72nd chapter : counting stars – 2 –

After returning home from that sudden disheartening scene of her team member’s corpses scattered around, Layla had come to a conclusion that the kabuki guy is after revenge against her. So admitting that her father is strong enough to be unbeaten, she turned her gaze to the man she loves. Thus having a small proof that he does not need her protection, she decided to stay by his side to see the end of it.

“ oh!! Are we doing that today?!”.

Hana asked as she heard Tanya mentioning the plan they talked about during breakfast.

“Yeah, so everyone please!! Can I have your attention!?”.

Emilis stood at the front door with a calm smile, telling the other members to stay inside for the meantime.

“I’ll be heading first”.

Marco said as he passed through him to the middle of the area that was filled with tables outside the restaurant. After Marco, Rebecca, Tanya, Melu, Milize and Miha went outside holding some violins with other instruments.

The crowd looked puzzled, although some of them understood what was going on, the chilly tension left the area as even bypassers stopped to see what was going on, waiting to see what Emilis prepared.

“Not everyone knows but!! The Fabia girls are also part of the red mermaid!! and many of you have even sat down at their tables and seen their fantastic performance in Mustfit!! So I welcome you to sit tight, watch and enjoy the hanging gardens of blue antique”.

Emilis gave a brief speech as a signal to Marco who was preparing himself too as he pulled up most of the tables into the air after. A total of ten tables flew to the air leaving the other ten on the ground, the moment when each table got taken up, the chains got warped around it and vanished by the last stripe of the table.

Right after that sudden move, the violin sound hit deep down the hearts of the customers as Fabia’s girls started playing their songs, soothing the crowd’s ears into hearing a symphony that had the red mermaid’s flawless movements not noticed at all, and so Alice, Alex, Carla and Iris got out with the orders of each table.

Layla was surprised by the sudden change of architecture as usually she was expecting some kind of original dish or something of that sort however this act topped all of it. She was immersed in the calm music as Emilis created a piano for Vanica, who joined them a second later to match their pace. With the rest of the members moving as if they’re dancing, the whole picture became like an eve in the medieval ages, where rum and parties like these were the only thing that lightens the hearts of the people and so a lot of customers passed by.

Watching happily, Layla found herself watching a new side of Marco again, he was matching the footsteps of Carla as if the two were dancing through the area and in the middle of the sky just like the rest of members and so when things have gotten more lightened the most, Emilis decided to end it all.

“Thank you for today!! The hanging gardens schedule will be posted through the entire island so don’t miss it out!! We have the expertise of rum with us!! Shoko Hanabi san!! If the food was to your liking?! That is my dear people!! The greatness of the red mermaid!! A total mashup of joy and fun!! be sure to pass and grab lunch!!” Emilis was doing the advertising part just like how Alex instructed.

The plan was well done thoroughly with all the members working by instinct to how Emilis react around, the hanging gardens was a plan that the red mermaid had studied for a while now, so their training months came handy for it, coordinating in teams to not miss out any customer around, in addition to having Elise using her serment to overview the restaurant’s management. Although the schedule was only three hours a day, it became a hit and even had some major names passing by to see what was going on.

“It was just about three hours but a lot of people came in!! That was awesomely superb!!” said Layla.

Layla was praising Marco and the rest of red mermaid members with all of her might as the bright smile had them acting like they were blinded by the sun aside from certain individuals like Zack, Iris and Sophie who were brimming with the same energy.

“Ah, that’s nothing to be talked about actually!! we got more problems during the seasonal times! So this is kinda a secondary job to us!!”.

Xavier answered, trying to act cool just like the rest of them who were fidgeting around from blushing. Although everyone giggled at what he said, admitting that it is true.

Seeing how cheerful they were, Layla smiled serenely as she saw that Marco was in a good hand, that calm atmosphere and joyful spirit that roams around when they work was something that Layla longed for too so she felt more pulled to sit around them than ever.

Right before the peaceful moment, wishing it to end without anything happening, everyone heard the sound of something breaking outside.

“And I thought we had ended it with a good day”.

Marco muttered as they all headed outside, Layla somehow felt like she was waiting for that moment as a guilty pain struck her before she followed them outside.

The red mermaid saw Nora bowing calmly, while Minerva was standing behind him, to some guys as the image indicated clearly that they were customers. She was covered with some parts of food whilst some glass was scattered on the ground, mixed with stains of wine and blood.

Everyone’s gaze turned to Nora who was bleeding.

Troublemakers were supposed to be more persistent and childish, as dealing with them with courtesy wasn’t the usual move that the red mermaid goes for, however in this kind of situation and place around this island, the customer is always right, so, red mermaid members were ordered to not engage in any of the problems from the very start.

“As I said!! The food is terrible so I want my money back!!”.

The guy said, standing furiously alongside his thugs behind him, ultimately, they were looking for trouble to make the red mermaid lose the sudden good reputation they built today.

“I’m terribly sorry, but I can’t see any mistake in the order, we made sure to check every little detail in the order and the curry was ordered from your table.” Nora responded with his head down, making Minerva bow the same way.

