Upset children have no appetite.
That was the conclusion Jolly made as he tried to get Lucia to eat breakfast. He had no idea why he was left with the task.
Irisu had to meet Sumire for something and everyone else was having their own breakfast. He was sitting in a music room now with Lucia.
The girl wasn't even throwing a tantrum. Then he could have snapped at her. But she just sat there looking like a defeated war general.
"Eat... Please."
"Why... why did he do that, Uncle Jolly? Is he mad?"
Jolly hadn't the faintest idea of who that man was. So he just ignored the question and tried to force feed her.
Uh... the things I'm being forced to do... Unfortunately the brat is my responsibility as I was the one who found her.....
"Lucia, if you eat this quickly I can go and find out for you. I'll make sure that man doesn't do that again."
"Really?!??! Ok!!!"
With great gusto she grabbed the spoon and started eating.
What a naive girl.....
"Good work Jolly! You got her to eat!" Irisu came in then.
She sat behind Lucia and gave her a hug.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you in your fight!"
"It's ok!!"
Jolly gave Irisu a pained look.
"Must you encourage her like that?"
"Huh? I would have driven my sword through him if he treated me like that. Who picks on kids anyways?!??!"
Jolly sighed. He stood up to leave when Irisu suddenly jumped up and linked her arms through his.
"But I never expected you to be so good with kids!"
"Wha- WHAT?!"
"Yes... so gentle... That's it! Gentle Jolly!"
Jolly rolled his eyes and pushed her away.
"I have some work."
"Ok! Say bye bye Lucia!"
"Bye Bye!"
Jolly didn't wave back. He made for the door.
"And don't forget about the meeting with Papa!" Shouted Irisu after him.
"And don't forget about the promise you made to me!!" Shouted Lucia immediately.
Jolly literally ran out.
I thought finding all of them will save me a lot of work..... why does it seem like it's even harder now........
After a few hours Jolly walked back to the house. He went to Mondo's room and noticed that the others had already assembled.
He slipped in and greeted Mondo. Besides Jolly, the others in the room were Papa, Mama, Irisu and Dante.
"What did you wish to discuss with us Mondo?"
"I had a few things to tell all of you. Regarding these new members and other things."
Everyone nodded as they seated themselves around Papa and waited for him to continue.
"Right now I have asked that they be shown the ropes so that they may choose the faction they are interested to work in. But what they choose may not necessarily be what is suitable for their skills. So I want you to continue observing them and help them to improve their abilities."
"I'm sorry Mondo, but how can we tell them what to do?" Asked Jolly.
"You have experience Jolly. Not all of them seem at ease with their arcana. Perhaps they don't quite know their full potential. You have researched on the arcana for so long and so you must have some ideas on what they can do. Besides if you have done it before you can do it again."
Jolly fell silent. It was true he had been responsible for hosting the other members of the family with their arcana but it was a dangerous business. The only willing hosts he had worked on were the ones assembled in this room. Everyone else had been forced into it and they still held a grudge against him for that.
Not that I care about their feelings... but there is my personal safety to consider too......
"Jolly will try Papa! And I'll make sure nothing gets out of hand!" Said Irisu suddenly "And I'll take care of your personal safety so wipe that look off your face!"
Jolly immediately scowled at her but said nothing. Mondo laughed heartily.
"I must say Jolly, atleast you made one good decision in your life."
Jolly hoped Papa would drop the topic and spare him the embarrassment.
"What's the next thing on the agenda, Mondo?" Asked Sumire.
For once Jolly was happy that Sumire didn't approve of his relation to Irisu or any conversation regarding that.
"The next thing... there are two members who we have isolated. One you met today... unfortunately...."
"The old man?" Asked Jolly curiously.
"Yes. He's the host of The Heirophant. But his arcana came with a price. He suffers from what he calls 'the madness'. He loses his mind at times and well.... He's not dangerous.... but he's not harmless either. So I want you to act discreetly with this information. Understood?"
Everyone nodded.
"Next.... Mama do you wish to explain?"
"Yes. The last member is the host of The Hanged Man. You haven't seen him yet because I have ensured he gets peace and quiet."
"Which is a way of saying you have hidden him somewhere huh?" Asked Irisu sharply.
"Whatever you want to imagine! The thing is Jacob... the host.... he has a frail constitution."
Mondo's eyebrow shot up hearing this but he said nothing. But Irisu interrupted again -
"Or you are making him out to be frail! How would we know?!"
"You are doubting me?! Why would I lie? He told me what he wanted. Jacob needs rest. He cannot mix with the others because he is weak. Also he isn't very good at communicating with people. So -"
"Someone bad at communicating told you all that!!! Why don't you get your story straight, sister?!?"
"Why do you always have to create a scene, Irisu?!?"
"What are you hiding, Sumire?!?"
Jolly and Dante just stood to the side numbly watching this all familiar duel. Neither sister could stand the sight of each other. Nobody dared stop them either. It was much too vicious.
"Sumire, Irisu... stop please... I have something more to say." Said Mondo finally.
"Ok!" Said Irisu flopping down on the bed with a huff.
Sumire glared at Mondo but fell silent too. For a moment Mondo looked weary and old but he immediately went back to his loud self and said with a laugh.
"Alright! Now for the final and most interesting news! To test the new talents I have decided to hold an Arcana duello!"
"What?!?!" Shouts of dismay came from everyone but Irisu.
"Papa, isn't that a bit... unnecessary?" Said Sumire gently.
"And it's old." Said Jolly dully.
For once Sumire was glad Jolly was on her side.
"But it will be fresh blood! Also it's absolutely necessary to test their commitment and potential! What do you think, Irisu?"
"I think it's an excellent idea, Papa!"
"That's my girl!"
Sumire and Jolly gave her a cold stare that said 'Suck up' but Irisu continued unaffected-
"Besides how is it old?! You only did it once before and I wasn't even there! Moreover.... if we propose this idea they will have to start training which gives us an easier way to measure their skills right?"
"That's right!" Said Jolly suddenly realising how this would be easier than having to coax each one of them individually to show off their skills.
Sumire glared at the traitor but then with a sigh she relented.
"Do whatever you want. If it makes you happy. But don't force them. Only the ones who are willing need to fight."
"Uff! Nobody will touch your precious Jacob! Everyone else has to fight!" Said Irisu.
"Yes everyone else must fight!" Said Jolly quickly supporting her.
Papa smiled seeing their enthusiasm.
"And we will let Felicita and the others join too." He said.
"Is that necessary, Mondo?" Asked Jolly.
Dante who had been quiet till now suddenly spoke. (*an incredible feat in itself because I just don't know what to make him say*)
"They are already experienced with controlling their arcana. They will be able to test them better. Also they might get to learn something too!"
"Exactly Dante!" Said Mondo "And to make it interesting it shall be no holds barred!"