With some effort, Noah and Tirandel pushed their way into the Venis Branch of the Seras Guild.
Despite entering the building, it felt as though they were still standing in the crowded streets. Peons rushed past carrying stacks of documents heavier than themselves, customers shouted at overworked employees, and incoherent noise flooded the hall.
'The streets seem much quieter suddenly.'
"Are you sure this is the right place?" Noah asked, ready to leave.
As far as Noah knew, they were here to gather information while Tirandel handled his usual affairs. Watching the chaos unfold, Noah couldn't imagine how Tirandel planned to work in a place like this.
Looking around, Tirandel answered in an uncertain tone, "It should be. Why would they hang another guild's sign outside?"
Without another word, Tirandel moved forward, Noah trailing close behind. After a few steps, Tirandel stopped behind an employee that was trying to calm the customers.
Without warning, Tirandel simply grabbed the shoulder of the person and dragged him aside.
"Hey! What the hell?!" one of the customers roared. But before he could take another step, Noah stepped in front of him. By the time he moved, Tirandel was already gone.
He turned to lash out at Noah, only to find him gone as well. Pulling his hair in frustration, he finally went on to fight with another employee.
Noah sighed as he stepped into a room at the far end of the hall. "At least warn me before you do something like that."
Inside, Tirandel stood by the window while the employee sat in a chair, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Long time no see. To be honest, I was hoping not to see you anytime soon."
"Yeah, yeah, I missed you too, Tom." Tirandel replied.
Looking at the man before him, Noah could almost feel the exhaustion radiating off him. The bags beneath Tom's eyes, his wrinkled face, and pronounced double chin made him look well past middle age.
With a deep sigh, Tom continued, "So, what is it this time?"
"What do you mean?" Tirandel asked, sounding mildly offended.
"Well, you're not the type to visit me until you need a favor. I was just hoping you would come straight to the point this time. I don't really have the time to play around today."
Despite his rude tone, Noah sensed sincerity in his words.
Tirandel remained silent for a moment before scoffing softly. "Fair, I guess."
Turning back to Tom, he continued, "I need three things from you. First, send a letter to the Capital Branch. Second, withdraw some funds. And lastly—what's all this chaos about? I don't remember the place being this packed last time."
Tom's face seemed to grow even older as Tirandel stated his requests.
'Is this how Arnold feels every time I ask him for help?' Noah silently made a note to treat his friend to a meal once he returned.
Tom finally replied, rubbing his temples. "You really know how to make my day worse. I'll have the funds delivered to your address. As for the letter, give it to the front desk—and make sure you include your address."
Before he could continue, someone knocked on the door. Noah opened the door a few inches and looked outside.
"Um—sorry. I need to register these. Could you move aside, please?" Outside stood a young woman, barely older than Noah himself, struggling to keep a wooden box from slipping out of her arms.
Noah couldn't place it, but something about her stood out. Not understanding why only made the feeling linger.
'It's the eyes… No, what is it? I swear I've felt this before.'
Opening the door wider, Tom said, "Lorelei, those go in Room No. 8."
Clearly flustered, Lorelei bowed slightly. "Ah—sorry for the disturbance."
With Lorelei gone, Noah closed the door again. Even as the door closed, Noah found his thoughts lingering on the young woman.
Tom exhaled and said, "Alright, where were we?"
Before Tirandel could answer, Tom answered himself. "Ah, yes—the commotion. From what I've heard, someone from House Valcrest has gone missing."
Both Tirandel's and Noah's hearts sank.
Noah glanced at Tirandel, but the other man remained focused on Tom's words.
"The higher-ups believe it's someone from their inner circle. And with that, a new rumor's started circulating. Given the history between the two houses, it doesn't even feel like a rumor."
This time, Tirandel spoke, "Let me guess. Some nobles are assuming the Sovran family is behind it. In the public eye, that makes it look like the Sovran Duchy is quietly declaring war on Valcrest."
As the pieces fell into place, Noah rubbed the back of his neck. "And since your guild deals with both sides, people want to cut ties before things spiral further."
Looking at Noah, Tom replied, "Yes, that's the gist of it."
As he turned to leave, Tirandel asked, "Any word on who exactly was taken?"
Tom only shook his head. Tirandel opened the door and left. Noah was about to leave as well, but he turned around and said, "Nice meeting you."
With that, the two left the room.
Not lingering any longer, Tom stepped out of the room as well. But right outside the room, Lorelei was standing awkwardly.
""Um… could you tell me where Room No. 8 is?""
Tom let out a small chuckle and gestured down the hall. "Follow me."
Once outside the guild branch, Noah and Tirandel slipped into a narrow alley. The noise of the guild faded into a dull murmur behind them.
Sensing the tense environment, Noah broke the silence. "So, what's the plan?"
Truthfully, Noah wasn't interested in helping at all. They already had two Master Adepts, a Veteran Adept, and an Ascendant feared across the continent.
These people were enough to topple a county overnight.
Secondly, this wasn't his fight. Until now, Noah had assumed the Emperor sent him along for little more than amusement. As long as he didn't get in anyone's path and the mission was successful, Noah didn't care much about anything else.
'But the circumstances have changed. If I just stand around now, I might be the first to get caught in the crossfire.'
Over the journey, Noah had come to trust Tirandel—less for his personality and more for his judgment.
After a brief pause, Tirandel said, "There is no plan. I'll gather whatever information I can. You head to the safehouse and update the others."
Unable to keep it inside any longer, Noah asked, "Don't you think it's peculiar?"
Tirandel furrowed his brows. "What do you mean?"
"Nothing's going the way the Investigation Bureau planned. Iriel's abduction made the local papers, and the rumors spread in days. That doesn't feel right."
Instead of considering it, Tirandel burst out laughing.
"You were handpicked for this ridiculous mission—and somehow ended up as the direct disciple of Leon Valcrest because the Emperor felt like it. You're the last person who should be talking about normal."
Shaking his head, Noah walked past him and out of the alley. 'Ah, I want to punch him in the face so badly.'