The air inside the Silverhaven Adventurer's Guild was lively, packed with warriors, mages, and adventurers of all levels clamoring for jobs, rewards, or drinks. The scent of parchment, steel, and tavern ale hung in the air.
Selena stood at the quest board, eyes darting from one parchment to the next.
Selena: Goblin nest extermination… again?" she muttered.
Lio: Too many goblins in this kingdom,
Lio said, adjusting his newly polished chestplate.
Lio: Maybe they're reproducing underground or something…
Red: Or maybe they're just drawn to chaos,
Red replied quietly, arms folded as he leaned against the wall nearby.
The rookie trio, Hina, Rika, and Yuzu, huddled beside Selena, pointing at quests and chatting like energetic schoolgirls.
Rika: Ooh, look at this one! Escort mission to the Whispering Glade.
Yuzu: No, no, That place has spiders the size of sheep. Nuh-uh.
Hina: I like this herbal gathering one, It's in the southern forest, near the brook. Peaceful, quiet…
Selena turned to Red.
Selena: What do you think? Should we go for something low-risk so Lio doesn't cry in battle again?
"I didn't cry," Lio muttered.
Before Red could answer, the guild doors creaked open.
In stepped a man who seemed to draw all attention immediately. He was tall, lean, and older, dressed in a finely tailored black butler's uniform, white gloves pristine, silver monocle glinting under the light. He walked forward with sharp purpose, each step like the ticking of an ancient clock.
A hush rippled through the guild. Even hardened warriors paused to glance.
The butler stopped before the group, offered a graceful bow, and spoke in a rich, controlled tone.
Hoshikawa Sebas: Pardon my intrusion. I am Hoshikawa Sebas, chief retainer of House Yukishiro. I am here to escort the young ladies, Hina-sama, Rika-sama, and Yuzu-sama back home immediately, as per Lord Yukishiro's request.
Everyone froze.
Selena blinked. "Wait. 'Sama'?"
Lio scratched his head. "House… Yuki… what now?"
Yuzu let out a dramatic sigh.
Yuzu: I told Father not to send Sebas-san…
Rika: Looks like we've been found.
Selena looked from one girl to the next.
Selena: Wait, you're telling me, you three are nobles?
The three exchanged awkward glances.
Hina nodded timidly.
Hina: Yes… we're from the Yukishiro family. A noble clan from the eastern territories, with branches that serve directly under the royal family.
Selena's jaw dropped. "The Yukishiro!? That's… that's one of the ten founding noble houses!"
Lio's face went pale. "I… I sparred with a noble lady in the mud…"
Rika smirked. "Yeah, and you got kicked in the shin by one too."
Hina bowed slightly.
Hina: I'm sorry we didn't tell you… We just wanted to experience adventuring freely, not as nobles.
Sebas turned toward them with a slightly impatient expression, though still respectful.
Hoshikawa Sebas: Ladies. Your father awaits. Your presence at the estate near the palace is urgently required. Lady Hinagiku, your birthday banquet is in two days.
"Ugh," Rika groaned. "Not another banquet…"
"Boring," Yuzu muttered.
But Hina… she remained unusually still.
Red watched her quietly. Her hands were clasped, fingers white with pressure. Her gaze stayed fixed on the floor. There was hesitation in her stance, something subtle but clear to someone with Red's eyes.
"I..." Hina began, then stopped.
Sebas turned gently.
Hoshikawa Sebas: Lady Hinagiku?
"I…" She looked up, her soft brown eyes conflicted.
Hina: Can we not stay for a few more days?
Hoshikawa Sebas: You've already been gone for weeks. Your father is worried.
Hina: I know, but…
She looked at Selena and Lio, then Red.
Hina: I'm not ready to go back yet.
Selena tilted her head. "Is something wrong?"
"No!" Hina said quickly, then forced a gentle smile.
Hina: I mean, I just want to enjoy this a little longer.
Sebas bowed again, though this time with the hint of pressure.
Hoshikawa Sebas: I must insist, my lady.
As he stepped closer, Red moved, smoothly placing himself between Sebas and the girls.
The butler stopped, raising a brow. "Sir…?"
Red's expression remained unreadable.
Red: She said she wants to stay. That means she's not ready.
Sebas studied Red for a moment, then gave a slight bow.
Hoshikawa Sebas: My apologies, Sir Adventurer. I have no intention of causing conflict. But Lady Hina is still a daughter of House Yukishiro. Her safety and presence are our top priorities.
Red nodded slightly. "And if she's not safe here, I'll make sure she is."
The butler smiled faintly, the kind that held no warmth.
Hoshikawa Sebas: I see. Then… allow me one moment with Lady Hinagiku.
Red stepped aside, silently signaling the rest not to follow.
Hina and Sebas walked to the far end of the guild, near a quiet corridor.
Lio leaned toward Selena. "Did Red just step between a noble butler and his mistress?"
Selena whispered back, "Yup."
Lio: He's insane.
Selena: Yup.
Meanwhile, Yuzu whispered, "She never told us it was her birthday soon."
Rika: She doesn't like the banquets, They always feel like a cage to her.
At the far corner, Sebas stood respectfully before Hina.
Hoshikawa Sebas: My lady, Your father has already planned the banquet. He wishes to discuss your future.
Hina lowered her gaze.
Hina: That's exactly why I don't want to go yet.
Sebas's expression softened.
Hoshikawa Sebas: Does this involve the match?
She hesitated.
Hoshikawa Sebas: He's only considering it, my lady. Nothing is set.
Hina: That's how it starts, Talk becomes promise. Then it becomes law.
Hoshikawa Sebas: Your companions are strong… but they're not nobles. You understand the burden placed upon you...
Hina: I do,
she said, looking up with unusual strength in her voice.
Hina: Which is why I need to know who I am outside of that burden. Just a little longer, Sebas-san. Please.
The butler was silent for a moment… then gave a small bow.
Hoshikawa Sebas: Very well. But I must report this to Lord Yukishiro.
Hina: I understand.
Sebas returned to the group.
Hoshikawa Sebas: I will inform the lord of your request. You may remain here for one more days. After that, I must return with you, regardless of your feelings.
Hina bowed in unison. "Thank you, Sebas-san."
As the butler exited the guild with perfect posture, murmurs started to stir in the background, adventurers whispering about the noble girls who had been adventuring in secret.
Selena looked at Hina, who had returned to them with a small smile, but her eyes… still carried the weight of something unspoken.
Red turned and headed toward the quest board again.
Red: Let's find something before dinner.
Selena followed with a puzzled glance at Hina. Lio and the rookie trio trailed behind, whispers trailing about birthday banquets, noble houses, and mysterious match proposals.
But Red?
He had seen that hesitation in Hina's fingers, the way her shoulders stiffened when Sebas mentioned her father, and the flicker of fear when the word "match" was brought up.
There was more to Hinagiku Yukishiro than her gentle smile.
And Red would find out what it was, sooner or later.