The good news: the Myzune went really well with the children. Two females even helped Sakura in her newest princess dress.

Bad news?

Malchon was still MIA.

It was the next morning. The news of the unexpected treaty was already out, and the city was prepping for a massive celebration. But inside the Adventurers’ Guild, the news about Malchon going rogue was dominant.

The Guild Leader, a Forest Spirit that was so tall even the Slender Man would look like a kid, said calmly, “Everyone. Time to breathe. Right now, it’s only an advisory. As well, we do not know if the King is truly in danger, or if Malchon was evacuating the King to safety and got distracted.”

One Paladin said, “Yeah, he has an oh shiny! Problem.” Everyone chuckled.

Wonder debated what Kat messaged him. Malchon had claimed to only protecting the King. It was debatable… Malchon could only have been saying shit to get Kat off his case. But it was very possible it was legit. They were partners in something.

The Guild Leader said, “Here is what we are going to do. Many of us have family in the Capital who will want to celebrate the new treaty. Go and be with them. If you already have a Quest, don’t break your word and continue. Anyone who doesn’t is going out to investigate the woods. We’ve already been informed of a dead Paladin, but we need to find more clues.”

Wonder said, “Well, luckily I can do both. We’re heading to Darkeon anyway, which is where Malchon is likely to run to.”

Rosescent said, “True, and Darkeon has all sorts of hiding spaces.”

Mids walked up. “Hey guys… sorry to get you in my mess.”

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Wonder said, “Your mum started it all off by being an asshole. And Malchon… well, that was probably a ticking time bomb ready to go off anyway.”

Mids nodded. He rubbed his arm. “…what do you think he wants with Dad?”

Wonder said, “First thought: ransom. But here’s the thing… they were business partners. I’m not ready to think Malchon is ready to hurt your dad yet.”

Wonder sighed. “…does your dad have any private vacation villas?”

Mids said, “Yeah, but I already contacted the staff there. No sign of him or Malchon.”

Wonder said, “Well, easy part’s out. Of course.”

He looked at Mids. “…engagement’s broken?”

Mids chuckled. “Officially, yeah. I did tell Mom that if she tried that stunt again, I was revealing what she did to everyone, and probably dragging you here for a wedding anyway. She got the memo.”

He sighed. “Wonder… thanks for everything. You at least saved me from an arranged marriage and ended a long-going war.”

Wonder said, “It’s already been ended, someone just had to kick the treaty in place.”

He smiled softly. “And of course. You’re a friend, Mids. Feel free to call me up.”

Wonder looked at the door. “Now I’ve got to get back on the road. Kingsley and Lil still want to go after that rare Beast.”

Mids smirked. “Beast Tamers, the duo. No matter what Lil says.”

They both laughed.

Wonder looked at Rosescent. “Thanks for the help, Rosescent…”

Rosescent said, “I’m coming with.”

Wonder said, “Uuuuuuh, wha…?”

Rosescent grabbed Wonder’s shirt, yanked him in, and full-on kissed him.

Wonder’s brain fizzled out. She was kissing him. KISSING! And that tongue was… oh man, why did such a germaphobic action feel good?!? Why was she kissing him? He was ugly! Well, average for a fantasy world…

Rosescent let go, smirking. “Call me Rose. And I’m coming with.”

Wonder said, “S-S-Sure… WHY! I’m ugly, weird…”

He’d be told later he set everyone off with laughter, but his poor brain was fizzling out. Yes, he saw the “Lifemate” in rewards, but he didn’t actually suspect it to happen!

The only thing he could conclude was: Hoseki was a different world. And maybe his true happily ever after…