Knock knock.
"Mhhm?"
Knock knock.
"…Violet?"
It was Mama Célene's voice.
"Violet, get up! A letter has arrived for you!"
Knock knock.
"Yes, I'm getting up…"
Violet forced herself to sit up, stretching and yawning.
A letter? For me?
Still yawning, she pushed herself to her feet and glanced around the room.
Spotting her robe, she lazily got dressed, then hastily fixed her hair. Once ready, she adjusted the laurel crown on her head and stepped out of the room, walking slowly through the corridors until she reached the dining room, where Mother and the children were waiting at the table.
"Hi, big sis!"
Lili greeted her with a bright smile as soon as she entered.
"You're such a sleepyhead as always."
Piro crossed his arms, giving her a scolding look, while Célene—holding her usual ladle—was stirring the large pot hanging over the fire.
On the table, right in Violet's usual spot, lay a dark brown, rough-looking envelope.
"What's that?"
Gal pointed at it, drawing the attention of the others, who all turned to look.
Lili immediately burst out with questions.
"Is it a letter from your boyfriend? Did he write to you?"
"No way, it's totally a challenge letter!"
Gal cut in, only for Negis to jump in too.
"Yeah! She probably made someone mad, and now they wanna fight her in a duel to the death!"
The children grew increasingly animated, bombarding each other with theories about who might have sent the letter.
Ideas flew everywhere: a love letter, a challenge, a credit notice, or maybe a long-lost uncle leaving her a huge inheritance.
"Now, children, calm down,"
Célene interrupted, trying to quiet them.
"Let Violet read her letter in peace."
Still standing, Violet approached the table and sat down, lifting the envelope to examine it.
The paper was thick and rough to the touch.
It was sealed with red wax, stamped with an emblem of a crossed sword and staff.
"But this… this is the guild's symbol?!"
Silence fell over the room.
Everyone—including Célene—stared at Violet, waiting.
Violet broke the seal with her fingers, opened the envelope, and pulled out the letter to read it.
Miss Vandellione,
The Adventurers' Guild of Giltown hereby summons you to discuss certain private matters.
You are requested to report to our headquarters as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
S.
Summoned? Did something go wrong with the registration?