The Reapers...

Someone could consider them a clandestine guild; an organization that operates in the shadows, but with numerous secret locations scattered across the world.

In my previous guild, there was a small counter where one could accept quests related to such individuals; a member of the organization personally oversaw it. I took on various assignments from this person.

So, in a way, one could say we were colleagues.

The Reapers operate globally, taking on quests from anyone, as long as they offer a substantial sum of coins. They then decide on the best course of action; either other Reapers volunteer for the task or assignments are made.

Most likely, the Envokers found my dagger and sought the Reapers' assistance in tracking down the assassin responsible for their member's death. This stalker either took on the quest, or was directly sent by the Reapers, though I would guess on the former.

So, if I don't kill this stalker, I will surely make myself some powerful enemies...

"But who cares?!" I quipped, planting another kiss on my recovered dagger. "I finally have my dagger back! Hahaha!"

I was overjoyed, even elated... I almost looked like Selena.

And the challenge this guy offered seemed intriguing enough. Why not? ... I will spare his life.

"Still..." I said, turning around. "Better take this." I retrieved his codex from the ground. His spells were problematic enough, and he deserved it after attacking me with my own dagger.

"I will hide it somewhere..."

The stalker knew where I lived, but without his codex, he could do nothing.

Leaving him unconscious on the ground, I left the scene, and hid the codex in a stupid place, yet at the same time it sounded extremely cunning; he would never think to look there.

I would've liked to interrogate him about how he knew the dagger's name, the demon, and everything else, but he didn't seem inclined to talk, unless forced. And that was my plan, but upon returning to the spot, his body was gone...

He must've woken up from his sleep and fled away...

"Well, whatever..."

I was satisfied enough just having my dagger back! So, I simply returned to my guild, tucking myself comfortably under the blankets, clutching it tight as I peacefully drifted into dreamland...

... The sunshine rose, and a new wonderful day began! I woke up with my dagger in hand! Stretching my body, I let out a satisfying yawn to shake off the remnants of sleep.

After completing my morning routine, I made my way downstairs, where I found Joey in the kitchen, busy preparing breakfast. Elizabeth was also awake, seated at the table, her eyes half-closed with drowsiness.

Taking advantage of Joey's focus on his task, I quietly approached him from behind, wrapping my arms around his waist and resting my head on his shoulder. "Hi Joey!"

He had a box of biscuits in hand. "Oh, good morning, Argenta. You seem to be in a suspiciously good mood today," he remarked, noticing my smile.

I softly chuckled. "Look what I found!"

I proudly displayed my dagger, lifting it up to his face.

"Oh! You found it!" he joyfully exclaimed. "Where was it, in the end?"

"Oh, in the end, someone kindly turned it in to the tavern's lost and found! I'm not sure who, though," I replied, seamlessly incorporating my little white lie into the conversation.

"I'm really happy for you."

"You know, you could make this day even better," I said, gazing at him with sweet, pleading eyes, hoping to persuade him.

He sighed, understanding my hint. "You want me to cook fries for lunch, don't you?"

I giggled, tightening my embrace and nuzzling his cheek. "Then I'll count on it! Make them crispy, alright? And add a chocolate dessert, too!" I requested, stealing a biscuit from the box he held.

"Alright, alright."

I gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before happily turning around, nibbling on the biscuit, only to find Crimson entering the room.

I immediately frowned, wary of what she could have done. "Crimson, I'm in a good mood today. You better not ruin it," I warned.

However, she seemed to have completely ignored me, her gaze fixed on my dagger.

"Hello?" I tilted my head, waving with my dagger to catch her attention.

"Hm? Ah, sorry, I got distracted... What did you say, Snowflake?" she asked, flashing a smile.

"I said that I'm in a good mood; don't ruin it. I've found the dagger I lost!" I cheerfully said.

"Is that the dagger?"

"Yes!"

"It truly is unique and beautiful." She has good taste.

After a while, Leonard entered the room, followed by Laura, Selena, Jerald, and another man; he was tall, with broad shoulders, and striking white hair paired with crystal-clear eyes.

"Oh, the old geezer is alive!" Crimson remarked, waving her hands and leaning back into her chair as the man stepped into the room.