“You’re being a little bit too polite for a criminal like you, Nora!! Perhaps this fine woman behind you is the reason for that!! Gahahahaha!!”.

The guy’s words were intentionally picked onto Nora since it turned out that they were old guildmates. Nora kept looking down for a second, gathering his thoughts together as he accepted the hurtful words, he just raised his head and answered with a calm yes.

The guy whistled with a mocking expression, turning to his friends and speaking loudly while dissing him, even the crowd around started to think that the humiliation was too much of a freak show for them.

While that unfortunate event got everyone’s attention, a sudden big knife dropped right next to the guy’s feet “ah!! Sorry!! I was holding that!! Are you ok?!” Emilis said, acting like he didn’t drop it on purpose.

Although the creepy smile plastered on Emilis’ face and the glow of the knife’s blade had everyone shivering for a moment.

“You shitty bastard!! Are you trying to kill me!! I knew it!! The Red mermaid is just a bunch of killers no matter how you look at them!!”.

The guy exploded in a nonsense anger, spatting whatever came to his mind without thinking of facing the consequences.

Emilis looked him straight in the eyes.

“heeh!? That’s surprising coming from the guy who hit a member of mine on the head with a glass bottle!! Not to mention that in the presence of a neutral witness on my side!! Layla chan is right there”.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

Emilis smiled at him while pointing at the cold looking Layla, who was standing inside the restaurant alongside the others. Flinching upon seeing her, the guy clicked his tongue and nodded to his friends.

“tch!! I won’t be coming here ever again!! The food sucks and the prices aren’t good!! This is robbery!! you’ll lose just like every time!!”. The guy’s words made it clear that it was pure hatred that was making him talk.

After that sudden incident, everyone continued working until sunset time then decided to close for that night since another guilds’ masters meeting was announced out of the blue.

“I’m really sorry for my incompetence! ” Nora bowed, apologizing to all the other members.

Everyone looked at him straight with no words in response, Minerva also bowed with tears in her eyes.

“You did a good job, I guess this really cuts ties with your old guildmates Nora. I’m proud that you held a pretty steady face and didn’t hit him because he did that to Minerva chan!!” Emilis smiled as he patted their shoulders, feeling the two getting flustered.

“And thank goodness that Minerva chan also knew how to deal with them!! thanks to her I guess he was able to stay calm I suppose” Fabia added after that as she saw them getting reddish.

“Well for now I’m grateful that I decided to let both join the red mermaid, you have approximately two hours until the eve ends, prepare yourselves and meet me in the same place as usual” Emilis said.

After hearing his words, everyone went back to the mansion, prepared themselves then they went ahead to the games’ hall, meeting up with Emilis, who had to deal with some reports and some other minor details first, since the guild masters get the information about the next game an hour ahead of its announcement then it’s for them to decide whether they tell their members or not. In Emilis’ case he hardly tells them what will happen to let the thing go more exciting.

“Ladies and gentlemen!!”.

Dalian said calmly through the mic as he smiled to the audience, like how the first game was broadcasted, this new meeting was for a game that would be screened and sent live to the people across the world.

As everyone had taken silence, Dalian coughed again to confirm their attention was on him given that he thought they were a little displeased to see an old man calling for them.

“Before we start the broadcast of the second game tour!! I’d like to talk about something,” His tone changed from its usual goofiness to a bit of seriousness, “Normally I’d let only the guild master in touch with this info, but this is as far as anyone can take care of it alone.”

Dalian had a serious look on him by now as only red mermaid members were in touch of what he wanted to say since Alex filled them in. Although The serious look made the crowd a little troubled, they paid attention and let out no sounds in complaint.

“Since I didn’t allow many of the fourteen families’ members here for a reason It’s bound to be told. Yesterday a guy wearing a kabuki mask assassinated the team of fourth ranked councilor, Layla Leigh. In a way or another, I myself was late to arrive at the scene, so this is a request from me and the whole council, please if you find or end up meeting this kabuki guy, either fight and capture him or run. Because as far as I’m concerned about the safety of the people, he’s targeting only the councilors, nothing to be talked about more than this and I hope we’ll get some cooperation from all the guilds too”.

Dalian stated what he had in mind, however most of the guilds’ holders felt something off with his words, it was like a threat message sent directly from the kabuki guy and not a request to capture him.

“Master, Did you find any thread leading to this guy so far?”.

Marco asked so suddenly as he looked at the pics through his phone again. Emilis was stunned by the sudden question although he answered.

“Hmm It’s not like I’ve sensed his euro particles before so even I have troubles so far. As for the masked guy, I don’t think he has only a grudge against the council, although as far as I’m concerned here I don’t think he’ll go after your family, so take it easy” Emilis responded as Dalian’s workers were preparing for the broadcast.

“I’m not really worried if he’s after my family, Either ways he can’t do much against me” Marco interjected as he was confident.

“I don’t really like that confidence of yours but I admit that it’s backed up so sit down and don’t mess things with what you have inside”.

Vanica entered the conversation as she heard Marco’s last words, she was being a bit of a push for something she knew was the truth but for the same reason, she was acting like a mother.

