Jones received an invitation to join the Sambo family brotherhood; how happy were the Earl and the Countess?
They were so happy they could almost jump for joy.
Upon hearing the news, the Countess immediately began fretting over what Jones should wear.
"Darling, it’s your big day, we must take it seriously. We must leave a good impression on the members of the brotherhood."
Suddenly, Jones felt as if he was back to the time he first returned home, showered with endless affection.
However, Jones couldn’t feel the slightest bit of happiness.
"What do brotherhood gatherings usually involve?"
"I’m not really sure, maybe just playing cards, playing chess, smoking together, or discussing the latest trends. Haven’t you been with me before?" Count Dracula answered.
This stirred Jones’ memory; he had attended a brotherhood gathering with Count Dracula once. To put it bluntly, it’s just a gathering for upper Blood Clan members to socialize.
It was rather boring, so much so that Jones never wanted to go again after attending once as a child.
In fact, these gatherings happened every week. Yes, weekly.
You might think brotherhood gathering day is a big day, but it’s actually every week. What’s more, over time, this day becomes less significant. Whether they are attending concerts, balls, or tea parties, it’s always the same group of people. Eventually, setting aside a specific day for such gatherings seems redundant.
Frankly speaking, it’s just a way for Blood Clan members to take sides.
"So, are there any benefits to joining the brotherhood?" Jones asked.
"Of course, you get to meet remarkable people from all the families. Especially at the Sambo family brotherhood, it’s sure to be full of illustrious names."
"You get to know them."
"I mean, after joining the brotherhood, are there no tangible benefits, like making certain matters easier for me, or something I could gain?"
"Everyone will have more respect for you because you have extensive connections."
"Uh... isn’t that enough?"
"Father, do your friends not respect you enough right now?"
This question momentarily stumped Count Dracula, but he quickly changed the subject: "Here, try on this outfit."
Jones cooperated expressionlessly.
In a way, the Blood Clan, despite having infinite lifespans, aren’t much more progressive than humans. They’re just as snobbish, perhaps even more so. They partake in all sorts of meaningless social events, spread potentially unfounded rumors, and gossip without ever truly considering the purpose.
Well, perhaps the Blood Clan lacks any concept of "purpose."
"Ugh, what an unambitious race..." Jones sighed helplessly.
If it were before, Jones might have shown some enthusiasm, despite its meaninglessness, because relatives all recognize it as a prestigious thing. However, after the birthday incident, Jones no longer cared and just wanted to return to Salted Fish Port sooner.
That’s just how things are, Jones couldn’t resist even if he wanted to, so he had to go with the flow.
While tying a bowtie for Jones, the Countess instructed: "Once you arrive there, do mind your manners. After all, it’s the brotherhood of the Sambo family kids, there will certainly be children from many big families. We can’t let them see us as a joke, understand?"
"Understood, mom." Jones replied expressionlessly.
"We should bring some gifts since it’s our first meeting." Count Dracula suggested.
"That’s a great idea, but you should have mentioned it earlier. If you had said so sooner, I could’ve baked something for them myself. But now it’s too late."
"Going empty-handed the first time is never good, common stuff won’t impress them."
The Earl and the Countess furrowed their brows and began to ponder deeply.
Jones watched expressionlessly from the side.
Suddenly, the Countess looked over at Dora: "Didn’t you bring back many gifts from the Human World?"
"Ah! But... Madam, those are all pre-ordered."
"No worries, just use them as gifts first. Things from the Human World may not be precious, but they’re at least novel. You can just buy a replacement later."
Jones glanced sidelong at Dora.
Dora hesitated but nodded heavily: "Alright, Madam."
After a thorough preparation, the next morning, Jones was sent out the door.
Thankfully, the weather was at least decent today, but Jones’ mood wasn’t bright at all.
"Why do I have to join some brotherhood? Is it really that interesting to hang out, throw parties, and play cards all day? It’s a waste of life."
Jones turned into a bat and flapped forward, still wearing a scowl of discontent.
Dora, staggering under the weight of a large bag, followed behind.
"Lord Jones, wait for Dora! Wait for Dora!"
Jones decided to land somewhere.
"What’s up, Lord Jones?" Dora flapped her wings, asking.
Pointing to a nearby cave, Jones said, "Put the things in there, we’ll collect them later."
"Collect them later... Weren’t we bringing these as gifts for the brotherhood members?"
"No need, I don’t want them to think I’m going there to please them. Honestly, I don’t even want to join."
"But the Madam said..."
"The Madam isn’t here, listen to me."