The man approached me, his gaze fixed, his presence imposing. "Greetings," he said, his voice deep and slightly hoarse. "I believe I haven't introduced myself. I am the Guild Master. You may call me Herbaleon."

I immediately snapped to attention, offering a respectful curtsy. "Forgive my rudeness, sir. You may call me Argenta," I replied, meeting his gaze.

After that, Herbaleon remained silent, his eyes still fixed on me. I was quite confused and embarrassed by the prolonged silence.

"Everyone, listen to me," Leonard said, stepping forward and breaking the silence. "The King has sent us a letter; an invitation to the Royal Palace for a celebration honoring the guilds that will free Silveandria from the monsters. The event will take place in three weeks, after which we will proceed to Silveandria."

"We have to go to the capital, and then to Silveandria?" Crimson asked, her brow furrowed.

"Yes. Is that a problem?" Leonard replied curtly.

"Well... not really. Except that it'll take us two weeks to reach the capital by wagon, and then another two weeks to reach Silveandria from there... Are we really wasting over a month just for a party?"

"The King has made his wishes clear, and we will comply," Leonard firmly stated, leaving no room for arguments.

Crimson rolled her eyes. "I guess..."

"Changing the subject, how's the recruitment for a healer going, Crimson?" Leonard asked her.

"They all suck, Leonard."

"I had hoped we'd secure a tenth member before this occasion..." Leonard lamented, rubbing his temples.

"Why don't we just have Joey as a member?" Jerald suggested. "I bet he would do well in dungeons."

"No way," Joey waved his hands. "I would only be a burden; I'm not as strong as you guys, Jerald."

Ever since Joey and Jerald woke up Elizabeth together for her present, I noticed that Jerald has a stronger opinion about him, even though it was already good even before that.

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"Leonard, we could recruit a new member in the capital," Herbaleon proposed.

"Sir, are you sure? Won't that be quite challenging in such a short time?" Leonard turned to him.

"I am sure. It will be my way to apologize for my recent absence," he replied.

"I will still be the one to choose them," Crimson interjected. "I don't want to coordinate incompetents."

Herbaleon nodded, while Leonard approached Crimson. "Crimson, make sure to behave in the capital, alright?" he said, his tone scolding and almost angry.

"Huh? What's that supposed to mean?" she countered.

With a flick of his index finger, he adjusted his glasses. "This is a turning point for the guild; we will free Silveandria alongside the first and second guilds. I won't allow you to tarnish our reputation just because you're bored. You need to cooperate with the other members."

"That's what I should be saying..." Crimson retorted, her tone sharp as she met his glare. "Better for them to know what they're doing, because if the other coordinators are not even half my level, I surely won't be following their orders."

After they exchanged glares, Leonard sighed. "There is so much to do, and we barely have a week," he murmured under his breath, before turning to Laura. "Laura, as long as it doesn't involve venturing inside a dungeon, may I request your assistance in freeing Silveandria as well?"

Laura appeared taken aback by his request, placing her hand over her chest. "Um... actually, Leonard, I..."

Leonard looked at her with concern, sensing something was amiss. "What's wrong?"

"Forgive me, Leonard." Herbaleon stepped forward. "It seems I keep making mistakes as Guild Master... I should've informed you sooner..."

Herbaleon and Laura exchanged a glance, and Laura nodded as she tightened her lips.

"I suppose you all should know. The thing is..." Herbaleon continued, "Laura may be leaving the guild."

"What?!" Elizabeth suddenly widened her eyes, the drowsiness completely faded away as she got up from her seat.

The others looked equally surprised.

"Sorry, dear, I should've told you..." Laura said to Elizabeth.

"What? Why, why? What do you mean?" Elizabeth was nervous, her voice trembling.

Laura gently caressed her daughter's hair, while Herbaleon looked distressed, unable to meet anyone's gaze.

"Well, some things happened, dear..." Laura tried to explain. "Your father and I have discussed, and I don't know if I feel like staying in the guild..."

Crimson burst out laughing at those words, which only worsened Elizabeth's expression. She then glanced at me, and I caught her drift immediately. Were they actually divorcing?

"Crimson!" Laura reproached.

