By the time Eis returned to the guild, the sky had deepened to a burnished orange. The courtyard lanterns flickered on one by one, their faint mana glow spreading a soft light across the stone walkway.

  She spotted Team Argent immediately.

  Lira sat on a bench with a notebook open, scribbling quick notes with her usual precision.

  Kael lay stretched across the bench beside her, using her lap as a pillow while she ignored him entirely.

  Ronan stood nearby, arms crossed, watching the gate like a sentry.

  Eis had barely stepped through the entry before Ronan’s gaze snapped toward her.

  He relaxed by a fraction — so subtle most would miss it.

  Kael sat up.

  Lira closed her notebook.

  All three focused on her at once.

  “You’re back,” Lira said, voice neutral but eyes brightening.

  Eis smiled softly. “I didn’t get lost.”

  Kael snorted. “Good start.”

  Ronan stepped forward. “How was it?”

  Eis steadied her voice.

  “It was… enlightening. The Artisan District was beautiful. I want to go back again — the crafts there are incredible.”

  Lira perked up immediately.

  “Did you see the glassblower near the north fountain? His work uses crystal infusion—”

  “I did,” Eis said. “It was beautiful.”

  Kael asked, “Pick up anything interesting?”

  “Not yet. Just exploring.”

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  Ronan nodded approvingly.

  “Good. Get familiar with the city first before you start shopping.”

  Eis matched his calm tone.

  “I also saw some of the quieter areas.”

  Lira looked up sharply. “Quieter how?”

  “Just… older,” Eis said gently. “In need of repairs. Nothing dangerous.”

  That was technically true.

  Kael narrowed his eyes slightly — not suspicious, just perceptive.

  “You’re speaking very carefully.”

  Eis smiled lightly. “Because I don’t want you to worry.”

  Ronan exhaled through his nose, not entirely appeased but accepting her boundary.

  “You handled yourself today,” he said quietly. “That’s good.”

  Kael hopped off the bench, stretching.

  “Well,” he said, “since you survived your solo adventure, we got you something.”

  Eis blinked. “Something?”

  Lira produced a small, wrapped parcel from her bag.

  Inside was—

  A simple wooden hairpin carved into the shape of a falling leaf.

  Eis stared.

  “I mentioned the Artisan District as a good place for personal items,” Lira said, uncharacteristically flustered. “And Kael insisted we pick something small to welcome you properly.”

  “I picked the leaf,” Kael said proudly. “It suited you.”

  Ronan added, “And it’s practical. Keeps hair out of your eyes.”

  Eis’s throat tightened with warmth.

  “…Thank you,” she said quietly.

  She slid the pin into her hair.

  It fit perfectly.

  Kael grinned.

  Lira smiled softly.

  Ronan nodded in approval.

  “Come on,” Kael said, slinging an arm around her shoulder casually as they walked toward the guild entrance. “Dinner should be starting. You missed lunch, so you’re probably starving.”

  Eis laughed. “A little.”

  “Good,” Kael said. “Because I’m taking your first bite if you don’t hurry.”

  “You will not,” Lira said sharply.

  “I might.”

  “You will not,” Ronan repeated.

  Eis shook her head, smiling.

  Their bickering… felt like home already.

  They walked inside together, the guild hall warm and loud with adventurers returning from their day.

  Eis slipped into the flow of it with ease.