A tiny problem cropped up as we settled down on the estate.
My newfound brother and son were as good as paupers with no clothes to their name. Their living quarters also needed to be set up. Especially one for a growing child, like Spiro.
The poor boy is only wearing my dress shirt, looking out of sorts. Like a child playing dress-up with an adult's clothes. If my parents saw it, my ears would fall off with all the telling off I would get.
I might even be branded as a heartless father.
There is an urgent need to spend money. Ah, such a need is but an excitement for me, however.
Spending money is therapeutic. And I've been quite stressed out lately. It's been accumulating even more when I think about the things I needed to deal with in the capital.
"Master Skandar, a package and a letter from your parents has arrived." Bernard, William's son, informed me as I contemplated the things on my to-do list.
I nodded at this. Those two are even better informed regarding the happenings and the issues in the capital than I was.
They had already expected my travel to the capital. Though I am sure they are still unaware of my latest escapades. Nonetheless, I doubt they would be happy about it.
"Take it to my study," I responded, not minding the curious eyes he was giving the child and the man by my side.
As we reached my office Abi uncaring of any etiquette entered ahead of me the owner, with Spiro following behind him.
Bernard frowned at this and was about to talk him off when I motioned for him to stop.
Sigh. Buddy, chill. That's a Jinn. Don't go running your mouth off.
"Your father will explain the circumstances to you. Just remember not to let a single one of our people disrespect them. I will repeat myself, Bernard. If they are wronged even once, it is the same as wronging me. You know what happens to people who commit that blunder."
I said those words with a faultless smile and my ever-polite tone. I'm sure Bernard got it well enough based on his pale face.
"I... I understand, Your Excellency." He replied with a respectful bow and scurried away.
William's son is a bit weak-hearted if I do say so myself.
I entered the office and sighed at the prim and proper child sitting on the settee whilst the Jinn lounged on the sofa like a dried fish in the sun.
"Abi can't you seat properly? I don't want Spiro adapting any of your bad habits." I muttered off-handedly as I loosened my tie.
Abi merely waved his hand, disregarding my words.
"You're so uptight, brother. It would be better for the child not to adopt that behavior of yours." He retorted with a snort.
I shook my head and proceeded with the issue at hand.
"In the afternoon, we will go out to buy things for the both of you. I already asked them to have your quarters be prepared to your liking. William will talk to you maybe after dinner." I leaned back in my chair and stared at the two of them.
It feels like I'm taking care of two children instead of just one, truth be told.
"For now, Abi will be staying in the guest room while you Spiro will stay with me until a personal knight gets assigned to you." I continued and was met with Spiro's confused face.
"Why is that, father? I can sleep on my own. I'm already eight years old." The child spoke carefully.
I stared him up and down until he was squirming anxiously in his seat.
Who is this kid acting so brave for? He has nightmares throughout the night and is restless in his sleep.
And he doesn't look remotely close to eight years old at all. His stature and frail constitution were quite telling of the abuse he went through.
I'm somehow annoyed at the thought of that. It brings up the bad memories of a lifetime that has passed.
"Spiro, I don't know if you notice at all but you appear like a five-year-old to me," I stated matter-of-factly.
Spiro's eyes widened like a deer caught in the headlight. A red cloud appeared on his cheeks dyeing them like a ripe apple. It was comical.
"No need to be embarrassed. That's why you'll be staying with me for the time being. We will be strengthening your body and ensuring that your body recovers." I explained.
There was a series of secret body strengthening techniques that the Konstantins utilized for their heirs. It was something to assure the children's health and growth.
Knock! Knock!
I permitted the person at the door to come in and Bernard entered the office with only a letter in hand. I was told that I had a package as well but it seems that it was inappropriate to put it in the office.
"Here is the letter, Your Excellency. The package your parents' sent was taken directly to the kitchen. It looks like the Old Master and Lady were cruising in the West Seas since they sent a box of frozen bluefin tuna."
Bernard's explanation enlightened my unanswered doubts. I could only shake my head at my parents' antics.
They always send the most random gifts. Last time it was some weird-looking sculpture from a city in the South. This time it was a box of seafood.
They were living the high life, aren't they? I need to scam them sometime soon so I could have a vacation too.
Yeah. That would be good. Spiro would benefit a lot from that and Abi would be able to explore and wreak havoc on some other people's lives aside from mine.
"Let's have that for dinner then. Lest it goes to waste." I remarked when I saw the curious eyes of Spiro and Abi.
"What's a bluefin tuna?" Sure enough, Abi questioned me about it.
"It's a fish from the West seas. It's an expensive kind that's popular with nobles. Well, it's good enough." I replied blandly.
"Your Excellency, the Head Maid has found some of your childhood clothes. I think it will fit the Young Master nicely. It would be better for him than this dress shirt." Bernard added while gesturing towards the pitiful child drowning in the adult's shirt he was wearing.
"Hmm. Spiro, go with Bernard to freshen up and change your clothes. We will be leaving after eating lunch." I said to the wide-eyed boy. The latter nodded and obediently held Bernard's hand leading him out.
Meanwhile, Abi eyed me with a knowing look.
"We wouldn't merely be purchasing daily necessities, aren't we? You're persistent about this outing when we just arrived." He remarked with a sure tone.
A smile crept up my lips as I glanced back at him.
"I have to see a specific apothecary," I answered to enlighten him.
"Apothecary? What for? You're not sick." Abi replied with a dubious expression.
"I didn't say it's for treating an illness. It can be the opposite." I blinked innocently at the Jinn but I knew he could detect the trace of slight malice in my voice.
"Oh? How interesting. I wonder who is so unfortunate to have earned your ire." Abi spoke in mock distress but his jeweled purple eyes glinted with sick pleasure.