The next morning, I woke up to the warm light of the sun streaming in. I had a really nice and comfy rest in the bed of that manor. Nothing against my bed in Zafferbridge, but here, in the capital... it was something else.

The manor was so huge that we each got to choose our own room, and every room had a queen-size bed and a lot of space. I picked a room on the first floor.

After getting ready, I headed downstairs, finding a bizarre scenario: Jerald and Joey were doing push-ups, shirtless, in the middle of the room while Selena watched them, clutching a t-shirt to her chest, presumably Jerald's.

"What's happening here...?" I flatly asked as I approached her, perplexed.

She completely ignored me, seemingly oblivious of my presence, her sparkling eyes fixated on Jerald's pectorals, nearly drooling.

"Good morning, Argenta," Joey greeted me as he continued the push-ups.

I waved at him as I observed the unusual scene. After a short while, Jerald stood up.

"Good job. Not bad for a start," Jerald said, offering Joey a hand to help him up.

Joey smiled, accepting the hand. "Thanks."

"Isn't it beautiful, Argenta?" Selena suddenly murmured beside me, her eyes still locked on the pair as they conversed.

"Hm? What is?" I asked, glancing at her.

"Their bond... The way they hug each other with their manly and sweaty bodies as they look each other in the eyes, trying to hide their shyness behind their smiles... Ah, it's so romantic..." she murmured, hiding her face behind the shirt in her hands as she blushed.

Nothing Selena said was actually happening, so I wasn't quite sure how to respond...

After a while, Joey approached me, wiping his sweat with a towel and properly greeted me. "Hi, Argenta."

"How come you're suddenly training?" I asked out of curiosity.

"Jerald invited me to train; he told me it would be a good idea," he explained.

Jerald nodded. "Working out improves confidence, lifts the mood, and a good sweat is always a great way to clear the mind. I thought some training could do him good, so I invited him. Having a workout buddy is always pleasant."

I bet he just tagged along because he couldn't say no... But Jerald was right; my mother often reminded me of the importance of good training and diet, without neglecting the importance of good rest and indulgences.

"Ah, sorry!" Elizabeth appeared from behind, covering her eyes with Rosemary in hand, her voice embarrassed.

"You don't need to be ashamed, Elizabeth," Jerald said. "Men are not ashamed to show their bodies."

Elizabeth slightly lowered the cat to peek. "W-why are two shirtless?" she stammered, her voice still shaky.

Selena happily greeted Elizabeth, explaining the situation. "So, anyway..." she then continued. "Are you ready to go shopping, my love?"

Elizabeth nodded with a smile, before turning to me. "You're coming, too, right?"

I gave a nod in response.

"What do you guys want for lunch?" Joey asked, thinking about his job.

"Why don't you come as well, Joey?" Jerald suggested.

"Are you sure?" he asked, his expression surprised.

"Of course. We're in the capital; we'll grab something on the way for lunch. You don't always have to cook for us," he replied, giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder.

"Ah, alright." He seemed happy about the invitation.

Some time later, Leonard joined the room along with Mika and Louise, engaging in conversation with the rest of us while reminding everyone about the need to dress properly for the celebration at the Royal Palace.

Everything seemed to be going smoothly; a relaxing morning where everyone looked forward to their plans. Until a certain person suddenly showed up at the main door.

"Crimson!" Leonard angrily exclaimed, rising from his seat and storming over to her with an angry glare.

Yet, Crimson appeared completely nonchalant and unfazed by it.

Adjusting his glasses, he continued. "Give me a good reason why I shouldn't give you a severe punishment for your behavior."

"I found the healer," she said with a smirk; the same smirk everyone would gladly see disappear from her face.

Leonard's glare softened in surprise. "You did?"

"Yes," she said, turning around. "You can come in now!" she then shouted.

From the main door, a skinny figure stepped in, his neck wrapped in a bandage stained with blood. "Yo!" he greeted in a thin voice, raising his hand.

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"Is he alright?!" Selena almost shouted, slightly averting her gaze as her hand reached for her heart.

"Ah, this is my divine weapon," he said, removing the bandage, revealing a clean neck, free of any scars. "It was already dirty with blood when it appeared on the stone ambo, and it doesn't go away."

"What the fuck..." Selena flatly commented. Me too, Selena. Me too...

"The Deities really have strange ways of giving blessings..." Elizabeth remarked.

Leonard sighed. "It seems you always find a way to get off the hook," he said in a spiteful voice to Crimson, before turning to the guy. "Nice to meet you. I'm Leonard, the Guild Leader. Forgive me, but the situation is quite complicated at the moment. We should discuss some matters with the Guild Master."

"I'm aware, Crimson has already informed me," he said before turning his gaze to the rest of us. "It is my pleasure to meet you all. I am Caligo, though I am formally known as The Candle Maker. It's nice to make your acquaintance," he then said with a slight bow, placing his hand over his heart.

We all welcomed him and introduced ourselves, while Leonard went to find Herbaleon.

Though, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had given him a bad impression, as when we shook hands, his expression turned suspicious for a moment, furrowing his brow as his eyes narrowed.

"How did she even find you?" Mika asked him after the presentation; everyone seated at the table. Except for me, leaned with my back against the wall, observing.

Caligo laughed nervously, scratching his cheek. "There is an underground area here in Goldenovum where adventurers engage in... illegal fights. She found me there."

"Typical of Crimson..." Louise remarked with a chuckle.

