The nerve of that guy. The Inquis are the only family that I have! My father wasn’t close to them, anyway.  

Casimir looked over at one of the pattern shops. All of them were covered with posters, many of his father’s. He walked up to one and stared at the younger version of the father that he remembered. His father, the reclusive alchemist and scientist, posed in front of his desk with the caption, Your humble servant and country needs your mind. Enlist.   

Casimir frowned. Are you happy, Dad? You got everything you wanted, at the cost of Mom and me. 

He sighed and turned away. Your best friend and partner is missing from these posters. In honor of you, I’ll just assume you are fine with that.   

Casimir heard the shop’s bell ring, and he spotted a young man around his age, leaving one of the pattern shops with his purchase. His eyes were bloodshot, and a tuft of brown hair stuck out of place on his head.

Quigley? Wow, what happened? He looks miserable. Casimir waved. “Quigley! How are you doing this morning?” 

“Ahh, Inquisitor Casimir,” Quigley returned his wave with an uncomfortable smile. 

Casimir caught up with him before he could slip down the alleyway next to the shop. “I have not seen you in a while. School is going well?” 

 “Yes, yes, sir. I’m just a little stressed, as you can see,” He showed Casimir his stack of pattern books. “I…I.. just have so much studying to do. So many patterns to memorize. So little time. Demanding professors…” 

Casimir narrowed his eyes when he noticed Quigley’s gaze shifting downward. Something’s off, but maybe he is just too embarrassed to admit that he is struggling. Aetherians from commoner backgrounds have a harder time keeping up. They lack the constitution and resources. 

Casimir gave him a conciliatory smile. “Have you ever thought about joining the Inquis? I’ll put in a good word for you with my uncle. We are more likely to adopt and train you up into our fold than a Weaver family.”

Quigley’s mouth fell open, then, when his shock waned, he glared at him. “What makes you think I want to join one of them!” 

“Well, it is a sensible goal for most common-born Weavers. You can’t expect a guild to–”

“Shut up!” Quigley snapped. “I can get into a guild with my own merit, and I can get recruited into a Weaver family if I wanted to, I can! Who are you to say I can’t! ”

Casimir furrowed his brow. “Calm down, I didn’t mean it—”

“Yes, you did! I’m sick of nobles turning up their noses at me! My classmates! You!” Quigley sneered at him. “You don’t even have Aether! What gives you the right to say I can’t!”

Casimir’s skin tingled like static from a balloon. There was no question who it was coming from. “Control your Aether,” Casimir demanded coldly. “That is why!”  

Quigley slinked back with fear. “Sorry, sorry. I just need some rest. I have to go!” He then turned down the alleyway and ran.

I didn’t mean to strike a nerve, but he is being delusional. 

“Shouldn’t we follow him?” Jakes asked. He just arrived to witness the tail end of Casimir's spat with him. 

“Tch, he’ll cool off. I’m sure he’ll apologize the next time I see him.” Casimir checked off his list, and they headed to the next business.