Joining Fay, Nobina and the rest of the group made their way back into the guild. It was still early morning, but the guild was as active as ever. People were still trying to leave the city, adventurers were still going out to complete quests, and more inquiries were coming to the guild by the day. There was never a dull moment, and Nobina missed that part of being a guild officer.

Remembering her time working as a guild officer back in Agora, she could recall the interactions with adventurers. It was great getting to know a few and learning about how their quest was going. Perhaps back then, it wasn’t exactly all great. She could only recall being so busy to the point where she just couldn’t wait for some sort of vacation. However, now that she was here and working even more, it made those past moments more meaningful.

“I miss Agora,” she sighed as they continued to make their way through the guild.

“Was that where you started out Nobina?” asked Fay, who had been watching her the whole time.

Nobina gave a nod.

“Agora was where I became a guild officer, and I found myself here to help out with accounting stuff.”

Fay gave a chuckle, nodding her head.

“That so like you,” she smiled. “You have that work side of you that is far different from your writing side. The desire to work hard and use your talents, even if they necessarily aren’t your interest. It’s one of the great things about you.”

Nobina knew Fay always did this. She was the type of person who tried to make her happy and feel better when she seemed a bit down. It was the reason Nobina loved being around Fay and why the separation was so hard on her.

“Yeah… Though I am happy I’m getting a chance to write my book,” replied Nobina, refocusing on following the group.

Fay’s expression of shock was to be expected. Nobina knew that Fay was one of the few people she had told about her dream back in her previous world. It was her that helped keep it alive when she had even considered dropping it once. The level of effort she made to ensure Nobina never gave up her dream left a lasting impression that Nobina could never forget.

“I’m so happy that you’re actually working on it,” smiled Fay brightly. “Are you close to being done? Do you need help selling it or perhaps need people to help you write?”

“Not close and not at the moment,” Nobina answered back promptly. “I became so busy here with the current economic crisis and the dragon hunt that I had no time to work on it whatsoever. Not only that, but I haven’t had a chance to train except for a few instances.”

“We’ll work all of that out at this meeting with Aunai,” smiled Fay. “Even if I have to pull out my strongest skills, I’ll help you get rid of this dragon so you can finally relax.”

“Thanks Fay,” smiled Nobina.

The group continued to make it through the guild. Moving up the stairs, Nobina wondered how things would go meeting Aunai. Last time, Nobina felt a bit out of place with Immana, Helios, and Aunai basically leading the discussion. However, with Mimiki and Fay here, Nobina felt she had a few people on her side. Not that Aunai wasn’t on her side, but she had an interest in the guild above all else. That was why Nobina was cautious around her.

A few minutes later, Mimiki gave a knock on the door.

“Come in,” came Aunai’s voice.

All of them entered moments later, with Nobina entering last. She saw that Helios was there as well, likely discussing the mission without Nobina’s participation.

“Hm? What brings you four here? And who is the girl in the black clothing?” asked Aunai, eyeing Fay.

“My name is Fay, S-rank adventurer,” smiled Fay.

“And also, apparently the ‘Right Hand’ of Princess Elina,” sighed Immana.

Aunai’s look of surprise was understandable as she looked Fay up and down.

“Do you have anything to verify this, Miss Fay?” asked Aunai.

“A Royal Griffin Rider was there to confirm it,” replied Immana. “She has the authority of the third princess on her side.”

“I see… Well… I guess you can explain what your intentions here are Miss Fay,” said Aunai, crossing her fingers on her desk.

Fay gave a nod.

“My mission here is to accept the invite by you to join the Dragon Hunt group to hunt down the rare dragon. I wasn’t sure when this mission was going to take place, so I requested a Royal Griffin escort from Princess Elina to allow me to get here in about a day’s time,” replied Fay.

Aunai gave a nod. A Royal Griffin escort wasn’t something done lightly. There was a sizable number of riders under the royal family’s command, but only a few were authorized to become riders. Griffins themselves were rare birds that existed in small numbers, dropping by the day as people hunted them for various parts. Royal Griffins, in particular, were a breed meant to be strong and fast, making their numbers significantly more limited.

For Fay to request an escort from one of the riders confirmed that she had significant pull with Princess Elina. As her right hand, it made sense, but Aunai wondered how exactly Fay became her right-hand woman. Especially since Princess Elina was known as the Princess of Judgement, being extremely critical of those around her.

