Chapter 1421 (2/2)

Randidly felt quite a load of expectations within that expression and couldn’t help but sigh. “...I suppose. Do you think…?”

For a second, Sam’s expression was warped by commiseration. He walked over to Randidly and patted his shoulder. “Yes. I might not mind your habits, but Regina will undoubtedly have some… opinions on your lack of social etiquette. You are, after all, Sunan’s godfather. But still. Facing it now is better than letting more sourness accumulate for a few more years…”

So despite his frantic schedule in preparation for tomorrow, Randidly stayed for dinner with Sam and Regina. As expected, the first portion of the dinner saw Regina calmly lashing out with sharp comments about how long it had been since Randidly had visited or inquired about their son.

Randidly took a glance at the rather silent baby sleeping within the cradle. Ultimately, he decided that there was no meaning to pointing out that little Sunan wasn’t old enough to even notice. Instead, he simply smiled awkwardly. Luckily, as the three of them continued to converse through the meal, Regina’s attitude softened. Although it wasn’t how he wanted to spend his time, Randidly enjoyed the small break chatting with Sam and Regina.

When he left their residence, he had a message from Gertrude Collins. We’ve obtained all the guardian signatures we need. All told, we have thirty two volunteers to come into the Dungeon with us. I’ve spoken with them, and they should be mature enough that the extra few months won’t matter much.

Randidly produced his Philosopher’s Key with a flick of the wrist as he was replying. That seems fast. Did you check to make sure all the signatures were genuine?

Of course; I was a teacher, Mr. Ghosthound. I know my job, Gertrude quickly replied. It’s somewhat awkward to say… but a lot of the children live in large groups under a single homeowner. There are very few children with genuine familial ties. So to sign a form that the child will be gone for two days… it’s quite a casual thing.

Randidly’s heart tightened when he thought about the lives of these children, but then his emerald eyes flashed. This was why Kharon Academy was so important. It could be the lifeline that these people needed.

But Mr. Ghosthound… Gertrude said in another message. Isn’t thirty two too little?

Randidly’s eyelid twitched. ...This much will be fine. Thank you, Miss Collins.

It had been Gertrude’s idea for Randidly to bring children into the Dungeon with him and train them to help make Kharon Academy while also training the police force. Randidly had immediately expressed a strong desire not to, on account of the number of children that he would suddenly need to manage, but Gertrude had responded rather blithely.

“I mean, not everyone will volunteer if you ask. They are kids.”

Privately, Randidly feared that Gertrude was dead wrong.

Randidly didn’t want to overestimate himself, but he was somewhat aware that he was a powerful figure in the minds of these children. If word spread that he was offering a bit of training, he believed that quite a few children would agree. Perhaps even most of them. And then suddenly he would be responsible for the ten thousand children that were already causing headaches all across Kharon.

So instead of putting Randidly’s name on it, they had spread word to the children that the Kharon government itself was sponsoring a workshop for children looking to focus on careers in “architecture, construction, gardening, blacksmithing, metal working, and materials processing.” Despite Gertrude’s complains, Randidly insisted on making the language of the request as dry as possible.

He didn’t want people to come that thought the project sounded cool. He only wanted children who truly were interested in the field. Thirty-two volunteers was abysmally low from a population of ten thousand, but Randidly had a good feeling about those thirty two. They could be left in the hands of Ed Dugg for most of the time in the Dungeon. Hopefully, they would be able to gain quite a bit of experience.

Humming to himself, Randidly opened a portal and walked through to visit Neveah.