"…To think the guild leader would come out to greet us. This is quite nice," Christian murmured quietly beside Cypher.
But the quiet lasted only a second.
Christian sprinted forward. "Guild leader Annabelle~! I'm a big fan of yours!"
Annabelle chuckled softly. "Thank you. But I have something to ask your friend—if that's alright?"
"Of course! Take your time, guild leader!" Christian beamed, stepping aside with exaggerated enthusiasm.
As Annabelle approached Cypher, Christian stood behind her, giving Cypher several dramatic thumbs-ups. Cypher only exhaled a small laugh, shaking his head at Christian's antics.
"This is our second time meeting, right?" Annabelle asked gently.
Cypher only nodded.
"I know this is a personal question," she continued, her voice softer now, "but why did you choose to join this guild? Despite… everything."
Cypher didn't hesitate. "Someone I know recommended it to me."
Annabelle's eyes softened. "Do you know the reason why?"
