Status Matters

**Date Started:** July 3rd, 2021
**Date Completed:** Ongoing
**Previous Role-Play:** N/A
**Users Involved:** User:KontonMan, User:BQD, User:GranCrux
**Setting:** Kikka, Clover Kingdom
**Characters Involved**: Fen Monroe, Dion, Bishop Quintrell

## Simple and Bold

Three more days. In only 72 hours, Fen Monroe would be given the chance to take the first step in becoming the next great Magic Knight. He had arrived in Kikka in advance so he could explore the town for a while, before catching up with a friend the day after. But now that he was in Kikka, he had no idea what to do. It was a lot bigger than it was on the Outskirts, and yet more crowded. He saw others of his age scrawling about, some clearly having magic of their own as well.

His Grimoire wasn’t kept as visible as others kept their own, Fen had hidden his in one of the inside pockets of the jacket he wore. He blew strands of his blond hair from his face, still looking around for something to do. His stomach growled. Maybe some food? Fen walked some more before eventually finding a butcher’s shop. Chunks of meat dangled right in front of his face, as he observed all of them. His stomach growled again.

Fen glanced into the shop, unable to see a butcher that wasn’t occupied. He could’ve waited, but he didn’t have the time. He was too hungry. “Ding ding fuckers!” he yelled. “I wanna buy some fuckin’ meat!”

“Just how many more plates are they gonna fucking dirty…” A boy remained at the back of the butcher shop. Bubbles escaped his hands as with incredible dexterity he moved from tool to tool. Plates, knives, spoons, all completely covered in grease and even dirt were transformed into objects of pure cleanliness in almost an instant. The boy wiped again and again, his eyes not even staring at what he was cleaning, it seemed habitual to him by now, and so, instead he preferred to spend the rest of his time daydreaming. Of a better life. Of a less tiresome life. Of a simple life.

Drool nearly fell from his mouth, before a gruff voice forced him to come back to reality.

“Dion! Get off your ass and come help at the front desk, we have clients waitin’!” The voice was none other than the supposed Dion’s boss, who was currently chopping what appeared to be some piece of meat along with the many other butchers.

Dion sighed to himself, attempting his best to look somewhat presentable. His hands softly touched his pink hair, though it did little to fix the mess he had. Bubbles washed away the grease and sweat off of his face, revealing the features underneath. Narrowed light brown eyes and a jawline befitting of a young man. He quickly ran towards the counter at the front of the store, not even bothering to look at who was ordering.

“Hello, how may I help you?” He said in an almost monotone voice.

“Ring ring, pinkie.” Fen waved his hand in front of Dion’s face. Though he had no idea who this guy was, the fact that he wouldn’t even make eye contact annoyed Dion. Fen found it highly disrespectful, but he was supposed to keep his anger in check. It had gotten him into trouble far too many times before. “Hey bucko. I need some food.”

Fen looked around at all the meats. “What’s the best one you guys got?”

Dion's eyes narrowed further, veins bulging from his temples temporarily at the mention of the 'pinkie' name. "Oh, yeah, meat, um, we have pork, chicken, hor-" Dion stopped himself, that wasn't something customers were supposed to know, after all, it was only food that was served to those from the Forsaken Realm. The boss never liked wasting food on them anyways.

"My personal favorite's...well...I don't really eat that much meat I guess..." Dion said, thinking out loud. "Chicken's always solid though.

“Fuck that chicken shit. Were you just about to call me a whore?!” Fen yelled. Veins bulged, his eyes twitched as they also widened. Smoke almost palpitated from his ears. Enough disrespect was enough disrespect. “How’re you gonna call me a whore? Just cause I’m from the Forsaken Realm? Huh? HUH? I can’t stand you kinda people! Don’t call me a whore or I’ll use my magic and shit!”

Fen quieted down, before sighing. “But yeah, lemme get, uh. Some of that chicken shit now."

The same man that had told Dion to attend the counter, looked in the boy's direction, causing him to panic. Sweat dripped from Dion's temples, as he looked frantically from side to side, an almost robotic nod towards his boss escaping him, as to assure that everything was fine.

"Calm down, calm down man!" Dion said in a hushed tone. "I didn't even know you were from that Forsaken Realm, okay? Don't be saying that out loud though...." Dion looked back towards the man, signaling him towards the chicken.

