This sidestory takes place after Project R | Session #001 | Shall We Begin Once More?

Fenwick had built his reputation on reading people like open books and staying three steps ahead of everyone in the room. Skills that made him one of the most valuable arcane operatives in the Spell Knight order... which made what was about to happen all the more humiliating.

Ol'Dick Spellspark
Ah… Ah… Mr. Fenwick! I have your new assignment. You’re the new escort for the second-graders. Salmon’s Run, tomorrow morning. Carriage leaves at nine-bells.

Fenwick (narrows eyes, voice flat)
Excuse me… did you say ‘second-graders’ ?

Ol'Dick Spellspark
Yes. Young foxfolk. Very eager, very… lively.

Fenwick
(paces a small circle, tail flicking)
I requested a special assignment.
With Lady Victoria Vulperian specifically....

Ol'Dick Spellspark
Oh no, no no! You signed up for this outing.
I have your signature right here. I am certain of it.
"Escort to Salmon's Run". See? It's right here.

Fenwick
(stops, leans close, voice dropping to a hiss)
What... “Salmon’s Run…? I hate fish.

Ol'Dick (cheerfully oblivious)
Oh, the kits will love the fishing demonstrations!
I hear they’ve prepared a very interactive… experienc.

Fenwick (takes a deep, shuddering breath, muttering)
This isn’t espionage… it’s a massacre waiting to happen.
For me.

Ol'Dick
Oh, don’t worry! I’m sure you’ll be… fine.
Very capable. Just… supervise, make sure they don’t wander off, and—”

Fenwick (cutting in, voice like ice)
Ol'Dick … do not ‘worry’ me. There will be no wandering off.
I’ll see to that. But someone remind me again why I am risking
life and sanity over an academy trip?

Ol'Dick (cheerfully scribbling notes)
You’re making memories, sir! Think of the young kits.

Fenwick (stares, deadpan, tail twitching violently)
I will haunt these memories… forever.