Chapter 62: The Joyous Assembly


    Night came as soon as the sun had descended on the horizon. Moonlight beamed through the ss window panes of the tall windows in Moulin''s room.


    Delicate fingers elegantly braided strands of silver-white, glistening under the dimmed light of the room. His movements were precise as he straightened out the creases of his uniform. Lastly, he fastened the golden insignia on the sp of his white cape.


    It was the night of the assembly and Moulin was getting dressed hoping to look decent and proper. He was going to meet a lot of people tonight so he should try to look his best.


    "Ao!"


    Moulin looked down. Hisshes created shadows. Snow was sitting on the floor beside his feet, quietly watching Moulin as he dressed. Moulin smiled gently and lowered his body to pick up the little pouting fox. Snow giddily climb on his shoulder as he was picked up by his master. He began to nuzzle his snout on Moulin''s cheek.


    "You have to behave yourself if you want toe with me. You have yed enough for the day." Caressing Snow''s head, Moulin reminded the little fox.


    "Ao!" Snow replied loudly as he sat obediently on Moulin''s shoulder.


    Moulin smiled in satisfaction. He noticed that Snow had grown a lot bigger than when they were back in the Northern Mountains. Regardless, Snow was still climbing on his shoulders as if he weighed nothing. He had grown heavy too.


    Suddenly, two knocks were heard from the door making Moulin stop. He checked his appearance onest time before walking towards the door. As the door was opened, Varick''s glowing face. His smile was like a sunbeam, brightening Moulin''s mood even more.


    "Let''s go!" Varick said as he stepped away from the door to make way for Moulin. His eyes curiously staring at Snow who was happily riding on Moulin''s shoulder.


    "Oh, don''t worry. He won''t cause any more trouble"


    Moulin appeased as he noticed the direction of Varick''s gaze.


    Varick only nodded with a smile saying he understood. Without dy, they journeyed towards the Guild leisure hall where most of the guild''s random festivities were constantly held. It didn''t take no longer than ten minutes for them to arrive in the halls.


    The doors opened and the jolly music of a fiddle, the loud wildughter, the scent of savory food and liquor, and the joyous atmosphere all weed Moulin as soon as the doors were opened. People wereughing and chattering with no care of the world. Although they all wore their ck uniforms as neatly as Moulin''s, their actions and speech were carefree and yful. Moulin almost mistook the ce for a local bar.


    Snow was huffed as he sniffed around. The scene of food was intoxicating!


    "Varick!" A familiar voice called out from within a crowded table. With a hand raised and waving, Tyve was there sitting with some people. Moulin familiarized their faces. Tessley, Troid, the tall stern person that Moulin had recalled was the one who had scolded the twins this morning. Tessley briefly looked at Moulin before sipping her drink.


    Varick led Moulin towards an empty seat at the table.


    "Wonderful timing! We have the new two other recruits here. Let them introduce themselves!" Tyve gestured at the two people sitting nearby. His gaze hesitantly nced at Moulin briefly before he looked away.


    Tyve and Troid''s gaze zeroed on the little fox on Moulin''s shoulder. Looking all adorable and innocent as if it wasn''t a beast within.


    "That can wait... " A grim voice sounded belonging to the man that had punished them for their immoral attitude this morning.


    Tyve swallowed before nodding helplessly. "Alright, fine... "


    Moulin shifted his gaze towards the two people in front of him who were conversing softly. His eyes widened in realization as he recognized the particr woman with tinum blonde hair and dark skin.


    "Ghana?" He called out.


    Ghana''s blue eyes turned towards Moulin. Surprise etched her face. Her eyes turning into crescents as they stared at him. "Moulin!"


    A bright smile graced her lips and her eyes softened as she noticed Snow on Moulin''s shoulder. "Hello, little fox"


    "Ao!"


    "How surprising... " Moulin could not hold back his smile. "I didn''t think you would choose the same guild as me..."


    "It''s better to stay close to a friend" She raised her ss with a smile. "And I already have my eyes on the Leonile Guild long before I met you. It seems we truly are fated."


    "I suppose we are" Moulin let Ghana pour him a ss of liquor.


    "It seems you two are acquainted with each other... " The serious raven-haired man spoke as he brought a ss to his mouth.


    "Ah, yes..."Moulin replied as he ced Snow on hisp. He served some meat on his te and began to let Snow eat his fill. Moulin was unaware of how motherly he looked as he fed the little beast. The little fox happily gnawed on the meat. He was careful not to spoil his fur again or he would make his master sad. He didn''t want that.


    "This is our leader, Fhorg. Don''t get too familiar with him. He might drown you to death with work." Varick said with a joking warning, earning him a re from Fhorg.


