Today was Adrian's birthday, but Everett insisted that it wasn't.

It didn't really matter, though. Since Adrian wanted a lively celebration, he had sent out invitations a few days ago to the Meadow Ridge factions and a few of the more amicable martial arts guilds. Over 30 seats were set for the feast.

Everett personally took charge of the event, as he handled most matters within the Pathfinders Guild. He didn't mind putting in the effort, but what bothered him was the stipulation his martial brother had made in the invitation-no birthday gifts.

That was a bit much.

The Pathfinders Guild had money, certainly, but it wasn't meant to be squandered so carelessly. When they went to other people's banquets or birthday celebrations, they never went empty-handed. There were always gifts and tokens of goodwill.

But Adrian, a man who had more money than sense, couldn't stand being idle without finding an excuse to spend a little. He would never pass up an opportunity to splurge.

What struck Everett as odd was that Adrian usually avoided socializing. However, he had changed today. In the past, when there was a celebration or a joyful event, he would just nod and say a few words, nothing more.

Today was different.

Seizing the opportunity with a bit of a drunken haze, Adrian disregarded any boundaries and grabbed the hand of the Lunar Guild's leader, Isolde Thompson, and said, "I'm planning a trip to the capital tomorrow. Would you care to visit Travis, Alana, and Leah? Bring your apprentices along and come with me, won't you?"

Isolde quickly pulled her hand away, taking up her cutlery to pick up some food to eat. "I don't have the money for travel."

"What are you talking about?" Adrian laughed, clearly tipsy. "I'll cover everything. Do you know of the Glimmering Tower? That place belongs to me. You can eat whatever you want and stay however long 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 the food in her mouth, so she couldn't respond. By the time she was about to speak, he had already turned away.

Next, he caught the hand of the leader of Inferno Guild, Conrad Palmer, his tone soft with false concern. "You haven't seen your precious apprentice Violet for so long. Don't you miss her? Why not bring your apprentices and come to the capital with me? I'll cover everything-the food, the entertainment, the fun. All on me."

Afterward, he moved on to the Crystal Bloom Guild's leader. "I've already prepared items to add to Cynthia's trousseau. As for Bun's engagement gift, I've got that sorted too. I was thinking, why don't we just hold their wedding in the capital? Let's all go together. It's settled."

And then there were the Coldmoon Guild, the Sandsworn Order, the Verdantleaf Order, and the Skyblade Circle...

Normally, Adrian drank slowly. He would savor each sip rather than downing them one after another. But tonight was different. He said it was his birthday, and since he was so rarely happy, he wanted to enjoy himself. He drank cup after cup with the guild leaders, clan heads, and manor lords, while hugging them and sharing heartfelt words.

The heartfelt words were simply about how he had admired them for a long time and was so happy to finally gather together.

But, he added, if they all agreed to come with him to the capital, his happiness would be even greater.

él.n?

When he first began inviting them to the capital, everyone hesitated. But after the wine had flowed for several rounds, the mood grew lighter. One by one, the men became tipsy, pounding their chests and calling each other brothers. They also declared that if any trouble arose, they were there for each other-no need for formalities.

Adrian kept pulling them in, shouting that when a brother faced hardship, they shared it, and when good fortune came, they shared that too... Though by the end, he was too drunk to remember the rest of the phrase.

But everyone understood the sentiment.

Everett's mind was working furiously. The feast had cost a thousand silver coins, but it had achieved a goal-one that might cost lives.

Still, he believed that no matter how

sharp his own plans were, Adrian's schemes were far better. His plans were so precise that they hit the mark perfectly, and the guild leaders would follow his lead to cheer him on and applaud.

Everett's eyes grew wet. He knew his martial brother well. Over the years, Adrian had become more and more quiet. Whenever he needed something, it was usually just

elné

gesture or a look, and even

a grunt

seemed like too much effort.

But tonight, Adrian had spoken more than a thousand words. His mouth never stopped, as if he were born

to socialize a smooth-talker who could handle any situation.

After the birthday feast, Adrian grabbed a spittoon and vomited until he was completely out of it. Everett sighed and personally took care of him. "For your little apprentice, you're willing to risk your life and everyone else's, huh?"noveldrama

Adrian tugged at Everett's sleeve to wipe his mouth, then collapsed to the ground, his head spinning as if it had been twisted by some unseen force.

"Isn't that also what you wanted? The capital's fine, and Rafael can focus on the Southern Frontier without worry. Once the capital is secure, she can lead the Mystic Army to the Southern Frontier and help Rafael." Everett pulled back his sleeve and, with a blank expression, turned away. "I'll go make preparations." "Get my red cannon down the mountain!" Adrian shouted.

His shout only made his throat rasp, and soon, he was retching violently again.