Suspected, perhaps, but suspected and expected are two very different things. Just like he suspected that the living world was in turmoil, but he didn't expect to get so involved in it. He suspected that he'd have trouble finding his feet, but he didn't expect to be this out of his depth. And he suspected that the ferryman's apprenticeship had some hidden caveats, but he never expected they'd include for want of a better word magic.
Wilom never got on well with obligations, but for the first time, he's starting to feel a sense of responsibility. His new housemates would probably respect that, except that if they knew what he was really doing with his time, they'd probably kick him out. His new bosses certainly appreciate it, but Wilom can't help but feel he's working around them, not for them. Being treated like an adult is great, but it would be nice to just ignore what people think of him for a while, like the old days.