Chapter 1350
Today was Adrian's birthday, but Everett insisted it wasn't. It didn't really matter. Adrian, wanting a lively celebration, had sent invitations days earlier to the Meadow Ridge factions and several amicable martial arts guilds. Over thirty seats were set for the feast.
Everett personally oversaw the event, as he handled most Pathfinder Guild matters. He didn't mind the effort, but his martial brother's invitation stipulation bothered him—no birthday gifts. That was excessive. The Pathfinders Guild had money, but it wasn't meant for careless squandering. They never attended others' banquets empty-handed; gifts and tokens of goodwill were customary. But Adrian, a man with more money than sense, couldn't resist an excuse to spend. He never passed up an opportunity to splurge.
What struck Everett as odd was Adrian's uncharacteristic sociability. Previously, he'd merely nod and utter a few words at celebrations. Today was different.
Seizing the opportunity, a touch inebriated, Adrian disregarded boundaries. He grabbed the Lunar Guild leader, Isolde Thompson's, hand, exclaiming, "I'm planning a trip to the capital tomorrow. Would you care to visit Travis, Alana, and Leah? Bring your apprentices and come with me, won't you?"
Isolde quickly withdrew her hand, picking up her cutlery. "I don't have the money for travel."
Adrian laughed, clearly tipsy. "What are you talking about? I'll cover everything. Do you know the Glimmering Tower? That's mine. You can eat whatever you want and stay as long as you like. They won't take other guests, only you. If you're silent, I'll take that as a yes. Okay, it's settled!"
Isolde hadn't even swallowed her food, so couldn't respond. By the time she could speak, he'd already turned away.
Next, he seized the Inferno Guild leader, Conrad Palmer's, hand, his tone falsely concerned. "You haven't seen your precious apprentice Violet in so long. Don't you miss her? Why not bring your apprentices and come to the capital with me? I'll cover everything—food, entertainment, the whole lot. All on me."
He then approached the Crystal Bloom Guild leader. "I've already prepared items for Cynthia's trousseau and Bun's engagement gift. I was thinking, why don't we hold their wedding in the capital? Let's all go together. It's settled."
And so it went with the Coldmoon Guild, the Sandsworn Order, the Verdantleaf Order, and the Skyblade Circle.
Adrian, normally a slow, deliberate drinker, savored each sip. Tonight was different. He claimed it was his birthday, and since he was rarely happy, he wanted to enjoy himself. He drank cup after cup with guild leaders, clan heads, and manor lords, hugging and sharing heartfelt words—simply expressing his long-held admiration and joy at their gathering. He added that his happiness would be even greater if they all accompanied him to the capital.
Initially hesitant, the men's mood lightened as the wine flowed. One by one, they became tipsy, pounding chests and calling each other brothers, declaring mutual support in any trouble—no formalities needed.
Adrian kept urging them, shouting about sharing hardship and good fortune amongst brothers… though he was too drunk to complete the phrase. But everyone understood.
Everett's mind raced. The feast cost a thousand silver coins, but achieved a goal—one that might cost lives. Yet, he believed Adrian's schemes, however sharp his own plans, were far superior; precise and perfectly executed, leading the guild leaders to enthusiastically follow.
Everett's eyes welled. He knew his martial brother well. Over the years, Adrian had grown increasingly quiet; a gesture or look sufficed, even a grunt seemed excessive. But tonight, Adrian spoke more than a thousand words, a nonstop, smooth-talking social butterfly.
After the feast, Adrian vomited until exhaustion. Everett sighed and cared for him. "For your little apprentice, you're willing to risk your life and everyone else's, huh?"
Adrian tugged Everett's sleeve to wipe his mouth, then collapsed, his head spinning. "Isn't that what you wanted? The capital's secured, and Rafael can focus on the Southern Frontier. Once the capital is secure, she can lead the Mystic Army to the Southern Frontier and help Rafael."
Everett pulled back his sleeve, his expression blank. "I'll make preparations."
"Get my red cannon down the mountain!" Adrian shouted, his throat rasping before another violent retching fit.