The guild was quieter than usual. Papers rustled. A few adventurers chatted in the corner. And behind the desk sat Bella-guild receptionist, gossip sponge, and hopeless romantic-cheeks puffed, brows furrowed.
She slammed her stamp down. "Denied. No, you can't bring a wyvern egg into the lounge, Roko."
The adventurer scratched his head. "But it's warm-"
"Get. Out."
Once he left, Bella sighed and leaned back.
"Someday, someone will bring me a wyvern egg. Or at least a sandwich."
---
Bella's life was simple. Home, guild, novels, repeat. She loved helping people, even if they were reckless swordheads. She was quick to laugh, always offered tea, and wore her heart on her sleeve-especially if that sleeve was holding a book titled Passion at Moonlight Tower.
But that day, Jinn found her curled on the bench behind the guild.
Eyes red. Shoulders trembling.
Jinn approached slowly.
"...Why are you crying, Bella?"
Bella sniffled. "No reason."
Jinn sighed. "I think I know. That's Stephan, right? I told you he'd betray you, but you didn't listen."
Bella gave a weak laugh. "He said I was... 'too nice.' What does that even mean?"
Without thinking, Jinn sat beside her and wrapped her arms around Bella.
It was awkward.
Stiff.
Too warm.
Why is this weird? Jinn thought. Oh right. First time I'm hugging a girl... I never even got to hug a woman in my past life. What a tragic record.
"You'll be fine," she said aloud. "You're Bella. You bounce."
Bella chuckled again. "I don't feel like bouncing today."
"You will." Jinn smirked. "Want a new prince charming? I know someone."
Bella raised an eyebrow. "You're not serious."
"I am. A merchant. Kind, serious, responsible. Met him yesterday."
"Wha-Wait. Merchant? Yesterday? That pouch guy?!"
"Yup. Ven."
Bella's eyes widened. "Jinn! No. I can't! I can't do that to you!"
"Huh? Why me? He's your type, not mine."
Bella flushed. "Still! You hugged me! That's like sacred now!"
Jinn's inner voice sighed: What the hell is this girl saying? I'm still a grown man in here, you know.
She grinned instead. "Just don't waste time crying over clowns."
---
Weeks passed.
One morning, Bella was late. Not for work-but to meet someone.
She'd dropped her books near the plaza. A young soldier passed by, helped her gather them, and offered to walk her halfway. His name was Thane. Soft voice. Strong arms. Confused by flower metaphors, but good at carrying things.
They started meeting often.
Jinn saw them once, laughing under a market tent.
"Well, well," she muttered. "Bella finally found someone who lifts sacks and spirits."
Later that week, Jinn passed by a bookstore. Hidden behind a row of encyclopedias, a cloaked man handed over three wrapped volumes.
Romance novels.
The man turned.
It was Thane.
Jinn's eye twitched.
So he's into love stories too. Same feathered fools, huh? They'll be fine.
---
Bella's days stayed simple. But her laughs came easier now.
And when she looked at Thane, she didn't think about Stephan, or princes, or fairy tale endings.
Just a man with big hands, a warm smile... and, apparently, a secret passion for The Duke's Forbidden Bride.