Chapter 47

To cut to the chase, the elimination of the meddler was a resounding success.

It was a busy time, what with falling in love with Rona all over again as she smoothly adapted to the impromptu performance without a script, and then again as she remained composed despite being inwardly furious. Well, I can't help it; I'm in love with Rona.

"Phew, finally back!"

I felt a deep sympathy for Lady Shina, who slumped onto the sofa. To have been in the same carriage with that pain of a noble, Lamis Guardock, even for a short time, must have been tough, especially when she was still recovering from an illness. Poor thing. I know all too well, having to work with idiots of the same type every day. I wish they'd get their heads chopped off sooner.

"Quite an ordeal, wasn't it?"

When I said this with genuine sympathy, Lady Shina looked utterly exhausted, but her face lit up when she noticed the sweets and fruits laid out on the table. She picked them up happily. Yes, yes, eat what you like and cheer up.

When I first met Lady Shina, she seemed smaller than I had expected based on her age, as described by my father. She was slender, but her hair and skin had a luster, and her eyes sparkled with intelligence. In a way, her mental age didn't match her appearance. Underestimating her as a child would be a mistake. She seems like a good person, though.

As I thought, Rona and I seem to get along well. The maid's piercing aura, which was present when Lamis was around, has disappeared. Good, I'm glad. She must be serving as a bodyguard, but it must have been uncomfortable for her. This must be the famous Kirin. Her silver hair and brown skin match the description.

Lady Shina didn't bring any other bodyguards besides Kirin. According to my father, she's so strong that she doesn't need any. Once, when my father was drunk, he said, "In Kyrat Street, I was surrounded by monsters and felt like I was going to die, but Shina was amazing. She took them all out with a swoosh. Kirin also cut them down with a whoosh and a bang!" I have no idea what a swoosh or a whoosh and a bang are. But if my father says she's stronger than Prince Zinklett, she must be.

Still, three women (all beautiful, though of different types) traveling together in the capital... Even though the capital is relatively safe, there might be some obnoxious pick-up artists. I was considering secretly assigning bodyguards when Lady Shina dropped a bombshell.

"Rona, have you had any nice encounters in the capital?"

Wow. She just asked what I wanted to ask Rona but couldn't. Lady Shina, are you a goddess's messenger?

I pretended to be calm and focused on Rona's answer.

"I'm still getting used to my new job and learning the ropes. I've only just started to recognize faces in other stores in the capital! Right now, it's all about work! Love can wait!"

"Is that so?"

Is that so? I was half relieved and half disappointed by Rona's answer. She doesn't have a boyfriend, but she doesn't seem to notice me either.

Maybe because I couldn't hide my feelings, Lady Shina glanced at me with a "don't worry" expression. Ha, I guess it's obvious. My feelings are known throughout the store, even if the person I like doesn't notice.

I smiled. Don't worry. I'm serious, and I have no intention of letting her go.

Lady Shina looked at Rona with a bit of pity and shook her head. She's as expressive as I am.

As the three beauties set out shopping, I secretly instructed the store's bodyguards to follow them. I warned them not to be noticed, and they looked teary-eyed. It's a difficult task for those big, muscular guys to follow the girls into clothing stores, accessory shops, and cafes without being noticed. Shopping is about atmosphere. Customers can't enjoy shopping surrounded by intimidating, rough-looking men. I always tell them to blend in with the store's atmosphere, so they should manage. Despite their rough appearance, they are quite competent.

While I was working as usual, a message from one of the bodyguards following Rona arrived.

"The knights tried to harass and take them away, but before we could intervene, a hole opened in the ground, and the knights fell in."

Messages should be concise, but I have no idea what happened. Was there a problem with the knights?

More messages from the bodyguards arrived.

"It doesn't seem dangerous, so we'll wait and observe. The knights appear to be fake."

"The customers are tormenting the knights in the hole with water and earth. Should we stop them?"

"We received detailed explanations from the bodyguard maid. Prince Alan has arrived and is withdrawing."

Oh, Kirin knew the bodyguards were following. The follow-up reports are still confusing. At least it seems the crisis is over, and they're coming back. I need to improve their writing skills. I can't understand anything.

Then, a message from Lady Shina arrived.

