CHAPTER 71: OVERPROTECTIVE

"Now get out of my sight, now!" Mirinda screamed.

The two men rushed toward the door. It closed automatically behind them with a loud bang.

Still breathing heavily, Mirinda slumped into her chair. She leaned back, draping one hand over her eyes, her entire posture drained.

"Oh, my luck... To think that guy had the gall to say all that to my face. This is the first time I’ve ever had to handle newcomers like that," Mirinda muttered.

Ida, standing calmly beside her, offered a more measured take. "I don’t think it’s wise to let him go, Guildmaster. He’s an S-rank. Arrogant, yes, but he must have the power to back it up."

"I know that!" Mirinda groaned, dragging her hands down her face. "But the way he said it... It really triggered me. Ugh! What should I do now?"

"I agree with Ida," Beltimore said, arms folded, tone thoughtful. "Letting him walk away would be a huge loss. I have a proposal, if you’re willing to hear it."

"Spit it out," Mirinda snapped.

"Let me test him. See what he’s capable of myself," Beltimore said. "Besides, the only reason I went along with the ceremony was because William pushed me into it. He must have seen something in those two if he dared ask me to speed things up."

"Big brother William asked you?" Ida’s eyes widened in surprise.

William was well-known throughout the guild. Even as a C-rank, his experience and influence were nearly on par with the Guildmaster and Beltimore. If he vouched for someone, it meant something.

Mirinda’s hand slowly lowered from her face. Her gaze drifted toward the guild insignia engraved on her desk. She stared at it, deep in thought... before suddenly springing to her feet and dashing toward the balcony door.

She flung it open and called out, "Stop, both of you!"

Down below, Bob and Alan froze in place and looked up.

"If you’re still interested in joining our guild," Mirinda declared loudly, "then tomorrow, you will both take part in a Cave Beast hunt to prove your abilities. Beltimore and another senior will accompany you."

She turned and strode back into the room. Beltimore and Ida followed behind her.

"Another senior?" Beltimore asked, adjusting his glasses. But in truth, he already had a good guess who Mirinda had in mind.

"Alice will accompany you. She just returned from her duty today. Go ask her," Mirinda said, matter-of-factly.

"Why do I need her?" Beltimore asked with a sigh. "I can handle this task on my own."

"It’s not about the Cave Beast," Mirinda replied, crossing her arms. "It’s about that other guy, the classless one. He’ll be a burden, and Bob will definitely insist on dragging him along. With Alice there, at least you’ll have extra support and another pair of capable eyes. Besides, you and Alice are the only A-ranks we have left."

"Fine." Beltimore exhaled and turned toward the door. "If that’s your wish, I’ll speak with her now."

He walked out, closing the door gently behind him.

Inside, Ida remained by the desk, concern flickering in her eyes. "Are you really sure about this, Guildmaster? Just the four of them against a Cave Beast? That usually takes a whole party of ten or more."

"If Bob really is S-rank, this should be nothing for him," Mirinda said quietly. "But that Alan guy... Why does Bob keep insisting on bringing him along?"

She walked over to her desk and slumped into her high-backed chair, spinning it slowly to face the window.

Ida looked at her eyes for a moment. "I truly want them in our guild, Guildmaster," she said softly. "If William says he saw something in those two, then I believe it too. There must be something special about them."

Mirinda didn’t reply immediately. Her gaze lingered on the horizon beyond the glass as she spinning the chair slowly to face the window.

"Then let’s hope that they survive the trial I’ve given to them."

---

At the entrance of Rose Gate City, a black carriage rolled forward, pulled by a team of sleek horses. Behind it, dozens of knights followed on horseback, their armor gleaming in the light. As always, a crowd had gathered along the roadside, because when that black carriage appeared, it could only mean one thing: the royalty of Rose City was passing by.

Inside the carriage, Princess Reika sat quietly, her golden-blonde hair fluttering gently in the breeze that seeped through the open window. She leaned her cheek against her hand, gazing out at the vibrant flower gardens that lined the streets, gardens that marked the transition between the commoners’ zone and the noble district of the city.

"Are you tired, Princess?" asked a woman sitting across from her. She wore a white ceremonial gown beneath a polished breastplate, the formal attire of a royal guardian. Her hair was cut short, chestnut brown, and neatly tucked behind her ears.

Reika turned her head and gave a gentle smile. "Ahh... No, I’m not tired, Githa. I was just thinking about the people affected by the disaster. My tiredness is nothing compared to their suffering."

"You should still rest after this, Reika," came a sterner voice from beside her.

It was Prince Reymond, sitting with his arms folded and eyes closed. "I’ll speak to Father about keeping you restrained for the next few weeks. You’ve overexerted yourself."

"There’s no need, Brother Reymond," Reika replied, a hint of annoyance in her tone. "I’m fine. I’m not a little girl anymore. I’m turning twenty-three this year."

She puffed her cheeks slightly, pouting. "You and Brother Reid are always so overprotective. Maybe that’s why no man dares approach me."

"If a man wants to get close to you," Reymond said, his arms still folded, "then he’ll have to defeat both me and Brother Reid first."

"Ahhh... looks like I’ll be single forever," Reika sighed dramatically.

Sir Dave and Githa exchanged smiles. They were used to this kind of sibling interaction. Among the three royal siblings, such banter was a familiar sight. Though Reika often behaved playfully with those she trusted, she carried herself with grace and nobility in public.