"I AM CALM! I AM SO CALM-" Fen paused as he took an instant to reflect. Maybe yelling wasn't being calm. He clenched his eyes shut before slowly opening them and looking back at Dion and following towards where the chicken was kept.

Fen crossed his arms. "Anyways...the fuck is wrong with the Forsaken Realm anyway? I'm a dude. You're a dude. The rich ones with spoons up their ass are dudes. We're all just dudes being guys."

"Uh, yeah, yeah. I agree with you, I don't really care personally." Butchers moved behind Dion, another look from the boss and the man went into the back of the shop. "Some other people though...might not feel the same way, y'know?"

"That's cool. Those other people are idiots though, disrespectfully speaking." Fen shrugged. "I'm telling ya right now. In a year, people are gonna be out here THANKING my ass for saving lives and helping out the Kingdom."

He gave a thumbs-up, leaning against the counter, before pointing the thumb at himself. "Cause I'm gonna be a Magic Knight."

Dion's gaze switched quickly from the counter itself to Fen himself. "Are you now?" He nearly grinned. "What squad are you hoping to join?"

Fen thought about it for a moment, before grinning. "Is there any other answer? Golden Dawn or Crimson Lion. I'm either invading places for the Kingdom, or protecting the Kingdom. No other option for me."

Dion seemed almost shocked at first, but he seemd almost saddened, if not bored. "Ah, so you're one of those, huh."

"Fuck you mean?!" Fen yelled. "My magic makes me an even better fighter! You expect me to sit on my ass and study shit? Sneak around? Nah, I need to be in the action. Help the Kingdom that I was born in directly! What other way to do that then join the strongest squads?"

"That's cool and all, but...I've seen alotta guys like you. Big dreams, small town. Can't say I'm surprised is all." Dion responded.

"Tch. What about you?" Fen asked. "You look older than me. Why're you here? Shouldn't you be a Magic Knight?"

"Heheheh...." Dion laughed creepily to himself. "It's taken me three years to prepare myself mentally...." His eyes resembled stars as his tone grew louder and louder. "But this year, may finally be the one I decide to partake in the exams! To become a regular, run-of-the mill Magic Knight! That is my goal!" Dion exclaimed, at the same time, a dish of meat reached Dion's hand, which he promptly put in front of Fen. It seemed slightly darker than chicken, and somewhat gimey. "This'll be 5 yul, please and thank you." His monotone voice returned, though his eyes still seemed full of emotion, as if warning Fen.

"Yeah, good for you bud. Don't know why you need mental strength to kick ass, but I'm proud. But I already paid you." Fen said, sniffing the meat. His brows furrowed before he looked up at Dion with a smile. "You get to know the next Magic Knight Captain when he's still young! That way it's good for you, and your shop will get exposure."

"This isn't my shop..." Dion responded. "I actually hate it here. It smells like shit everywhere, my boss discriminates and everyone here's sweaty and greasy like...all the time." Dion blinked realizing he had accidentally vented to a guy he didn't know. "Anyways, I don't plan on kicking ass. I plan on living a comfortable life, likely two children I'm thinking, and a beautiful wife as well. Hopefully with small breasts so that when she's in her fifties they don't sag. Or maybe I should just enjoy my youth and look for a big breasted bride...well, doesn't matter. Point is, just the status of being a Magic Knight will help me escape this predicament."

Fen blinked. "People who say "breasts" are mad weird. That's a term we should use for chickens, and chickens only. Just say "boobs" like a normal person! Don't you wanna be a normal Magic Knight or whatever?"

"Man...either way, free exposure from me. When I'm the next Magic Knight Captain, I can prolly help you with your life or something. It's a good deal, not gonna lie...what is your name?" Fen continued to stare at Dion.

"Oh, the name's Dion." He responded, he could feel his boss's stare on him. Dion looked at the plate momentarily. "And your name is?"

The boy gave Dion a fist to bump. "Fen Monroe," he said. "Parents couldn't afford more than 3 letters for my first name, so that's that story."

"Right, right...nice to meet ya, Fen..." Dion said, his attention still elsewhere. He turned to see the man's gaze, he clearly wanted him to ger rid of Fen, and rid of Fen he would. Bumping Fen's fist, Dion swiped his arm outwards afterwards, causing the plate of meat to hit the floor next to him, its contents spilling on the floor. Part of it fell on his apron, and even part of his finger, as he felt the piping steam.

