Chapter 67
Flange Orphanage, City: Three Prongs Fork, Republic of Shantu, Continent: Barat, the Year 2030, Planet: Grimoire
As Darmono wandered the hallway with Garnet and chatted with the various employees, he felt a change in the atmosphere as he reached the banquet hall, which served both adults and residents of the Orphanage. He glanced around to see who'd caused the subtle tension to rise.
First arrived Probation office Brinton with Grifton accompanying him. That seemed to be giving rise to unwelcome speculation. Second, it seemed Doyle Moline was nearby but hadn't appeared yet. They all settled down in seats with their names listed.
Darmono regarded the small sign with his name on it and glanced at Garnet with a puzzled expression.
"This was done to prevent fighting over who got what seat." Garnet shrugged. "We'd done this a while back after Grifton showed up." She heaved a sigh. "For whatever reason, people are afraid to sit near him. They think he's a harbinger of misfortune." Garnet shook her head.
Given his circumstances and how he'd arrived at the orphanage, Darmono wasn't entirely shocked by the situation. What did bother him was the subtle anger and resentment that began manifesting when Doyle Moline finally appeared. He knew the moment that Doyle noticed the waves of anger and resentment. A shadow crossed his face before it went away.
"Greetings to all of you. We can begin eating," Doyle greeted them with a genuine smile. You can also ask me any questions you like once the serving is underway."
It was obvious to Darmono that Doyle thought this would be a good way for people to chat with him. Surprisingly, the tactic worked. Doyle listened to each of the questions inquired of him. He answered them politely and courteously. He did take the time to eat so that his portion wouldn't go cold.
Much to Darmono's surprise, he realized it was Doyle's small rebellion against the accountants and attorneys who'd chosen not to join the general masses. Darmono could tell they were regretting the decision as Doyle was able to learn everything that was happening under the roof and around the orphanage grounds.
Garnet had spoken to Doyle about something, but Darmono missed it entirely until Doyle summarized what he'd heard.
"Hmm, so regarding the final inventory count of the materials delivered," Doyle frowned slightly. "Did the rolls of cloth, notions, and equipment does not match the listing and prices charged?"
When Garnet nodded, Doyle exhaled. "All right, thanks for letting me know. I thought some of the reports didn't match. Now I know I was right." He didn't look at the hovering attorneys and accountants, but Darmono immediately knew he was furious with them.
Oh man, they thought they would take advantage and embezzle from Moline? Darmono scowled in disbelief. He couldn't believe their gall and not only that, but it made him look like a fool for having recommended them in the first place. Darmono's hands fisted at his sides. This was utterly frustrating.
Doyle glanced at Darmono right then, and his eyes flickered. {I'm not blaming you for this.} Doyle shrugged when stating what he thought of the problem. {I know they weren't always this bad.}
Well, at least right now, Darmono supposed he wouldn't be too angry.
When Doyle added with a sigh, {It appears that someone got to them using blackmail,} His expression became glum.
Now that Darmono found it unforgivable. {I guess I should've investigated their backgrounds more thoroughly.}
{No, this only happened relatively recently, as in about six months ago.} Doyle gave a small shake of his head. {I think a nefarious entity simply found its weakness.} He sighed heavily.
{So now what?} Surely Moline had found some replacements for them? Darmono hoped so.
Moline gave no indication of what he planned to do next. {They have already submitted their resignations and will turn themselves in post-banquet.}
Darmono doubted that would happen that easily. He would wait and see what happened. Much to his surprise, though, Moline tapped on his water glass.
"Now is the time for the announcements many have been waiting for." Moline ran through several chore and task assignments. Then, coming to the end of his announcements, he motioned for a quartet of relatively young men and women to stand up from their seats. "I think you recognize them." His tone was mild.
"Armand Conroy, Dennis Eckler, Kelsey Ford, Patricia Henley, and Felicity Glenn."
There was clapping for them as they courteously bowed and sat back down.
Moline continued with his introduction, explaining why they were seated with the employees, not just where the visitors were usually placed. "They recently graduated from some academies ringing Central Marketplace, the major hub of all the rivers and lakes within Three Pronged Forks."
There was good-natured cheer and some catcalls from the older kids of the orphanage.
The quartet merely laughed at them but said nothing as they waited for the noise to subside.
"They will become our new accountants for the various departments within the Orphanage."
Darmono knew of them. They had pretty good reputations and were merciless when going after shoddy reporting. Had Moline called upon them for help in the guise of seeking new replacements?
That would make sense. He did wonder what Moline would do about Grifton. He couldn't continue remaining within the Orphanage's confines without doing some kind of work.
Moline blinked. "Oh, right, before I forget." He looked directly at Grifton. "I received a report of your good work within the orchards." A smile flickered. "I'm pleased to inform you, Grifton Tinroy, that you can start doing simple chores in the orchards."
Grifton's eyes lit up.
"This will be in preparation for earning credits for when you start getting outsourced to merchants, and they need someone to run errands."
There were low gasps of envy, unease, disappointment, and jealousy from the other orphans. Some of the older ones looked miffed and displeased. Grifton bowed his head politely. "I will do my best not to disappoint those who recommended me." He pointedly ignored the kids, quietly whispering with harsh scowls on their faces.
Moline nodded with satisfaction. "You may continue to eat. I will answer any questions that you all might have about the other topics."
Darmono was amused. So, he wasn't going to accept arguments or outright rejections of his decisions regarding the new accountants and Grifton's acceptance into the errand/workforce even though he was but eight years of age. No one could say he hadn't earned the right to do the work.
It was time to see how others would react to his decisions and prevent any backlash through official channels. Darmono would have a late night ahead of him. That was all right. At least helpful progress had been made.