Chapter 145
Lamberton Dormitory Building, Cornell Academy, City: Three Prongs Fork, Republic of Shantu, Continent: Barat, the Year 2041, Planet: Grimoire
The day of the small bonding ceremony was beautiful. Grifton and everyone else had fun. They paid their respects to the deceased and then went to a small hole-in-the-wall building.
The exterior walls were peeling, and spiderwebs hung menacingly over dusty boarded windows. After several knocks at the door, the group was allowed to walk in.
Welcoming warmth filled the air, and ruby and crimson-hued lanterns filled the room with glowing yellow light. Everyone gasped at the sight they beheld. When a familiar voice caught their attention, they relaxed immediately.
"Enjoy the spread," Gregory waved for them to sit in the center of the ample space. "By the way, word spread, and more artisans contributed to this repast." He shrugged. "The majority were invited to the big shindig, but they knew it wasn't their thing."
Troy and Molly looked overwhelmed with shock and anxiety. "Err, who were the artisans?"
"Royal, Caleb, Donald, and Gibson." Lendon named off a few, and they relaxed. While some strangers heard the news, they merely sent good wishes and gifts they hoped would be helpful." He gave Grifton a long stare. Since newcomers to the area, they opted not to barge in."
Grifton blinked. "Did it happen to be a group of eight youngsters?" He was exasperated.
Gregory tapped his jaw. "Hmm, yep." He nodded. "Among their group were some elderly adventurers with fearsome reputations." He shrugged.
"It isn't just lively young ones in that group." A smile tugged at his mouth when he glanced at Gladys. "Turns out it's quite the interesting mixture of old and young."
Gladys looked puzzled. "You don't say?" She seemed somewhat nervous for some reason. "I only have an aunt I haven't seen in decades." Gladys sighed. "Now I don't know how to face her anymore."
As soon as he heard the news, Grifton began scanning the faces in the room. "Hmm, you've got an eclectic mix helping serve the dishes and bringing in tableware." They fit Gregory's description earlier.
Lendon looked bemused. "Eh, yeah, they were actually the only folks who offered to help with the event when we came up too short-staffed after all." He shrugged. "They're going to be helping at the big event too."
Hmm, this was rather spooky and suspicious. Grifton's gaze shifted around the room, resting on three black-haired individuals. They met his gaze politely and inclined their heads. They immediately returned to their duties, though.
Firenze followed his gaze and sucked in his breath. "Wow, anyone would think they are related at first glance." He muttered in surprise when taking in their unusual coloration.
"True, but their group is intact." Grifton shrugged. "Well, we'll run into each other again."
One of the white, maroon-haired boys looked in his direction as if understanding the message implicit in his voice. Their eyes glittered with amusement and anticipation. However, as Lendon promised, they were respectful and didn't barge into conversations. They stuck to their roles as servitors.
As he assessed them, Grifton realized they knew what they were doing. "If I had to say, they must've worked in a hotel or restaurant before," he commented wryly. "If they want to quit being adventurers, they could take up that work again to save up for a different way of life."
Firenze laughed. "I'm certain from a few scowls I caught just now that you hit a sore spot with them."
Grifton sighed. "That wasn't my intention." He shrugged. "Well, I wouldn't know about that situation where hospitality work is probably also not quite stable."
Lendon glanced at him. "I'm glad you're not making assumptions." He nodded at Gregory, who glowered at him because he was paused at work. "This isn't always as stable as it comes across."
Grifton heaved a sigh. "I'm setting off landmines no matter what I say tonight." Bah, this was driving him crazy. He'd been a loner longer than a friend to them all. How should he react half the time!
That startled a laugh out of everyone, who realized he hadn't meant to insult anyone.
"Eh, they'll learn of your legend eventually." Firenze shrugged and draped an arm over his shoulders. "Well, coming from someone who'd grown up as a bullied orphan, you know best how unstable any kind of building can be."
Legend, my ass; who wants to be a living legend these days anyway? All it did was paint targets on people's backs. "That is true," Grifton said, amused at his antics. He didn't shrug off the arm but leaned into it relaxedly. "So, when do the real cheers begin?" he teased the others.
"No way. We're just going to enjoy a good meal and check out the gifts," Troy said.
Molly laughed. "You can't leave until we've finished, either." She told Grifton. "No disappearing even if it gets too rowdy."
Hmm, Grifton smiled. "I think I can handle mild rowdiness." He reassured them with a laugh.
After all, for once, there weren't any people there who were gunning for them. Grifton was pleased with the way the evening was turning out. Then again, they'd ensured no one would find this place.
Well, not the enemies who enjoyed being buzzkills. Nope, they could only sneak in if they broke a crapload of security alarms that Grifton rigged as a gift to keep this event jovial.
That reminded him; he hesitated to inquire, though.
Molly caught Grifton's confusion. "What?"
Grifton studied his drink and then met her gaze. "I did wonder why you asked me to do the alarms and traps."
Troy shrugged. "It's straightforward, really." He smirked. "Other people who made traps and alarms make it too easy to be found."
"While you," Molly popped Grifton on his shoulder. "Make it impossible to find the traps or alarms without triggering them before discovering their location."
Firenze nodded. "Too true, though it would be nice if others could specialize in this type of thing." He shrugged, and Grifton nodded.
"Yes, it would be great," Grifton's mouth twisted. "That would definitely reduce the demand on my remaining here." He shrugged. "Oh well, while the demand remains, I can continue to earn income that I can save for the future."
The others laughed at his admission. Grifton hoped the ones listening took some cues from the discussion. He figured there had to be a few who knew how to set traps and alarms that weren't obvious or visible. He was amused to take notice that the servitors were more alert now.
"Oh, right. Now it is time to open the gifts." Troy paused, and then he and Molly regarded Grifton with amusement. "Would you do the honors?"
"Huh?" Grifton frowned in confusion. He didn't recall being the official scanner of anything. "I could've sworn I did this earlier, though." How many more gifts arrived when he wasn't looking?
The others laughed at him. "Uh yeah, more showed up when we weren't expecting them," Troy admitted.
Grifton rubbed his jaw and grunted.
"Seriously?" Gladys elbowed him. "We still need to check them for anything unpleasant." She shrugged. "I don't know about you, but getting things from outsiders and artisans who are our so-called friends freaks me out."
When all the others nodded, Grifton sighed. "Fine, I'll do it." However, this would be the last time he did such things for free.