Chapter 1.18 — Engagement, Confession & The Guild

  At the noble mansion of Fie Von Drachj?ger.

  Martha was spending her usual time relaxing after a long day of work. The maids were preparing for her evening tea while she was fully engaged in her book reading.

  “Mistress, the tea is ready to be served.” The maid spoke humbly.

  “Ahh, yes thank you…” Martha smiled brightly.

  The maid poured up the tea—elegantly.

  “Will that be all, Mistress?” The maid tilted her head slightly.

  “Yes… please inform my husband that I'm not to be disturbed.” Martha waved the maid off.

  “Yes, My Lady… I shall take my leave.” The maid bowed deeply, turned and left the room.

  Martha sighed in relief, she quickly flipped the book open.

  “Now, where was I?” Her eyes sparkled.

  “Ohh yes—the rogue pirate just confessed his love to the princess—I wonder what she will say??” Martha said, blushed like a young maiden.

  With a sparkle in her eyes she began reading her book, while sipping her tea… Suddenly.

  The sound of knocking echoed through the room. Martha’s vein popped, she gritted her teeth—turning her head toward the door.

  “I said—I’m not to be disturbed!” Martha’s voice was firm and commanding.

  The knocking suddenly turned from a single heavy knock into a rapid-fire session— almost like the person was panicking.

  Martha’s vein pulsed.

  Seriously—The nerve?!

  Martha shot up and walked with heavy steps towards the door—almost ripping the door open.

  “I said, I'm not to be—” Martha froze mid-sentence.

  Anja? Why are you?

  “Uhm… I'm sorry mother…. I didn’t know what to do?” Ann stood curled up, her shoulders tense.

  “Ohh, no… what's wrong, Anja and why do you look like that?” Martha leaned in closer, her expression turned concerned.

  Ann didn't have time to clean herself. She was still covered in dirt and slime.

  Ann bit her lip, looking down. “Mother… is… is it really true?” Her gaze met her mother’s.

  Martha leaned down on her knee, holding Ann’s shoulders. “What do you mean?”

  Ann’s hand tightened into a fist, her body slightly shaken. Her face looked like she was conflicted—almost like she's holding something back.

  Martha, placing her hands on her daughter's shoulders—could feel Ann’s body tremble.

  “Anja—please—what’s wrong?” Martha’s voice cracked.

  Ann took a deep breath.

  “Is it true? Father got me engaged?" Her voice trembled.

  Martha leaned back—surprised.

  “Ahh, I see…” Martha closed her eyes, she lowered her head.

  “Mother? Did you know?” Ann’s eyes began to water.

  Martha sighed deeply, she then stood up.

  “Anja, please come inside—we need to talk.”

  A few moments later, the maids helped to clean up Ann.

  Mother and daughter sat down, while tea was being prepared.

  Ann stared at her mother in silence—her feelings all over the place.

  The maid then came over and served their tea.

  Martha gracefully sipped her tea. She placed her cup on the table, her gaze turned sharp on Ann.

  Ann’s eyes widened.

  Huh? Is mother angry?

  Martha sighed. “What did you expect?” Her voice hardened.

  A cold sweat ran down Ann's spine, realizing—her mothers words.

  Ann lowered her head. “I know, but… why now?”

  “As the elder daughter of our household, it’s your duty!” Martha said in a stern voice.

  Ann looked away. “I know it's important but, couldn't it wait? I’m not—”

  “—Not what?” Martha’s face hardened.

  Ann froze, unable to meet her mothers gaze.

  I… just—can’t!

  Martha sighed deeply. “It's not ONLY important, our lives depend on this marriage… did that not occur to you?”

  Ann’s body trembled, she tried to compose herself.

  Martha leaned back and looked at the maid. “That will be all—Please leave us.”

  The maid bowed, excusing herself.

  After the maid left the room, silence fell.

  The sound of a gentle breeze filled the air.

  The curtains slowly moved back and forth.

  Ann could hear her heartbeat—beating faster.

  Hmm… why?

  Martha leaned in closer. “I understand Anja… you have lived amongst the commoners… so seeing them live their lives differently—must be confusing.”

  Ann blinked. “Mother?”

  Martha folded her arms. “I never liked the idea of you living in that orphanage… but your father insisted that Lady Tessaria was the right educator.”

  Martha elegantly sipped her tea. “Besides, he said if you lived among the commoners, it would broaden your horizon and show you your responsibilities—what we must protect!"

