Now that Elizabeth had relaxed a little, we regrouped with the others. They were listening to Mika, now coordinator, explaining the next steps in the dungeon exploration.

"Elizabeth, I'd like you to be the one in the front, given you still have many spells at your disposal. Can you do that?" Mika asked her with consideration, it sounded like he didn't want to force her in case she wasn't feeling good about it. I really appreciated the tone with which he approached her.

"Yes, sure. But keep some distance, please. I'm afraid I could accidentally hit you with some spells," she replied as I patted her back.

"Alright, and thank you. Let me know if something bothers you," Mika said, giving her a reassuring smile.

Elizabeth nodded, and Mika returned coordinating the others. Two members carried a backpack as a precaution in case we were forced to abandon the wagon due to something bad happening. The disposition of the members also changed; Mika conversed with everybody, one by one, asking their current status with their spells. We then proceeded forward, continuing the dungeon.

After that room, we walked for a bit before encountering more monsters, but thanks to Elizabeth, we had no trouble facing them; although her spells seemed weaker than usual. Was her mood affecting her magic as well? I don't even know if that's possible, but it looked like it...

"Elizabeth, are you feeling better?" I whispered as we proceeded through the dungeon.

"Yes... I think. Sorry, I keep thinking about Argenta..." she replied.

I didn't know how to comfort her with that; she was obviously blaming herself.

"Come here..." I enveloped her in another warm hug. I just wanted to hug the shit out of her and see her smile, but... she obviously needed her time, it was only natural.

"I'm fine, Selena... We're slowing down the others, let me go," she protested, but I cared only for her at that moment.

"Just a few more seconds," I quipped as tightened my grip, making her mumble.

In the following rooms, we found more monsters, some of them being those ugly and disgusting brainworms! I had to be extra careful; those bastards may be small, but they can quickly force their way into the skin and flesh, devouring the body from within. Ew, I could throw up just thinking about them and their slimy sounds! I just can't stand them! They give me goosebumps!... Besides the monsters and those repulsive creatures, there were even more puzzles, but they stood no chance in front of Elizabeth's genius mind.

"We should rest a bit now, and replenish our energies. We did enough for today," Mika said at some point; we had just cleared another room.

"Things are going pretty smoothly, all things considered..." Roland remarked.

"You're right, and we still have the wagon with us. Normally, a dungeon of this rank wouldn't have allowed that, though it's still early to say; we're only at the beginning..." Mika replied.

"Even if we have to abandon it, we'd be fine, I have my magic box in my purse!" I exclaimed, showcasing it to the others.

"What does it do?" Roland asked, clearly intrigued by my great possession.

I cleared my throat. "We found it in a dungeon. It's a little box that regenerates whatever you put inside it to its original state! Even if I were to munch half of a sandwich, all I have to do is put it inside the box, and when I open it, it's like I never ate it in the first place!" I enthusiastically explained.

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"Oh, that is so cool! It's a lifesaver!" he exclaimed.

"Right?! I always bring it with me!"

Spilling some tea, we shared a meal in the dungeon, recovering our strength through a restoring nap before going on with the exploration of the deeper rooms.

We were slowly and carefully making our way to the boss's room, without giving up some chat and gossip! The mood and the overall morale had improved, despite everything that had happened. Even Michael looked calmer, he apologized to me and Jerald for what he had called me. I forgave him; I knew he didn't mean it, and so did Jerald. We conversed a bit about it, and comforted him. Roland also seemed to be in better shape; his pain had eased thanks to the potion I gave him. He looked a bit clumsy, being forced to do things without an arm, but his friend Luke was helping him out. Sometimes... I had to choke a laugh as I watched Roland; I actually felt bad for laughing!

Mika seemed like a great coordinator; he often consulted with Louise and took decisions together about how to proceed with the exploration. Who knows... maybe one day he'll surpass Crimson at her job. Oh, I hope he does! I bet the mood has improved because she's not here! Even Elizabeth appeared more... relaxed, somehow, even though she constantly looked distracted. I stayed by her side, showering her with my love and affection! Although, just like her, I also kept thinking about Argenta... and Joey... He seemed very attached to her from the way he spoke, and Jerald told me about it too...

Who's gonna tell him what happened?

- - - - - - -

I was sorting through some papers, it had been a long day. Once again, I juggled the responsibilities of both Guild Leader and Guild Master, roles that shouldn't fall under my purview, nor should they typically overlap...

I resigned myself to the realization letting out a tired sigh, when a knock on my door snapped me out of my thoughts.

"You may come in," I replied to the knock, wondering who it might be at this hour.

Her figure walked in. Obviously, she was unfazed, acting as though her absence hadn't caused me any problem.

"Crimson..." I regarded her, adjusting my glasses and resting my head over my hands. "I hope you have a good reason for your undisciplined behavior once again."

"But of course. Who do you think you're talking to? Here, this is for you," she replied with a proud smile, a hand on her hips while she waved papers with the other; she then tossed the papers on my desk.

"What are these?" I asked as I picked them up in order to read their contents.

"I discovered where the dungeon is located; it's pretty hidden between the trees, underground. I spoke to the City Lord and even managed to secure an audience with the King about it. Rejoice, Leonard, the guild gained recognition thanks to me, and now the King is thinking of a plan; we shall be considered," she explained as I read the papers, her tone haughty.

"Hm, it seems you're off the hook once again. Very well, good work, Crimson," I praised.

"Any news while I was away?" she asked.

"The new member arrived, bringing alongside a potential new collaborator. Her name is Argenta. You and Ceruleo are the only ones who have yet to meet her," I informed.

"Is Ceruleo still on his special mission?"

"Yes. I have no idea when he shall return, but I received letters from him; he's doing well. Aren't you curious about the new girl?"

"Is she worthy of my attention?"

"Well, it's up to you to make your own judgement, but I trust you'll find her intriguing."

"Hm, I shall see for myself, then. Anyway... is there a job for me? I'm bored," she complained, her voice trailing off to a groan.

"Unfortunately, I have nothing to offer you at the moment. However, the other members are currently inside a dungeon; I'd like your assistance in guarding the entrance, if you would reach them. I'm afraid the Envokers may try something..." I replied.

"The Envokers, you say..." she remarked, her lips curling into a wide, wicked smile.

I looked at her, puzzled. She seemed particularly interested for some reason; a reason I wasn't aware of.

"Well, it seems it's time to pay a visit," she said with a hoarse, mischievous voice, before heading for the door.

"What do you intend to do, Crimson?" I asked, but she headed out.

"Hey, Crimson!" I shouted.

No response...

I sighed, rubbing my temples in frustration.

"Seriously... both she and Lady Argenta are going to make me lose my mind..." I murmured to myself.

"Well... it doesn't matter. Things are going smoothly for the guild," I reflected, before returning to the paperwork.

What a long day...