Chapter 3:
Rowan sat by the guild tables, counting the bronze he had earned from an earlier quest after his chat with Celestia.
"One hundred and fifty bronze… not bad for me," he muttered, placing the coins into a small sack before slipping it into his pocket.
"Hey… Rowan, right?" a male voice asked.
Rowan lifted his head and saw an unfamiliar face. The boy looked to be around the same age as him, with short blue hair and a white-and-gold academy coat. Rowan simply stared at him without a word.
"You don't know me, but… I came with a friend," the boy said, stepping aside.
"Hey there, buddy!" a cheerful voice shouted from the guild doors as another person entered.
Rowan placed a hand on his face, looking down as he shook his head.
"Arcanis… what has he done this time…" he whispered.
"Quite nothing, actually," the noble said. "You see, we've been looking for C-rankers to help with our mission—my friends and I, that is. And it just so happens he told us about you. He said you're skilled at making potions and that you use them to compensate for your lack of Atherion when casting healing magic."
Rowan didn't reply. He simply narrowed his eyes, staring at the noble.
"Oh, forgive me," the noble said. "I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Sylas of the Silverlief family. Sylas Silver." He took a slight bow.
A Silverlief… Rowan thought. A family known for producing A-rankers and royal knights. What would someone like him want with lowlifes like me?
"What do you want with me?" Rowan asked, leaning back in his chair.
"Straight to business, I see," Sylas replied. "May I have a seat?" He gestured to the chair beside him.
"It's a free world," Rowan said, folding his arms.
"Thank you." Sylas sat down. "My team lacks a support healer. We're made up mostly of high-tier fighters. Your friend over there turned out to be quite the informant, so he directed us to you."
"You want me—an F-ranker—to join a team of nobles?" Rowan shouted, laughing. "How funny can you be? Listen, Sir Silver, the offer's nice and all, but I—"
"The offer includes fifty gold coins," Sylas interrupted calmly. "Your job would be to support us with potions and healing. Your buddy will help carry the supplies. You won't need to step onto the front line."
Rowan stopped laughing. He stared straight into Sylas's eyes, searching for any hint of deception.
"You seem serious about this," Rowan said.
"Of course I am," Sylas replied. "If my team completes this mission, our titles will rise." He smirked and pointed at Rowan. "That includes yours."
"Give me time to think about it," Rowan said, already standing and walking away.
"You have until tomorrow," Sylas added without turning around. "Once you've decided, meet me here."
What's the real deal with that guy? Rowan thought as he walked past the buildings. Could he actually mean what he's saying? Is this some kind of trap? No… no noble has ever dared ambush me, even outside the capital… so why now?
Lost in thought, Rowan bumped into someone. Before he could fall, a hand grabbed him and pulled him upright. He looked up and sighed.
"Celestia."
"You know it," she said with a smile. "Come on—let's take a stroll." she added already taking the lead.
They walked for hours before finally stopping at a restaurant.
"You've been distracted this whole time," Celestia said. "Are you okay?"
"Well… the Silverlief family," Rowan said. "How well do you know them?"
"Hmmm…" She placed a hand on her chin. "They worked hard to reach where they are, and once they promise something, they keep their word. Why do you ask?"
"It's nothing," Rowan replied, shaking his head. "Though we've been waiting a while—the sun's about to set."
"You're right. Waiter!" Celestia raised her hand.
"Right away, ma'am," the waiter replied.
Hours passed, and by the time they left the restaurant, the sun had already set.
"Damn, we sure waited," Rowan said, grinning.
"Yeah, but it was worth it," Celestia replied, her belly sticking out like she was pregnant.
"For you, definitely," Rowan laughed. "You ordered like there was no tomorrow and finished everything. Damn, you're high maintenance." He scratched his back and looked away.
"Hehe, I'm not that bad," she said. "Remember when you took me to your favorite place? The food there was amazing—way better than this!"
"Yeah, and you almost wiped out their entire supply," Rowan replied sarcastically.
"But the food was soooo good," she said, puffing out her cheeks.
Rowan stopped walking. "Looks like we made it. My lady, you've arrived home safely."
"Thank you for keeping me safe, my knight," Celestia replied.
They both laughed as she rushed inside.
"See you tomorrow, Rowan!" she waved.
"Same here," he replied, waving back.
Rowan headed home, his mind filled with thoughts of the offer. As soon as he arrived, he stormed into his room and collapsed onto his bed.
"I never got the chance to use this… I wonder if it works as intended," he murmured, pulling a gray potion from his inner pocket.
"Hmmm…"
With that, he fell asleep.
The next day, Rowan returned to the guild. Sylas Silver was already seated where they had met before.
"Looks like you came," Sylas said, standing up.
Rowan showed no smile, no warmth. "Let's just get this mission over with."
"Good choice. Then I suggest we sign in so you're officially with us—for now, at least," Sylas said, heading to the counter.
Alliance papers were brought out, and both Sylas and Rowan signed them.
"That clears everything," the receptionist said. "Mister Rowan, you are now authorized to enter higher-ranked guild quests while partnered with a qualified adventurer. Have a great day."
"Hope you're ready to meet the team," Sylas said as he walked out.
Outside, Rowan saw the group—three nobles, making four including Sylas, and one C-ranker.
"Why did we really have to bring him of all weaklings?!" Lucien shouted.
Right… guess he never agreed with this, Rowan thought.
"Because he's one of the best alchemists around our age," Sylas replied.
"So what? We could just buy potions if that's what we're worried about," a female voice scoffed.
"Come on, Seraphin, you know it's not just about that," Sylas replied.
"Then what is it about?" another female voice asked.
"It's more about…" Sylas said, placing a hand on his chin and looking up.
Julie, Rowan thought, stepping back. She hates me the most. She used to be friends with the princess before me, and now she thinks I stole her away.
This doesn't make sense… Why is this group made up mostly of people who hate me? Yes, they're all talented fighters, but why do I feel like something's going to go wrong?
"Hey, Rowan, what's got you so uptight?" Arcanis laughed, patting his back. "We're doing our first A-rank mission. Be happy!"
"Nothing about this feels right," Rowan said, his voice deepening as his gaze locked onto the nobles. "I think we might be walking into a trap."
"Man, you worry too much," Arcanis laughed, though his eyes darted around.
"What aren't you telling me?" Rowan asked, side-eyeing him.
"N-nothing, I swear," Arcanis replied, still avoiding his gaze.
"You know I can tell when you're lying, right?" Rowan said. "What am I supposed to know?"
Arcanis sighed.
"Look… it'd be best if you—"
"Enough talking!" Sylas shouted. "Everything's settled. Let's move out!"
"Never mind," Arcanis said quickly, rushing ahead.
Rowan watched the team walk away, unease tightening in his chest.
What was he about to tell me…?
To be continued...