  Martha placed her cup and leaned in closer, holding both Ann’s shoulders.

  “Despite my protests. You are excelling both in academics and swordsmanship—thanks to Lady Tessaria.”

  “Yeah but…” Ann’s eyes drifted down.

  Martha coughed. “I’m also sorry about your friend Leo… I know he was a big reason for you excelling in your studies.”

  Ann gaped in disbelief.

  Mother is praising Leo?

  I thought she didn't like him?

  Martha's face turned serious. “But you’ve also been educated as a noble… so tell me Anja, why are you hesitating?”

  Ann shivered. “I’m not ready… I… Don’t want—”

  “—Not good enough!” Martha interrupted, “It's your duty! So why?”

  Ann’s eyes widened.

  Why? Yes I’ve always known this day would come but it always seemed like something distant…

  So… why…

  Does my heart… hurt…

  —Leo?

  Suddenly the realization dawned on her.

  Why am I thinking of Leo?

  Why?

  I…

  She remembered the first time they met, the fun times they had… Ann began to feel warm but also incredibly happy… these memories had become precious to her.

  “Anja?” Martha’s eyes widened.

  “Huh?” Ann stared at her mother, confused.

  Dripping…

  Vision…

  Blurred?

  Without realizing it—tears streamed down Ann’s cheeks.

  “Why? Am I?” Ann lowered her head, wiping away the tears.

  Martha froze, her eyes widened.

  Huh? Don’t tell me…

  —So, that’s how it is.

  “I’m sorry, mother… I don't know, why?” Ann’s voice cracked.

  Martha sighed… then—her lips slowly curled into a knowing smile.

  I understand now…

  Ann, still trying to wipe away her tears, stood up and turned towards the door.

  “I’m so sorry for disturbing you mother—I'll take my leave…”

  But before Ann could take a step—something pulled her hand.

  Ann stopped and looked back, her mother held her hand—tightly.

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  “Huh? Mother?” Ann gaped.

  Martha chuckled. “I think it's been a while since we took a bath together, no?”

  “Ehh?” Ann froze, her face confused.

  ***

  Later inside the mansion's private bathhouse, the sound of screaming echoed through the halls of the mansion—almost like someone was being tortured.

  “Mother noo! It's embarrassing.” Ann shouted while holding tightly onto the towel, wrapped around her body.

  “Come on! You're a grown up—just let me clean your back!” Martha grinned, while scrubbing Ann’s back.

  The maids looked at one another, not sure what to think.

  “Uhm mistress… wouldn't it be more appropriate if we?” The maid immediately stopped talking—she could feel the intense gaze of her mistress.

  “Isn’t it appropriate for a mother to take care of her children?” Martha’s voice turned cold.

  The maids shivered… They had no choice, and nodded in agreement.

  Martha scrubbed Ann’s back and then poured water over her.

  “There now, all better.” Martha smiled, “Now let's get into the hot spring!”

  Ann gaped in disbelief.

  Mother? She’s acting soo… different?

  “Come on, you'll catch a cold!” Martha waved at her.

  With their towels firm around their bodies, they both went into the hot spring.

  Ann tilted her head. “Uhm… mother I'm not sure why—”

  “Shhhh!” Martha placed her finger on Ann’s mouth. “Just relax for a moment.”

  Martha leaned back in the water and took a deep breath.

  Ann looked confused around for a moment. She then did the same—just like her mother.

  Why is Mother acting…

  So… weird?

  The sound of water running gently echoed through the bathhouse. Ann caught the smell of the hot spring—it was relaxing.

  “You know, Anja… I once was in love with someone.” Martha spoke softly.

  Ann sat up straight and looked at her mother—shocked.

  “Huh? You mean other than Father?”

  Martha sat up straight, nodded. “Yes, when I was young and living in the capital.”

  “He was someone I grew up with and… well… I truly wanted to be with him and he felt the same.” Martha lowered her gaze, a hint of sadness.

  Ann stared, awestruck at what she heard. “Uhm… what… what happened?”

  Martha’s gaze met Ann’s. “I tried convincing my parents to let me be with him, but…”

  Martha paused, placing her palm to her chest.

  This is for the best… I have to…

  “I had a duty to fulfill… so—I had to let him go.” Martha spoke with resolve but her voice cracked slightly, and her hand shook.

  “As nobles we have a duty to this nation and to the people, Anja… we cannot be led by our emotions—or we'll suffer.”

