The Estate's meticulously kept gardens, including a hedgemaze that students have occasionally described as "sadistic" and a sizable rose garden. Benches in shaded spots are plentiful, and the gardens are popular to study in on pleasant days. The nearby stables are still maintained with a number of well-heeled equines.
"The offer doesn't make you a Praetorian," Aiden said, "There is another Genoshan student here, Drake. He's here as part of a Genoshan scholarship program. Not all roads in Gemosha lead to violence."
"Well, I'll consider it, at the least. I will admit, I am perhaps judging you by the standards of my universe, where most Genoshans I met had apparently received the ceremonial stick shoved up their asses."
"I take no offense at your poorly informed opinions," Aiden said, "They are expected. Otherwise I wouldn't have been sent on this goodwill mission in the first place."
Aiden paused.
"But what you say is true. Nothing wrong with being cautious."
"I'm not sure," Aiden said, "Some of the students distrust me because I'm Genoshan and I'm still figuring out how to... negotiate that. I was considering joining the X-team program. See if helping to save the world would change some minds. Plus it would mean doing more than leaping over hedges and punching machines."