Published: February 1, 2026
Stud was organizing the guild’s storage room when he suddenly recalled the man sent from the Capital City’s adventurers’ guild.
That day, the man had come to the guild looking genuinely curious.
Since Stud had never seen him before, he paused his work to head over to the reception desk, suspecting the man had some business there. Of course, it was impossible to remember the faces of every adventurer, but this man’s distinctive, somewhat ethnic-looking attire set him apart, making it unlikely that it was a familiar face. Although adventurers frequently changed their gear, making Stud think “Have I seen this guy before?” it seemed this was truly the first meeting.
The man busily looked around the guild.
His overt curiosity made Stud wonder if he was hoping to become an adventurer. However, his skill level seemed mismatched for that, though rare cases of talented rookies did exist.
Stud sat at the counter without much feeling.
The routine work continued as usual. He spoke up to ask the man’s business upon noticing him. The man’s graceful movements reminded Stud of a wild animal, but as long as he didn’t break any rules, that was no concern.
Without emotion, Stud looked up at the man and spoke.
“May I ask what you need?”
He smoothly recited the well-worn phrase.
“Is this your first time using the Parteda adventurers’ guild?”
“Hm. From Astarnia’s guild, only.”
“Then I’ll guide you through the relocation procedures along with a brief explanation.”
“Don’t need to relocate. Looking for an adventurer. If none, then no need.”
What the man said next clearly described someone who had to be Rizel.
To Stud, Rizel was the only person who could stir his emotions — the one who made him aware of the existence of feelings. Rizel had instilled in him a blissful feeling of being sought after and responding in kind. Now, this stranger was looking for him.
“Huh?”
“?”
The sounds that slipped out were almost automatic reactions.
There was no hostility or suspicion. Such things were not unusual.
Sometimes a powerful patron requested a specific adventurer, or a musician asked if there was an adventurer skilled in music, or a female client preferred gentle adventurers over rough ones. Recently, an adventurer from Astarnia had also mentioned Rizel’s name.
Therefore, Stud, as usual, responded to the curious visitor.
“There was indeed such an adventurer here, but the guild does not keep track of adventurers’ locations. Could you please tell me the reason for your search?”
Although a hint of personal feeling crept into his tone, it was unavoidable.
Stud concluded this alone, ignoring the strained gaze of his colleague beside him. Since the person concerned showed no sign of being bothered, there was no problem.
The man lowered his eyebrows wearily, fiddling with the sash tied around his thigh. For some reason, Stud still remembered that detail vividly.
“I said it’s fine.”
The man chose his words carefully, conveying that Rizel had said so, without mentioning her name.
“She said if I’m chosen and stay together, it’s okay.”
“So, you’re directly acquainted?”
“Mm.”
The man nodded straightforwardly, prompting Stud to think.
He couldn’t just dismiss the matter as usual because he had heard from Rizel before heading to Sars, “An adventurer from Astarnia might come looking for me.”
The person to whom the message to tell Rizel she was in Sars should be passed was probably this man.
As Stud’s dull gray eyes wandered through his memories, he recalled other relevant things. He remembered letters exchanged while staying in Astarnia that mentioned taking care of a newcomer — likely the same person.
If Rizel acknowledged him, Stud had no objections, and above all, it was none of his business. Without emotion, he opened his mouth again to confirm what was necessary.
“May I take your guild card?”
Checking the registration information on the guild card would clarify matters.
It wasn’t a mandatory check. Whether an adventurer stayed at an inn or in which country they were, guild staff were free to talk about it if they knew. Stud himself had no information except about Rizel, as he wasn’t interested; other staff sometimes casually talked about “That guy? I often see him at that tavern.”