81

Chapter 81

Flange Orphanage, City: Three Prongs Fork, Republic of Shantu, Continent: Barat, the Year 2030, Planet: Grimoire

Darmono noticed Lamberton staring toward the four Tinroy cousins and sighed. "All right, what's going on?" It was obvious to him that Lamberton hadn't heard what Moline said.

"Yes, I'd like to know what's keeping you so preoccupied right now, too," Moline said testily.

After he shook his head and clearly gathered his thoughts, Lamberton grunted. "All four of them were targeted earlier."

Darmono nodded. He'd suspected something was going on, but he hadn't known that the four Tinroy cousins would be among several targeted. However, this sounded even less pleasant. Now, he wanted to know what Lamberton discovered.

"Please do clarify," Moline requested. "I was banned from even entering the area of the competitors of the Orphanage." His hands fisted at his sides. "I have no doubt that many of the foundlings feel extremely betrayed right now."

Lamberton listened to them patiently. "That isn't what I heard at all." He folded his arms. "I'm pretty sure someone tried to disqualify all four of them intentionally." They listened intently to his recounted tales of what happened to the four cousins before his interference. "Luckily, I was around as one of the official inspectors and got rid of the troublemakers after catching them red-handed trying to inject them with illegal substances."

Moline shook his head waverily. "I'm wondering if this is going to work out as planned or if I was tricked into doing this from the start." He exhaled moodily. I fear this is yet another attempt to kidnap and dispose of the Tinroy cousins." His shoulder slumped as he spoke.

Ironically, Darmono had felt the same way as he'd listened to the craziness happening down below. A sigh escaped him. "All we can do right now is accept that the cousins will do their best to defy their unknown enemies."

That was all he could say right now. If he were to take any other official action right now, it would come off as unwonted favoritism, and that would reflect poorly on everyone involved. Despite his irritation with the situation, there was very little he could do, which annoyed Darmono.

Therefore, he was more than a little surprised when Lamberton grunted. "I agree with Darmono. It would be best if you two remained detached as much as possible." He smirked. "Let me have my fun in throwing my weight around. Remember, you're not the only ones who were slighted for a very long time by those idiots."

That is very true, so this likely was Lamberton's ideal time for revenge. Darmono merely inclined his head.

Moline hesitated. "I appreciate what you're doing." He stated at last. "Just don't overdo it. That's all I ask."

Lamberton sobered instantly. "I'll merely do it to the point of having them fuming because they can't lay a hand on me without severe consequences." He shrugged. "The same goes for the lackeys whom I have under strict guard while interrogation is going on. I wouldn't want them to die before answers are attained."

Darmono winced. He knew what methods Lamberton employed, none of which he espoused even in wartime conditions. "I'll pretend that part of the conversation never happened in my presence." He muttered, casting Lamberton a direful stare.

Moline chuckled. "You know well that I'd be there with them if I could." Anger emanated from him in iridescent sparks.

"Easy does it, you two," Darmono cautioned. "Doesn't the announcement need to be made soon?"

Lamberton grimaced. "Oh, right, the processional and speeches." He shook his head. "What a headache." He grumbled.

"I have to agree." Moline rolled his eyes. "If all the competitors don't get a good nap during those speeches, I would be surprised."

Darmono nodded. "Yes, though I hope they would remain awake for mine at least."

Moline frowned. "Is yours the first or somewhere in the middle?"

Were the two of them screwing with him? Darmono regarded Moline and Lamberton with exasperation. "I'm going first, of course." He stated calmly.

Lamberton's eyebrows rose. "Now I have to hear the reasoning since I know you hate giving speeches." His amusement was palpable.

Well, Darmono knew he had a good point since it was true. His reasoning was quite simple. "I refuse to let them out blabber me with nonsense," he paused when Moline opened his mouth and then shut it with a confused expression.

Lamberton smirked. "Oh, this is going to be fun."

He caught on swiftly enough. "You can explain it in detail to Moline, then, Lamberton," Darmono explained with patience he rarely chose to display. "I shouldn't expect the competitors to believe a word I say." He shook his head as he further explained his thoughts on the matter. "Especially after they finish with their vindictive words hidden in poisonous flattery."

It clicked for Moline. "Yes, they will celebrate their seeming victory over taking control of the Orphanage through Granville Torrent."

Lamberton snorted. "He's a puppet that'll be easy to manipulate." He caught Moline's eyes. "I assume he's your lesser evil of choice?" When Moline nodded, Lamberton shrugged. "I approve now, though I hadn't earlier before I compared him against the other candidates." He shook his head with disgust.

Hmm, Darmono grunted. "I'll make my way to where the processional of competitors will begin." On one hand, he was looking forward to the various activities. "It'll be interesting to see where everyone will stand once this ends." On the other hand, Darmono did worry that something troublesome would occur.

A sigh escaped him as he hurried to where all the speech-makers were assembling. Darmono led the line of officials to the podiums. He watched as Moline silenced the crowd.

Darmono and the others stood waiting as Moline requested all the competitors to line up at the various entrances and exits of the arena according to the institute to which they belonged. he had to hand it to Moline for knowing how to frustrate any attempts at keeping people from even considering causing a ruckus.

Once everyone was lined up, the procession fell into place smoothly, and cheers from the audience were loud and quiet, depending on what the institute was called. Fortunately, it wasn't too torturous since nothing was mentioned about previous achievements and such. Clearly, Moline meant to keep it short and swift so that the remainder of the time was devoted to the speeches and then kickstarting the first events of the multi-day competition.