Chapter 21
Boardinghouse of Fountain Grove, State: Percival, Republic of Shantu, Continent: Barat Year: 2040, Planet: Grimoire
Harper considered various options and he realized something. They needed to air their opinions to him honestly and later to the adults as well. Besides, he wanted to hear their thoughts on why they wanted to choose different institutes.
"Which one do you want to consider Jennifer?" She'd started it with her blundering question, so he would toss her onto the hot seat. Harper was amused at her various reactions.
"Err, hmm, uh..." Jennifer winced.
That rotten little...Harper was amused because Jennifer had succeeded in making sure none of them would continue stalling before making a decision. Someone wanted to put an end to a debate that steadily aggravated all of them. It was true that they were running out of time though.
"Hey ease up on her, alright?" Daryl protested. "It isn't like we haven't really chosen one either."
Harper nodded. "Fine, I was just thinking that we should independently study at different academies after all." He folded his arms when looking at their shocked faces.
Sherpa and the others frowned at each other in consternation. "Okay, so which one were you thinking about then?" Sherpa inquired at last. "I had looked at several but still can't make a decision."
Harper hesitated before committing to the one he'd found that was to his preference. "I took into consideration that I had a different specialty from you all." When he thought about it, it didn't make sense that they should all just go to one academy.
Especially, when it might not be suitable for all of them in the first place considering they had specialized niches. He should make a good impression on why choosing an academy was a serious decision now. It would affect their futures in many ways.
"Okay, so I like the one of Mannock," Harper mentioned. "It covers most of our specialties." He looked at Anara and Sherpa. "I'm not sure of you five though." He looked at Daryl and the others. "it may be that we'll have to go into separate academies."
Daryl shrugged. "If that is the case, so be it. I don't think mother intended for us to go to the same place anyway." He reminded Harper. "I think the only reason we thought of that."
Ambrose continued. "So that we could remain together."
Holly spoke up. "At least until we achieved financial independence as hunters,"
Jennifer added. "Until we had enough currency to create our own businesses." She tossed her head.
"I think we're on the same wavelength about the party's ambitions." Sapphire murmured. "As for what academy I'd go for..." She looked over the brochures. "Latford, it evidently specializes in assisting empaths who're also healers and have precognitive abilities."
Anara frowned. "Really, so does Burdock?" She and Sapphire compared the two side by side. "Hmm, however Latford is female only whereas Burdock is coeducational." Anara glanced at her brothers. "What of the others?"
Harper looked at the brochures in consternation. He hadn't even thought about whether the academies might have restrictions when it came to genders. "Hmm, I hadn't even thought about that." He'd mentioned Mannock mostly to stop Jennifer from harping on the other subject of the dream.
Right then, as predicted, they were summoned to go down. Harper shrugged. Saved by the intercom since they only had to put forth their tentative choice. That meant that they could rethink, do more research and then make a final choice. "Let's go." He was the first out the door with the others scurrying behind him.
*
No sooner than the summons was made, than the sounds of footsteps hurrying down the stairs could be heard. As predicted, they'd stopped a potential brawl from taking place up there. Hermina was relieved. She'd felt the building tension starting from the point when someone had tried to create a change in a stalemate. It was either Jennifer or Holly, the two least empathic of the four sisters.
However, they'd managed to create an opportunity that allowed every one of them to make a free choice. While it was tentative for now, Hermina didn't doubt that they likely would make it a permanent choice. She knew the kids by now. They sometimes went with their gut instinct. It could very well change once they reached Three Pronged Forks.
"I think we should make it clear to them that they have one chance to make a change in their decision when they reach the plains." Joan startled Hermina. "I just believe they're under undue pressure right now." There was fatigue in her eyes. "I am concerned they won't think too thoroughly under the circumstances."
While Hermina agreed with that reserve she heard in Joan's voice. It was also important to see how well the kids handled that type of pressure as well.
Marcus intervened at that point. "They won't always have the luxury of time." He reminded her. "This is the best time, while unfortunate I do agree, to see how they handle such an unpleasant set of circumstances." His mouth thinned. "In the meantime, while they are still here. I shall attempt to address any other concerns they might have conjured in their earlier discussions."
Shiloh seemed puzzled as to what they might also want to ask about. "What do you mean, exactly?"
Hermina blinked because she did remember something that was bothering the boys especially. "That does remind me." She drew their attention. "I recall that they wanted to be officially tested and ranked in through the adventurer and hunter guilds. They want to form their own official party."
Marcus smiled. "Well, that would definitely be a way for them to earn independent income."
Joan nodded. "That would also give them an excuse to stay together even if they don't study in the same institute."
Shiloh grinned. "Now that is an excellent solution. It also makes sense because if I'm not mistaken, they all have overlapping abilities." She began ticking off points on her fingers. "With those abilities it means that they can create a complete party." Her grin faded when she concluded. "That would also make sure they wouldn't have to worry about having to trust complete strangers with their safety and health."
Hermina watched the moment it dawned on Shiloh how limiting that would be for the children even if they didn't realize it right away. "That is true." She shrugged. "Though they did swing a deal with the guards to continue escorting them until they reached the plains. They have the option of not joining the party."
That was something Hermina hadn't approved of them doing but she understood the reasoning that Sherpa had with making that a condition of voluntary joining rather than forced recruitment. No point in making those guards resent them more than they already did.
*
Harper happened to catch the tail end of the conversation the adults were having, and he sighed. Well, that would make things easier to talk to them about their decisions after all. What a relief. Harper noticed that his siblings were also relieved as well.
This would make things less of a challenge after all and they would be able to work out any conflicts on the way. Harper knocked on the partially closed door. "May we come inside?" He wasn't about to barge inside. That would be rude.
"You're permitted to enter." Shiloh called.
Harper entered first with the others filing in behind him. Once inside, they split and sat down in the provided seating. They also received warm drinks that would keep them hydrated while discussing the options available to them.
"Now, if you would tell us what you've outlined, that would be nice." Shiloh informed them. "Then we can give input on what we think of your chosen options."
Well at least they were giving them the courtesy of hearing them out. Normally no one even would do that much for them. Harper was appreciative of that concession the adults were making for them. The brothers and sisters indicated with their heads and hands that Harper could speak first.
After all it might come better from him before the others gave their input. Harper cleared his throat. "We would like to get officially tested and certified to make our own party."
Shiloh nodded. "All right, please tell us why you want to do that." She requested.
First things first, Harper thought that should get cleared. "That way if we're unable to gain admission into our academies of choice," He gave an explanation that the others agreed with. They'd hashed it out on the way down the stairs.
Anara spoke up. "If we are unsuccessful at passing the admissions exams the first time around."
All of them grimaced slightly.
Harper didn't like the idea but knew it was possible since they hadn't touched books or reviews in the last few days. "We can work in the meantime and then attempt to pass the entrance exams at the next official admission window."
All of the children watched the adults nervously.