enber, you're a Bryan too, right? Is that gentleman a relative of yours?"
Enber chuckled and shook his head. "Hardly. Bryan's a common surname. It'd be a stretch to think every Bryan is related."
With that, he turned to his real task. Guided by Jane, he eventually settled on a suit costing eleven pounds.
When he changed into it and put on his glasses, both Jane and Mr. Grant were taken aback. Jane circled him, then exclaimed,
"Enber, you look fantastic! With those glasses, you've got the very 'bookish charm' Roselle always praised!"
"Indeed, you make a fine gentleman," Mr. Grant added approvingly, though Enber suspected the compliment was really aimed at the clothing.
Still, aside from a few interruptions, the suit shopping went smoothly. After saying his goodbyes, Enber took a carriage back to East Borough.
The moment he stepped off, though, he felt hostile stares. That was when he realized wearing a full suit in East Borough was practically inviting trouble.
Fortunately, the restaurant where he often met Xio was in a safer part of the district. He let the butt of his revolver show beneath his coat, and that alone was enough to discourage any would-be robbers.
When he entered the restaurant and saw Xio at the counter, barely tall enough to see over it, he breathed in relief. In East Borough, her reputation as an Arbiter was far more intimidating than his revolver.
Hearing the door, Xio turned and raised her brows in surprise. "Enber, why'd you wear that here?"
"Well, we're meeting your friend, so I thought I'd dress more formally. It's only polite," he explained.
Xio sighed, slightly frustrated. "If I'd known, I would've chosen a different place. I'll make sure to escort you back to Detective Isengard's after."
Enber shook his head, half-exasperated. 'Did she really think he was so defenseless?'
After ordering, Xio led him to a table in the back where a woman sat watching them with an amused smile.
"This is my best friend, Fors Wall," Xio introduced solemnly, ignoring her friend's expression.
"It's an honor to meet you, Miss Wall," Enber greeted warmly. He remembered Fors vividly from the novel and felt no awkwardness.
"What a handsome, good-natured gentleman. Xio certainly knows how to pick her friends!" Fors teased before adding more naturally, "No need to be so formal. You're Xio's friend, so you're my friend too. Just call me Fors."
Enber nodded easily. "Then, Fors, Xio said you wanted to meet me? Is there something specific you'd like to discuss?"
Fors blinked, then sighed in mock defeat. "You really are Xio's friend. You even talk like her. As Roselle would say—like two peas in a pod."
Enber resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Roselle's idioms really did pop up everywhere. Now he truly understood klien's plight.
"What's wrong with how we talk?" Xio countered, unbothered.
"In normal circumstances, wouldn't a gentleman at least chat with a lady first, before asking what she wants?" Fors retorted, covering her forehead with a dramatic sigh.
"That's just a plot device in your novels. Enber and I don't have time for small talk," Xio replied flatly.
"Oh, no, it's official! You're completely on Enber's side now, not even sparing a thought for my feelings!" Fors declared, clutching her head in exaggerated despair.
Enber chuckled at their banter, though he sensed something deliberate behind Fors's playfulness. She seemed eager to create closeness, almost forcing it.
'Is this because of her worsening "full-moon ravings"? Without knowing the Fool would eventually help her, she must feel insecure about the future. Maybe she's trying to place trust in someone else — someone who could support Xio if she lost control one day. After all, for all her toughness, Xio's recklessness could easily land her in danger.'
(End of Chapter)