Flashback ( PDFDrive )

“Aw, come on, Leto,” Ro whined. “I can’t take another speech on
how the world would be lost if you guys hadn’t started bossing
everyone around. I swear, for such a scrawny species, your egos are out
of control!”
“Nonetheless,” Magnate Leto said, reaching up to rub his temples,
“elvin history is an important segment of Mr. Sencen’s education. And
his recent lack of attendance has drawn the notice of his father, who
hailed me today to discuss his son’s absence records.”
“You’re going to let him bully you?” Keefe asked.
“I’d rather him bully me than bully you,” Magnate Leto said gently.
“I can handle him—”
“I’m sure you can. But I’d prefer you didn’t have to. Especially since
—in this instance—he’s not completely wrong. I realize that
traditional learning is not your favorite pastime. But being a Foxfire
prodigy is not only an honor—it’s an advantage. One that not everyone
receives. Even fewer are accepted to the elite levels, which you’ll be
tested for at the end of the year.”
“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand that’s what this is really about. Father of
the Year is worried I’m going to embarrass him by not being accepted,
so now he’s got you hassling me—”
“Quite the contrary. My involvement stems entirely from my desire
to see you succeed. You would be a valuable asset to the nobility if you
could learn to exercise a modicum of discipline—”
“Not exactly the best sales pitch,” Keefe interrupted.
“Perhaps not. But deny it all you want—we both know you care
about our world’s future. Why else would you spend so much time
helping Miss Foster’s causes?”
“Uh . . . you’ve seen how cute she is, right?” Keefe asked.