204: Clifford

I couldn’t help but feel full of pride at the compliments for Crisplet, but as Crisplet was trying to show off the dragon, I explained for him.

“This statue lost some of the details when we made it permanent, but this is a statue of Sylverith as she visited the cafe here,” I explained.

“The details are incredible, even if some were lost,” Clifford said, inspecting it closely.

Crisplet just let off a burst of sparks.

Clifford looked back towards the front doors. “How does the fire work? That tree out front has the entire property warm compared to the rest of the city.”

I just shrugged. “Sorry, I honestly don’t know. Crisplet chooses his own skills, so other than names, I couldn’t tell you how they work.”

Milo made his way over, clearly having overheard the conversation. “I have spent some time studying it, so I have a theory. It appears to absorb small amounts of ambient fire mana to keep it fuelled. I imagine if you put it in or near a fire, it would get brighter, and the warmth comes from the concentration of that mana.”

Crisplet let off a burst of sparks.

I laughed at that. “That pretty much confirms your theory. Did you have a chance to look at the tree closely?”

“No, sir. I didn’t. The guards were escorting me,” Clifford said.

I couldn’t help but grimace at being called sir, especially by someone so much older and more experienced than myself. It didn’t feel right.

“Please, just Trev or Trevor.”

Clifford scratched the back of his head. “Sorry, Trevor. Usually, nobles are very particular about using their titles.”

This caused a snort of laughter from Liane, with even Milo holding back a laugh.

“Did I miss something?” Clifford asked, looking confused between them.

Shaking my head with a soft laugh, I said, “A month ago, Clifford, I was an orphan, and I certainly don’t see myself as a regular noble.”

Clifford looked around. “Then how?”

“That is a long story, but sorry, I’ve been rude. Let me introduce my friends: this is Liane, Milo, and Sylverith.” I pointed at them in kind.

Clifford bowed to them. “Yes, I remember Liane from the market, and wait, Sylverith?”

His eyes went wide as he looked back at the dragon statue.

This time Sylverith’s turn to let out a soft laugh.

“D… Dragon?” Clifford went visibly pale.

“Yes, dear, but I shall leave you to it. He’s a good man, Crisplet.” With that, she walked away, as Clifford just stared at her with an open mouth.

I wasn’t entirely sure what the good man thing was about, but knowing that Sylverith often saw things in people that I couldn’t, it’s likely she was making sure his intentions were honest.

To change the subject, I asked, “Shall we go out and look at the tree, then?”

“Ye… yes, please,” Clifford nodded.

Once outside, I gave Crisplet and Clifford a bit of space as they walked around the tree, inspecting it, as Crisplet shot off sparks in directions to show him things and point his attention towards aspects.

What surprised me the most was when Crisplet climbed the tree, with Clifford obviously unable to follow, but on the first rung of branches he started to form a new statue. I didn’t need to see it finished to know who Crisplet was doing a statue of.

It now also showed this really was a tree of Crisplet’s friends, and I had to assume those closest to the top were those he was closest to, but I couldn’t help but be filled with pride that Crisplet had found a friend.

I was even prouder when Clifford gave pointers and advice so Crisplet could create the statue better, using formation techniques to better block it out rather than building it up layer by layer like Crisplet was doing.

“How’s it feel, Milo?” Liane asked with a grin.

“Hmm?” Milo looked confused.

“You’re on the same branch as his market friend,” she laughed.

Milo looked over, really taking in the tree again, before it must have clicked.

“Hey, wait! Why am I so low! And why is Jen so far up there!”

I couldn’t hold back the laugh, but I knew exactly why Jen was so high up. She was the one who held and carried Crisplet in the early days, especially in the orb form he had and the brazier. I was actually more surprised Liane was at the same level, but I wouldn’t say that.

Liane was too busy laughing at Milo.

We sat out watching Crisplet build for the better part of an hour, and not once did Clifford stop giving advice, teaching him natural positioning, different facial expressions, even encouraging him to use different heat on the coal to achieve different shades of grey.

But eventually Crisplet was finished and joined Clifford on the ground, looking up, while I couldn’t help but notice a tear in Clifford’s eye.

As I approached, I got a burst of sparks, and looking up, I got to see the figure properly, and it wasn’t simply sitting on the branch like the others. It showed Clifford sitting on the branch, leaning forward with a chisel in hand, appearing to be working on the tree itself.

“That looks incredible, Crisplet,” I said.

Agreement from Liane and Milo both followed.

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I was surprised to see Crisplet form a knife in his hand, followed by a strong feeling of “cooking,” so I guessed he wanted to cook dinner for Clifford, which I was a little unsure about, but I suppose it would be okay.

“Uh, Clifford, do you want to join us for dinner tonight? Crisplet is inviting you,” I asked.

Clifford shook his head. “No, no, I shouldn’t. My wife…” He never got to finish his sentence before a piece of coal hit him.

“I feel like Crisplet insists, but you mentioned your wife? You’re welcome to bring your family for dinner if you like?” I looked to Milo to confirm.

He just gave a nod.

“If you’re sure?” Clifford asked, getting a large burst of sparks from Crisplet.

“Yes, we’re sure. How did you get here today?” I asked.

“I walked from the noble section, where the guards guided me to your residence after some convincing,” Clifford chuckled.

“I see. Wait here a moment, then.”

Quickly I made my way inside, and it didn’t take long to spot Archie as he moved between the rooms.

“Sorry, Archie. If it’s not too much bother, could we have the carriage take Clifford to pick up his family for dinner tonight?” I asked.