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The following day Janus was the first person to arrive to class. He had arrived early so to ask Karina more questions about the bizarre lesson. He had read the pertinent laws, and he had sat on it, and overthought things as was his habit. He was shocked and displeased when he noted that there was a sign on the door. It read: The Class is cancelled forever for lack of interest. If you need help with the laws, go hire a tutor or memorize the book like any normal person.

Janus waited at the stairs. After a half hour, it was class time. Only Casimir, Babysel, Carmenta and Lucian appeared. They all read the note. Babysel was the first to speak. He said, “Well, that was a lot of fuzz over nothing.”

“It is not too uncommon for girls her age to get discouraged,” said Carmenta, “It probably hurt her feelings when the boys poked fun of at her lack of skills.”  

“No, I don’t think it had anything to do with the students who left,” said Casimir.

“How so?” asked Janus.

“Well, I heard a rumor that Karina, like her brother was a mind reader. I mean, I only came here because my mom pressured me to come because of that stupid letter she left in our mailbox,” said Lucian.

“I see. So, she knows that we came here against our own will,” said Casimir. He added, “So, she closed the class to set us free.”

“It still doesn’t seem right to me,” said Janus.

“Its fine, so we have one less class to take,” said Babysel, “Let’s just go about our day and forget this class was ever opened.”

Babysel noted that Janus was indeed quite thoughtful. Sighing, he said, “Or not. We can go see her, at her home to coax her to come back, if it pleases you.”

At the end of the conversation, the students agreed to go visit Marduke’s apartment. They had been curious about the place, and the incident with Karina was just the excuse needed to sneak a peek. The students knocked on the main first floor door, and they waited. Babysel was surprised to note the absence of guards. Marduke never had to fear for his life, because nobody could enter his home without his permission.

Eventually, the landlady Isabella who lived on the first floor opened the door. Looking at the students she said, “What’s the matter? Did you forget your key?”

“Yes, sorry, for the trouble, Lady Isabella,” said Babysel bowing.

Not recognizing the voice, Lady Isabella closed door a little. Putting on her spectacles, she said, “You don’t live here, what do you brats want?”

“We came to see Princess Karina, she is our teacher, and she did not come to school today, we wanted to see if she was alright,” said Janus.

Lady Isabella thought a moment, and then she opened the door. Stepping back, she said smiling, “You are welcome to try to have an audience with the princess.”

The students climbed the flight of stairs. On the fifth floor, was the non-descript wooden door that led to Marduke’s deceptively small apartment.

Casimir was the first to say, “Hey, don’t you find it odd that Karina lives here with the King, his wife, and two children, and a couple of servants.”

“Now that I think about it, it is a bit strange,” said Carmenta, “I lived in this apartment before, 100 years ago. From the outside, the place still looks pretty much the same, with some renovations here and there. Other than that, it is still pretty much the same place or so it would seem.”

“Yep, there is something fishy going on here,” said Janus, “The place is too small to hold all the people who live there.”

“It could just be magic,” said Lucian.

“Ah, yes, magic,” said Carmenta, “The default answer to all unexplained events in this world.”

The only person not satisfied with the magic explanation was Carmenta.

Eventually, the door opened. Marduke had his usual dour look on his face. He said, “Are you going to stand there all day, or are you coming inside?”

Embarrassed the students entered within. Carmenta had seen and interacted with Marduke before, so she was used to his manners. The other students however had never met the King. They were at odds with their expectations, and what they saw. Marduke was wearing a white, lace medieval nightgown with a V cut on the chest, and fluffy slippers. This outfit was normally worn by ladies, but Marduke preferred it as his home outfit because it was comfortable. Like his mother, he liked to wear pajamas while at home, except when he was receiving important visitors. He had returned to this habit, since he was now going to live for the time being in Veragerung.

Marduke yawned and said, “My sister is in the room over yonder. Take a left, while you turn right, and you will find her room. The door has a cool, ornamental carving or something, I forget.”

Marduke left the entrance of his home, and then he returned to the sitting room. He sat down on the sofa, and he stretched his legs on top of the ottoman. He then nestled within the cushions, before putting a book over his face to return to his original napping position.

Lucian could not help but say, “How disappointing.”

“What? Where you expecting a throne or something, decorated with lions?” asked Carmenta, “The King doesn’t believe in such ostentatious.”  

