"So you're here for your book, huh?" Rion said, a hint of surprise in his voice.
Lie nodded. "And what are you doing here, Rion? The guild's in the opposite direction."
Rion scratched the back of his head. "Uh, well... I got lost. Figured the best way to find the guild was to get as high up as possible."
Lie sighed. "You do realize you could've just asked someone, right?"
Rion crossed his arms and pouted. "An adventurer never asks for help!" he declared proudly, pumping his fist.
Lie rolled her eyes and turned toward Clair. "Really sorry for intruding like this," she said, bowing her head.
Clair shook her head with a smile. "No, it's quite okay—really."
Lie's shoulders relaxed, and she spoke again. "So, um... would you happen to have the book I'm looking for?"
Clair smiled, stood, and walked over to her bookshelf. She pulled out a book, then sauntered back over to Lie and handed it to her. "Second in the duology, right?"
Lie's face lit up as she took it. "W-what do I owe you?" she mumbled, still a little awestruck.
Clair shook her head. "Nah, just take it."
Lie looked up. "But I couldn't, I—"
Clair smiled and gestured toward Rion. "He listened to all my blabbering. It's the least I can do."
Hearing his name, Rion grinned. "I sure did." Then he turned to Clair. "So what do I get?"
Clair placed her hands on her hips. "Your partner's happiness."
"HUHHH!?"
Lie watched as Rion and Clair bickered and couldn't help but laugh.
—
Eventually Rion and Lie stood and walked over to the door as Clair watched them prepare to leave.
"You sure you don't wanna join up with us?" Rion asked.
Clair lightly shook her head. "I'll think about it. If I change my mind, I'll come find you."
Rion smirked. "When."
Clair smiled, then rolled her eyes. "Get outta my lighthouse."
Still grinning, Rion turned to go. "Right, see you later."
Lie bowed once more. "Thank you so much for the book. I'll cherish it."
Clair smiled. "I know you will. Enjoy."
With that, Rion and Lie made their leave, and Clair watched them go before the door closed behind them. She turned her gaze toward her shield, let out a sigh, and went to pour another cup of coffee…
Once Rion and Lie made it to the bottom of the lighthouse, they reentered the city and began walking toward the Guild.
"Are you excited?" Lie asked.
Rion, still grinning, nodded. "Yeah—I don't exactly know why, but I really am."
Lie smiled and continued walking. She glanced down at her book, then tucked it carefully into her bag and walked on. Eventually, they reached the Guild and stepped inside.
Immediately, Rion ran toward the quest board. He scanned it quickly, and sure enough—the quest he wanted was still there. He tapped on it, opened the full page, swiped to the bottom, and signed his name with his finger before pressing the blue "Accept" button.
He turned back to Lie with a wide smile and ran over to her.
"I accepted the quest!"
"Already?!" Lie exclaimed.
Rion nodded eagerly, then grabbed her hand and pulled her along. She blushed slightly, then smiled as the two of them ran out of the Guild—hand in hand.
(And thus, Rion's adventure continues…)