[50.7] Behave Childish Until You Get Your Way

As I was walking, I saw Chief Gonza quickly waving his hands at me. I rushed over to him, "Have you found the ring?"

"NO!" He squealed, "I can't move anywhere with this LEECH!"

I looked at his feet and finally noticed Caldwell grabbing hold of them like they were a lifeline. He sobbed, "Why can't you love me!? Just give me a chance! I promise I can rock your world, you gorgeous man!!!"

How much did he have to drink!?

Chief Gonza cried out, "Help me!!"

I felt second-hand embarrassment and tried to pry off Caldwell, "Caldwell!! Leave my uncle alone!"

Ugh! He's like glue! I can't pull him off!

I let him go in frustration and mumbled to myself, "He really is a leech."

Chief Gonza looked like he was going to cry, "Please do something!"

"Okay, okay. I have an idea." I bent down to Caldwell, "Heyyy Caldwell. You remember that ring that was a family heirloom?"

"Uhhh-"

I didn't wait for him to answer, "-Well, it's missing. Since it's so important to our family, you understand the significance it poses to Chief Gonza, right?"

Caldwell's eyes lit up, "It is!"

Chief Gonza gave me a look, "...Why do I have a bad feeling?"

I grinned maliciously, "Well. I bet that if you can find it, Chief Gonza will marry you."

Caldwell jumped up, "REALLY!?"

I laughed and nodded, "Oh yeah. His heart would definitely belong to you after he sees how hard you work to find something important to him."

Caldwell completely ignored Gonza as he beamed with excitement, "Promise!?"

I crossed my heart, "I promise. If he wouldn't marry you, my name wouldn't be Reika Marlow."

Flames of determination flashed in his eyes, "I'M GOING TO FIND IT NOW!"

He turned into an owl and flew off, colliding with a beam. He shook it off and continued soaring around the room.

Chief Gonza looked as if bricks were dropped on his head, "WHY WOULD YOU PROMISE THAT!? What if he finds it!?"

I gave him a wink, "Then you'd better find it before Caldwell does."

"AHHH!"

Seeing him run away in a panic, I wiped my hands with a giggle.

"Looks like that solves that." I turned back to the crowd with pride, "Now I should be able to indulge in fun, right?"

It was now getting late and most of the attendants had returned to their rooms generously provided by the King. I took one last look at my mother and father who were in their own world and determined that I had done my job and could now take a break.

I skipped back to where I left my group of friends and froze upon seeing the chaotic scene.

Cyrus was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed and a scowl on his face. His eyes were closed, giving off the impression that he was asleep.

Zephyr was stumbling around, bumping and crashing into objects as he waved around his drink that spilled. His words were slurred as he spoke to a servant who clearly wasn't getting paid enough for what she had to put up with, "W-Where's she staying *hiccup* which- which room!?"

The servant sighed, "I don't know who you are talking about."

"You know her! Come on! Tall! Blonde! Or… Or is it brown hair? Alora! You know her!"

I walked over to Rebecca and Cyrus with an eyebrow raised, "Um… What's happening here?"

Rebecca's face was a bit red, but she seemed the calmest out of everyone. She shrugged, "Your fox is trying to find a girl's room."

I let out a sigh and paused, "Wait… Did you get taller?"

She took a sip of her drink, "Mmm."

I glanced down.

My face turned taut when I realized she was standing on top of Marx.

"..."

When did he get there?

She followed my gaze, "Oh. Yeah. He managed to find me again. He and your boyfriend were throwing back shots until he finally collapsed…. Honestly, I'm surprised your boyfriend is still standing."

I glanced over at Cyrus who seemed to be sleeping standing up.

My face twitched.

Standing yes.

But is he conscious?

I went over to him anxiously, "Are you feeling okay?"

As soon as my hand touched his cheek, his eyes opened.

A devious smile slowly crawled across his face as a dark fog came across his eyes.

I flinched upon feeling that predatory-like stare on his face.

I've encountered this look from him before!

He held my hand that was placed on his cheek and kissed it. His other hand wrapped around my waist and pulled me close.

He lowered his head and rested it on my shoulder. I could feel his hot breath on the crook of my neck.

A shiver traveled up my spine.

I let out a gasp, "Aah!"

He chuckled, "My head feels so warm… But you feel so good."

I tried to push him away, "S-Stop! Rebecca is staring right at us!"

She sipped her drink still staring at us, "No I'm not."

Cyrus pouted, "Do you not like me?"

His voice was so pitiful, I nearly caved.

I strengthened my mental stability, "I do like you, but we are in public!"

As I turned away from him, his arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me back into his embrace. I could feel his muscles pressed against my back, ambiguous enough to send my mind into overdrive.

My face flushed bright red as I tried to imagine what those muscles looked like under his shirt.

He rubbed his face on my neck, "Why don't you like me?"

My voice cracked, "I-I don't dislike you! Why are you acting so clingy?!"

Zephyr pushed away the servant and charged down the hall, "If you won't tell me where she is, then I'm going to check every single room until I find her!!"

The servant panicked and ran after him, "No! You can't disturb our guests!!"

"Sh*t!" I went running after Zephyr to stop him but was weighed down by Cyrus. I turned to him in a huff, "I need to go stop him! Could you let go?"

Cyrus pursed his lips, "You'd rather be with him than me?"

I let out a frustrated sigh.

Why is he behaving like a child?

Just how much did he drink?!

I rubbed my temples, "If you help me stop Zephyr, then I promise I will give you my full attention. Okay?"

He still didn't look happy, "Mmn."

I let out another sigh and started to walk with Cyrus following closely like a puppy.

Rebecca snickered and skipped after us, "I'm not going to miss this."