Chapter 225: Like Father, Like Son

    Derek was taken aback by the renovations that had taken place in the hotel over the past few days. Stella had been a very busy manager. Where there were multiple tables set up for breakfast, many more had been added, and there were even multiple booths along the walls. At the end of the lobby, a stage had been erected.

    The enormous lobby and dining area of the hotel had turned into a genuine auction house in a matter of days. It was impressive.

    Derek looked around until his eyes finally found Alanah and Stella talking beside the stage.

    You guys can go mingle. Im going over there. Derek told Mal and Rudy as he made his way to the two women.

    Youre here early. Alanah greeted Derek in a hushed tone. I have to keep my voice low. I dont want it to affect the guests.

    Derek nodded. Got it, he said. I wasnt sure how long it would take us to get through the city with it being as crowded as it is, so we left a bit early. Im glad we did, because it really was packed full.

    Stella smiled. Its always like this during the auction week. Because of the announcements this time, though, its even more crowded. Thats how we know its going to be a good auction.

    That, and the fact that we allowed members to invite others this time. Ive never allowed that before, but because of the urgency, it was best to try something new. Well see how it goes. Alanah leaned in, and with an even lighter whisper said, Especially since we have so much more stock than we ever had or ever thought we would have. She smiled and nodded at Stella.

    Here, take this, Stella handed Derek a ring.

    Derek took the ring and viewed the contents. To Dereks surprise, there were at least two dozen stored Void Beast meals, a dozen vials of rainbow colored potions, and multiple vials of red liquids, which Derek assumed was the blood of the small Void Beast.

    Wow, Derek said. I didnt expect to be getting this much.

    Youll have that and much more. We did not have enough time to process the entire inventory of Void Beasts yet, this only comes from the ones we have. Once the others are processed, you will have many, many more, Alanah explained.

    I look forward to it.

    So. Your guest had quite the introduction. Alanah changed the subject.

    Yeah, Rudy is like that. Hes a pretty decent fellow, but had a bit of an odd personality.

    Yeah, HE has an odd personality. Stella cut in.

    What? Derek shrugged. I am the epitome of perfectly normal.

    Stella snorted. You keep telling yourself that.

    Alanah placed her hand over her mouth and let out a light giggle before adding, Being normal is overrated.

    I bet Rudys wishing we would have left later, so more people would have been around for his ingenious introduction, Derek said.

    A giant smile fell over Dereks face as he pushed himself up off the wall and made his way to the new arrivals. Hed talked with Walter occasionally, but he had no idea that the man would be coming to the auction. He knew he had a Tier One Membership, but he doubted the man would have enough money to compete against the nobles here.

    He didnt care, though. It was always nice to see someone who he considered a friend. Even if that friend was the father of one of the first people he killed when he got to Cydaria. Derek decided he would not bring that up today, especially since the man had brought his other son along with him.

    Little Clare was the first person to recognize Derek walking their way. She immediately broke out into a sprint after seeing him.

    Derek! Youre here, too! She ran up and hugged his waist.

    Derek ruffled her hair a bit, but was careful not to make it too messy. He pushed her off and put his palms out. Show me what youve got.

    Clare immediately fell into a brawling stance and began throwing punches as Derek moved his hands faster and faster as designated targets. She was just as passionate as ever to spar.

    Okay, thats enough. Walter stopped Clare mid swing, causing her to frown. There are people watching.

    Derek waved him off. Who cares? Let them watch. Im more interested in how much progress Clare has made since Ive been gone. He chuckled. Well go to an Adventurers Guild training room later. How about that?

    Clare nodded seriously. Yes.

    So, you finally chose to go after a membership to the Crown? Derek asked Walter.

    I did. After the last meal that we ate, and the possible benefits that go with being a member, I reached out to Emily and learned what I needed for it. It wasnt much, so here I am.

    Derek thought back for a moment until he remembered who Emily was. She was the boss of the Torith Crown Restaurant, who took back over once Stella left.

    Thats good, Derek said. So, no Bronson?

    Walter shook his head. No. I needed somebody to stay back at the manor to make sure things ran smoothly. I trust him the most.

    I see well, tell him I said hi when you get back.

    Will do.

    About that time, the third member of Walters group made his way over to them. Jensen stood a little taller than Walter, and look just like him, except younger.

    You must be Jensen. Derek turned and put out his hand to shake.

    Jensen took his hand and stared deep into Dereks eyes. And you are the man who killed my brother.

    Ah Like father, like son.