"FUCK!" he screamed, as he followed by blowing his own finger, noticing that many of the butchers begun to stare at him angrily, the very boss began to approach him.

"I-I'm such a klutz...haha...." Dion said nervously.

Fen squinted, looking at Dion beginning to scream. Pain was fine, people were supposed to learn how to deal with it. But when Dion began to pity himself for the mistake he made, Fen rolled his eyes.

"Man..." he said, slapping the back of his hand against Dion's head. "**Calm** your ass down!"

But with that second word uttered by Fen, mana trickled from his backhand and onto Dion. It travelled down Dion, across his shoulder and arm and trailed up through the palm and onto the burnt finger. The wound that had begun to swell began to ease and shrink. The pain would fade.

Fen blinked. "God damn it...stupid ass magic."

Dion felt his burnt finger heal instantly, as his head was slapped, causing him to scratch the back of it. Whatever joy he felt quickly dissipated as the boss stared him down angrily.

"Dion, you're fuckin' fired!" The man said, not minding whatever clients might've been scared.

"R-right, I'll get going then, hahaha...." Dion said eyes moving everywhere. In truth, it had all been calculated. The angle at which the plate fell, the burnt finger, it had all been done on purpose to make it seem real. Dion knew, that the boss wanted him to kick Fen out and feed him the horse food, but for some reason, Dion couldn't do that this time. Though he had done it countless others. The boy threw his apron on the counter, jumping out of it before his former boss could say anything.

"Fen we should get going, before he asks me to pay for that plate!" Dion said, taking Fen's hand as he rushed away from the shop, hearing curses in the distance.

Fen felt himself yanked by Dion outside of the shop, though the young man didn't try to resist. He was fine with not paying, it wasn't as if he had any money on him at the moment. Now outside, Fen pulled his hand free from Dion.

"NICE!" he exclaimed. "Just saved us 5 yul. You're a smart guy. Your finger okay, bro?"

"My finger?" Dion looked at his surroundings first, to make sure they had moved away from all the commotion. "Huh, it's...completely healed. You did this? Thanks. Oh, and sorry about your food."

"Oh shit..." Fen stared at the finger. "FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCKKK MEEEEEE!"

"GOD FUCKING DAMN FUCKING SHIT!" he grabbed the side of his head, pulling at his hair. "WHY IS MY MAGIC SO STUPID?!"

"H-huh?! What do you mean your magic's stupid?! The hell?!" Dion said somewhat concerned. "Oh shit, maybe I shouldn't have quit...why the FUCK did I quit?! That job was my Plan B man....and he'll tell everyone else, nobody'll hire me!"

"Dion, you don't get it..." Fen sighed. "My magic is so stupid. I can't make fire or lightning or wind or anything! It just heals people! The fates fucked me! GAH. We're both fucked!"

"Y-YOU CAN ONLY HEAL PEOPLE?! AND YOU WANT TO BE A MAGIC KNIGHT CAPTAIN! YOU DUMBASS!" Dion screamed at the top of his lungs. "You sounded so damn confident!"

"I'LL JUST BEAT THEM UP MANO A MANO! I CAN STILL BE A CAPTAIN YA KNOW?!" Fen retorted. "Have some faith in me!"

## Step Up

Down the street a crowd was brewing. It would be easy for Dion and Fen to notice, the voices of the commoners themselves was enough to draw attention. And the actual commotion itself was enough to hold their attention. A gap quickly formed as brown hair surfed through the tip of the crowd. A regal golden outfit dragging it’s way through, bringing all the other outfits to shame.

A slightly tall young man emerged from the certain of the crowd, he had a certain air to himself. A confidence unmatched and unhinged despite how some would plead that he needed to be more charismatic. But what was charisma if not just extreme confidence in everything you said or did.

Making his way from the crowd, his eyes moved to the commotion of the other two gentlemen before him. He smiled, overhearing them speaking about magic of some sorts. “More magic knight wannabes, is it?” Bishop Quintrell, nobleman of House Quintrell. His presence ever-radiant.

Fen looked up at the boy approaching them. People had parted for him as he had moved through the crowd. Evidently he was somebody special but not someone Fen recognized. There was an air of swagger to him, refined. As if he didn’t care about what others except for himself. Regal, elegant. That was this man’s demeanour.