  A cold sweat ran down Ann’s spine, realizing the implications of her mother’s words.

  I know… but… still.

  Martha leaned in. “Anja, you cannot let your feelings for that boy lead you astray—your duty is to serve this nation!”

  “Huh?” Ann shook her head. “Mother! I don’t understand.”

  Martha looked down. “You fool, haven't you realized it yet… why are you hesitating about the engagement—you have feelings for Leo!”

  Shock went through Ann and she immediately shot up straight.

  “What? I… I… just?” Ann’s pupils darted back and forth, almost like she was looking for something—hidden.

  She froze and thought deeply of all the times they've spent together, she thought about what had happened to his appraisal and that she couldn't let him go—then.

  Ann sank into the bath.

  No way… am I?

  Ann’s eyes widened and her lips curled into a smile.

  Why am I smiling?

  Ohh… of course…

  “I… like him? I… Like Leo!” Ann’s face flushed red, smashing both her hands on her cheeks.

  Martha sighed. “Yes, do you understand now?”

  Ann slowly nodded, her hands still planted on her cheeks.

  “Anja, has that boy been approaching you?” Martha’s voice turned serious.

  Ann quickly looked away, “No Mother, he has not.”

  I’m not lying… since I'm the one who usually approaches him.

  Martha leaned back. “Ahh… I see, that’s good news.” She sighed in relief.

  “Now that you know, you can resolve yourself for your engagement." Martha stood up and walked out from the hot spring.

  “Mother what?” Ann’s face turned confused.

  Martha glanced back at Ann. “You’ll marry after you graduate from the Royal Academy in five years—by then, I expect you to have dealt with those feelings!”

  Ann blinked several times… trying to process her situation.

  Huh! Dealt with my feelings

  —for Leo?

  Martha’s eyes narrowed. “Do you understand, Anja?” She said in a sharp tone.

  Ann froze, sweat poured down her face… she slowly nodded to her mother.

  ***

  “What do you mean I cannot collect the reward?” Leo shouted in frustration.

  “I’m very sorry, but you aren’t a registered adventurer—therefore we cannot give you a reward!” The receptionist explained calmly.

  “But I got an entire bag of slime cores! Do you know how many I had to hunt?” I gritted my teeth, dangling the bag in front of her face.

  She adjusted her glasses. “Yes, and only registered adventurers can claim the reward.”

  Murmurs across the guild began to surface.

  “Is… is that him?”

  “The one who’s cursed?”

  “Why is he still here? Why hasn't the marquess done anything?”

  I snuck a glance behind me. It's like they think I can’t hear them?

  Fools… utter fools—all of you!

  The girl standing beside the guild receptionist turned towards me.

  “I'm sorry Mr. Nachman… but there’s nothing we can do.” Lili Vein bowed deeply.

  I turned my gaze towards her—surprised.

  Ohh yeah!

  She was that girl—who also got a bad appraisal result.

  I sighed. “Fine, I want you to begin the process of registration!”

  The receptionist's eyes widened. “We did try and register you before, and it's been impossible for someone like you—why do you think this time will be any different?”

  “Ohh, but this time I also have this!” I showed her my name tag.

  “Huh? A ShellCrafter?” She said, coldly.

  Why’d she say it like that?

  “Yes, it's a job title—and last time you said I lacked a title!” I raised my brow, grinning.

  “No, I said you needed a Discipline title! The job title does help—but your Nexus Discipline title is far more important than a job title.” The receptionist said calmly, but her voice trembled with anger.

  “Besides, ShellCrafters aren't known for their combat prowess.” She wiped the lens of her glasses.

  The vein on my forehead—pulsed.

  Did… did she just insult me?

  “Again I’m sorry Mr. Nachman—but our hands are tied.” Lili said sweetly while bowing repeatedly.

  Ahh damn it… I can't be mad when Lili is so kind…

  But this receptionist—ohh she's gonna regret this!

  My lips curled into a smile.

  “Well then, I humbly request to be verified.”

  The receptionist's eyes twitched.

  “You, cannot be serious? We’ve already—”

  “It's the rules, right? I'm only asking for my identification to be verified.” I leaned in.

  “Yes but we’ve already tried that… It’s a waste of time.” She stepped back.

  “It’s normal guild procedure before attending the registration test—is it not?” My smile turned smug.

  She clicked her tongue. “You!”

  “It's okay, Miss Sandra… I'll take care of it.” Lili nervously said and took my name tag.

