Chapter 70
Flange Orphanage, City: Three Prongs Fork, Republic of Shantu, Continent: Barat, the Year 2030, Planet: Grimoire
The afternoon had been very productive if Grifton could measure the barrels of mulch that had been thoroughly spread throughout the first of four dozen orchards.
"I'm a little surprised we managed all of this." Grifton looked around in amazement.
Denby grunted. "I believe it has to do with your affinity with elementals." He observed.
Much to Grifton's surprise, the others nodded in agreement. "This is the most fertile amount of trees we've seen in a couple of years." One of the men knelt and gently scooped up some earth that had been newly mixed with the mulch.
To the amusement of the workers, a few spirits manifested and scolded them roundly for disturbing their rest. {It wasn't intentional.} Grifton soothed their ire. {We're simply making sure the quality will help the trees begin growing correctly.} With that explanation, the spirits settled down. They still batted at the worker's fingers with their wings to warn them to be gentler next time.
The workers' faces were filled with smiles of understanding. They offered their palms to the little spirits in contrition for disturbing them. Much to their bemusement, the spirits curled up on them and fell into a gentle snooze.
Grifton grinned. "Well, they accepted your apology." He nodded in appreciation because the workers didn't enjoy hurting nature's creatures. They would do everything they could to avoid harming the environment.
As a result, through Grifton's patient assistance, he gave suggestions that the workers used extensively once he learned what needed to be done through his lessons and extra reading on his personal time.
Denby grunted. "Just so you know, we're the only ones who would take your suggestions seriously, kid." He glanced at Grifton. "That's only because we've witnessed what you're capable of doing though."
Hmm, Grifton realized that he was still very limited in exposing his abilities. "Well, for now, I don't think it is bad." That wouldn't last forever, and his life would become complicated once word spread.
Denby nodded. "Just so you realize how tolerant we were in being interested in receiving your guidance." His warning made Grifton flinch.
Wow, that was harsh, but realistically, Denby was making a point he overlooked. Grifton had been fortunate that this group willingly followed his suggestions from his initial inclusion to the present. Speaking of which, Grifton sighed. "So, what we did is lacking, or better progress than normal?" They had actually managed to go through and examine an entire dozen. Still, at that time, Grifton remained with Denby's group.
Denby smiled. "Better progress than normal." He confirmed. "We're making the other teams jealous." His smile faded. "Seems none of them have an Elementalist working with them."
Ah, so that was the sticking point, Grifton flinched. "Not to mention they dislike self-starters." He folded his arms. "I do gain the impression they'd rather destroy some of the orchards than work with spirits."
In this case, Grifton's observation made the others glance at each other in shock.
It hadn't hurt that elemental spirits abounded wherever he roamed. Not only that but they loved the mulch. While they did play around in it, all that happened was it wound up in areas the humans couldn't reach. That was the spirits' small way of assisting them.
Denby sighed. "Well, we'll knock off early," he shrugged. As for the other orchards...we'll just have to wait and see." He gave Grifton a peculiar stare. "Don't you have a mock battle or something like that scheduled tomorrow?"
Grifton grimaced. "Yep," He rubbed his arms unhappily. "I don't know how it is going to end up." He was not looking forward to that practicum.
"What is your main concern?" Denby frowned at him. "I thought you were coming along in your studies."
In theory, I'm sure, but when it came to actual casting and such, Not so much Grifton wasn't sure how to explain his dilemma. "While I have learned some new spells, I'm slow in casting." He shrugged with a sigh. "We're supposed to chant the spells." He rolled his eyes. "If it weren't for that requirement, I'd be faster."
Yeah, it was mandatory, but he was so far behind in progress. Grifton had no hope of ever succeeding in passing that combat exam which is what it really was. He shrugged. "I'll do my best since it means the difference between remaining behind in the same year and advancing to a higher level of lessons."
Denby grunted. "So, what you're saying is that if you didn't have to chant anything, you'd be able to cast your magic faster?" When Grifton nodded, he sighed. "So that explains how you've convinced the spirits to help, hmm?"
Grifton shrugged. "Yes." He tapped his head. "I communicate with them telepathically." He eyed Denby. "Like I used to when younger."
Denby smiled faintly. "You've improved your clarity of speech," He acknowledged Grifton's efforts with a nod. "Considerably ever since someone helped blunt those carnivorous fangs of yours."
Grifton was less likely to tear up the inside of his mouth with that change. "Yes, I'm also able to eat easier too." He shrugged with a sigh. "Well, all I can do is practice more."
Denby nodded. "Let's return to our assigned workstation and report our progress." He glanced up at the sky. It had been too hot recently, and without enough water, our efforts may be futile." He shook his head with a sigh. "First, there were the unreasonable amounts of rain earlier in the year when unneeded, and now not enough when we could use it."
That was how the seasons worked in this area, based on what Grifton studied through history and ecology, geography, and topography. "Yes, it does seem too unnatural." However, he agreed that this year was unusual in that the changing patterns were too drastic. "Well, we better get a move on then." He decided that he needed to wash thoroughly before entering the building.
The last thing Grifton wanted was a scolding from the housekeeper about having a filthy coating of muck covering him.
As if guessing what ran through his mind, Denby assessed his appearance and shook his head. "We'll all be going into a communal bath this time." When everyone stared at Denby in shock, including Grifton, Denby explained patiently.
"Word came down that we'll assemble for a large information announcement." He shrugged when Grifton gaped at him. "I guess it has to do with the earlier announcement."
Err, awkward was the only thing that came to Grifton's mind. "Uh, okay, I guess this is the most efficient thing to do." He murmured. This was the first time he would be bathing with full-grown adults, not kids his age.