"If I may ask, why do they call you The Candle Maker?" Joey asked him.

"It's mainly my occupation, though it's much deeper than that," Caligo replied. "Goldenovum is divided into many districts; depending on what you want to buy, there are many areas specialized in very specific goods. I am an alchemist; no... you may consider me even a researcher. I have a shop in an alley in the magical district. The creation of magical items and potions is my specialty, though, my true expertise lies in candles," he explained.

"Are you sure you're able to join the guild when you have a shop?" Elizabeth asked him.

He nodded. "I have a colleague with me; she'll be the one taking over the business. She's far more accustomed to clients than I am, anyway."

As the conversation kept going, Crimson got up from her chair and headed for the kitchen. I followed her.

"What's with that guy?" I asked her as she poured herself some water.

She took a sip. "What do you mean?"

"You're not the type to choose someone just to fill a slot and avoid problems. What's interesting about him?"

She grinned over the rim of her glass. "Hmm? Are you actually the jealous type, Snowflake?"

I immediately regretted asking. This girl's ability to make me roll my eyes was out of this world. "No, I am just curious, Crimson... You're literally the one who approached me after 'sensing' my mana, and this guy gave me a weird look earlier. Since you chose him, I just think there may be something that caught your interest in him. What is it? He can read mana as well? Or something else?"

"So, you're afraid I might find him more interesting than you?"

"... Never mind, I'm not curious anymore," I said, turning to go back to the others. But as I did, she grabbed my wrist.

"Calm down, I'm just joking," she said, her smile amused. "I'll explain if you stay."

I glanced at her. "Okay, then speak."

She put her glass down. "I don't think he can read mana, but I know his colleague very well; she's an information broker I often refer to, and we keep in touch. You can imagine our relationship."

"Actually, I can't," I interjected. "I can't imagine anyone having a relationship with you."

"Ow, you're so cold..." she mocked in a teasing tone. "Anyway, she's the one who suggested him, and he's interesting enough. He uses his candles in addition to his spells in combat, so I'm intrigued."

"Hmm..."

"I don't know why he gave you a weird look, though. Maybe he was just stunned by your beautiful face. Who wouldn't be?"

"You're lucky I'm still in a good mood to be listening to you."

"That's good to hear. And what is this good mood due to?" she asked, folding her arms.

"Well, nothing in particular. It's just that since I got my dagger back, things are going smoothly and I look forward to the guild's tasks," I explained. Besides, not being the newest member anymore gave me a weird feeling of superiority, for some reason. "Though, I still have the remains of the other... Do you want them?" I asked her, quickly thinking of a solution to the dilemma.

She furrowed a brow. "Is it some kind of gift, or are you just using me as a trash can?"

"Well, that description suits you well," I remarked.

"You're awfully mean when you're in a good mood," she jokingly said with a grin.

That almost made me chuckle.

"I've heard you're going shopping later to pick up a dress for the celebration," she said, softening her gaze. "I can't wait to see what dress you'll wear."

"I shall carefully pick one that you'll dislike."

She laughed; my comment amused her so much that her laughter filled the room as she headed towards the main door.

"You're not coming shopping with us?" I asked.

"No, I'll meet you directly at the celebration," she said before turning back to meet my gaze. "See you later, Snowflake."

- - - - - - -

I returned to my shop to gather some essentials with me. There are only a few things you really need once you decide to move on. Clothes, the tools of your trade... and what defines who you really are.

"So you're really leaving me, Caligo," she said as I rummaged around. "You're a grown-up now, you'll forget about me..."

"Don't worry, Rossana. We'll exchange letters," I reassured. "And you're the one who wanted me to leave so you could have the store for yourself. Now your wish will come true!"

She yawned. "But what about your wish? Are you going to be happy in this guild?"

"I'll be alright..."

She regarded me with narrowed eyes. "You don't sound convinced. Has something happened already?"

"Hmm..." I reflected on what happened as I packed some of my candles into a bag. "To tell the truth, something did happen..."

She came closer, leaning in to listen. "What happened?"

"There's a girl in this guild... I had a really strange feeling when I shook her hand."

"A strange feeling?"

I nodded, my hand instinctively reaching my cheek. "I don't know how to explain it... It's like... as if for a second I were in a limbo, between worlds. I saw... shadows," I said, struggling to find the right words as my eyes darted around.

She raised an eyebrow. "I think this is what happens when you keep sleeping only three hours a night, Caligo..."

I laughed, waving my hands. "I know it sounds crazy! But... that girl is really strange! She reminded me of..."

She approached, taking some candles from a shelf to help me out. "Of...?"

"... The Silver Witch."

At the mention, a candle slipped from Rossana's grasp, her eyes widening. "Don't say such things so casually, Caligo! What if someone overhears and thinks you're one of Her followers?"

"Sorry, I didn't mean any harm, it's just a feeling... From the descriptions, her eyes reminded me of Her. And she has a dagger, too; it seems identical to the one I've read about, described in the tales. Do you think it's that weapon?"

She shook her head. "That's not possible, Caligo. A divine weapon dissipates the moment its wielder dies. Enough talking about the past... No one but Her followers speaks of it anymore, in the form of sung stories. And you're not one of them, are you?"

"No, I'm not. Sorry, Rossana, I didn't mean to bring back bad memories. I just got curious... That girl seems like an enigma," I said, kneeling down to pick up the fallen candle. "Who knows, perhaps... I could shed some light amidst the fog..."