Page 2129

((The Mon/Wen/Fri Double -- page 1 of 2))
They had decided not to bring any of the King's attendants with them, so Lynnette was the one driving. The central courtyard was so large that the car was necessary to traverse it, and as they passed giant bird statue after giant bird statue on their way toward the main house, Hector was beginning to see a pattern. Even the large water fountain at the end of the road was of a flock of birds mid-flight.

The five of them exited the vehicle, along with the four reapers who accompanied them.

Apart from Hector, King William, and Lynnette, the final two members of their party were Matteo Delaguna, who accompanied Hector whenever he left Warrenhold, and Diego Redwater.

Hector still wasn't quite sure why Diego had decided to tag along, and he suspected that Diego didn't know, either.

They'd been somewhat concerned about bringing someone with such a famous last name, but Diego promised to be discreet. Apparently, that meant wearing sunglasses and a fedora.

Matteo, whom Hector still didn't really know all that much about, was wearing a butler's uniform for some reason.

The Gaolanets' own butlers were waiting for them on the steps of the main entrance, and one of them took their car for them as they proceeded into the enormous mansion.

Beyond the most minimal pleasantries, no words were exchanged.

Hector had to admire the building's architecture a bit as they walked. He didn't recognize the style at all. There were so many hard angles in the woodwork. The front hall's ceiling rose to a very high apex, and metal bars hung halfway out from the walls near the top. Some of the ceiling's windows were open as well, and after a moment, Hector noticed more birds hanging out up there.

Geez.

It was a wonder there weren't white poop stains all over the floor's jet black limestone, Hector thought.