Chapter Text
Wylan was stepping out of school property to get to his fathers car, van eck didn't want to be publicly associated with wylan so normally he would park at least one block away - most of the time it was next to a local cafe. Wylan liked to circle back and stop there after his father drove off every now and again.
As the black range rover came into view the usual sense of unease built up less than slowly in Wylan's head - anything could be awaiting there, possibly not even his father as picking him up was far from priority to him.
He was right, his father wasn't waiting for him. Just one of his servants who seemed to already have a speech prepared as the chauffeur immediately brought up that he was apparently leaving kerch tomorrow.
“What?” it was nearly impossible to let anymore words out as he felt his throat get tighter.
“You will temporarily be residing in noyvi zem, mr. van eck has signed you up for a event brought on by mr. rollins to collect information about the country and make alliance with mr. rollins.” noyvi zem?? Thats nearly 20 hours away!?
It did seem nice to be away from his household for awhile but he still knew little to nothing about this country - or the people there.
“You wont be going alone however” oh god. Hes going with me “you will be escorted by a group of competitors, and you are expected to manage the fund your father will be sending you by yourself” "competitors? Just what kind of event am i attending, sir?” said the boy. trying to not slump in his seat while still organizing the days homework in his mind to the best of his abilities, nevermind comprehend what is currently being said.
“Your father will fill in what i was not told. If i was to guess it is a pageant of sorts”
#
The moment wylan got home he was greeted by the smell of… brownies?
Van eck’s new wife alys was quite the baker, she wasnt half bad ether it was just that wylans mother was too and alys often uses her old recipes - wylan doesnt remember much about his late mother as she died when he was barely eight years old. All he can recall is her rusty auburn curls and her love for the arts - of all sorts too. He got both aspects from her, though maybe not as blessed with flour.
A harsh tone beat straight through that thought. His dad had very kindly greeted him by taking his phone, he always had it when wylan was home - nothing worth the boys time when he couldn't understand articles or documents anyway. Wylan didn't mind - he wasn't allowed to speak to anyone who wasn't a possible connection.
“You should have already been informed of this however you will be sent to noyvi zem tomorrow at 8am, you will be flying there with a small group of 4 other competitors. You will also be given $250 weekly to spend only on food, travel & other essentials - i expect you to be on your best behavior as you are representing the Van eck name in a new field.”
“Yes sir.” the boy said, though he could swear a single breath was never taken by his father - obviously eager to get rid of the limp limb that wylan was to him. On the bright side soon wylan wouldnt have to see his father for at least like….. “Sir..” wylan said quietly trying to ignore the loosely hidden grin on the mans face. “How long will i be away? What ‘event’ am i going to exactly? .. sir” his voice was low and shaky . . . no reply as the man walked through his official office doors
#
Wylan collapsed onto his bedroom floor, achy from anxiety of what he was going to be sent through at this ‘event’ whatever it was he was sure no good could come of it. Maybe it was some sort of camp for business men - maybe van eck just wanted to mentally toture his son, that was quite likely. But what did he mean ‘competitors’ ?
On the other hand it could be a music competition - OR maybe! Some sort of masterclass or maybe even a school? Could van eck have just gotten dead tired of his playing at home? That was very unlikely. Van eck was far from a kind man who would like his son have anything kin to joy for even a sliver of time - far less WEEKS.
However he was quite on edge to find out who his other ‘competitors’ were an if they would at least be nice