–Inside GEO’s main office in Telmaris–

“A blatant declaration of trouble. Almost as if they're trying to lure someone in.”

“They're fools. Making an enemy out of the Imperial Capital means getting in heat with the strongest guilds, especially, [Grim Fate].”

Rojin clears his throat and makes a statement.

“My friends. [Grim Fate], may I remind you, is not affiliated with any nation. Not even Telmaris, despite having their Guild Hall built here in the capital. After all, {Fate Threader}’s origin is still unknown to us.”

Gringar’s brows curl up.

“Why now though. With the establishment of the first and what's expected to be the strongest Clan originated in here, many hostile hunters will find Telmaris a force they would not want to touch anymore. But with this move…it's like they're up for the challenge.”

“What, you mean there's someone in that certain unregistered hunters that can match {Fate Threader}’s foresight?”

Rojin looks at Gringar to see his reaction after a member inquires about the above statement.

Gringar sighs in response.

“No one knows. I'm not all-knowing like him, the world just moves in rather unexpected transitions.”

Various chinwag then fills up the room as the discussion continues.

“Now that you've put it that way. If the Equilibrium wills it, a match worthy of {Fate Threader} is not too far fetched.”

“If it's the {Fate Threader}’s match, then wouldn't it take the form of a monster? Since you know, {Fate Threader} is a human.”

“Kkh…a monster as strong as the strongest hunter…I don't even want to think about it.”

“Well then.”

Rojin then clasps his hands, seemingly ready to finally end their assembly.

“Since the topic at hand went into other various directions, I suggest we think carefully about how to go about our approach on this matter. With that said–” His gaze then rests upon Gringar.

“I'm counting on you to inquire for his aid once again.”

Gringar heavily sighed. After all, his confrontation with Hywel happened before this meeting. And now with the GEO asking for yet another favor from Zephyr, it's literally against what Hywel asked of him.

“I shall try, but I must inform you: Hywel has returned to his side.”

Along the perimeter of the on-going construction of the Clan’s Grand Hall, Meiren could be seen directing the [Builders] about the canvassing of materials.

“–well, that's about it. Could you kindly pass it to your Project Head for his approval?”

The purchaser of the [Builders] gives his nod. “Miss Meiren, as our Guild’s Chief Purchasing officer, I can see this as the best list to go around. I do not need to go to our Head anymore. You're really living up to your name.”

Meiren merely shakes her head despite the compliment.

“Mmm, I've still got a long way to go before I can say that I live up to the name of Diamond.”

The purchaser then responded: “Still, at your age–”

“Oh, how venerable.”

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

A certain someone then unexpectedly disrupts their conversation.

“Someone that can still see shortcomings despite reaching superiority. You must be that kind of person.”

As Meiren and the purchaser turned their gaze towards the individual, both of them were taken aback after realizing who he was.

“Y-you’re–” Meiren speaks softly.

A respectful nod was then conferred towards the two.

“Pleased to meet you two. I am Hywel Wayneflet, [Grim Fate]’s frontliner. I cannot help but leave a comment after realizing that the daughter of the esteemed Reich Diamond is such a gentle and humble lady.”

The purchaser quickly offers a bow towards Hywel. On the other hand, Meiren does a little curtsy whilst maintaining her composure.

“Sir Hywel, you don't know how much I was looking forward to finally be working alongside [Grim Fate]. Now that I’m here, I promise to deliver what you all expect of me.”

“And without getting ahead of yourself hm. I wish there were more people like you in our clan. Hmm-”

Hywel then takes a glance at the purchaser, hinting him to leave them for a while, which he did so.

“???” Meiren was confused just now as she tries to figure out what Hywel really wants. The brief silence then has been broken as Hywel clasps his hands, seemingly looking to strike a favor towards Meiren.

“Meiren Diamond. You are young, smart, and most of all, you know how to analyze situations not everyone can read. I've heard those things about you, but I can see that it's true after seeing you in person.”

