Chapter 19
Central Plaza, Cornell Academy, City: Three Prongs Fork, Republic of Shantu, Continent: Barat, Year 2050, Planet: Grimoire
Lamberton grimaced. "So, all the newcomer rookies that aren't aware of all the nitpicky rules and regulations suffered big-time losses?" This clearly wasn't good news to him at all. "Well, I suppose it is fortunate that I only allowed advanced-tiered students into my dormitory regardless of rank and grade." He folded his arms once more. "So did Miss Reynolds and Mr. Compton attempt to coerce anyone into doing things that weren't in their skill set?" The mild menace in his voice made Brinton pause.
"Now that I know nothing about it," Brinton exhaled. "Though I suppose anything is possible." He glanced at Commander Darmono who'd remained quiet during the latest report.
The Commander was distinctly angry as he looked at something that just caught his eyes. "In response to Lamberton's question. It appears that something did happen. I had forgotten about it, but an official report and complaint were filed earlier." He informed them all of the details. "Some of this isn't in my jurisdiction."
Brinton grimaced when he heard what happened. "Unfortunately, that isn't within my jurisdiction either." He sighed because now they would have to find someone who'd remain impartial when dealing with independent committee members who didn't know limits.
"Eh, I might be able to take a look at the situation and judge it properly." Lamberton rolled his eyes. "I had a feeling those two would overstep their authority." He muttered. "They do have a history of picking on students or individuals they view as unworthy of receiving privileges." His scowl suggested that he'd seen this happening before and didn't approve of it.
Director Moline snorted. "I know I cannot do anything. Tinroy has been an adult for seven years, now. Once he hit eighteen there was nothing I could do." He folded his arms. "Even though I'm technically his guardian until he reaches the age of thirty by the laws of the republic," Director Moline clearly didn't like the contradictory laws that regulated certain legalities of men and women's activities until they reached a certain age. "That doesn't mean I can actively interfere when it comes to activities within academies."
Brinton frowned as he listened to the confusing nonsense. "Now, I'm at a loss."
Commander Darmono grunted. "Ah right, that was some new legislation that was put into effect in the last three years." He folded his arms. "It was a measure to corral all the illegitimate children into orphanages and other organizations." He shook his head. "I think some fool got it into his or her head that this would stop those orphaned children from taking away inheritance funds from the recognized legitimate children in various noble families."
Eh, what a stupid thing to do. Brinton was disgusted. "From what I've learned of the children caught up in such messes." He revealed somewhat reluctantly. "They want nothing to do with those so-called legitimate family houses."
He saw Moline nodding in agreement, and even Lamberton muttered. "I'm aware that some kids want nothing to do with those families that abandoned or killed a single parent who defied their rules in the first place."
That was the history for Tinroy's siblings and ironically for the Frost and Payne siblings, not to mention their younger ones whom they'd had to leave in Fountain Grove.
"Ah, right, I heard something interesting," Lamberton mentioned. "The eight problem children are headed back to Fountain Grove. It seems that their younger siblings who'd been raised in that small city are kicking up a fuss."
Brinton rolled his eyes. "I'm feeling a headache coming on just thinking about the possibility of them coming here." He winced. "I think there were close to thirty or some ridiculous unsustainable number of children." Just the thought of many related troublemakers was enough to give him indigestion.
All four men winced.
At last, Darmono coughed. "Uh, I investigated what happened." He shook his head. "There were only eight that were Davina's newborn offspring." He grunted. "Those were named by their sisters and brothers, as requested by Davina."
Moline tapped his jaw in silence. "So, even though Tinroy's mother was different, his father was the same as theirs even though the surname changed." He frowned in confusion. "What else happened?" He shook his head in confusion.
Darmono related what else he learned. "There were a few more declared deceased but revived in the Blessing Meadows upon Davina's passing." His mouth tightened in sorrow as the spoke of the event. "However, it turns out that they were from other similarly disgraced single unwed mothers."
Hmm, they glanced uneasily at Lamberton who shrugged. "I'm not going to do anything to them or for them," Lamberton stated coolly. "I've learned the hard way not to interfere with the base-born ones." He folded his arms. "However, if they come to me with questions about their background, I will do what I can to assist them."
In other words, it had to be of their free will that they approached him. Preferably without needing assistance of any kind. The other men nodded in appreciation of his stance. It wasn't often that a relative of a deadbeat father would come forward to assist. In this case, it was more of a matter of Lamberton merely choosing to watch from the background.
"So how did you help any of them without their awareness?" Moline watched him with a knowing gaze.
Brinton was surprised to hear that.
Darmono just grinned in curiosity to see what Lamberton would do about being cornered.
Lamberton grunted. "I sponsored the business activities that were viable." He stated after a few seconds. "I also ensured that they had a roof over their heads when they first arrived." He glanced at Moline with a scowl. "It's the reason why Tinroy had his suite in the dormitory."
Hah, he'd been helping the entire time. Brinton finally smiled in relief. "Thank you for doing that."
Lamberton shrugged. "As I said, if they come to me of their free will, and apply with clear integrity and ethics for assistance, I will grant them something in return."
They didn't know his relation to them, otherwise, Brinton doubted they would've sought out Lamberton's help. Those young adults were too stubborn to acknowledge anyone as a blood relative without having proof beforehand.
Darmono yawned. "I think we're done here."
"I agree." Brinton nodded. "We can reconvene when the rest of the investigations end."
Moline nodded. "A nasty storm is erupting."
Lamberton grimaced. "I have to activate more wards to prevent storm damage in that case." He sighed. "A landlord's work never ends."
They all signed off without another word spoken.