The three of them stood still—like statues before a storm.
Elliot, Shirou, and Amelia faced the Highlord of Velgrath, Cedric, unsure whether to bow, speak, or run for the nearest exit. None of them dared make the first move.
Shirou and Amelia both slowly turned their eyes toward Elliot, silently screaming the same thing:
"Say something, damn it! You're the leader!"
Elliot cleared his throat, trying to compose himself. "There's no need to thank us, sir. We were just doing our job. It was part of the mission."
Cedric gave a half-smile. "Elliot, right? Lucus told me you're from the Frostwhisper clan. More than that, you're already at the late Adept stage?" His tone was casual, but the weight behind his words wasn't.
Elliot rubbed the back of his neck, a bit embarrassed. "Yes, but it's not really that big a deal..."
Cedric raised an eyebrow. "Not a big deal? When I was your age, I was barely at late Apprentice level. You're miles ahead of where I was."
He placed a firm hand on Elliot's shoulder, his smile growing wider. "You know, if you're willing, I can personally recommend you for the Sovereign Order."
Time seemed to freeze again.
Elliot's composure cracked for the first time. His eyes widened, stunned. "But... I thought you had to be at least an early Ascendant, or maybe even the peak of late Adept just to apply?"
Shirou, standing beside him, absorbed every word carefully. "So that's the benchmark... Early Ascendant to qualify."
Cedric chuckled. "You're not wrong. Normally, yes. But I think you know who I am." His tone was light, but there was an undeniable authority behind it. "As the Highlord of Velgrath, I have the right to make personal recommendations. Of course, whether or not they accept you will depend entirely on your own abilities."
He leaned slightly closer. "So? What do you say?"
Elliot looked like a man who'd been told the stars had chosen him. His mouth opened, then closed. Again.
He couldn't find the words.
Cedric smirked. "No need to answer now. I can already see your heart screaming yes. After your current mission is over, come meet me in person. I'll make the arrangements."
He reached into his coat and pulled out a small circular medallion. It was silver, with a glowing V etched in the centre. He placed it into Elliot's hand. "Show this to the officers. It has my mana signature embedded. That'll be enough for letting you enter."
Elliot stared at the coin like it was made of naturally formed mana stones. "I... I... tha—me—pers—"
Shirou raised an eyebrow. "Even my Omnilingual skill can't translate that mess."
Amelia leaned over and tapped Elliot's shoulder with her own. "Say something. Anything."
"Thank you," Elliot finally said, managing at least those two words.
Cedric laughed, this time loudly. "You know, if I had a daughter, I'd probably marry her off to you."
Amelia leaned over and whispered to Shirou, "Looks like nobody wants you."
Shirou gave her a sideways glare. "Really? Right now?"
But before he could say anything else, Cedric turned to look at him directly.
"You must be Shirou."
That alone made Shirou tense up, but it was Cedric's next words that really twisted the tension in the room.
"You do know it's illegal to take on guild missions without proper registration."
Amelia's breath caught. Elliot stiffened. Shirou, however, forced himself to stay calm.
"So he knows…" The thought echoed in his mind like a warning bell.
For a few seconds, the air felt heavy. None of them spoke.
Then, suddenly, Cedric burst out laughing again.
"The hell is wrong with this guy?" Shirou thought, blinking in confusion.
Lucus finally stepped forward, speaking for the first time. "I had our security division investigate your backgrounds after you accepted the mission. Considering the sensitive nature of the job, it was necessary."
He glanced at Shirou and the others. "I won't lie. I was planning to report your team to the Guild Association. But after seeing how you handled that first ambush... I decided to let it slide."
Honestly, none of the three were surprised. They had all assumed Lucus would've run a background check. What shocked them was that the Highlord himself was informed. One word from him, and they'd be arrested—or worse.
Elliot stepped forward, straightening his back. "If anyone's to blame, it's me. As team leader, the final decision to include Shirou was mine."
Cedric turned his gaze to Elliot, his smile softening slightly. "You're right. And I should hold you accountable. But I'll let it pass. Just this once."
Then he turned to Shirou again. "But I have to say... I'm glad you joined. Lucus told me you wield three elements and can use some kind of clone technique?"
Shirou said nothing, but gave a respectful nod.
Cedric continued, "Outside of the Silver Moon clan, even having two elemental affinities is rare. But three? That's something else."
His eyes narrowed, studying Shirou more closely.
"So tell me, Shirou. What clan are you from?"
Shirou didn't flinch. His expression stayed calm, even as thoughts stormed through his mind.
"He's definitely done a background check. But he would've found nothing. I wasn't anyone important in this world. Whoever owned this body before I transmigrated probably had no ties. Just a nobody."
He spoke slowly, clearly. "To be honest, I don't know. My parents left me when I was very young. I grew up on the outskirts. I have no memory of my family... or my clan."
Cedric stared at him for a moment, then nodded. "I see."
After a pause, he added, "You should go get registered at the Guild as soon as you can."
"I understand," Shirou replied.
Cedric's gaze moved to Amelia next. "You too. All three of you did a good job. Just... if I were you—" he paused, his tone growing heavier, "—I'd keep it that way."
None of them missed the weight behind those words. It wasn't just praise—it was a warning. A subtle reminder.
Keep the mission quiet. Keep the mana stones a secret.
He then turned to Lucus. "Duty calls. I'll be taking my leave now."
"Of course. I understand," Lucus said with a polite nod.
The trio watched as Cedric turned and walked away, his cloak trailing behind him. The man beside him—still silent, still unreadable—followed closely.
Their figures faded into the crowd, and the celebration slowly resumed.
But Shirou, Amelia, and Elliot stood still, eyes on the exit.
Those last words echoed in their minds, louder than any music or laughter in the hall.
"If I were you... I'd keep it that way."