“Forgive me for asking but isn’t a Royal Griffin escort something Princess Elina wouldn’t give out so casually. Even the emergency stated wouldn’t prompt it,” said Aunai.

Fay gave a nod.

“You’re not wrong. Almost anyone else asking would likely result in Princess Elina having you jailed or worse. However, I explained Nobina’s meaning to me and she help arrange everything, including this letter,” said Fay, taking out the letter the Greogory had.

Aunai read through it, giving a nod and handing it back.

“I see that Nobina really does mean a lot to you Miss Fay,” smiled Aunai. “I trust her in your hands with the upcoming dragon hunt. Unless Immana or Helios has any objections?”

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

“None whatsoever,” nodded Helios.

“Regrettably none on my end as well,” sighed Immana. “I will also be withdrawing from the team as well, as the test was suspended. My father has been missing my assistance, so I rather not waste the time joining the party. Of course, I shall also be preparing a secondary party to assist if needed, but their primary role will be handling matters back here.”

“Of course,” nodded Aunai. “Do you need anything else from us?”

“Not at this present moment,” said Immana. “I will be taking my leave.”

As Immana was leaving, Nobina spoke up.

“Wait,” she said. “Immana. Does Fay interest you at all?”

Immana paused, turning to Nobina and smiling.

“She is extremely fascinating and of course I’d be lying to say that she doesn’t interest me. She’d be an amazing person under either my command or Lord Kasanta. However, she is under Princes Elina’s command and her heart belongs to you and you alone from the looks of things. Of course, I wouldn’t shy away from you offering us assistance, but that is all up to you at the end of the day.”

With that, Immana left, leaving Nobina to wonder if things were really just going to end like that. As Nobina turned back to Aunai, she saw Aunai begin to speak.

“With that done, the mission shall continue as previously planned. Fay will act as an additional member, and I trust you two to get her up to speed,” she said in a serious tone.

“Understood,” both Nobina and Mimiki replied, straightening up to show respect.

“As for you,” said Aunai to Fay. “If you have anything you need, do not hesitate to ask.”

“You got it,” smiled Fay.

With that, the group headed out, with Helios following right after them. As they all left, Aunai felt herself get a slight headache.

“At least we don’t have to deal with a Death Hare now,” sighed Aunai.

Nobina and the group made their way downstairs, where they found the rest of the group waiting. Even Nia and Lila were there as well, bringing the total of S-ranks there to four.

It wasn’t a moment too soon either. Nobina noticed the Gaze bag on Fay’s side glow red. Fay immediately dropped it and stepped back. The bag began to rustle a bit, but nothing happened after a few minutes.

All around them, officers and adventurers alike were staring in curiosity as they saw Nobina’s group preparing for something to come out of the bag. When nothing did, Nobina saw Fay pick back up the bag.

“What was that?” asked Fay.

“These red glows are new to me Fay,” replied Nobina. “It might mean we should expect another one of those creepy creatures coming up, so I’m leaving the bag with you for now.”

Fay gave a nod.

As she did, the bag glowed once again. However, it was a standard glow this time. Nobina asked Fay for the bag, but she was hesitant.

“We saw the red glow, so I’m not sure about letting you reach in for the item,” said Fay.

“I understand that, but those green glows haven’t been problems before. At least… not like that creepy crawler earlier,” replied Nobina.

As if understanding Nobina’s reluctance, the bag opened up, prompting Fay to put it on the ground again and stand at the ready. Waiting, another creature appeared. However, it appeared to be a baby dragon this time. Nobina was immediately worried, but that worry disappeared as it waddled its way to Nobina. Looking at her with its large eyes, Nobina melted as she went to pick it up.

“Wait Nobina,” said Fay to deaf ears.

Nobina’s grin grew large as she held the baby dragon, which was absolutely adorable.

“What’s your name?” smiled Nobina.

Looking at its back, she saw a note with its name on it.

“Echo? What a fantastic name,” she nodded.

“Uh Nobina,” said Mimiki. “We have… a lot of eyes on us. Not good eyes either.”

Nobina, looking around, became extremely embarrassed. All around her were adventurers staring. Shock. Fear. Awe. Anger. So many emotions were on display as they saw Nobina handling a baby dragon. Considering the whole incident at the moment was being caused by a rouge dragon, the sight of a baby dragon was focusing all that attention on her right now.

“We should go,” said Helios, looking around as well. “Else we might draw even more unwanted attention.”

“Out the back should suffice,” said Mimiki. “Let’s go everyone.”