Fen’s own air held its own swagger, but the demeanour was different. Fen didn’t care about what others thought, not because he saw himself above everyone, but because they were all equal. Jagged and improper, Fen crossed his arms at the boy that had approached them. A standoffish moment that resulted in Fen laughing. “AHAHAHAHA!!” he held his sides. “Dion! This fuckin’ guys wearing a skirt! And he’s calling us a wannabe? AHAHAHA!”

He wiped a tear of laughter from his eyes. “How am I supposed to take a guy wearing a dress seriously?”

Bishop raised a brow to Fen’s comment. He didn’t seem to react to it at all, after all how could the words of someone lesser than him hold any such effect. But this boy, whoever he was. He surely didn’t know his place.

“Uh, it’s a overcoat. You don’t wear pants with a skirt. But I shouldn’t expect a simpleton like you to understand fashion.” Bishop smirked, Fen could have all the confidence in the world and he’d still be able to place him. “Let me guess, you’re from the Forsaken Realm? Where the latest fashion is who’s potato sack has less holes? I wouldn’t expect you to have sense nor etiquette, however, I take pity on those like you.”

Fen placed a hand on Bishop's shoulder without as much as a second thought. "I hate motherfuckers that talk about the Forsaken Realm like we're some shitshow. In the end, we're both just a couple of dudes being guys."

"So, shut the fuck up~" Fen said, singing the last part of his statement.

Fen placed a hand on Bishop's shoulder without as much as a second thought. "I hate motherfuckers that talk about the Forsaken Realm like we're some shitshow. In the end, we're both just a couple of dudes being guys."

"So, shut the fuck up~" Fen said, singing the last part of his statement.

“F-Fen…” Dion whispered sweat still dripping from his temples. “H-he’s a noble, if you don’t watch out we’ll be in trouble.” Dion recognized the man, he’d seen him several times, parading through. He had status beyond what Dion could ever dream of, or Fen for that matter.

“Err…I wouldn’t use the word wannabes.”

"Yeah," Fen scoffed. "A noble pain in the ass. We're gonna be Magic Knights, GUARANTEED."

Bishop gripped Fen by the wrist, moving his hand off his shoulder as if Fen was too filthy. “Yes, we are both just guys. After all, what makes you isn’t your status. It’s the way you carry yourself. So, I’ll take you both in.” Bishop placed a finger on his chin, looking the two up and down. They certainly weren’t as refined as himself, but that’s just because they weren’t put under enough pressure.

“I’ll teach you what it truly means to be of the elite.”

Dion blinked. “Where exactly would he be taking us?” He asked Fen, slightly concerned.

"Nowhere." Fen replied. "He's not dragging us anywhere. He's not our boss. He's just got a stick shoved in his ass. We're good, Dion."

“Vulgar.” Bishop mused. Fen and Dion were their names. Perfect for Bishop, as neither of their names threaded too close to one as illuminated as his own. “No, I don’t want to be your boss. That sounds like a lot of unnecessary work. What I want is…a partnership of sorts. Or perhaps more-so a sponsorship.”

Bishop smiled, overconfidence exuding from every bit of him. “I’ll overlook these transgressions, only because I know you must not be used to the formalities of nobility. But understand, you won’t find another as merciful and benevolent as myself.”

Fen rubbed the back of his head, showing an awkward smile. "I already have a sponsor, kind of." he said. "But that's cool of you, not doing the whole 'off with your head' thing. You're okay with me, overcoat."

"Y-You have a sponsor?! So that's why you're so damn confident! Why didn't you say that?!" Dion screamed back at Fen.

"Cause I ain't relying on that shit to make me a Magic Knight!" Fen yelled at Dion. "I gotta do it with my own skills! That's what a Captain would do."

“Ah, another thing I’ll have to forgive.” The young man covered his ears a bit as the two boys went on, this was just another lesson to be had. “My name is Bishop Quintrell, nobleman of House Quintrell. You’ll do well to remember it, I can get you places.”

Bishop’s eyes shifted to Fen as he mentioned his sponsorship. Another one of his well placed predictions taking form. One of these individuals did seem to be of a certain caliber. “In the end, make no mistake. Like, uh, Fan said. We’re all just dudes being guys. It just so happens I’m a guy with refined principles.”

"Oi, Bitchop." Fen turned to face him, quickly spinning on the back of his heels to face him. "Fen. F-E-N. Remember it, cause I'm gonna be a Magic Knight Captain."

