The D-Rank Guild Master of the No. 1 Guild

“It’s no joke. I wonder if someone’s going to pick a fight,” Unahar muttered, looking down over the railing.

Having 15 factions capable of interacting with each other gathered in a public area was definitely reminiscent of the chaotic Warring States period.

“It’ll be fine. They said there’s a penalty for fighting in the shopping district.”

No guild leader in their right mind would start trouble here. Well, unless they were a reckless, arrogant brute like Yudirei…

Unahar suddenly turned to look at me. He chuckled softly before speaking in a sly tone.

“But what’s with that bandana?”

“It’s nothing you need to worry about.”

I had my face covered with a headscarf, but I couldn’t honestly say it was to avoid Yudirei. I had to maintain my image as a dignified and formidable leader.

“Are you avoiding someone?”

“No, nothing like that.”

“I think I know.”

Unahar, who had been smiling, suddenly pushed me against the wall just as I was about to turn my head. He quickly positioned himself to shield me with his body.

“…!”

At that exact moment, I saw a girl with a crooked bob haircut walk past, a sickle strapped to her back.

…As expected of Unahar, his keen senses detected Yudirei’s presence before I did, thanks to his superior stats averaging B+.

Fortunately, Yudirei didn’t notice me and walked away. It seemed she didn’t recognize Unahar in his human form.

Then again, she probably wasn’t interested in anything besides fighting.

“…It’s okay now, Unahar?”

Unahar’s firm hold on me left me pressed against his back. Even after I called his name, he didn’t let go immediately.

[Emotion State] Heart pounding

I didn’t need an alert to know; I could already hear my heartbeat through his back…

Eventually, Unahar released me, and we awkwardly sat down somewhere nearby. I turned my head and silently sighed.

How long would this difficult situation continue? I wished I could openly ask Unahar to stop having feelings for me…

But the problem was that Unahar’s mood had been [Emotion State: Depressed] even during dinner last night. For someone who generally enjoyed socializing, this indicated his depression was worsening.

One wrong move could lead to his despair turning into self-harm again.

So I kept my mouth shut, hoping his feelings for me wouldn’t grow any stronger.

At that moment, an announcement echoed through the area.

[Attention, please. We will now begin the lottery for the event round roles!]

The sound of the NPC’s voice buzzing through the microphone filled the air.

[As stated in the announcement, the background for the event round is ‘Virtual Medieval Fantasy.’ Each guild leader will be immersed in the fantasy world, forming groups of 4 to 6 members and performing assigned roles. There are two main types of missions: one where teams of 2 to 3 members work together to achieve a goal, and another where the entire group must collaborate to accomplish a final mission. To summarize, after completing the team missions, each group will gather at a designated location in the field to achieve the final objective.]

So I have to partner with someone within Group 1? Please, let it be Aleon or Shemarin. Anyone but Yudirei. I found myself clasping my hands together, praying earnestly. Unahar found my reaction amusing.

[First, we will announce the roles for Group 1!]

Without any unnecessary suspense, the roles were promptly revealed.

Noble Lady: Rudel

Maid: Shemarin

Oh, I guess I’ll be with Shemarin? That’s fine. Anyone is better than Yudirei. Besides, I have some things to discuss with Shemarin.

Duke: Lesia

Knight Commander: Blance

Hmm, I’m not sure about this combination. Personality-wise, they are polar opposites. But they might get along surprisingly well. It’s the meeting of a character with a mature mindset and one who looks the part.

Wait, then the remaining two are…?

Tower Lord: Yudirei

Apprentice Mage: Aleon

A meeting of pure evil and absolute good, how intriguing. Even in my long gaming career as a renowned director, I couldn’t predict the future of these two characters.

At least, this outcome would likely captivate the viewers, who’d consider it a ‘major event’ and ‘the clash of the strongest in the world,’ drawing a lot of interest to Group 1.

But Aleon and Yudirei having to work together on missions before joining the rest of us at the rendezvous point… The outcome of this event already feels precarious.

All I could do was press the state window and connect to the guild leader communication.

[“Aleon… Yes, it’s good to hear from you too… Hang in there. Just hang in there. Don’t ask why, just do it! Always stay safe. Got it?”]

