The atmosphere in the manor had calmed down. The party was taking place in the grand living room.
It was a simple welcome party for everyone. Each person was getting to know each other better, chatting, and laughing.
Minh Vu, for her part, observed the group from a distance. Despite her jaded expression, she had still stayed to keep company.
Den was giving a dance demonstration, followed by Alfie who challenged him to a duel, all to the laughter of Marie who was encouraging them.
Mr. Matsumoto, having noticed the Chief's detachment, headed towards her.
"Minh, how are you?... What do you think of this little party? Everyone is having fun, and don't you find these young boys interesting?" he said, sitting down next to her.
The Chief turned in his direction, placing the pistol she was cleaning on the table.
"Marie seems happy, that's the most important thing, and the other two seem... promising, although very noisy. However, I must admit that I'm a little lost,I don't understand the guild's decision."
She picked up her glass of wine that was on the table and brought it to her lips. She swirled it gently to savor its aroma, then took a sip. She then continued,
"Why form such a small group, and especially why are we the only ones in charge of the circle?"
"They finally understood how strong you are (laughs)... But it's clear that we are just guinea pigs for them" Mr. Matsumoto replied.
Minh Vu continued, "The Guild, despite its supreme authority, is just a military body protecting the population. Our sole objective is to prevent the corrupted Meeth from breaking the Pact. However... Our team is tasked with protecting an entire circle, and a circle that entirely rejects the church and the established system. It already annoys me." She sighed, placed her wine glass on the table, and added:
"It's late. The other members will arrive at the crack of dawn tomorrow. We'll find the guild's intentions later."
Then she stood up, clapping her hands to get the others' attention. She gestured for them to lower the music and pack everything up, then headed towards her apartments.
Everyone grumbled at the idea of stopping so early but complied out of fear of reprisal.
Den and Alfie began to clean up when Marie joined Mr. Matsumoto, who was also heading towards the bedrooms.
The shocked duo called out to her,
"Heee, where do you think you're going like that? Come back here right now!" Den shouted.
She then stopped and turned in their direction. "Tomorrow you'll see, losers, and don't forget that YOU are under my supervision" she assured them, laughing.
The duo, shocked by this information, yelled at her and resumed their activity. When they were finished, they sat down on the sofa, fatigue evident in their eyes. Alfie spoke,
"Say, Den, what do you think of all this? These people... and by the way, how come everything is... so fast?"
"What do you want me to tell you? Yesterday, after you ate dirt landing, you were out of it, and I managed to save both of us, and with the rain coming down, damn it, I couldn't stay there," he took a short pause, then continued, "After that, I remember walking, then poof, I woke up here, just like you."
"I understand..." Alfie added.
"ROOH, don't make that face. We have all the time in the world now; we're close to our goal. No more hesitation, man."
"You're right, partner."
They gave each other a check and also headed up to their room. Tomorrow their team would be complete. Their adventure had only just begun...