Bishop chuckled, amused by Fen’s comment. “A Magic Knight Captain you say? Well then, seems I have a rival of sorts.” Bishop’s hand extended, his radiant confidence never failing to shine through with each and every move he made. Almost like he was pride incarnate. “I wish you luck, Fen. Perhaps we’ll serve side by side someday.”

"Sounds good." Fen nodded, extending his fist out for a bump. Radiant confidence met jagged swagger. "More Captains, the better."

He turned to face Dion. "You're the only one out of us that DOESN'T wanna be a Captain. Wild."

"That's because I'm not batshit insane..." Dion responded. "I don't get it, why would you want to be Captain anyways? In your case Bishop," Dion's gaze focused on him. "Why would you even want to be a Magic Knight, don't you have it all already?"

"That's the thing, D-money." Fen smiled. "Being the Emperor would be too much paperwork. But a Captain? ACTION ALL THE TIME. And you'd be a badass amongst badasses. It's the ultimate job."

Bishop shrugged a shoulder, yet judging from the expression from his face, it wasn’t that he didn’t know what to say. He just seem willing to share. “There’s plenty of reasons beyond just wanting to elevate yourself. If that was all anyone wanted to be a knight for, the Royal Families wouldn’t lift a finger.”

"Being a badass...that sounds like alotta work though...I'm fine just being...whatever position gives me a comfortable life. Always do the bare minimum. That's my motto." Dion said.

"If you're a Captain...you can meet more prospects for a wife." Fen suggested. "I know that's your thing, which is weird...but hey. I ain't gonna judge a friend for his weird shit."

Bishop gave a sigh, but he had to remain firm in his belief. That these two boys were capable, but simply hadn’t had the right amount of pressure yet. Dion more than Fan. “Ah, well, it’s been fun. But if I keep standing in the middle of the street talking with you two…” Bishop trailed off as he reached into his coat. Pulling out some sort of paper before handing it to Fan and Dion, making sure not to touch the latter directly as he reeked of freshly cut and uncooked meat.

“If you two want to discuss further, meet me at this restaurant. And perhaps afterwards we can work on your…presentation. If not, then I presume I’ll just meet you both during the exams.”

"Eh? Alright dude..." Dion said, he certainly had the wrong impression about Bishop. "It's probably my hair, isn't it...?"

Fen glanced at the paper before pocketing it. "Yeah, yeah. I know the place. I'm down. D-money and I can show up. I will. More friends, the better."

“More-so your odor. A bit more we could probably fix up, but only if you’re willing.” Bishop remarked. “I’ll cover the finances.”

Bishop started moving down the street, striding on. “Don’t be late, 5 o’clock.” @

"I can cover my finance shmimance if it's at that place." Fen said. He turned to face Dion, a smile on his face. "We going?"

Dion rose his arm, head nearing his armpit before he sniffed. "It's the damn meat smell...." Bishop walked away, leaving him and Fen by themselves. "Yeah we're going but you need to stop calling me D-money, and I'm NOT obsessed with women, okay? I just think about the future, is all."

Fen nodded. "Aight, so no D-money. D-bro? D-bag? Dion? Which one?"

"Dion. Just Dion." Dion responded.

"Aight. Dion." Fen gave him fingerguns. "5 o'clock. We'll be there. Until then...Dion. Let's hang out. Show me your magic and shit so I know how to beat it."

"No." Dion said bluntly. "That's my only advantage against you freaks, I'm not dumb enough to reveal it. Dion begun to walk away. "Let's meet at 5 then. Oh, and, remember, you're paying for me!"

Fen followed after Dion. "Fine, fine! I'm still hanging with you though until then..."

## Dine and Dash

Eventually the time came for Dion and Fen to reconvene with Bishop. True to his words, he’d been sitting at a private section of the Four Leaf Restaurant. The boy admired his clothing and his accessories, tousling with his hair as he waited for the duo to arrive. Another test to see if they had what it took to rub elbows with one like himself.

The restaurant itself was a testament to the high standards Bishop was used to. Not because the restaurant was exactly hard to afford a meal at, but it’s entire atmosphere was just too nice to write off as anything but greatness. Perfect for one like Bishop. And the further privacy provided was more than enough to get his point across further.

