The next day, Osric arrived at the guild right before noon.
William, Paul and Jayson were already there.
Osric quickly told them what happened yesterday and that Garrick was joining them.
They reacted differently.
William's smile became wider. "That's great boss!"
"Impressive as always." Paul said.
Jayson's eyes just lit up in admiration. 'He's so amazing.'
"Congratulations sir!"
Osric shifted slightly.
"Thanks. Once he arrives, we will discuss our shares again."
They nodded.
"How did it go with the archer?" Osric asked while looking at William.
William's expression became tense.
"Ehm. It's going to be tougher than I thought. Richard is definitely capable and we did well together, but his attitude is kind of unique?"
"What do you mean?" Paul asked from beside him.
Osric was also curious. He didn't want someone with attitude problems in his party.
"Well. I think he has some serious trust issues. He appears to dislike people in general and he doesn't hide it."
"I don't think he's a bad person though. He also covered my back well during the mission. I just need to get through to him."
Osric exhaled softly and nodded.
"Understood. I trust you on this. Keep going on missions with him and try to win him over."
"You got it!"
That's when a tall man in his late forties walked in. His presence immediately caught the attention of those near him.
Osric's party also quickly took notice of him.
"Who's that?" William asked.
"That's Garrick, right?" Paul asked Osric.
"Yeah."
Osric waved at Garrick to come over.
"Hey Garrick. I'm glad you came."
Garrick looked slightly irritated.
"You thought I wouldn't keep my word?"
"I knew you would."
"How's that? You can't trust anyone in this kingdom, especially not in Ashbrook."
Osric's corner of the mouth lifted faintly.
"Let's say I trust my judgment in people."
Garrick chuckled. "What a weird brat."
'The more I talk to him, the more sure I am that he will show me what I have been missing in life.'
"Anyway." Osric interrupted.
"Meet my party." He said while turning.
"Everyone, introduce yourselves."
William stood up first.
"Nice to meet you, old timer. I'm William and sort of Osric's right hand man." He uttered with a wink.
Osric just sighed.
"Hm. You're a lively one. I look forward to battling it out with you kiddo." Garrick responded.
William wasn't sure what he meant, but Garrick's smile made him sweat a little.
"Haha, s-sure."
Paul was the same as always. "I look forward to working together. My name's Paul. I'm just the porter."
Garrick shook his hand and nodded normally.
Casual but polite was pretty much his way of talking to everyone except for those really close to him.
Jayson was last.
He wasn't really a shy person, in fact, he was rather rowdy and determined about everything, but since joining Osric, he became more quiet and acted more carefully.
'I can't look bad. I must make a good impression as sir Osric's subordinate.'
"Hello. My name is Jayson and I am just a rookie, but I work my hardest to follow Osric on his path. I hope you follow him well too."
Paul and William looked dumbfounded by Jayson's manner of speaking.
'Why is he talking like that?'
Osric was just as surprised.
'Good, he's reliable.' He thought.
"Kahahaha!"
"What an amusing kid you found yourself there, Osric." Garrick said.
Jayson frowned.
'Is he not taking me seriously?'
"Oho? Look at that death stare on him."
"Sorry if it seemed like I was making fun of you kid. I just didn't expect a youngster like Osric to have himself such a dedicated follower."
"And it appears you haven't even known each other long. That's intriguing to say the least."
Jayson's hand turned into a fist.
"So what old man?! Sir Osric is a man worthy of respect! He has saved me and given me a new purpose. Do not look down on my loyalty for him!"
Garrick's eyes widened in surprise and turned to Osric.
"What did you do to this kid?" He asked while pointing.
Osric exhaled quietly.
"Jayson, calm down. And Garrick, stop teasing him."
Jayson loosened up rapidly.
"I'm sorry sir!"
Garrick chuckled. "Yeah, maybe I went too far with messing with the kid."
"Don't worry about me. I have promised to follow Osric and I'm a man of my word. Unless he does something I am completely against and willing to die for, I don't plan on going against him."
He reached out his hand at Jayson.
"Fine. But I'll watch you closely." He said seriously while reciprocating the handshake.
"Haha, sure kid."
Paul stayed quiet, clearly unsure what just happened.
William however—
"Damn. What a weird duo we have here. I wonder how our missions will go, haha."
A single sharp clap cut through the table.
"Alright everyone. Let's sit down and discuss our plans as a party."