Elizabeth's face grew even more worried, her eyes glistening as she gulped, likely recalling Crimson's mocking words. "B-but why?! It's not because of something I did, right?"

"What? No, no dear," Laura reassured her, letting out a sigh. "It's not you, dear, it's, um..." She seemed to panic as she looked into her daughter's eyes, glancing at me for an instant before redirecting her attention to Elizabeth. "Let's talk somewhere else."

Laura took her daughter by the hand, excusing herself with the others before exiting the room; Herbaleon followed.

Leonard let out a heavy sigh. "We'll address this matter later," he murmured, before turning to us. "Listen, everyone. I want all of you to be prepared to depart for the capital in less than a week. Every member must come. Inform the others if you see them; I'll be in my office."

"Every member? Me too?" I asked, seeking clarification. The idea of going to Silveandria and fighting all those monsters was exciting, but I hadn't expected to be included.

"Every member," Leonard confirmed, finally leaving the room.

----------------------------------------

The days were pretty chaotic at the guild in preparation for our departure to the capital.

For no particular reason, I found myself standing just outside the guild alongside Crimson, observing as Leonard and Herbaleon directed people on how to organize supplies onto a wagon.

"Sir, are you positive this is enough?" Leonard asked him, gesturing toward the wagon.

Herbaleon nodded as he looked at the wagon. "Hm. We'll make stops in nearby towns along the way to gather more provisions. I've already dispatched guards ahead to scout the safest routes."

"Are you sure you don't want guards accompanying us as well? What if we ran into some bandits along the way?" Leonard turned to him.

"That won't be a problem. We can easily deal with them were they to show up; I will be the one taking the lead, the only guards we'll use are those scouting ahead," he reassured.

"As you wish."

Crimson looked annoyed, huffing. "I could reach the capital in less than a week with Ourobo..."

"Stop complaining," Leonard said, adjusting his glasses with his index finger. "You'll come with us."

Crimson looked resigned, before glancing at me with a smug smile. "What do you say we share a wagon, Snowflake?"

"You can't." Leonard immediately shut her down without even looking at her. "You have to stay in front with us. Lady Argenta will be in a wagon at the rear."

"Huh? Why do I have to stay with you two?!" Crimson protested.

"Because you're the coordinator," he replied. "Were something to happen, you'd coordinate the members behind."

Crimson looked at him with a neutral expression, before narrowing her eyes, turning away. "Ourobocervas," she said, summoning her creature.

"Where are you going?" Leonard demanded as she climbed onto it.

"I'll see you in the capital," she said, darting off.

Leonard looked at her, his mouth agape as she went away. "CRIMSON!" he yelled, fuming.

"Let her go, Leonard," Herbaleon advised, trying to hide a smile playing on his lips, his hands clasped behind his back. "You know you can't reason with her."

Leonard heavy sighed, facepalming. "Sir... you're too carefree on the matter. Who knows what she might do..."

He chuckled. "Don't worry, don't worry. She wouldn't do anything that would make me angry," he said before turning to me. "Are you friends with that girl, Argenta?"

"Um, well..." I stared at the direction Crimson went, genuinely wondering what kind of relationship I shared with her. "I suppose you could say that...?"

After that, I returned inside; I still had to organize myself for the journey, after all. Although, I didn't direct myself to my room, since I spotted Joey in the kitchen.

"Will you be staying here?" I asked, approaching him from behind.

"No, Leonard wants me to come along to help out in the capital, but I'm not invited to the celebration since I'm not a member, but a collaborator," he replied.

“Oh, you're still coming though! I'm happy to hear that.” I smiled. “So nobody is staying here…” I realized, turning around, feeling a strange and unexpected sense of emptiness at the thought of the room being empty.

"Others will come to keep it clean..."

"Hmm, I see... Well, see you later, then!" I waved, heading to my room.

As I went upstairs, I ran into Elizabeth. "U-um..." she stopped me, seeking my attention.

"What is it?" I asked.

She tried to hide behind her staff, avoiding my gaze. "Lady Argenta... if you don't have a dress for the celebration already... would you like to go shopping together?" she asked, her voice shaking.

Why the sudden formalities...?

