Philotes Caters to the Blossom [Part 1]

A kid with tattoos.

The first thought I had when I met the last member of the Guild.

“Go on Nel, introduce yourself.” Írui asked quietly.

“H-hello… I'm Nelaemala Laeritheos.”

Írui had her hands on the shoulders of Nelaemala. In the same way an older sister would have. She wasn’t quite a child, probably closer to a teenager. I know this because she was… well. Developed. To say the least. As she liked to show that off a little bit. Regardless, she was certainly the most petite member here. Likely part of the same race as Vahaemarr and Aeryvon, she has horns too, hers pointed behind her, surrounded with short dark green hair. She had short shorts with a cape-like around her hips. And so many tattoos. A full sleeve on one arm, small ones on the other, and some on her neck that look like they continue to her chest and back. She probably had more that I couldn’t see. I caught a glimpse of her ankle and one side of her hip, and it appeared to be that she had some tattoos in those areas as well.

She was the most interesting to look at, that’s for sure. I then politely greeted myself, as nicely as I can be. Even though she is weary about me for some reason.

“Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Ryōsuke Matsushita—”

“Don’t talk down to me like I’m some child! I’m 17!” Nelaemala hollered.

“O-oh, sorry if I made it sound like it but I am looking forward to getting to know you.”

“Humph… Idiot.” Nelaemala puffed and looked the other way.

“Nel! Don’t say that!” Írui was quick to scold her.

Idiot? This little chit. I felt my eye twitch, hopefully no one saw that. I’m going to have to try extra hard with this one.

“I’m sorry about that Ryosuke, she’s only like that with new members. She did the same thing with Aeryvon when he first joined over a year ago.”

Nelaemala stormed off, Írui apologized for her impolite behavior. Judging from the slight shade of red on her cheeks. I think Írui was a little embarrassed.

“Yeah Ryosuke, don’t worry too much, she gets a little jealous sometimes. If you want her to warm up to you, just ask about her body art.” Valaquendë stated.

“Okay, I will. Thanks for the suggestion, Valaquendë.”

“Well, we should be getting ready for dinner.” Írui mentioned, still with a somber tone.

Yes, unfortunately, before I could begin my studies. Duke Vapula the 8th wanted to have a group dinner. This was apparently very uncommon for him to want to have dinner with everyone. Vahaemarr said that it is a celebratory banquet. The others mentioned that it was the first time they’ve heard word of it. I wonder what it could be for? It can't be because of me joining. Can it? It is going to be somewhat difficult to make preparations for this. Banquet.

⧫⧫⧫

With the exception of myself, everything was so formal. Especially for so few people. Even Vapula the Infer—Infer—whatever: has himself readied in attire that is prim and proper with hair that’s prepared in an organized fashion. I've been to a few banquets at Stanford; those weren’t nearly as fancy as this one. Yet again… The food was entirely strange and unusual. Meats from different creatures surrounded by odd plants. I should mention that I only use those words simply because it is all so foreign. I had a similar experience when I moved to the states and I had some common American food for the first time. Everything still looked good, smelled nice, and seemed edible, but it just was very different to what I’m used to.

Besides the food to think about, I had to think of things to say during dinner. I was going to be the main topic of the evening since I was the newest member. To avoid anyone getting suspicious of my origin. I asked a lot of questions about everyone’s origin instead. The first target will be charming Nelaemala!

“Hey, Nelaemala. I heard that you and Vahaemarr made this entire meal.”

“Yeah so! What about it?” Nel responded with hostility.

“Well, I just wanted to tell you that it’s really good, I’m impressed.”

“Ah! W-whatever! Id-idiot!” She got flustered and embarrassed with my comment.

“Hah-hah. I had a feeling she‘d react like that.” I remarked in my head as I grinned.

Such an interesting group of people. They are all so different, yet I know how they will behave and respond. It’s like I’ve met them before. Nevertheless, the dinner was nice and the conversations I had were decent. I was able to guess what they were going to ask most of the time, but I had to improvise for some conversations. Nothing really to take away, just simple stories about their past and when they joined. But I will say, I was able to pick up some subtle things. Some of them seem to have some type of past trauma. I’m unsure of what, that will take more personal conversations in the future. On a similar note, I tried to talk to Aeryvon, but he's so quiet; it's almost like he's trying to hide something. No matter, I'm sure I'll have more opportunities in the future.

I also made the observation that everyone is surprisingly attractive. Even old man Vahaemarr and Vapula. Nothing to complain about. I like beautiful people: they get to live simple lives, a life I would love to have. They can easily make friends, get opportunities without any realization, and plenty of other privileges that they will never be aware of. I just wonder if that is a coincidence that everyone here looks that way, or do they all just meet my personal tastes of what I find attractive. I certainly thought that with my friend group at Stanford. I thought they were all cute and pretty, they've certainly said that to each other and even said that about me. Even though I never really saw myself that way.

Everyone was relaxed and full. They all, including myself, looked like they were ready to go to bed. Before we could leave, Vapula stood up with a glass of what is probably wine or something. He then grabbed a dinner knife and gently tapped the glass to get everyone’s attention.

Clink, Clink, Clink.

“Good evening, progeny of the Void.”

I thought it was a tad unnecessary to tap on the glass since there were only seven of us; he was the type that could easily overtake a crowded room just by walking into one. I digress, whatever he was about to say should be interesting. I’m sure everyone thought the same. Everyone had their complete focus on Vapula.

“I’m sure you all are quite curious as to why I prompted this celebratory meal. As you all have discovered, we have acquired our latest member today, Ryōsuke Matsushita.” Vapula announced as the others clapped lightly, with some smiles. “Not only are they the seventh member, they are our final member.”

I’m the final member? What? Only seven? Maybe that’s normal… Oh, wait. As soon as I looked at the others at the table. The others were either in shock or confused. They had no idea that he only wanted seven members.

“The Consociation is now perfect. We will now begin execution of my grand stratagem to achieve our ultimate goal. The future is vivid… Any questions?” Vapula announced with confidence and conviction, drinking with a victorious style.

I had questions, of course. There were plenty of questions rattling around my head, but they can wait. I’d like to hear the other’s thoughts before my own, if possible.

“Yes, I’d like to ask a question.”

Aeryvon raised his hand. I found this interesting. He joined just over a year ago. I have a feeling that he may have been promised something. I only say this because he’s the first to prompt a question.

“Yes, Aeryvon.”

“How far in the future will we achieve our ultimate goal?”

“It’s very early to give a well rounded estimate. I should have a good idea in ten days. That is when things will become more vivid.”

Ten days… So, he does have a plan; as one would hope. I should be done with my studies by that time. I have quite a bit of thoughts and ideas about Vapula: his plan, the future, even my future. Maybe I’ll have a conversation with him in the next few days. But I’ll wait until my thoughts and ideas have some time to mature.