Everyone followed her out of the guild’s backside. As they stepped outside, the baby dragon gave a lick to Nobina’s cheeks. It caused her to chuckle and forget the situation they were in for a second.

“Ok,” said Mimiki once everyone was outside. “What exactly are you going to do about that baby dragon. We can’t exactly bring it on our trip.”

“I wouldn’t leave it with the Monster Containment group either,” said Helios. “Especially since dragons and bunnies are enemies.”

“My bunnies wouldn’t hurt Echo,” said Nobina in a pout.

“That might be the case, but you never know,” replied Helios.

All of them looked at Echo, who merely looked at them with curious faces.

“I guess… Echo has to come with us for now,” said Nobina.

“Great,” sighed Mimiki.

“Don’t worry,” smiled Fay. “I’ll help Nobina take care of it.”

“Thanks Fay,” nodded Nobina.

With the Echo situation sorted for now, the group decided it was best to head out as soon as possible. Echo was able to enter the Special Bag without issues, giving them a huge relief of not carrying around a baby dragon as they walked.

“Everyone get your gear and meet up here in thirty minutes,” said Mimiki.

Most of them headed out, leaving Nobina with Fay, Nia, Lila, and Helios. Marve, Mimiki, and Cain departed for the guild inn to get their gear, with Mimiki saying she’d get Nobina’s gear as well. When they were gone, Lila approached Fay, standing directly in front of her. It surprised Fay how bold Lila was, but she merely gave a nice smile.

“I want to spar with you,” said Lila.

“Hapy to oblige once this is all said and done,” smiled Fay. “Tell me, what relationship do you have with Nobina.”

“Eh? She’s… my friend. Why do you ask?” responded Lila with a curious look.

“Oh… I just saw that tiny bit of a look of contempt you had towards Nobina, and it made me worry you hated her,” smiled Fay, a colder expression forming.

Lila reacted immediately, waving her hands.

“Oh no! It’s just… It’s complicated between me and Nobina,” said Lila. “I can tell you more about it so there’s no misunderstanding.”

Fay, looking at Nobina, saw Nobina vigorously nod her head. She relaxed immediately upon seeing Nobina’s reaction.

“Well… I rather not create unnecessary problems, so we’ll talk later,” said Fay.

As she said that, another glow came from the Gaze bag. Fay looked to Nobina, who told Fay to take the item out of it. Fay tried to reach for the bag, but it pushed back Fay’s hand.

“It’s no good,” said Fay. “Only you can access this it seems.”

Nobina gave a nod. She was now hesitant about reaching into the bag, but she knew she couldn’t fear the bag. If she just ignored the items the Gaze gave her, something bad could possibly happen should she get on the bad side of those entities.

She took a deep breath, opening the bag with Fay right next to her looking as well. To her surprise, she saw a silver bracelet in it with a purple stone on it. Taking it out, she noticed a note on it.

“Speak the words ‘Dragonrend’ with the vision of taking a dragon down in mind. Your voice will lash out at a dragon’s very soul, forcing the beast to land. Limited to one usage per day, ineffective against strong enough dragons.”

Nobina was both surprised and not surprised by what she received. She recalled how she got barbed wire to handle the goblin invasion in the past. This was likely the Gaze preparing her for the dragon hunt as well. Considering how very specific yet useful the bracelet was, Nobina felt herself relaxed. If Fay’s presence didn’t do it, the additional item really made her feel prepared for the dragon hunt they were about to go on.

“What is it?” asked Fay.

“Oh, this is a bracelet that gives me the ability to force a weak enough dragon to land with my voice. Limited to one usage a day,” replied Nobina casually.

“That’s… kind of crazy,” said Fay in surprise. “I’ve been meaning to ask, but what exactly does this bag do? Why do you get such random stuff from it? Both good and bad.”

“It’s a long story not for the public ears,” responded Nobina. “When we get a chance, I’ll tell you everything, but for now, just know it’s there to watch over me.”

Fay gave a nod.

“If it helps you, then great. If it doesn’t, I’ll be there to protect you.”

“Thanks,” smiled Nobina.

Nobina knew that once they headed out, they’d get a better moment to chat, but Nobina really craved a moment to speak with Fay in private. The sheer number of questions she had was so large that Nobina felt it’d take a whole day to get only a fraction answered. However, she knew there was a time and place for everything. They’d eventually get that moment to talk, and Nobina was ready for it. All she had to do was be patient.