Sakyo and Ren sit together at the outside table of a small café just to the side of the street. They enjoy a light meal while watching people pass by, however, Sakyo begins getting a bit uncomfortable when he hears everyone talking about them.
[Woman 1] Aww, look at those two kids. They must be on a date.~
[Woman 2] How sweet, that boy must want to impress his girlfriend.~
[Woman 3] I remember when my husband used to take me on café dates like that.~
[Sakyo] (This is so embarrassing.)
Despite the murmurs about them, Ren continues to eat happily.
[Sakyo] Ren, can we finish here soon? I'm not comfortable with everyone staring at us.
[Ren] Aww, but we just got here. Can't we enjoy our date a little bit longer?
Seeing her pale blue, watery eyes staring at him, Sakyo can't bring himself to deny her request.
They end up spending the next half hour eating together at the café. Once finished, they walk to the adventurer's guild.
[Sakyo] You know, you really don't have to cling to my arm every time we walk.
[Ren] I know.
[Sakyo] Then why are you?
[Ren] It makes me happy.
[Sakyo] (sigh) You're a handful, you know that, right?
[Ren] Yet you haven't pushed me away even once.~
Knowing she's right, Sakyo can't bring himself to say anything more for the rest of their walk.
After a few minutes of walking, the two children finally reach the adventurer's guild. A large brick building that stands out even among all the others as a multitude of people enter and leave.
Following people inside, they stand at the counter where a pretty receptionist sits with a radiant smile.
[Receptionist] Hello, are you two waiting for someone?
[Sakyo] No, I'd like to register as an adventurer.
The receptionist pauses for a moment, shocked that such a young boy wants to register with their guild.
[Receptionist] Um, very well. Is this your first time registering with the guild? If so, I will need to explain the details of registration.
╚Basically the guild acts as the mediator between adventurers and clients. They charge a moderation fee that's automatically taken from the total value of a request's reward. Lower rank adventurers are also given a mandatory quota that requires them to complete at least on quest per week. This quota ends once an adventurer reaches D rank.
Upon registration, every adventurer receives a guild card. The card displays your name, rank, and current accepted request. It acts as a form of identity and there's a penalty payment if you lose it. Everyone starts at the lowest rank, F. Ranks from lowest to highest are as follows: F, E, D, C, B, A, and S.
Quests from the guild follow the same ranking system. Adventurer's aren't allowed to take on quests above their current rank. However, if they join a party, then the highest quest they can take becomes equal to the party's average rank.
Adventurer's can increase their rank by successfully completing quests. If an adventurer tallies too many failed or incomplete quests, then the guild reserves the right to demote their rank. Most quests are sponsored directly by the guild, but sometimes clients can make more personal requests if they provide payment equal to their requests difficulty. Payments can be made with either money, materials, or equipment the guild deems to be of equal value.╝
[Receptionist] That's just about everything. To receive your guild card, please place your hand on the crystal.
She places a round glass-like ball on the desk. Sakyo does as she says and places his hand on top. With a simple glow, the crystal expels Sakyo's new guild card.
[Receptionist] All set. With this, you're now a registered adventurer. If you'd like to take a quest now, you can look on our quest board or request for an advisor to pick one for you. Although, if you do plan to take a quest, I highly recommend you equip some form of protection first.
[Sakyo] (Oh yeah, I forgot I don't have any weapons of my own yet.) Yeah, I'll take care of that before accepting any requests.
[Receptionist] Very good. Please remember to keep your quota in mind. I hope you have safe travels.
With that, their business is concluded, and the two children leave.
[Ren] Master, why don't you use the equipment from when you saved me?
[Sakyo] That stuff doesn't belong to me. It's technically the kingdom's property since it belongs to the knights. I was only allowed to borrow it for the raid. They made me give it all back once everything was over.
[Ren] I thought you got a big sword from the scary guy in charge of the trades.
[Sakyo] Raven? Yeah, I got his sword, but it's too big for me to use it effectively right now. My sword style is all about quick strikes with minimal movements. A sword like that doesn't really suit me.
[Ren] Is that why you asked the tailor for a coat instead of armor?
[Sakyo] Yeah, I figured an enchanted coat would be easier to move around in than some heavy armor.
