"Traveler…"
Catching sight of the striking blond girl, Idris paused. Of all days to finally step down from the Sacred Tree and the Akademiya, he hadn't expected to run straight into Lumine.
Most days he buried himself in the Grand Sage's office or his private workshop—refining pills, signing memorials. One little walk outside, and he bumps into her.
Lumine also glanced his way when she reached the Adventurers' Guild, but didn't linger. Sure, he was handsome, but she'd seen plenty of pretty faces on the road. The real issue was: she didn't recognize him. No portrait, no name floating over his head like some game NPC—how would she know?
"Not recognizing me is normal," Idris thought, turning instead to Katheryne.
"Your commission has been registered," Katheryne said. "Please specify the reward for successful completion."
"300,000 Mora," Idris answered, calm as ever. "Plus three Dragonforce Pills—a tonic that temporarily boosts the user's physical strength by fifty percent."
"Understood. We'll notify you once it's accepted and completed."
Idris nodded, then glanced at Nilou. "I'm stepping out to grab a bite—change of pace. Coming?"
"If you don't mind," Nilou beamed.
He didn't. It was a rare off-hours stroll anyway. With a brief look at Lumine and Paimon, Idris left with Nilou.
"Whoa—three hundred thousand? He's loaded," Paimon whispered, eyes wide. "Most clients offer, what, twenty grand? This guy just times-tenned it."
"Let's see what he posted," Lumine said, though her mind snagged on the words Dragonforce Pill. A potion that could bump raw strength by half? In a life-or-death fight, that was huge. Best grab the commission before someone else does.
They stepped up to the counter.
"Katheryne, we meet again," Lumine greeted.
"Ad astra abyssosque. Welcome, Traveler," Katheryne replied.
"We'll take that last commission," Paimon declared. "With our skill, the Guild won't worry."
"Of course." Katheryne handed over the details. "If you have questions, speak to the client directly."
"The client… that handsome guy who just left?" Paimon asked.
"That's right."
Lumine accepted the brief, then ventured, "Katheryne, one more thing. Is there any proper way to request an audience with Lesser Lord Kusanali?"
Katheryne shook her head. "No. Grand Sage Idris announced that Her Eminence's mind is still young and easily deceived. She must remain in the Sanctuary of Surasthana. Outsiders are not permitted to visit. It's also a long-standing Akademiya tradition."
Paimon frowned. "Then what about the Grand Sage himself?"
"Also difficult," Katheryne said. "Normally by appointment, and his schedule is full. Realistically, you'd be in the queue for months."
"So annoying!" Paimon huffed. "Even to see him is a pain!"
Katheryne tilted her head, a curious look crossing her very human face. She recalled Idris publicly saying he didn't mind being disliked, so she only offered a gentle reminder: "It's nothing—just try not to speak ill of the Grand Sage in public. Many here respect him deeply."
Lumine and Paimon, of course, misunderstood completely: Ah, can't badmouth the tyrant on his turf or we'll get thrown in jail. Typical despot behavior!
Katheryne added, "That said, you can sometimes find him. He occasionally comes down from the Sacred Tree to walk the city or run errands. With luck, you might cross paths."
"In that case, could we get a portrait?" Paimon asked. "So we'll recognize him."
Katheryne pointed toward the street. "The man who just left."
Both of them froze, then pictured that elegant young man from moments ago.
"He—he's the Grand Sage? No way!" Paimon squeaked.
Lumine reacted faster. Seeing Idris and Nilou slip into a nearby restaurant, she grabbed Paimon's hand and dashed after them. "If chance encounters are rare, we take this one!"
A flicker of worry prickled her chest. She'd seen that dazzling dancer by his side, standing very close, eyes warm—
Scumbag, Lumine thought, jaw tightening. You already did something to Collei she'll never forget, and now you're cozying up to another girl? Too much!
They burst into the restaurant. In a corner booth, Idris and Nilou sat across from each other, sharing a simple meal. His accompanying guards had "misread the situation" and discreetly waited outside. With Idris dressed plainly and keeping a low profile, most patrons didn't realize who he was.
But Lumine had just seen him at the counter; she picked him out instantly. The sight needled her with a headache. Nilou's gaze was all shimmering warmth, the smile on her face bright and genuine—clearly thrilled just to be there with him. Idris… looked indifferent, simply eating to unwind.
For Lumine and Paimon, it was incriminating enough.
"I'm so mad!" Paimon hissed, flitting up and stamping the air. "Is this new Grand Sage a total lecher?! There's already a girl in Gandharva Ville who misses him so much—and now he's courting another?"
"I'm going over there to punch him!"
"Hold it." Lumine hauled Paimon back. "Katheryne warned us: no confrontations in public. We don't need that kind of trouble. And look at his waist—that's a Vision. Like him or not, a Vision bearer is no pushover."
Paimon's face scrunched. "Why does he get a Vision, huh? Why didn't Tepei?"
At the name, a shadow crossed Lumine's eyes. She exhaled. "Stay put. I'll test him."
"Test him how?" Paimon blinked.
A confident smile curved Lumine's lips. Whatever else could be said, she trusted her own looks—and her skill. If he's truly a lecher, he'll trip over himself. And if he tries anything… he won't touch me for free.
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