“Shouldn’t be long, I’m sure they wont disappoint.” Bishop remarked, hoping that if they hadn’t invested in better clothing, Dion had at least invested in a bit of better hygiene.

Rustling from nearby the private setting. Words were muffled but they became louder the closer the group got.

"Katie I know how to-" Fen's voice spoke out. "Yes, the pink-haired guy is with me! Trust me, I'm not that stupid!"

The trio arrived by Bishop's setting, Fen blowing a strand of hair out of his face in frustration. A server of the Four Leaf Restaurant stood by his side, obviously annoyed at Fen's behaviour. But it seemed as if it were something she had become slightly accustomed to. She gestured for Fen and Dion to take their seats, to which Fen hopped in without missing a beat.

He shot a fingergun at Bishop. "My man," he said. "We're here! Not that late! Wait...Dion. Are we late?!"

"No, we're just in time." Dion said. He seemed slightly more relaxed than before. His appearance had seldom changed, a darkened long-sleeved shirt, pants and sneakers serving as his clothes. A red hoodie could be seen underneath the shirt. His hair remained the same as before, but what was most apparent was the smell of blood and animals that had disappeared from him. He outstretched his arms behind his head.

Sitting down first, Dion grinned slightly. "So? Lookin' better, right?"

“Hmm...it's a look.” Bishop responded, finding the outfit to be a bit foreign and unique. It was definitely quite “Dion”. But it wasn’t something he’d press too hard on, not now anyway. After all, they were punctual at least. And it was rare that he himself had a chance to relax outside his own home. “But hey, it is what it is. Nothing more you can do about it. You two have fun?” Bishop inquired, his tone and mannerisms suddenly less refined and regal. This time there was a new confidence, not in his status. But instead, simply, in who he was.

"No. Fen was annoying me the whole time. Asking me weird ass questions about magic." Dion responded before he sighed.

Fen shrugged. "Hey! I just wanna know what your magic is! I'm the one who has to beat it using these hands ya know-"

He was about to continue when "Katie" returned, a server at the restaurant. Floating by her side was a pen and notepad as she glared at Fen for a moment before speaking up herself. "Hello!" she waved. "My name is Katie, and I'll be your server for the day."

Menu's floated from her side and onto the table, carried by an artificial gust of wind. "Can I get your orders?"

"The usual!" Fen tossed the menu back at Katie, the woman using her magic to "catch" it and return it to her side. She sighed, but the pen scribbled down something onto the notepad.

"How about you two?" Katie asked.

“The usual? So you come here a lot?” Bishop rose a brow, but quickly let the concern go. Perhaps it was related to this other sponsorship he mentioned earlier. “I’ll take the Ultimate Seafood Platter if you don’t mind.”

The pen moved, jotting it down. Fen nodded at Bishop. "Not a lot a lot. But when I do I always get the same thing. The food here slaps. I was gonna head here, but I saw the butcher shop Dion worked at first and I was too hungry to wait any more. But then I got distracted."

"I want...the most expensive thing!" Dion exclaimed. "And these two will pay for it." Dion said nodding to himself.

The girl blinked. "You want the Supreme Burn Chill Lobster Plate Deluxe?"

Fen's face contorted into one of confusion. "The fuck is that?"

"Our most expensive meal." Katie replied, not making eye contact with Fen.

Dion nodded calmly, arms crossed over his chest. "The two gentlemen will pay for me."

The pen scribbled it down, and Katie left the three to themselves.

Fen looked at Dion. "I can't pay for you, so. That's rich boy Bishop's job."

Bishop eyed Dion with a bit of disgust, then did the same to Fen. So much for being the nice guy. “Hey I may be a noble but I’m not gonna splurge money on you all the time like you’re my boyfriend!” Bishop’s hand came down onto the table, his eyebrow twitching as he fought back more words. He had to remain calmer. “I’ll cover you this once, next time I’m putting it on a tab.”

"Woah, are you making a move on Dion?" Fen asked. "Dion, you into dudes?"

Dion was surprised by the outburst, his eyes narrowing as he tried to catch a glimpse of Bishop. Of the real Bishop, of that instant when he spoke up to the two of them. "I'm not. But you did offer to costs previously, it's not often I get to enjoy myself, Bishop. Though I'm sure this is just regular food for you..."