[Ren] As expected of you, so smart and always thinking ahead.~
[Sakyo] Ren, you don't have to cling to my arm every time we walk together.
[Ren] Mmm, but it's so comfy here.~
[Sakyo] And by the way, you don't have to call me master. Just Sakyo is fine.
[Ren] Are you sure? Mr. Garm told me to always call you master. Can I really call you by your name?
[Sakyo] Yeah, Garm's just too polite for his own good. I don't mind being called by name.
Sakyo feels a tug at his arm as Ren stops walking. Her cheery face is now completely red with embarrassment as she tries to speak.
[Ren] S-S-Sa...
His name had come so easy to her before, but being given expressive permission right now makes it feel feel must more embarrassing for her. Seeing her struggle, Sakyo pets her head to help her relax.
[Sakyo] Take your time. We'll get there.
[Ren] Thank you, S-Sakyo.
Hearing his name, Sakyo can't resist the smile that cracks on his face.
[Sakyo] Come on, let's go home.
The two continue their walk back to the castle, where they are greeted by both Garm and Kaya.
[Garm] Welcome back, Master. I hope you had fun on your date.
[Sakyo] It wasn't a date...
[Ren] We had lots of fun.~
[Sakyo] ... and yes, we were able to get quite a lot done today.
With that confirmation, Kaya steps up and rustles the two children's hair.
[Kaya] Well, whatever it was, I'm glad you two had fun.
With a cold glare, Garm swiftly grabs her hand and moves it away from his master's head.
[Garm] You should act with more restraint. It is not polite to touch Master so casually.
[Kaya] Loosen up, wolf-guy. You don't have to take everything so seriously.
[Garm] I will have you know, I make sure to stretch every morning. Also, my name is Garm. I take pride in the name that Master has given me so I must ask that you remember it.
[Ren] Big sis Kaya is right, you should relax more. You can't serve Sakyo like that.
Garm freezes in place, not only at the possibility of not being able to serve his master, but at the way Ren just called him by his name.
[Garm] W-what did you just say?
Garm's ears and tail droop down as his entire body trembles with grief. Ren can't imagine why he suddenly seems to distraught. Before she can come up with an answer, Garm falls to his knees, soon collapsing entirely to the ground.
[Garm] Why? Why is she calling Master by name? Such impudence. Maybe it is because she is just a child. Would I be allowed such a privilege if I were a child too?
[Kaya] Wow, I almost feel bad about making fun of him now. On that note, I think it's time for us to head inside. Come on Ren.
[Ren] Ok, bye Sakyo. I had lots of fun on our date.~
The two girls walk inside, leaving Sakyo to look after the distraught Garm.
[Sakyo] (I'm gonna have a lot of trouble with her.)
While Sakyo contemplates what to do about Ren's crush on him, Garm continues his descent into despair on the ground. Tears begin flowing from his eyes like a river.
[Garm] (sniff) Maybe if I got rid of this pro-tetanus leg I would at least be of a similar height to a child. Oh, but how could I ever discard a gift from Master?
[Sakyo] (Is Ren calling me by name really worth crying over?!) Hey Garm, do you wanna join me for a bit of training before dinner?
Hearing his voice was like a shining light in his darkening skies as Garm quickly rises to his feet once again.
[Garm] Yes, I would be honored, Master.
[Sakyo] Also, I'll be going into the city again in a few days. If you'd like, I could use some company.
[Garm] If you so wish it, I would very much like to join you on your outing.
...
A few days later, Sakyo returns to Arcane Atelier with Garm.
[Garm] Master, if you do not mind me asking, how did you find this shop without being able to read?
[Sakyo] Mom told me about it when I told her I wanted to make some equipment for myself. She told me to look for the old-looking green building.
Walking inside, the two are greeted by a kind-looking middle-aged man.
[Crafter] Welcome, can I help you with anything?
[Sakyo] Yes, I'm here to pick up an order. I was told it would be ready today.
[Crafter] Ah yes, you must be the boy my husband told me about. It's so nice to finally meet you. Please wait here, I'll bring him right out. Sylvar, that boy you told me about is here!
Shortly thereafter, the same elf from last time comes out from behind the backroom curtain.
[Sylvar] Ah, perfect timing. I just put the finishing touches on what you ordered. If you'd follow me back here, I've got everything you asked for.