The Adventurer’s Guild bustled with early-morning energy.

  Team Argent stood at the front counter dressed in light travel gear, reviewing documents with the guild clerk. Eis approached at a comfortable pace — close enough to join them, but careful not to disturb their preparation.

  Lira spotted her first and waved warmly.

  “Eis. Good, we were able to find you before we left.”

  Kael grinned.

  “We thought we might not see you today.”

  Eis tilted her head.

  “You’re leaving soon?”

  Ronan nodded.

  “The request mandates a maximum of three members. No exceptions.”

  Lira’s expression softened apologetically.

  “We really did try to get permission to bring you… but it’s one of those old-style missions where the client insists on specific numbers.”

  Kael made a face.

  “Some noble house nonsense with ‘ritualistic balance’ or whatever.”

  Eis nodded in understanding.

  “I understand. Please be careful.”

  Lira stepped closer and gently touched Eis’s shoulder.

  “We’ll be back by evening. Why don’t you take today for yourself? Explore the city. Read. Maybe train a little.”

  Kael added, “And don’t worry — if you get bored, you can blame Ronan.”

  Ronan blinked.

  “…Why?”

  “Because it’s fun,” Kael answered.

  Eis gave a small, quiet smile — one Lira immediately noticed.

  “See?” Lira beamed. “She’s getting used to us.”

  Ronan’s lips twitched.

  “…Good.”

  Eis watched them gather their gear. Lira adjusted the straps on her satchel. Kael secured his quiver. Ronan checked his blade once more out of habit.

  Before leaving through the main doors, Lira turned back.

  “Don’t wander into trouble,” she warned lightly.

  Eis bowed her head slightly.

  “I’ll be waiting for your return.”

  They waved — even Ronan gave a small lift of his hand — and then stepped into the morning light with practiced confidence.

  Eis stood alone in the hall for the first time that day.

  Not lonely.

  Simply… still.

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  She turned toward the request board, considering taking a small mission herself.

  Before she could decide, a group of four male adventurers approached.

  They weren’t part of any stable party — just loosely affiliated Bronze ranks who hung around the guild too often and drank far too early.

  Their leader, a man with cocky posture and a scar that looked more accidental than heroic, leaned one arm against the board near her.

  “Well, well,” he drawled.

  “Argent leave you behind today?”

  Eis blinked.

  “They had a mission with restrictions.”

  “Uh-huh,” he smirked. “Sure they did.”

  One of his companions chuckled.

  “Figures. Maybe they’re finally tired of dragging around pretty little strays.”

  Eis didn’t react outwardly.

  She had dealt with much worse men.

  The leader leaned closer.

  “Hey. Since you’re all alone, wanna come on a mission with us? Easy stuff. Won’t even muss your hair.”

  Another added under his breath,

  “Unless she wants it messed up.”

  They snickered.

  Eis stepped back half a pace — enough to avoid contact, not enough to show fear.

  “No,” she said calmly.

  “I decline.”

  “Aww, come on,” the leader pressed. “We’re offering you a chance. You think you’re too good for us because those Argent people humor you?”

  “Yeah,” another sneered. “Bet they only keep her around because she looks nice.”

  Eis’s eyes lifted just slightly.

  A tiny shift.

  Cold.

  Sharp.

  Dangerous.

  But she didn’t move otherwise.

  “I am not interested,” she repeated, voice even.

  They took her quietness as weakness.

  “That right?” the leader murmured, stepping too close. “You sure you want to turn us down, sweetheart?”

  “Is there a problem here?”

  A sharp, authoritative voice cut in.

  The guild clerk stood behind her counter, gaze already narrowed.

  The leader straightened.

  “N-no problem. Just inviting her to a mission.”

  “She declined,” the clerk said flatly.

  “Move on.”

  A mutter from one of the men:

  “She’s a Copper. Why’re you protecting her?”

  The clerk’s voice cooled.

  “We revoke guild cards for harassment. Move. On.”

  The men stiffened.

  The leader scoffed.

  “Tch. Fine. Enjoy your boring day, princess.”

  They walked off, muttering.

  Eis watched them go without blinking.

  The clerk approached.

  “You okay?”

  “Yes,” Eis answered softly.

  “Thank you.”

  “If you want a mission, stick to the ones on the left board,” the clerk advised. “Low-risk, solo-friendly. And… avoid those men if you can.”

  “…Understood.”

  With that, the clerk returned to her post.

  The guild hall slowly returned to its usual noise — laughter, clattering armor, morning chatter.

  Eis turned toward the windows, where sunlight spilled through the high glass panes.

  Still alone.

  Still unsure how to spend the day.

  But she knew one thing:

  She would not accept a mission with strangers today.

  She stepped toward the board, posture steady, and began her day from there.