“But ornamentations are important,” insisted Lucian, “A king must always look the part.”

“If you say so,” said Casimir not too convinced.

The students walked a bit, past the living room and into a large hallway. There were rooms to either side of the hallway. One of them, did not have a door and it was flanked by two open curtains. The room did indeed, had a throne with red cushions, and a golden, ornamental frame. The throne had three stone lions. One lion had a paw over a globe made of pink quartz. The other decorations followed the same golden and red pattern.

Casimir looked into the eyes of the three lions, and he could not help but feel that one of them was staring back. Indeed, the third lion was an extra. As they progressed, they kept getting stalked by the residential mimic Vindkald. Eventually, the students found the ornamental door.

Janus hesitated a moment, before trying to knock. Before he got around to, Casimir opened the door. The students studied the room, and all of its curiosities. Eventually, they saw Karina watering her plants. As she did, she sang in a language that was not familiar to them. The song basically was wondering which was prettier the rose or the carnation. Like her brother, she was wearing her home attire. Since she was not planning to head out, she putted on something comfortable. A pink cotton short sleeved dress, that was just above her knees. The dress had a floral pattern featuring carnations and roses. She was barefoot, and her wild hair moved about in a floating fashions, as if it was underwater. As it did, it emitted a unique scent. In answer to the scent, the flowers Karina was watering responded in kind. Plants communicate with scent, and ultraviolet light. From Karina’s hair, there started growing within twisting cardinal climbers. They followed the same motion. The movements stopped and the climbers turned to hair when Karina stopped singing.

Frowning, she said, “Don’t you guys not know how to knock?”

“The door was opened,” said Casimir.

Turning around, she said, “Just because a door is open doesn’t mean you have the right to enter, you know.”

Babysel interjected, “We wanted to know why you closed down the class?”

“From lack of interest, I suppose. I am not one to force people to do something that they do not want to. Having the class open was compelling you to come against your will, and so I closed it,” said Karina.

“That was then, and this is now. We came all the way out here, and I do not speak for everyone, when it comes to interest,” said Janus, “But I want you to return.”

“Look, I am going to level with you guys. I was looking for something new to do with my life, and this teaching thing was more of a hobby than a job. For you see, I am like rich in tricks, and none of you will ever be able to pay me what you own me,” explained Karina, “Anyhow, I was having fun with this little teaching gig, but then, here comes a messenger with a bag of coins, as payment. The amount of it was so pitiful in comparison to my mission salary, that it took all the fun out of it. Here I take my time to teach you the difference between good and evil, and it is worth only 1000 gold coins! Do not insult me!”

Janus said nothing to this, and he seemed a bit embarrassed. He was the one who had sent the bag, with the messenger. Lucian then said, “If the gold bothers you so much, I am happy to take it off your hands.”

“Too late, I already fed it to my pet little brother. So, too bad,” said Karina, “Well, if you really want me to teach you guys a lesson, then I would be happy to oblige, other than overwatering my plants, I haven’t a better use for my time.”  

“We are game if you are, princess,” said Babysel.

Karina placed down the watering can. Her clothing began to glow, and they reconfigured into her usual dregs. Only this time, she chose a pink and gold color combination. Carmenta whistled and said, “Now, that is a neat trick, but are you really wearing clothing, or is it just illusion magic?”

“It is whatever helps you sleep at night,” Karina added, “Now, get out my room, let’s go, let’s go!”

Karina pushed the students out of her place since they were not quick on the uptake. Along the way, she pushed a little too strong on Lucian, who was refusing to depart. The lad was flung out of the room, but was caught by a tablet that morphed into a large cushion. A bit shaken, Lucian, said, “Thank you… whatever you… are.”

Karina came to him and said, “Sorry, I sometimes forget I am dealing with flimsy little flowers. I would not have had to be so rough if you would have the courtesy to do as I asked.”

“It is fine,” said Lucian annoyed. He added, “And I am not a flimsy flower. You just are just not a human.”

“I am as human as you are, my fellow tube baby,” said Karina giving him a queer smile.

Lucian did not understand what Karina meant as tube baby. It was only many years later, when he finally started developing his magic that he thought he understood.

Karina walked with the students following behind her. They were still within class time, though. Karina had only an hour left to whip together something that resembled a lesson. Since she had given up on the hobby, she had deleted from her mind anything related to the current and future lessons. When the Ultimate Weapon summoned back these old records, today’s lesson plan did not seem too awe inspiring. As she walked, she meditated. Eventually, she heard a ruckus nearby. A fellow was being thrown out of a local pub.

