Chapter 87- Type
After the camp began to quiet down, Rayden clapped Julian on the shoulder and grinned. "Hey, how about we grab a drink? You, me, and the rest of the crew? We’ve earned it."
Julian gave a small nod, his expression softening. "Sure. Why not."
As they walked toward one of the smaller buildings repurposed as a common room, Mr. Elien and Ms. Lucia approached them. Elien gave a polite bow. "We’ll take our leave first. Claus is getting sleepy."
Ms. Lucia smiled gently, her hand resting on Claus’ head as he clung sleepily to her side. "Good night, everyone."
Rayden watched them walk away with a grin, then leaned slightly toward Julian and whispered, "They’re definitely going to do it tonight. Must be nice... being a new couple and all."
Naria, who had been walking just behind him, smacked the back of his head lightly. "Captain, don’t gossip like that."
Rayden rubbed the spot she hit, laughing. "I’m just saying what everyone’s thinking."
Emma, walking beside Aya, leaned in closer with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "So Aya, do you approve of your dad dating Ms. Lucia?"
Aya blinked and hesitated, but then spoke calmly. "I don’t mind. As long as Ms. Lucia is honest about her feelings... and she stays by my father’s and Claus’ side... then it’s fine."
Everyone around her nodded in agreement, showing their quiet support.
Then Rayden perked up again. "Oh, right! I brought something special tonight." He waved Clint over, who carried a wooden box with both arms and set it down in the center with a loud thud.
When the lid was opened, it revealed several neatly packed bottles of liquor, some still sealed, others half-empty but preserved well.