The morning arrived quieter than I expected.
Maybe because of the exhaustion.
Maybe because of the thoughts from the previous night.
Or maybe because no one there wanted to bring up the subject of the kiss so early.
When I left the room, I already found Liriel sitting at the table, drinking something warm with her usual calm posture. Elara was beside her, absentmindedly stirring her cup without actually drinking. Vespera was observing everything with a curious half-smile. Rai'kanna stood with her arms crossed, clearly just awake and still irritated. Lyannis seemed to be the only one completely normal.
"Good morning," I said.
"Good morning," Liriel replied.
Rai'kanna just made a low sound.
Lyannis looked at me.
"How long is this going to be awkward?"
"I hope not for long."
Vespera rested her chin on her hand.
"That depends on what's going to happen today."
I sat down.
"What's going to happen today?"
Elara answered.
"The king sent word. We're going to visit the dwarves' guild."
I took a deep breath.
"Great."
Rai'kanna muttered.
"More people staring at you."
Lyannis nudged her lightly.
"Stop."
Shortly after, Borin appeared to guide us. The butler always seemed to know the exact right moment to show up.
"The king asked me to accompany you to the city's main guild."
We walked through the wide stone streets, lit by crystals embedded in the walls. The city was already awake. Blacksmiths were working, carts passed by carrying ores, and the constant sound of hammers echoed everywhere.
I observed everything carefully.
It wasn't just a rich city.
It was a living city.
Organized.
Proud.
"It's different from Vaillor," I commented.
Lyannis agreed.
"Here everything revolves around work."
Liriel added.
"And honor."
We arrived at a massive building made entirely of polished dark stone, with details in gold and bronze. The guild's symbol was engraved above the entrance.
Two dwarves opened the doors when they saw us.
As soon as we stepped inside, the noise of conversations diminished.
Eyes turned in our direction.
I recognized that kind of silence.
Recognition.
A dwarf with a long, well-kept beard approached.
"So you're the group that won the tournament."
His voice was firm.
"We are," I replied.
He looked at each of us.
"The king informed us you would come. It is an honor to receive you."
Vespera whispered,
"This is new."
Elara replied quietly,
"Get used to it."
The dwarf introduced himself as Gromek, the guild master. He guided us through the main hall while other adventurers watched with interest.
"You made a great impact in the tournament. Especially you," he said, looking at me.
I scratched the back of my neck.
"I just did my part."
Rai'kanna muttered,
"Too humble."
Gromek laughed.
"The strongest ones usually are."
He showed us the mission boards, the training areas, the ore evaluation sector, and the inner rooms.
Everything there had a practical logic.
Nothing was decorative without reason.
"You came at a good time," Gromek said. "We have some interesting missions open."
Lyannis looked at the boards.
"What kind of missions?"
"Deep mining operations and a Worg infestation in nearby caves."
I looked at the board.
The rewards were eye-catching.
Vespera whistled.
"That pays very well."
Gromek nodded.
"They are dangerous."
Elara crossed her arms.
"That explains it."
Liriel asked,
"Rank S?"
"Yes."
I exchanged looks with the group.
Rai'kanna spoke first.
"This sounds more like our kind of thing."
Lyannis agreed.
"And it helps the kingdom too."
Gromek smiled.
"If you accept, the guild will be grateful."
I thought for a few seconds.
We weren't there just to sightsee.
And that was a perfect opportunity.
"We'll accept."
The guild master seemed satisfied.
"Excellent."
While he arranged the paperwork, some adventurers approached.
One of them spoke.
"Did you really defeat three demon generals?"
"With help," I replied.
He laughed.
"Even so."
Another dwarf commented to Elara.
"I've never seen a mage cast a spell like that in the tournament."
Elara just nodded, slightly embarrassed.
Vespera was talking to two adventurers who seemed fascinated by her.
Liriel answered questions calmly.
Rai'kanna maintained a firm posture, but was clearly satisfied with the respect.
Lyannis observed everything in silence, analyzing the people.
I noticed something there.
For the first time, we weren't seen as a strange group.
We were seen as a reference.
When Gromek returned with the documents, he said,
"You can start early tomorrow. Today you may rest or explore more of the city."
I thanked him.
We left the guild under many gazes.
But now they weren't curious.
They were respectful.
Outside, Rai'kanna spoke.
"This is strange."
"What?" I asked.
"Being recognized without having to prove anything."
Lyannis smiled.
"That's the effect of the tournament."
Vespera's smile widened.
"I like it here."
Elara agreed.
"So do I."
Liriel looked at me.
"Did you notice?"
"Yes."
"The world is starting to react to you."
I took a deep breath.
Maybe she was right.
We walked back slowly through the stone streets, with the constant sound of hammers in the background.
And, for the first time since we arrived in the dwarven kingdom, I felt that we weren't there only as the king's guests.
We were there as true adventurers.
Recognized.
Respected.
And with a new mission waiting for us the next day.
When the castle appeared in front of us again, I had the clear feeling that this visit to the guild had not been just a tour.
It had been the beginning of something new.