It had been a week since the festival, and The Enchanted Hearth remained closed.
Serys hadn't expected the doors to stay shut this long. Then again, she also hadn't anticipated the festival drawing in ten thousand visitors per day—five times the usual crowd, according to the reports Samsan compiled from the Merchant Guild and Halen from the Registry.
"Tourism really picked up this year. I wonder why…" Samsan mused, sipping his tea in his usual corner of the bakery.
Halen chuckled, stroking his beard. "Maybe someone should start selling maps with Larkwell's Bakery circled in red."
"Or souvenirs," Ronan added. "Mini Serys dolls, perhaps."
Serys leveled a flat stare at them over the rim of her teacup.
"Don't you two have offices?" she asked, ignoring Ronan entirely.
Halen feigned a sigh. "Ah, but your bakery is so much cozier."
Her lips twitched. The truth was, The Enchanted Hearth hadn't been much of a bakery lately. The last of her flour and sugar had gone into the guild's parade float, and she neither had the stock nor the time to reopen just yet. The latest shipment was already delayed, leaving her shelves barren and her patience thinner than usual.
Iona fidgeted with her apron. "Are we really staying closed today?"
Iona's gaze fell on Serys, who sat by the window, resting her chin on one hand while absentmindedly stirring her tea with the other.
"For the fifth time, yes," Ronan grumbled.
"Even if the shipment arrives," Serys added, "we won't have dough proofed or fillings ready. It'll take days to get back to normal."
She drained the rest of her tea, set the cup aside, and rose.
"How will we know when the deliveries arrive?" Ronan asked.
"The invoice will be sent to the guild house. They'll find me there," Serys replied.
While Ronan and Iona didn't mind waiting for supplies, they had a feeling Serys had another reason for closing up so quickly. And sure enough, the very next day…
"Nice one, former Vice Captain. Are you back on duty?" Gaius teased as he eyed Serys, now clad in her summer armor.
Her outfit consisted of a pale-gold tulle and satin cropped top with a heart-shaped neckline, held together by intricate metallic straps over her shoulders. An asymmetrical skirt exposed her knees, while a pair of strappy flats completed the ensemble. From her elbows to her wrists, flared sleeves billowed like silk banners. The crimson embroidery on her clothes almost perfectly matched her hair.
She carried her staff—a long, elegant rod wrapped in gold and white metallic vines, topped with a red-glowing orb.
"I'm just here to welcome the newbies," Serys said, tucking her staff behind her, the weight balanced between her elbows.
"Yep, she's right," Gress added, brushing dust off his armor—a matte silver set with red embellishments. Unlike his bulkier battle gear, this one was tailored for the summer heat, covering only vital areas like his chest, joints, stomach, and thighs, while leaving the rest exposed for ventilation.
His sword and shield, however, more than compensated—a longer blade and a larger shield to make up for the reduced armor coverage.
Rieze emerged from the stairs, wearing an identical set to Gress's, but in midnight black, with intricate designs glowing like molten lava between cracks of stone.
"She asked to be paid," Rieze remarked dryly.
Gaius frowned. "She did? I deserve payment too, y'know."
Everyone in Exousia was dressed in color-coordinated armor designed for extreme heat, except for the newest recruits. The senior members wanted to present their best as today marked the official induction of new guild members.
In the grand dining hall, Exousia's leaders and senior members stood at the front, facing the gathered newcomers.
Rieze stepped forward first.
"My name is Rieze Crestfall, and as of today, I am your guild master. My class is Warrior, and I specialize in Battle Axe mastery."
"I am your Vice Captain, Gress Windwalker. Paladin master, Elven race."
"I'm Serys Larkwell, healer class, master of Light and Holy Magic."
Serys felt a playful tug on her ponytail. She glanced at Gress beside her.
"O-owner of The Enchanted Hearth bakery," she added with a smile.
A firm palm landed on her head from the other side—Rieze.
"F-former Vice Captain of Exousia," she sighed.
A long pause followed as the other senior members slowly turned their heads to look at her.
"Ugh… fine," she groaned. "And half-price on any item at The Enchanted Hearth for guild members!"
The room erupted into cheers, and Serys heaved a sigh of relief. Afterward, the lieutenants introduced themselves.
As the orientation continued, Rieze finally addressed the gathered recruits.
"Exousia stands strong because of each and every one of you. We are bound not just by skill, but by respect and adherence to our principles. As you embark on your journeys, remember the three rules."
Serys stepped forward. "One: Treat everyone respectfully and truthfully."
"Two: Do the right thing," Gress added.
Rieze nodded. "And three: There is a place for everything, and everything has its place."
As his words settled over the room, he glanced at Gaius, who gestured for him to continue.
"This guild is not just an organization; it's a family. Support one another, grow together, and always strive for excellence." He paused, sweeping his gaze over the recruits. "Now, go forth and show the world what Exousia stands for!"
The hall erupted into cheers, the enthusiasm infectious. The first day at the guild house was off to a strong start, with the orientation followed by a celebratory feast. Some adventurers began settling into dormitories, while others lined up to register for private rooms. The lieutenants reviewed overdue quests, and the prefects debated chore assignments, arguing over who would have the right to explore the still-unmapped basement.
Meanwhile, in the receiving room, Gress and Serys watched the chaos unfold.
Serys blew on her tea, smiling. "Isn't this lovely?"
Gress took a bite of his butter biscuit, smirking. "Yes, it is. I have new sla—I mean, students to train."
Serys raised an eyebrow at her friend.
She knew exactly what he had planned. His training regimen was infamous within the guild—rigorous, borderline reckless, and yet strangely effective. She herself had once been one of his first trainees, and somehow, despite everything, she had grown to enjoy it.
"You never know," she mused, resting her head against his shoulder. "You might find a rough diamond or two, thanks to your… unique teaching methods."
"Aww… another Serys in the making!" Gress laughed, pulling her into a bear hug. As he prepared to sway her in his arms, a sharp thud echoed across the room.
The hair on his nape stood on end.
He immediately let go of Serys, both of them turning toward the door just in time to see their guild master walking away.
"If I die suddenly, tell everyone it was Rieze."
"Same, friend. Same," Serys answered.
Outside the guild house, the sun was setting, illuminating the training fields with golden light. Senior members were stretching and sparring lightly in preparation for the upcoming days, as Gress and Serys approached them with drinks in hand.
Gress glanced at Serys. "So, since you're back—even if unofficially—what's next?"
Serys chuckled, shaking her head. "Who said I'm back?"
Gaius, passing by, laughed. "Oh, you're back, alright."
Serys sighed, but the amused glint in her eyes never faded. "We'll see."