“Oh, thank you. I'm actually still hanging on the ropes. By the way, Sir Hywel…what can I do for you?”

Meiren inquired, knowing that the flow of this conversation will lead that way.

“Ahah, I thought you would like it more when a neutral conversation keeps flowing. Well then, since you already asked.”

Hywel steadily takes several steps forward, making Meiren step back for every step he takes. Confused, she places her hands on her chest as she looks Hywel in the eyes.

“Uh- Sir Hywel–! I'm sorry but, what's the meaning of this…”

As she finally hits a wall, Hywel ceases his saunter.

“You're smart and have the personality to fit in as the perfect assistant. Why did Zep not choose you, hmm…” Hywel massages his chin.

“I-I don't understand…” Meiren confusedly remarked.

“You're there when it happened. I want to know about your thoughts regarding the wanted alchemist, Alice.” ← Hywel

“Eh?” ← Meiren

Hywel looks at the onlookers who seems to be curious about their conversation. He then smiles towards them after giving a nod, showing that they have nothing to be curious about the conversation resulting on the onlookers to leave them be.

‘Hywel Wayneflet. He has this certain charisma that makes anyone around him feel a certain gust of safety or assurance. But on the other hand…why do I feel like…he can also alter that effect and make it seem like he can easily crush someone, spiritually and physically.’

“Are you thinking of me just now?”

Hywel’s voice disrupts Meiren’s thoughts, stirring her consciousness awake.

“Do not fret. I am merely inquiring. I was just curious about the second smartest individual’s notion about the recent quest.”

“Second smartest individual…eh, you mean me?” Meiren points a finger towards herself.

Hywel then looks around sarcastically.

“I mean, at least I think? Or are there others who are present in the quest back then who are smarter than you? Of course, Zephyr is the smartest.”

‘So straightforward…’

Since she does not want to disappoint Hywel’s expectations of her, Meiren presents her thoughts, however–

“I believe this discussion needs to be in a more proper location.”

Hywel then smiled. He turns around, with his hands behind his back, expecting Meiren to follow suit, which she did.

On a certain distance, Zephyr notices the two who are currently heading somewhere. He then forms a conclusion in his mind:

‘Wait. Don't tell me…they're already hitting it off!?’

Behind him was Anastasia who took a peek from above his shoulder, also noticing the two. She then forms her own conclusion as well:

‘Those two. They have that kind of relationship already…meanwhile I…’

Anastasia sneaks a glance at Zephyr as both of them guessed wrong.

– – –

“Darn, they move too slow. Where are my opponents!?”

Somewhere around Fritz Forest, a certain battle freak is seemingly running out of patience. He sits on a thick trunk, looking all bored yet fired up.

“Calm, Ajax. You must have been pretty hungry for a good fight, but remember: better prey always comes prepared. If you want a good fight, then wait patiently. Telmaris won't sit this one out.”

Celaeno, on the other hand, is rather calm. He seems to be drawing some basic spell circles on the ground that can be used as a trap.

“Hah! I'm a calm man, but we've been sitting here for two days!” Ajax sneered.

“My hands are shaking for a duel!”

‘You duelist freaks.’

Celaeno thought to himself as he has experience dealing with individuals such as Ajax. Although compared to the others he knows, Ajax is the only one who they have ties with. With that said, Celaeno doesn't want to be on his bad side. Despite being a high ranked hunter and a knowledgeable summoner, he knows for himself that he cannot beat Ajax on his own. After all, Ajax–

“Master Celaeno, I'll go out for a bit!”

“Huh? Wait don–”

Ajax storms out of the area as he jumps from one trunk to the other.

“Tch. If only I could control him. Ordering around a former Blood ranked hunter really is a pain. Well, no matter. After I have finished everything on my end–”

Celaeno walks towards the ruins of the |Hollow Cavern| and lets out a grin as a mysterious pattern on the ground sparks.

“Everyone will be under my control.”