"Huh, sure..." I replied. "I'm fine with that, but I was hoping to look for one in the capital. Is that okay with you?"

She gave a relieved smile, nodding. “It is! That was my plan as well. We should have a few days before the celebration once we're in the capital. We can go after we get settled.”

I nodded back, and continued to my room to prepare for the journey...

... The road to the capital was fairly smooth, punctuated by frequent stops to rest along the way, and by Selena's incessant enthusiasm about the purses that she could've bought once there. Laura also came, although she looked upset for the entire journey: it was clear she did it out of love for her daughter. Her daughter who, for some unknown reason, sought my attention quite a lot throughout the whole trip.

And, as expected, we arrived there days before the celebration.

Before us rose the formidable sight of towering white walls, serving as a barrier and marking the city's boundaries. And, approaching them, we reached the main gate; the primary entry point into the heart of the capital. Here, two menacing guards, adorned in pristine sky-blue armor, stood watch, while many others were positioned atop the white walls.

Herbaleon approached them with a letter in hand; likely the invitation. And, after a while, the guards gestured for us to pass through the gate.

The might of the capital upon stepping inside was to be expected; a gleaming white city covered in splendor. Street artists entertained passersby, their performances drawing crowds with their prestigious talents, hoping for a few coins in return. Libromancers and adventurers wandered the streets, their weapons at their sides subtly revealing their identities, while elegant citizens went about their lives with an air of sophistication.

Nobles... my mother rarely spoke of them, but when she did, it was never something positive. Untrustworthy scums... She advised me to stay on guard if I were to meet one. And just by first glance, I would say the capital was full of them. And my mother was never wrong about something, not even once...

Once inside, another guard approached us, instructing us to follow. He led us to a mansion not too far from the Royal Palace; it was possible to see it clearly from there.

"The King has granted you, the Abyss' Reavers, this place for the duration of your stay. He eagerly anticipates meeting you all at the celebration held in His Royal Palace in a few days," the guard informed.

"We are deeply honored by the King's generosity and hospitality," said Herbaleon, his tone humble and respectful. "Please convey our heartfelt thanks to His Majesty for providing us with such esteemed accommodations. We look forward to attending the celebration and expressing our gratitude in person."

"Your gratitude is greatly appreciated, Sir Herbaleon. I will be sure to convey your thanks to His Majesty. It is an honor to serve and facilitate your stay here. Should you require anything further, please do not hesitate to inform me," the guard said before heading off.

"Kyaa!" Selena suddenly screamed, startling me; she must've held that in for quite a long time now... "This place is huge! Are you guys seeing what I'm seeing? Are you guys seeing any of this?! The flowers! The fountain! The crystal chandeliers! And this flooring! It's so clean I can almost see my own reflection! I can't believe we're actually here! Kyaa!" she exclaimed, covering her face with her hands as she waved her body, tapping her heels onto the floor.

"I'm suddenly feeling nervous..." Joey murmured, tugging at the collar of his cloak.

"Relax, Joey..." I said to him, patting his back.

Leonard let out a weary sigh as he adjusted his glasses. "How am I supposed to find Crimson now, exactly?"

"She's likely to find us instead," I remarked, catching Leonard's attention.

"I hope you're right, Lady Argenta..."

- - - - - - -

I returned to my humble shelter nestled amidst the trees, concealed by abundant foliage. I will always be amazed by how this grandma managed to create such a reliable home in such a hostile environment.

"Ceruleo, a bird paid you a visit," she said, regarding me dismissively as I entered from the windows. She then handed me an envelope before returning to puffing on her pipe.

"Oh, thanks grandma," I said, taking the envelope.

"I already told you to stop calling me that," she said, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "Who's it from?" she then asked, nodding toward the envelope.

I examined it, opening it. "Oh, it's a letter from Leonard... It seems the guild has made it to the top three."

"Oh yeah, weren't the rankings announced a few weeks ago? Seems like this letter took its sweet time getting here..."

"Hmm, yes. I suppose by now they must be on their way to the dungeon. A shame... I had hoped to be finished here before that, to join them," I expressed, setting the letter aside.

"A war does not end overnight, Ceruleo..."