The guild was bustling as always when Izaru and Liora strolled in with the knights and Prince Cain in tow. Every adventurer froze mid-argument, mid-drink, or mid-slapfight with a newbie. You could hear a pin drop.
And then you could hear Izaru mutter, "...I'm gonna get chewed."
Lily was at the counter, calm as an ice block — which was far more terrifying than her usual yelling. Her smile didn't reach her eyes as she spotted the group.
"Oh, look who's back," she said sweetly, voice laced with death. "And look who you brought. A royal escort. How… charming."
Liora leaned toward Izaru and whispered, "Do you think she'll praise us?"
"Do you want to die?" he whispered back.
Prince Cain, blissfully unaware of the storm clouds, rushed forward and bowed politely. "Miss Receptionist! These two brave adventurers saved me and the knights from ogres! So I'm taking them with me to the palace to reward them."
The entire guild gasped. Ogres? A prince? Word spread like wildfire. Adventurers whispered, knights puffed up their chests, and Lily's smile twitched into something that could crack a stone as well as Izaru's skull open.
"Is that so?" she repeated. "I see. So they've caused trouble yet again, huh?" She turned her gaze on Izaru, and he actually took a step back.
Meanwhile, Liora puffed her chest proudly. "See, Izaru? A royal fan club! You should be more like me—"
"Shut up," he hissed.
Lily finally slammed her palm on the counter. BANG! "IZARU! Do you have any idea what trouble you've caused dragging the Empress's brother into this mess?! What if he got hurt somehow? What if the ogres—"
"But he didn't," Izaru cut in coolly. "Because we saved him. I don't see no problem."
The guild collectively gasped. Someone muttered, "...He's insane."
"Totally," another said.
Lily's left eye twitched. "You think logic will save you from me? Especially your logic?"
Prince Cain quickly raised his hand like a student. "Actually, Miss Receptionist, if not for these two brave warriors, I might be dead. Please don't scold them too much."
Lily froze. Her fury clashed with royal politeness. She bowed stiffly to Cain, then snapped her gaze back to Izaru. "Fine. You're not in trouble—yet. But you two are going to the palace. If the Empress herself doesn't cut your heads off, then I will."
Izaru groaned. Liora clapped happily. The entire guild laughed nervously.