*Knock. Knock. Knock.*
"Enter."
Vaelira didn't hesitate. She opened the door and stepped inside without a second thought, the thought of letting the guild's high-profile guests go first not even entering her brain.
The office was elegant and minimalistic. Stacked reports, sealed scrolls, and a glowing mana-core lantern on the corner desk. A personal sword hung on the wall above the guildmaster's seat, a remnant from Tessa's own adventuring days.
And there she was.
Tessa Verain.
The guild leader of Nova Circuit was dressed not in full combat gear but in an elegant blouse. She stood up with a surprised smile the moment they entered.
"Well… I can't say I expected you guys to return."
She stepped around her desk and shook each of their hands, even Bastet's. "After how things ended in the desert dungeon…" She sent Vaelira a very icy glare before adding, "I figured you'd pretend we no longer existed."
Kaiden returned the smile.
