Through the few years infused by my mother's teachings, one was the lesson that struck me the most: how to capture someone's grace? A variety of imposed teachings that instilled in me the art to secure the unquestionable and utmost loyalty from others. Earn their admiration, make them respect you, and even in the face of the gravest mistake, you'd be granted the benefit of the doubt.

It was not the lessons on the matter that struck me, per se, but rather her final statement about it. She explained to me that there would be times where, no matter what, they would prove completely useless, as many would often judge me based on trivial matters, such as the type of shoes I would wear in that precise moment. No matter the kind of person you were, would it be a princess or a lowlife; the moment they declared you as unworthy of their attention, it would mark the end for you.

"That's ridiculous," the little and younger me protested.

"Why do you think it's ridiculous?" my mother gently asked me.

"Well, because... I mean, it's shallow." I responded.

At my answer, she just smiled at me, gently caressing my head. "You're right," she murmured. "It is shallow."

I didn't really understand what she meant, until years later, when I realized that she was absolutely correct.

If 'experience is the only teacher in whom we can really trust,' then she must've experienced it herself before taking me under her wing as her disciple. Another kind of realization that devoured me from the inside...

...

Now I stood in front of a Abyss Reavers member, who was clearly looking down on me and Joey.

"What business do you have here?" she interrogated.

Joey covered his face with both his hands, probably out of embarrassment, or panic, or even both; either way, I really shouldn't have brought him with me...

"Now then... what's the best course of action?" I asked myself, rapidly analyzing the situation. "The Guild Master knows about my arrival, so even if she has an attitude, I'm safe from problems. As for Joey... I don't think he's qualified to be a part of this guild, but his magic it's one of a kind, and even if he's a coward, having a trustworthy comrade between the members could prove useful. And even if this girl looks funny, I'd rather not make myself enemies from the very beginning; so... what's the best approach? Being too friendly might not be the answer here, she seems on guard. Then... a casual, straightforward answer is the best option; I'll soon be a member, with a friend tagging along, for now."

"I'm here as a future member of the guild; your Guild Master is aware of my arrival and is expecting me." I confidently explained. "And this is my friend, Joey," I then gestured towards him.

At the explanation, I could sense her guard softening. "Oh, you must be her," she exclaimed, before turning around. "Mom! The new member is here!"

With that, the girl ventured back inside the building, while I gestured Joey to follow. "Come on, let's go," I incited him.

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"Um... I don't think I'm allowed to..." he protested, waving his hands; I could tell he felt uneasy.

"Quit being so nervous and just come with me," I grabbed him by the wrist and dragged inside; he wasn't collaborative.

The interior of the guild was just as fancy as the rest of the city, if not even more; on the left a little and cozy lounge furnished with luxurious settees arranged around a small, carved table positioned in the center. Beyond, a little arch that allowed me to catch a glimpse of what looked like another room where the members would reunite to spend time together. On my right, a long and large carved console adorned with an array of flowers and candles; past it, another arch that led in another room. In front of me, a small and soothing fireplace! I couldn't believe my eyes, everything was splendid! The whole atmosphere was relaxing and brought peace to the soul. To the right of the fireplace, a staircase; it probably led to the other floors and the various rooms of the guild members. It was spacious, enormous, relaxing, comforting... it felt like paradise. And then, the icing on the cake, delivered by the aroma; a soft, sweet and yet delicate fragrance immersing the room.

"This aroma..." upon entering, it was as if Joey was trying to recall something. "It's the Fairies' Moonlight!" he exclaimed.

"Oh, you have good nose," a woman approached from the other room, followed by the girl with the big hat; she appeared to be her mother. "That's right, it's very good, isn't it? I've personally collected them." she spoke with a tranquil voice. I could tell immediately she was an experienced woman; an aura akin to my mother's. I couldn't help but wonder if she was the leader.

"I've heard about them," Joey responded, he seemed enthusiastic about it, way less nervous than moments before. "The legend says that, on every full moon, the fairies emerge from the depths of the woods to dance until dawn, releasing their dust and allowing it to flow through the rivers, imbuing the waters with healing properties. Then, at daybreak, the grass beside the rivers would be full of yellow roses, emanating a comforting and inviting fragrance so that the knights would follow its scent and heal from the monster's attacks near the river; a way to thank the humans for protecting the forest. And so, the rose took the name of Fairies' Moonlight. Many would carefully take the flowers and plant them outside their home, or use them to do candles," afterward, Joey turned his gaze to the flowers and candles onto the carved console. "It's them, isn't it?" he asked, his eyes were literally sparkling. "I've only seen them once, but I could never forget their scent."

The woman chuckled. "You are knowledgeable as well. It's not just a legend, it's the truth..." she then turned toward the daughter. "Dear, why don't you have a chat with these youngsters while I inform the Leader about her arrival?"

"Sure, mom," the girl with the ridiculously big hat nodded.

"I'll soon bring you some tea, make yourself at home," the woman added, giving us a wink, before disappearing into the room on the left.

We sat down on the settee, and with a promptly served tea, we engaged in a conversation. We found out that the girl with the questionable hat's name was Elizabeth, while her mother was Laura. She and Joey did most of the talking; he shared what he heard about the guild, meticulously avoiding the bad stuff. To our surprise, the most powerful mage, was exactly Elizabeth.

Of course, I didn't believe it. If Elizabeth claimed to be the strongest, that would imply she had surpassed even her own mother. Frankly, I couldn't imagine myself surpassing my own mother; not so quickly, at least... Besides, Elizabeth looked young, maybe even younger than me. Was it just a bluff?

In response to Joey's widened eyes upon hearing such a statement, Elizabeth chuckled. "Oh, please... don't look at me like that. I believe to be strong, but I only have that title because my mom kind of retired from the scene. Don't read too much into it."

I couldn't really understand if she was lying or not, always speaking in a monotone voice; if the funny hat and her appearance were just a facade... the more I thought about it, the stranger it was.

After that, Laura returned once again. "The leader will be joining us soon, you can wait for him here," she informed us.

"Now, enough talking about me," Elizabeth said. "Let's hear about you two. What are your divine weapons?" she asked; at least I could tell she was extremely curious on the matter, sounding less monotone than before.

"Well, about that..."