Unlike most society hotspots, the theatre district was actually located in Old City, quite close to the Fortress. It allowed members of high society to seem like they were heading to a play instead of the less-savoury delights of the city’s chief den of iniquity. Leaving a private viewing box, Jason and his companions discussed their opinions of the play.

“The stage combat was actually rather impressive,” Rufus said. “I found the plot to be a little slight, however. I like a performance with something to say.”

“It did have something to say,” Gary said. “That sword fights are great. The good guys win, the bad guys lose, the end. I liked it.”

Jason was shaking his head.

“You disagree?” Danielle asked him.

“I’m probably just misreading it because of the difference in culture,” Jason said.

“It’s not like you to be diplomatic,” Rufus said. “Just say what you really think.”

“I think it did have something to say,” Jason said. “I think the main characters weren’t the heroes; they were the villains. I think the whole play was a critique of hereditary power structures and by overcoming the antagonists, the central characters were restoring a state of oppression.”

“You think the main characters were the villains?” Rufus asked.

“I do.”

“I don’t see it,” Rufus said.

“Don’t you have a childhood friend who’s a member of some royal family?” Jason asked.

“He does,” Farrah said.

“What does that have to do with anything?” Rufus asked.

They exited the theatre through the doors reserved for private box holders, where members of society were boarding their carriages. Jason noticed a woman with the same silver-rank aura and physical perfection of Danielle. She broke away from her own group of ladies, making a beeline for Danielle.

“Danielle,” the woman greeted. “Always lovely to see you. Young Master Humphrey. And you must be Rufus Remore, with your erstwhile companions, of course.”

“Lady Thalia Mercer,” Danielle introduced the lady.

Thalia’s eyes settled on Jason.

“We haven’t had the pleasure,” she said. “You must be the young man people are getting so curious about.”

“I’m no one important,” Jason said.

“Yet, you keep important company,” Thalia said.

“I do?” he asked. “I don’t really know these people. I’m only here because I won a raffle.”

Farrah snorted a laugh, while Rufus ran an exasperated hand over his face.

“Wait, there was a raffle?” Gary asked, only to be shushed by Farrah.

“This is Jason Asano,” Danielle introduced, a smile playing over her lips. “He will be taking his field assessment for the Adventure Society when Humphrey retakes his. I assume your son will be there as well?”

“He will,” Thalia said unhappily. “I tried to convince my husband that Thadwick would benefit from additional training, but he was quite adamant.”

Thalia turned to Rufus, the man who had failed her son during the previous assessment.