“By the way, what's the game for today?” Alice asked.

After listening to what Dalian had spoken about, most of the guilds members were curious if they were actually called here just for that announcement.

“It’s no use if I say it now since he’s gonna just announce it”. Emilis answered as he pointed to the window viewer.

By that time, lights went off and all eyes were on the screen that showed a small timer being set out.

“For today’s game, ladies and gentlemen!! As you know, the first game had delivered for us a few capable holders from each guild which was so fantastic to watch!! However we can also say that luck was on their side!!”.

Dalian flashed a smile to the crowd as he saw the guild masters heading to their usual table, leaving their members on their own. He made sure that everything was prepared in order before continuing the brief speech.

Hearing what Dalian had made most of the guilds confused yet curious about what he’ll pull for them.

“Tonight’s game!! will literally give the MVP and the last holder!! A one million gold prize!! And for the rest who hold longer until the time runs out has the right to get back on the remaining games as one of the few holders who can compete to the end,” Dalian heaved a deep breath after that then smiled to the cameras with a victory sign, “Yes ladies and gentlemen!! The ones who are allowed in tonight’s game!! Are the ones who never joined the first game or have been registered as participants!! We’ll meet after half an hour in the general arena!! Wait for us!!”.

Dalian finished his words then calmly switched off the broadcasting just to hear a single shout of joy that took the attention of everyone. It was Arthur who had sparkles in his eyes the moment he heard the game’s rules.

“Yes!! Finally my turn assholes!!”.

His voice couldn’t be any lower.

“You’re really one hell of a lucky bastard y’know” Xavier said as he looked at Arthur getting ready, excited about it.

“You guys won’t be interfering in this match!! And I’ll go on my own!!” Arthur responded with a big grin as he saw that Marco didn’t say a word to him.

“It’s not like you are going to let him enter the arena, right ?!”.

A sudden pull up from Layla, who came to check on Marco, heard Arthur loud and clear. Everyone in red mermaid looked at her as they didn’t really say a thing in response. Arthur took that as an answer for his words though.

“It’s settled then!! I’m gonna win that million gold!! Not to mention I can join you guys in the games!!” said Arthur.

He changed into some casual clothes that Alex brought to him through a portal witchcraft whilst Marco provided him with a cover using his chains. Layla on the other side had lost it.

“Stop!! Are you letting Arthur enter the arena and fight holders!?! He’s still a kid!!” Layla exclaimed.

Layla was worried as hell since the council had no information about Arthur being able to produce lightning at all and Marco looked at her then smiled confidently.

“He’ll be fine!! princess!!” Sam said as he was joking.

“That’s right, Arthur is fine by himself” Minerva said after him she was a little troubled herself.

Vanica did want to stop him, however looking at Minerva’s shaking body had her forget about stopping Arthur from going.

“Don’t tell me that he’s that kind of genius that got their serments on a young age!!?” Layla asked on the spot, running wild on her thoughts alone, “oh wait I forgot that most of the new generation kids have serments!!” She thought she was right but Marco’s calm face proved her wrong as Alex was about to respond for that but refrained from doing so.

On Arthur’s side, only Marco, Sophie and Alex saw that Yuna was on his side, cheering him up and telling him to not mess things up.

“Man!! I can finally have some room in these games. I’ve been getting bored a lot lately!!” Arthur said, addressing Yuna.

“You know that your brother tends to protect both you and Sophie, however he knows that you’re strong enough to win so don’t overdo it!!” she responded with the same enthusiasm.

“Ah!! I will not overdo it”.

As he responded, Arthur trespassed the arena territory and entered the stadium, so many eyes were turned to him, whereas he was the last participant to join in the battle.

“And last!! The only participant from the red mermaid!! Huh!?! Uhm!! I’m not sure about this but is he?”.

Dalian was speaking as he looked at Arthur entering last after presenting most of the other holders from all the guilds, he figured that someone would follow after him but the doors were closed. A clear proof that Arthur was right now the only contestant from Red mermaid’s side.

“You let that kid join something like this? Is this just a goofy game for you?!” Eren said, addressing Emilis as he was a little annoyed.

“That’s right Emilis san!! No matter how you look at it!! You didn’t list his name in the names of your guild members” Annie added after him.

“Huh, sure I did. Arthur Deca, see here”.

Emilis calmly replied as he showed them through Dalian who was looking at the red mermaid guildlist.

With the misunderstanding being clarified, Dalian didn’t really like that, therefore he didn’t have a choice but to let him in, since it looks like Arthur wasn’t the only young holder in that arena.

“Uh, the rules are simple, Just a friendly royal battle between the guilds. Your own comrades are to help each other, not to fight between each other. Exterminate the opponent guild and you’ll win a good spot”.

Dalian said, presenting what was needed while shooting some glances at the participants then he looked at Arthur acting fine, however he stopped talking as everyone heard Arthur yelling again.

“Stop!! Marco nii that’s not fair!! They all do have a serment!! I thought we were fighting barehanded”

Arthur said as he was using a window viewer for communication just like the other guilds. Eventually, he heard the laughs of everyone around him, getting mocked did play on his nerves a little.

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