But what would he hold a gathering for?
Look at my two current "members": one is the headless Egg Tree, and the other is Roselle, who's been corrupted by an Outer Deity. No matter how well they're doing now, their futures are each more miserable than the other.
A misery contest?
Hiss-
That's not out of the question.
Edward might not gain any tangible benefits from it, but... he would certainly get plenty of amusement.
At the courtyard gate, Dubois had prepared the carriage early and was waiting for Edward.
"Doesn't the banquet start at six? Do we need to leave this early?"
"We'll stop at 28 Emerald Street first. The owner of that villa finally relented yesterday, but she wants to discuss the price with you in person. We also need to buy a bottle of good wine as a gift for our first visit."
"All right."
With a short call from the driver, the carriage began to rumble along.
Neither of them spoke again. One closed his eyes to rest, while the other looked out the window at the streets.
Twenty minutes later.
The carriage stopped outside a villa that looked several times more luxurious than 7 Rose Street. Edward jumped out and surveyed the villa with a satisfied expression, then followed Dubois inside.
To Edward's surprise, he did not feel slighted in any way. The villa's butler remained courteous throughout, displaying none of the old aristocratic arrogance he had heard about.
Then he saw the villa's owner... its mistress. A reasonably attractive noblewoman in her forties, wearing heavy makeup, came out warmly to greet them and embraced Dubois.
All right, I get it.
You're really going all out to become a Beyonder, aren't you?
When they finally let go, Edward coughed and stepped forward to greet