    People began to swarm around their table. Some briefly introduced themselves while others didn''t bother to do so. The other guild sentinels were friendly as they introduced themselves to Moulin as their senior. Most of their conversation included Moulin''s little fox who had caused quite the trouble for them. The little beast was an adorable devil, they addressed. Moulin bit back augh as he nodded in agreement.


    Snow: !!!


    Moulin exchanged names with the other recruit named, Jagra. The young man was stuttering as he introduced himself. The freckles on his cheeks reminded Moulin of P. He smiled faintly.


    As Moulin was getting a bit tired introducing himself and Snow was gradually bing full, the doors of the Hall opened with a loud creak.


    A powerful aura immediately enveloped the whole hall. The music faintly softened and the volume of the voices lowered. Numerous eyes gazed at the opened doors with reverence.


    Every single person inside the hall stood and saluted. Moulin had followed as well even though he was reluctant in his heart. As the people stood respectfully, Snow dived into his food while curiously staring at his master.


    The Golden-eyed Lord swept his eyes around him and he raised his hand to ease his guild people. As soon as his hand was lowered, the music resumed and the joyous atmosphere continued. Hadrian made his way towards Varick''s table. A maeruthan followed him as he walked.


    "My Lord... " Varick and the rest of the table stood to greet. His eyes nced at Rowan, the person behind Lord Hadrian.


    "Settle yourselves and let the recruits enjoy themselves." Hadrian''s eyes met Moulin''s impassive gaze. Thetter only bowed his head with a smile.


    Tyve and Troid looked at both of them, unblinkingly. There was a strange feeling creeping inside as they realized they were the only ones knowledgeable of the pair''s secret affair. They decided to not meddle too much for the night.


    "Of course, it wouldn''t be proper weing if they don''t show us what they''re capable of!" A voice announced loudly. A string of cheers followed after the words finished.


    Moulin furrowed his eyebrows. His gaze unconsciously nced at Hadrian who only gave him a brief smile.


    "Set the tables aside! Make space!"


    The room was filled with quick movements and loud noises. Moulin and Ghana only looked at each other as they were pushed towards the now vacant space at the center of the hall. People crowded in a circle around them as they cheered and pped.


    Hadrian smirked at Moulin''s confused expression as Varick pulled out a chair for him to sit, giving the Lord a spacious view of the center. He propped his chin on the back of his hand as he staredxly. It was going to be an amusing night.


    Snow twitched his snout as he sat on the table, his eyes staring at his confused master. He only blinked and continued to nibble on a small piece of meat. His master was having fun so should he too! He giddily ate.


    "The new members of our Guild family!" Tyve with his slightly drunken voice announced. He gestured at Moulin who was slightly frowning. He stepped away from the man. Moulin stuck himself closer to Ghana who smiled.


    "Moulin Fraunces, Ghana Vreslof, and Jagra Elmione!"


    The crowd cheered as Tyve announced.


    "What is this?" Moulin turned to Ghana.


    "Perhaps some sort of test?" Ghana''s eyes brightened.


    Moulin''s face sank. This isn''t something you should be happy about!


    "They are going to make people challenge us to prove ourselves..." A voice suddenly spoke interrupting Moulin and Ghana. Jagra nced at them. He flinched as he realized his words and quickly lowered his head. "I-I think?"


    "Is that so... " Moulin narrowed his eyes as he stared at the Hercullian Lord observing them. "How infuriating..." He muttered under his breath.


    "Alright, alright!" A bulky man stepped forward in the circle. His uniform almost bursting from his muscles. "I''ll go first!"


    The crowd cheered louder, throwing a bit of encouragement to the man. Their voices sang with entertainment.


    "Choose the little aphrodite!"


    "The woman!"


    "How bout the wimp!"


    Jagra trembled stepped behind Ghana, muttering an apology to the maeruthan woman as he hid. Ghana chuckled at him.


    Seeing the little guy hiding behind a woman. The bulky man could help but let out augh. He directly pointed a finger at Jagra, "You! Come forward and challenge me! No man within my sight should dare hide behind a woman!"


    Jagra trembled in fear. He swallowed as he stepped out from Ghana and slowly stepped towards the brawny man. If those arms would lock around his neck, Jagra was sure he would die an instant death.


    The man grinned as he held out a round bell. His eyes stared down at the thin man before him. "Take this away from my hand under one minute and I''ll recognize you a Leonile sentinel!" His tone was intimidating that Jagra winced.


    Moulin stared at Jagra intently. It was revolting to see someone taunting the weak. It made him want to freeze the man alive.


    "Let''s begin" The bulky man grinned at Jagra. Thetter almost let out a whimper.