This incident was a big “Aha!” moment for her. She then said, “I just thought of a good lesson for your guys.”

Karina entered the bar. Carmenta, Casimir and Janus followed. Only Lucian and Babysel hesitated. Lucian said, “Maybe this is her idea of teaching us a lesson.”

“Yep, when she said it, it sounded more like a threat than anything else,” said Babysel not confident either.

After standing out there for five minutes bored, the two children entered within. They found the students and their teacher sitting at the counter. Due to the low light of the pub, Carmenta was able to raise her hood. Her looks surprised the younger students. She was, indeed, a lovely specimen, with the elven ears, the refined face, large pouty lips, thick eyebrows, and expressive almond, black eyes. The hair was blonde at the tips, with the rest black. Based on the waist length of her hair, Carmenta had become a dark elf about 7 years ago. Elves and humans had pretty similar hair growth rate. The fact that the tips of her hair were blonde made it easy for Karina to guess how long ago the metamorphosis had taken place.

Lucian and Babysel sat in the counter. Nearest to Lucian was an old, haggard, smelly old gentleman who was crying. Lucian said to Karina, “So, what is the lesson here?”

“Well, as I was explaining to the others, according to statistics, about 95 percent of the citizens in Veragerung have visited a pub or a tavern at least once in their lifetime. Of that number 87 percent, make regular visits of at least once a month. Others like my friend Jerry, over there practically live here,” gesture Karina pointing to the sobbing old man.

“Why is he crying?” asked Janus.

The bartender said, “Well, I would like to see you lose all your children in the great war, and still maintain a happy disposition.”

“So, it is Marduke’s fault,” said Janus frowning.

“Meh,” said Karina shrugging her shoulders.

The crying old man, said, “Oh, Roger, Roger. You were the best dog a man could ever have. I am going to miss you.”

It was then when Babysel noted the dog collar the old man had in his free hand. Casimir then said to the barkeep, “Not funny!”

“You are no fun,” said the bartender, “Though, I am a little bit disappointed by how quickly you assumed that our most esteemed, and gracious ruler was the bad guy in this little story.”  

“Yeah, Janus, why is that I wonder?” said Karina invading Janus’s personal space, “It is almost as if you forget that I am Marduke’s sister.”

She then took out a knife and stabbed the table near him. She added with a crazy look on her face, “And I have a knife too. So, take that.”

Janus was sweating and trembling. The eerie silence was broken by the old man laughing. Karina also started laughing too, as she putted the knife away. Smiling she said, “You take life too seriously, barkeep, some bubbly for all my students.”

“Five bubblies coming right up,” said the barkeep opening five bubblies for Karina and her students. For Carmenta, he finished making her the drink she had ordered the second she had entered inside. Since Carmenta was of a legal drinking age, she had was able to order a Peach Cobbler.

The bubblies was a type of drink with bubbles introduced to the bar scene by Marduke. It was usually mixed with other alcoholic drinks, but it could also be drunk plain. It was given in its normal state to whatever underage minor entered a bar. The bubbly, produced by this particular bar called The Final Stop, was a carbonated soft drink flavored with ginger, sugar cane and green limes.

After sipping her drink, a little, Karina said, “Ah, yes the lesson. I figured that since statistically speaking, all of you are going to wind up in a bar at one point of your life, you might as well see what all the fuzz is about, what to expect and how to behave in such a place to avoid trouble.”

“Makes sense,” said Casimir who had nothing better to do with his time.

Babysel thought it was crazy talk, and Janus was still prettified by the knife incident. As for Lucian, he was doing some calculations in his head. He was still listening, but his eyes had become fixated on the bottles, and how long it took the barkeep to serve his clients. Lucian wondered which was the most efficient method for handling the drinks, while still giving the clients the illusion that you actually cared about their petty problems.

Carmenta said, “Aside from drinking, tell the students what they are supposed to do in a bar.”

“A bar is a good place to cheat on your spouse,” said Karina, “It is no longer illegal, but it is still frowned upon. If it escalates to domestic violence, the offending parties could both be exiled, separately or forced into a divorce.”

“Divorce is quite an ugly business, it destroys families,” commented Janus.