Bishop leaned back, running a hand through his hair. “Pft, he wishes I was making a move on him.” Bishop’s eyes wandered around the booth, and to the paintings on the wall. “No, this isn’t regular for me. It’s not that we can’t afford it, but we don’t have much reason to. Members of House Quintrell would rather spend money bettering those less off than gorging ourselves into a coma.” Bishop crossed his arms. “Like I said, you probably wont find another as benevolent as myself.”

"We're less off than you!" Fen exclaimed. "But I'm being nice and covering my own shit. I'm a fucking nice guy. You can afford to buy Dion his shit."

"Yeah, yeah, let's not cause a scene here." Dion switched topics, the last thing he needed was even more attention on him. "Let's talk business, shall we? God that sounded cool."

Fen smiled. "Yeaaaah, boy. That was pretty sick."

“You think I don’t know that? I’d cover you too if you wanted, just don’t get used to me buying the most expensive thing every time.” Bishop replied, looking away as he pouted a bit. “Im using my allowance here alright.”

Bishop looked at the two as they seemed to geek out over their own “coolness”. A slight shiver down his spine. “Yea, business. You two wanna be Magic Knights. My sponsorship is more of an investment.”

"What do you get out of it?" Dion asked. Bishop didn't seem like the type of person to do anything simply out of kindness.

“Nothing that’ll hurt you. Nor anything material. It’s like I said, the nobles of House Quintrell would rather invest in those less off than in ourselves.” Bishop replied. A simple trend amongst his family.

Meals were brought to their table. Dion was given his dish, a massive platter with a singular lobster currently on fire that was slowly burning out. Dry ice surrounded the plate itself. Bishop was given his platter with salmon, swordfish and shrimp spread across. Sauces trailed against each aspect. Fen was merely brought a plate of pasta with cheese sprinkled across.

Fen began to dig in, taking some bites. "Yeah, what do you get out of the deal with D-money?" he asked.

"Huh, so you're all extra nice." Dion leaned back slightly, intimidated by the dish he had ordered. He'd never eaten lobster, and so he had no idea how to even approach it. His lips quivered momentarily, before he continued. "If I'm honest, I don't buy it. I'm sure there's something in it for you. Publicity? Making your family look good? Whatever it is, I don't care. Question is...can you get me through those exams?"

“Of course there’s something in it for me.” Bishop stabbed the salmon on his plate with a fork, tearing a piece off from the larger whole. “But like I said, it cost you nothing but looking good. I can’t get you through the exam. But, I can make sure that your growth and experiences as a Magic Knight are as enjoyable as they can be for a commoner.” Bishop chewed his food, covering his mouth to make sure nothing fell out.

“Whether you want it or not, prejudice will follow you. But I can do my part to mitigate it.” He finished.

Dion looked at his plate, head moving to various angles in an attempt of figuring out how to get to eating. Hands moved over to his fork and knife that he held on to tightly. Even then, he listened to Bishop attentively.

"Prejudice? You mean from other nobles? I've had that my whole life, kinda easy to deal with at this point. Just do as they ask."

"That means when they're a dick to you, right?" Fen looked up from his meal. "That's fine. Dion's old boss was dick to me to, wanted to give me weird meat or something."

“Yes, usually. But you’re trying to be a Magic Knight, yes? Not to mention you’re in cahoots with me now. So, you’re going to need a certain level of pride and dignity.” Bishop noticed Dion struggling with his food. As such, he pointed at the part with the meat sticking out. Usually, lobster was served pre-opened. “Just take the meat out.”

"Right, right." Dion asked, both to his advice towards his food, and to his comment about "pride and dignity". Two things that Dion had very little of, self-admittedly.

"So," he turned to Fen. "You could tell?"

"Yeah." Fen replied. "I guessed. You kept looking back at someone in the back, so I thought that the someone was your boss or something. And the meat you gave me was smelly as shit. And you were a nice guy. So it was him that wanted to gimme the shitty meat right?"

"Yeah, it was." Dion began to pick at his food, doing his best attempts and taking the lobster's insides out. "I feel like things would've gotten quite worse if I let you eat that thing...he usually saves those for people like you."

Fen turned to Dion. "People that are gonna be Magic Knight Captains? Isn't poisoning a Captain illegal or something?"

"Probably." Was all Dion could reply, finally taking a bite out of his plate. He didn't seem impressed with the dish, though it was certainly good. "So, Bishop, am I like, supposed to be your underling or something now? How strong are you?"

