Aeren realized the meaning of his new existence but chose not to delve deeper into its implications. Snapping out of his realization, he observed Qoria kneeling with her head lowered and Fredric watching him with suspicious eyes.
Noticing Fredric's wary gaze, Aeren ignored him completely and turned his attention to Qoria.
"You don't need to kneel. I'm not a prince yet," Aeren said, a gentle smile emerging on his face as he continued studying Qoria's reaction.
She lifted her head to meet Aeren's gaze and found his warm smile directed at her. The sight made her feel more at ease, though she couldn't comprehend the meaning behind his words.
Rather than arguing with his comment, she rose from her position and bowed to Aeren like a refined noblewoman.
"Yes, Lord Aeren," she replied, still maintaining her respectful demeanor. "Let's find a place where we can speak freely." Her words carried the elegance of noble breeding.
Both Aeren and Nil noticed her aristocratic bearing, while Fredric observed this new side of her he had never witnessed before. He had always assumed she was from a background similar to his own.
Aeren nodded and spoke, "Lead the way."
Neither Nil nor Fredric interrupted their exchange, listening silently instead. Qoria raised her head from the bow, looked at Aeren, then turned toward Nil.
"You are most welcome to join us, Lady Nil Astoria," she graciously welcomed both guests.
Nil regarded Qoria and replied simply, "I appreciate your recognition."
As Qoria addressed both Nil and Aeren, Nil lifted her concealment barrier. Qoria could now see the people around the guild continuing their daily work, blending into the crowd without distraction. She began walking toward the staircase.
Aeren and Nil followed behind while Fredric stared at their retreating figures, unable to decide whether he should accompany them or remain in the main guild area. After brief deliberation, he chose to stay.
Fredric couldn't understand why the other guild members showed no reaction, but comprehension dawned on him the next moment—they had been concealing their presence from everyone in the guild.
Understanding this, Fredric remained behind and turned his attention to his severed wrist. However, he couldn't recall when this injury had occurred, leading him to believe he had been born this way.
Aeren and Nil sat on a couch across from Qoria as she served tea. They watched her graceful movements without interrupting her preparations.
Once Qoria was seated opposite them, Nil studied her with an emotionless expression.
"We need two adventurer guild cards—one for me and one for Aeren. Can you arrange this?" Nil stated her intention directly to Qoria, clearly unwilling to waste time.
Qoria glanced toward Aeren, who remained completely silent. She sighed inwardly.
I never imagined I would encounter Prince Aeren in person. I have always admired Her Majesty Hyliana—he possesses completely different characteristics from her. She helped countless people in the past and stabilized the empire alongside the emperor. The imperial citizens respected both her and Emperor Baltazar, but Aeren is nothing like them.
He has been known for bullying others and killing many people around him, which makes him far more dangerous.
She turned back to Nil, wondering: Why is she with Prince Aeren? More importantly, they appear close, and I can sense her intentions might harm the Astoria Estate. Has she come seeking revenge because she was abandoned by her family?
Then why do they need adventurer cards? Does this mean she plans to gain something I'm unaware of, or does she harbor much darker schemes? Better not to dwell on it.
"Of course, my lady. I can provide you with adventurer cards," she paused, "but I need to assess your ranks to issue appropriate credentials that will serve you both well." Qoria explained the guild's standard procedure.
"No, simply provide us with the highest-ranked cards you can offer," Aeren interjected, thinking: Why should we follow petty guild regulations? It's better to obtain the highest-level cards, and I'm certain no one has the power to surpass Nil. As for myself, I'm still stabilizing my new existence.
Qoria was surprised by Aeren's comment and stared at him, realizing he wasn't joking. But how could she assign ranks without conducting proper evaluations? This could prove dangerous, yet did she possess the authority to oppose the royal family?
Naturally, all nobles desire to see the royal family's downfall, but after the alliance between the two empires, every noble has become a lapdog of the royal house, and I'm nothing more than discarded refuse.
"Of course, my lord. I will provide you with the highest ranks without testing. Please allow me some time," Qoria spoke uncomfortably, though she concealed her uneasiness and did what felt appropriate while continuing to observe Aeren.
Aeren could see through her discomfort but chose not to pursue the matter.
"How much time do you require?" Nil spoke with her cold, emotionless voice, sending shivers down Qoria's spine as she turned toward her.
Qoria couldn't decide whether she should focus on Aeren or Nil—both were far too important to her, this estate, and the guild. A single mistake could result in her execution.
Qoria began calculating the necessary timeframe, thinking briefly while sensing Nil's penetrating gaze upon her.
"Give me two days. I will complete it," Qoria determined, calculating this as the minimum time required to create the highest-ranked adventurer cards for both of them.
Nil studied her expression and began considering how this timeline fit perfectly with her plans, including her anticipated meeting with Seraphina.
"Fine. Complete it, or there will be no guild remaining after two days," Nil stated in her glacial tone.
Qoria swallowed hard upon hearing Nil's threat. She didn't know whether Nil could actually accomplish such destruction, but Aeren certainly possessed the power to erase a small guild like theirs.
"Yes, Lady Nil Astoria," Qoria replied, still feeling intimidated by both of them while showing only respect toward Nil. Finding that Nil didn't pursue the matter further brought Qoria slight relief.
Nil surveyed her surroundings briefly, noting that this space was excellently designed and would serve well for meetings.
"One more matter—I have a meeting arranged with someone. Prepare this room appropriately," Nil instructed Qoria.
Qoria listened to the request without inquiring about the meeting's participant and answered, "Yes, my lady."
Qoria stood from her seat, bowed again to both guests, and requested permission to leave. Both Aeren and Nil nodded their consent, allowing her to depart.
Seeing their signal, Qoria walked away from the room while Aeren and Nil watched her exit.
Once outside in the corridor, Qoria exhaled heavily.
"Finally, some space to breathe," she felt relieved and free from the constraints of meeting people she could barely handle.
"Why did they visit a mid-level guild like ours? They could have obtained cards from any establishment. Are they interested in something—or someone—specific?"
As she pondered this, she remembered they had initially approached Fredric. I know Fredric possesses talent and genius sufficient to surpass any noble child. Does this mean Prince Aeren has taken notice of him?
She began analyzing the possible motivations behind their visit. "Never mind—I'm too busy, and I must create SSS-rank cards. Though their power levels may not match these ranks, I must comply because these are the highest classifications our guild offers, and this achievement will establish our guild as one of the empire's finest."
Speaking to herself with newfound determination, she smiled and began walking toward her workspace to craft the cards.