“It is better than being forced to live with someone you hate,” said the old man who was in a jollier mood. He added, “Marriage is a complicated business, it is best that outsiders do not meddle.”

“There you have it. That is the problem with today’s climate, marriage is more of a business venture. Even so, marriage through love has its own drawbacks,” said Karina.

“How so?” asked Casimir, “You read about its awesomeness in books, I would imagine that marrying for love would be the ideal scenario.”

“Well, you know the old saying as to what happens when poverty comes knocking on your door,” said Karina, “Anyhow, aside from cheating on your spouse, there is the gambling aspect. Also, it gives you something to do, when you are bored at home, and don’t have a pet or a child to break the monotony of your routine. Most bars tend to offer discounts to ladies. The reason is that that more rich dudes visit, and pay for the drinks, when there is a pretty face around. There is also the music factor. Real soon, there is going to be a live band, and some dancing. Dancing is something most people enjoy. Others visit to make friends, or just to have the illusion of some companionship. This world is a very lonely place indeed, and even when you are surrounded by people, you cannot help but feel alone.”

“Do you feel lonely sometimes?” asked Carmenta.

“Not lonely, but nostalgic,” said Karina more to herself.

“Nostalgic for what?” asked Janus.

The music started and Karina rose from the bar stool. Since she was a pretty maiden, the bored noblemen started bugging about her. She ignored their presence and started dancing a song only she could only listen to. She danced strangely, so the men started to gravitate away from her. Pretty or not, most humans do not have patience for crazy people. While waiting in the bar, Janus saw Suntaria di Artio. She was a in the army, and her squad had gone to the bar to unwind. Janus had not seen her in almost 3 years, due to the war. She seemed to be the same little girl from before, only that she had putted on a lot of muscle, and height. Despite the muscles, the maiden was still feminine, with her pretty hands, well-toned legs, and pretty childish face, with the large green eyes, naturally red lips, and curly, short brown hair. Her skin was tanned due to the fact she spent so much time outdoors.

Suntaria was the daughter of a prominent Judge named Katyana. Katyana was working on reforming the Justice system. Like Marduke, she believed that the punishment, should fit the severity of the crime. Under the old system, the severity was quite arbitrary, sometimes, a person could have their ears nailed to a door for selling termite ridden furniture to people. Suntaria was following in her mother’s footsteps, and so she was enrolled in the army. Only people within the army were allowed to be Judges.

Suntaria greeted Janus and the two started talking about the old times. Eventually, Janus and Suntaria decided to dance, and the two left their gear behind. Suntaria left her sword and Janus left his school pack. Since Babysel felt a little bit left out, he went into the dance floor to dance by himself. Eventually, they returned along with Karina to the bar to have a drink or two.

Carmenta said, “I am going to go home.”

“Yeah, me too. I think you got the whole bar scene lesson or whatever,” said Karina yawning.

“Yep, me too,” said Lucian, “Pay the tab, cause I got places to be.”

Karina waved to get the attention of the barkeep. It was just then when Casimir whispered something to Janus, who nodded in response. Janus passed on the message to Babysel, who also nodded. The boys left together to dance, and to see if they could pick up any of the maidens that belonged to Suntaria’s unit. The boys left behind their packs, unattended. They just assumed that Karina and the others would look after them.

“Woah, what douches,” said Karina.

“A cheap ploy if you ask me,” said Carmenta.

“Why must people always try to control other’s actions,” said Karina.

After paying the tab, Karina left. Carmenta lingered a little and then decided to go home. Lucian was the last to leave. He was talked into it, by a little voice in his head that he heard from time to time. He had heard that person since he was little. Most of the time, Lucian was able to tune it out, but he was feeling particularly foolish. In the end, he said to the old man, “You, will you look after these packs, I am going home.”

As soon as Lucian left, the old man said, “Hehe! Noble kids these days, one would think they’ll have slaves to take care of their nonsense.”

“There are no more slaves,” reminded the barkeep.

“Ah, yes, I sometimes forget,” said the old man, “But, what of servants?”

“Mmm… they don’t look rich enough to afford servants,” commented the barkeep.

“Mmm. I am curious to see if they have money or not,” said the old man reaching out to rummage through the first backpack.

Half an hour passed, and the students finally noticed that the teacher was gone, along with Lucian and Carmenta. In addition to their absence, their items had been stolen. It was then when they learned what else were bars good for.