“How strong am I? I wouldn’t even know where to start. It would be impossible to quantify the power of someone like me.” Bishop remarked, keeping a refined air to himself even as he boasted. “If I wanted an underling, I wouldn’t offer to help you. Your attitude is lacking, I see that. But you also want to be a Magic Knight, which is a goal I respect. But I can’t respect someone who doesn’t respect themselves, and neither will the people.”

“I want to see you do better for yourself. After all, it gets lonely at the top, and even I need someone to share my burdens with.” Bishop spoke confidently, but openly. He may have felt better than everyone in the room. But that didn’t stop him from being a tad bit vulnerable.

"You're strong?" Fen tilted his head to the side. "You saying I'll have to beat you up during the tests so I can get into Golden Dawn?"

Bishop chuckled. “Aside from our generosity, House Quintrell is made of some of the strongest nobles. And even still, I’m in a class of my own.” Bishop leaned against the table, his expression becoming challenging, yet still smug. “If you can, you’d probably want to avoid fighting me.”

Fen shrugged. "No point avoiding a fight. I wanna be a Captain, so I'll have to show that I'm stronger than everybody anyways." he popped a few pieces of his pasta into his mouth, his demeanour relaxed. "Man. This food is so fuckin' good."

"Noted." Dion said. Though he boasted alot, it didn't seem to him aas if Bishop was lying, still, after seeing someone like Fen, he couldn't take any chances. Slowly, a smile began to spread from his lips mischievously, matched by narrowed eyes and an incredibly eery laugh.

"You say you're in a class of your own. You hear that Fen? He's saying he's way better than you..."

"I could take him on, mano a mano!" Fen retorted, directing his annoyance at Dion. "I've got magic, and I'm a badass! What's he gonna do? Stand there all rich and fancy? I'm unstoppable if we're fighting on the streets!"

Bishop smiled. “Yes, I am gonna stand there all rich and fancy. Im gonna look real good beating your ass without moving a muscle, but at least you’ll get a good workout. I can see you sweating already.” Bishop remarked, quite confidently at that.

"I'd never stay down," Fen snapped back. "And any fight is a good workout, so that's a stupid point."

“Not for me, it’s been ages since I’ve actually sweated in a battle. Simply proves my earlier statement, I’m in a league of my own.” Bishop boasted, a smug smile.

Dion continued to laugh to himself, before he clapped his hands together, the fakest of smiles filling his lips. "I have an idea! Why don't the two of you have an err...an exhibition match! Yep!"

"In the restaurant?" Fen asked. "That's stupid."

Bishop nodded to Fen’s statement.

"N-no...Fen, outside the restaurant....after we're done and all..." Dion responded, lips quivering. "I know a place where there's no people, and you can both test each other's strength."

"Ohhhhh." Fen nodded his head. "Okay."

Bishop smiled, the idea of an exhibition match sounded like it could be interesting. Suddenly, he relaxed, falling back into his seat. “No thanks. As much as I’d love to test you, I’d rather you be left dazzled when I show off my magic in the exam.” Bishop took another bite of his food, surprisingly he’d eaten quite a lot without anyone realizing.

“After all, what fun is it if I showed you my magic now and we end up fighting in the exam?” Bishop smiled.

"I mean, you'd have a chance to make it up to yourself." Fen said. "Since I'd beat you if we fought now. I am the one who's gonna be a Magic Knight Captain, ya know?"

"Damn...he's smart..." Dion thought to himself mentally. Rather than continue forcing the situation, Dion instead focused on his food once more. "Well..I tried my best..."

“I don’t need to make it up. Trust me. You may not stay down, but then it turns into a battle of longevity, in which I’m guaranteed a victory.” Bishop mused, completely throwing out the idea that Fen could even land a shot on him.

"I guess we won't know, huh?" Fen shrugged. "Cause ya chickened out of the fight. Anyways, so for D-money. How does your sponsor thing work. Do you just have to like, announce it?"

“Nah, I won’t need to.” Bishop spoke. “The more we hang out and are seen around each other, the more people will just assume I’m helping him, as is the Quintrell way. He benefits because his apparent relations to me will make it so less people will feel obligated to be rude to him. But, in the end I can’t do it all. He’ll still have to grow a pair and be more confident. And that involves not settling.” Bishop finished. “You’ve got to be dominant in what you want.”