  She pulled out a very small scroll, only slightly bigger than a playing card. Lili placed my name tag on it—the symbols on the scroll surged with energy and glowed.

  Ahh Lili… why not Sandra. I wanted to see her suffer!

  I tilted my head and stared at Lili while letting out a sigh.

  Sandra turned her sharp gaze at me—looking displeased.

  I raised a brow and puffed my chest… to declare victory over the bureaucracy.

  “Buwahaha! So, you’re the one who’s costing me a lot of money?”

  A familiar voice boomed throughout the guild, everyone froze…

  Sweat poured down my face, I slowly turned my head and forced an awkward grin.

  “Well, if it isn’t the guild master!” I said in a firm voice, but my hand trembled slightly.

  The guild master closed the distance between us, he towered over me like a hulking beast… I stood my ground—my body shivered.

  “So, using our own rules against us I see… you are truly worthy of being that woman's former apprentice, Mr. Nachman!” The guild master laughed.

  My eyes twitched. “It’s not my fault that I cannot attend the registration test and complete my membership! Since a Discipline is required to even take the damn test!”

  “But every time I want to take the test, the guild demands a verification of identity… especially if something changes, before I can take the stupid test!” I sighed.

  Sandra bit her lower lip, she seemed frustrated.

  “—but how can I take the registration test if I'm not even allowed to actually attend the damn test, just because I don't have a Discipline?" I spoke through my teeth—infuriated.

  The guild master slowly nodded, almost like he agreed with me?

  “It’s guild policy, you need a Discipline to be assigned the correct quest—due to safety.” Sandra explained fiercely.

  I glanced at Sandra and folded my arms.

  “Do you see my issue—guild master?”

  The guild master stroked his chin. “Well of course, it makes sense that a verification doesn't require a Discipline—but that the registration test does and therefore you're not even allowed to attend.”

  I widened my eyes, taking a step back.

  Is he agreeing with me?

  Sandra turned her eyes towards the guild master.

  “G… guild master? The procedures are there for—”

  He raised his hand to silence her.

  Sandra froze, she then turned her head down—looking defeated.

  “The procedures have never given us issues before. Normally, if you fail the registration test… there’s no need for new verification, since you are allowed to retake the test.” He calmly explained.

  I tilted my head and raised a brow.

  “But of course, If something changes in your identification-tag before you attend, a new verification is required.” He said with a smug face.

  My eyes drifted at Lili, hard at work.

  I do feel bad—just not for Sandra!

  But it’s not their fault that I can exploit them in two ways. One being the updated name tag, while the other is only something I can do—since I cannot fail or pass the registration test. I’m treated as a first timer who needs verification.

  In other words—I'm an infinite money sink.

  Bureaucracy is really stupid.

  While I stood and chuckled at my own genius—the guild master suddenly placed his hand on top of my head, patting me.

  “So, I need to thank you for finding this little loophole, since verification scrolls cost a lot of money—so thank you for saving me trouble.” The guild master laughed loudly.

  He then turned to the receptionist. “Sandra, I want you to make sure this loophole is fixed… I know Mr. Nachman is a special case and something like this should not happen… I want you to research all possibilities—just in case.”

  Sandra took a step back, then nodded her head.

  “Of… of course guild master—I’ll do it right away.”

  Suddenly a glow of light surged brightly behind the desk. The scroll shined with a red glow—then, turned green.

  “There! Your verification is complete.” Lili smiled brightly.

  I looked down at the desk, the scroll turned into a dark green color. It then evaporated into thin air—leaving only the name tag behind.

  I sighed and shook my head.

  Do they really need to destroy a scroll, every time they verify identity?

  Lili then picked up my name tag with both hands, and handed it to me.

  “Uhm… thank you—Lili…” I said in a gentle voice.

  Lili let out a big smile while she bowed.

  I returned the bow, then I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder and turned my head.

  “Well then, let's get these slimes processed, shall we?” The guild master said.

  “Huh? Don't I need to be registered?” I stared at him.

  “Yes, but it's your lucky day. Because of the current war in the Umun Republic to the south, many refugees have decided to come to our nation.” The guild master explained.

  I tilted my head. “So what does that mean?”

  “Their appraisal methods aren’t as advanced, and the temple order can’t process them quickly. You know what that means?” He grinned.

  My face turned confused. “I’m not sure—”

  “—It means there’s another way for you to become an adventurer!”