"We were almost kidnapped by criminals disguised as knights but managed to repel them. Rona identified the fake knights by their attire. No injuries or damage. I apologize for the trouble. We are returning now."

Oh, fake knights, that's serious. Rona did a good job. I need to praise her when she gets back.

"Rona is putting on a brave face but is quite shaken. Please take care of her."

The follow-up message from Lady Shina made me realize. Of course, she must have been scared, even though she managed to identify the fake knights by their attire. She must have been observing everything closely to understand the customers, as the guild teaches. She's a brave and capable person. I really like her.

When I saw Rona get off the carriage that Lady Shina and the others had sent, I couldn't hold back. Her face was pale, and her hands were trembling.

"I'm relieved to see you back safely."

When I spoke to Lady Shina, who was watching from the carriage window, she apologized.

"I'm sorry, Rona must have been scared. It was a busy day, so I'll explain everything later when we're calmer."

"Don't worry. I'm just glad everyone is safe..."

The warmth in my arms could have been lost. The thought of that filled me with unimaginable fear. I'm in deeper than I thought.

"Just do your best. Don't push her too hard."

As Lady Shina left, I regained a bit of my composure. Being lectured by a girl over ten years younger. She really is an unusual person.

"Ah, Guild Master..."

Rona squirmed cutely. I was still holding her.

"Ah, sorry. You must have had a tough time, Rona."

I released Rona but, seeing her still tense face, quickly took her to my office. I ordered an employee to bring something warm. An old employee, who was preparing tea, looked at Rona with concern, glared at me, and silently told me to comfort her properly. I've been getting a lot of lectures today.

After a sip of warm tea, Rona took a deep breath. Her face was regaining some color, which was good.

I sat close to Rona. I didn't want to let her go, and she looked anxious. When I stroked her head, she seemed to enjoy it. She's so cute. She doesn't mind being stroked, which makes me feel good. Calm down, me.

"I'm sorry, Guild Master. I caused you worry."

"It's not your fault, don't apologize. Lady Shina praised you for your good work. You identified the fake knights, right?"

When I ruffled her hair, Rona's eyes welled up with tears.

"No, no, I didn't do anything. Lady Shina and Kirin captured those men quickly, but I was too scared to do anything. During the monster attack in Kyrat Street, I could only run away. I'm useless..."

"No, no, that's fine. Fighting monsters and criminals is important, but not everyone can do it. Running away is also important to avoid hindering those who are fighting. There are many other things to do, like securing supplies and rebuilding afterward. Just do what you can. You did your best this time, didn't you?"

She cried even more. Tears streamed down her face. Why is she so cute even when crying? I wiped her tears and blew her nose. She's so cute.

After a while, Rona's crying stopped. Her face was red, and her eyes were puffy, but she looked embarrassed.

"Thank you, Guild Master. I've calmed down."

"Okay."

I responded weakly.

"...Guild Master, you can let go now. I'm not crying anymore!"

"No, I can't."

I sighed while stroking Rona's hair.

"I can't. The thought of something happening to you drives me crazy. I guess I'm in love."

Really, I'm just glad you're safe.

"Huh?"

Rona looked at me with wide eyes. She was still crying. When I wiped her nose, her face turned red.

"Guild Master, what did you just say?"

"Huh? That I'm glad you're safe?"

"No, what about being in love?"

"What?!"

What? How did she know? Did I stroke her too much? Did I touch her too much? I'm still touching her...

"Ah, I fell in love at first sight. I wanted to be more cool, but I couldn't. Damn, I like you."

When I confessed out of frustration, Rona turned even redder. Her eyes darted around.

"Sorry... I was planning to seriously pursue you once you got used to your job, but today's events made me lose control. I'll go all out from now on."

"Is the Guild Master a playboy...?"

"I've been played before, but I've never played anyone."

"You've been played before?"

"When I was young. It was a good lesson... I got beaten up by my father."

"You paid, didn't you? That's why you got beaten up."

"I like that you can analyze things calmly."

Rona turned her head away.

"I won't fall in love so easily."

"Hehe, you're my type. It wouldn't be fun if you fell for me too easily."

I don't want you to be so simple that you'd fall for just my title or a few sweet words. After all, you'll be my partner in running the guild.

"Well, negotiation is a basic skill for a merchant. Be prepared, Rona."