* * *

**

Agasa Guild’s outpost, the fortress.

The time is the morning after the ‘Guild Feature Special: Drinking Party,’ which means it’s half a day before the ‘Event Round Role Lottery.’

“I have something to ask you.”

Akata seeking out someone other than Rudel of his own volition was unprecedented. As Nahean, being dragged along, listened to the boy with a curious expression, he couldn’t help but laugh after hearing the full story.

“Hahaha…”

And after a while, having listened to Akata’s story, Nahean laughed heartily.

“Sorry for laughing.”

Then, suddenly stopping his laughter, he spoke resolutely.

“So, you had that kind of dream. From what I can tell, you like Rudel.”

Akata was momentarily stunned. A look of confusion, bordering on disbelief, appeared on his face.

“Of course I like her. From the moment I first saw her…”

“No, no, I mean you want to be a man in front of Rudel.”

Akata fell silent for a long time, his eyes cast downward. His fingers fidgeted nervously.

Sitting on the armrest of the sofa, Nahean, understanding the turmoil Akata was going through, continued gently.

“It’s not a bad thing. It just means you’ve grown up faster than I have. I always knew you were mature for your age.”

Akata looked up abruptly, his brown eyes wide with surprise.

“But how can that be? She’s practically raised me…”

“Rudel? Sure, she’s looked after you… but she hasn’t really raised you, has she? You’re fifteen; you’re practically grown up already.”

Akata felt his heart drop at his slip of the tongue. He almost revealed that Rudel resembled Aria. Fortunately, he stopped himself just in time. 

But still, how could he feel this way about Rudel, who looked just like his family, Aria?

“And besides, I’m still a child.”

“You’re not a child from the moment you start loving someone.”

Nahean retorted playfully.

Love.

The unfamiliar word struck Akata deeply.

Images flashed through his mind: Rudel’s gentle touch, the warmth she conveyed through her heart, her gaze, smile, scent, the smoothness of her healthy skin…

Everything about her was beautiful and enchanting.

Lost in a reverie, Akata realized something profound.

“Rudel is such a wonderful person… even if she didn’t resemble Aria, I would have naturally fallen in love with her eventually.”

Realizing this truth, Akata felt frozen once more, now fully aware of his inner feelings.

“There are people in the subordinates group who are in love. Ah, but this is a secret from the guild leader, okay? Anyway, what I’m saying is, from listening to people in love, I can give you some advice…”

Despite his young age, Nahean’s understanding of people was exceptional, and his next words pointed Akata towards a new path.

“Don’t trap yourself by thinking you’re too young. If you truly like Rudel, if you want to be her lover someday, you need to start expressing it now. You need time to grow into an adult, so your starting line is further back. You need to put in that much more effort.”

Akata took Nahean’s advice to heart, pondering each word carefully. Even after returning to his private quarters, he continued to mull over the conversation.

“Rudel! Did you do well with the role drawing? What role did you get?” 

While he was deep in thought, Rudel had returned from her outing. Voices of guild members greeting her filled the space beyond his door. 

Akata rose from his seat.

* * *

Without a moment’s rest, it was time to depart for the event round. Back at the guild fortress, I hurriedly said my goodbyes.

“Rudel, it’s not dangerous, so have fun and do well!” 

Lilith was the first to give me a tight hug and words of encouragement.

“Whatever you do, it will draw attention. Best of luck.” 

I exchanged greetings with Kanel, and Gio… well, he gave me a half-hearted wave, which was a significant improvement for him.

I made sure to particularly remind Unahar to take care of himself. I clung to him, giving more attention than he probably wanted, but inside, there was so much more I wished to say.

‘Please, don’t retreat into your cave while I’m gone. And don’t clash with Akata. That kid didn’t mean anything by trying to kiss me…’

Unahar pretended to forget what happened at the drinking party, but thinking about it still annoyed me a bit.

Honestly, it’s none of your business if Akata and I kiss. You’re not in a position to interfere or get angry. We’re not anything to each other.

…Sorry for thinking this way. I’m pretty cold, aren’t I?

‘I still haven’t said goodbye to Akata.’

I scanned the area, looking for the boy with the red hair.