The Dreamer's POV

Chapter 127: Aftermath Of The Meeting

[00 Months: 13 Days: 14 Hours]

As the din of the meeting began to subside, I spotted a familiar figure approaching me

It was good ol' Bernard. It still amazed me that I managed to get close to the Guildmaster of Terance, though I suppose that paled in comparison to my current social standing.

Despite his imposing stature, he wore a warm and friendly smile. I felt a sense of nostalgia as I approached him.

"Guildmaster Bernard," I greeted, extending a hand. "It's been a while."

"Ah, Luke," he replied, grasping my hand firmly. Before I knew it, he drew me closer, embracing me passionately.

"You've done well, lad! You really did it!"

I had no idea what he was talking about. Did he know about the Duke's condition? Did that mean he was also aware of the true nature of our mission?

'Well, he's a longtime acquaintance of the Lyma Family, so maybe that's the case…'

"Ack! You're hugging too tight!" I protested after realizing Benard just wasn't letting go.

"Haha! My bad. I apologize!"

He seemed quite jovial. So far, everything seemed to be looking up.

We fell into easy conversation, catching up on our respective endeavors. Bernard updated me about the Terance Guild's activities after I left while I shared bits about my experiences in the Lyma Family.

Of course, I steered away from the sensitive stuff.

As we spoke, I noticed a soft rustle in the corner of my eye.

Turning, I was met with the sight of Seraphina, inconspicously moving in our direction.

'What's she doing here?'

She approached us gracefully, a soft smile gracing her lips.

"Oh, my apologies, I didn't mean to interrupt your conversation," she said, her eyes flicking between Bernard and me.

'She's saying that, yet she approached us of her own free will…' I noticed her cutesy demeanor, so I decided not to explore the matter any further.

Bernard chuckled heartily, turning to me with a knowing grin.

"No harm done, my lady," he responded. "Actually, Luke and I were just finishing up."

He nudged me slightly, winking in a manner that was far too mischievous for a man of his stature.

"Luke," he said, "why don't you escort Lady Seraphina to her quarters? We can continue our chat later."

'This guy…' I grinned internally. '... He knows what's up.'

Deciding to play along, I stammered out a quick response, "Of course, Guildmaster. It would be my honor."

Turning to Lady Seraphina, I extended my arm to her, ready to accompany her to her quarters. Despite the unexpected turn of events, I couldn't help but feel amused.

Bernard's knack for throwing me into unexpected situations hadn't changed one bit.

'Well then… I wonder why Seraphina came to see me.'

*******

As I walked with Lady Seraphina, we moved away from the busy hubbub of the meeting and found ourselves in the mansion's serene garden.

Bathed in the soft light of the moon, it was tranquil and intimate, with the gentle gurgle of a nearby fountain the only sound that punctuated the silence.

We found a comfortable spot near the fountain, sitting side by side.

"You'll be leading the charge, won't you?" Seraphina asked suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence that had enveloped us.

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Her voice was laden with worry, her gaze fixed on the ripples of the fountain.

I turned to her, her moonlit profile striking against the darkness.

"I will," I replied, my voice steady. "But don't worry about me, Seraphina. I'm going to come back with good news."

I had no idea just how much she knew about the true nature of the expedition. Did she know we would be facing the Nine Headed Dragon Alliance? With the way she looked at so passionately and intensely, I had to guess so.

Seraphina and her sisters, as well as the Duchess, were going to remain in the Estate. Same with the Duke and a few of his stewards; Oswald included.

They couldn't leave the mansion empty, now could they?

"But Luke..." she began, her words trailing off, concern still etched on her face.

"I promise," I interjected before she could continue, offering her a comforting smile. "I will protect Theo with everything I've got. Drius too. We've got this under control."

I was surprised when I heard it too, but Theo was going to accompany us on the mission. It would be his debut performance as the next head of the Lyma Family.

Everyone was against it, but Theo desperately wanted to come along, and so the Duke agreed, seeing it as an opportunity for him to grow.

'The Lyma Family's grooming methods are a bit extreme…' I thought to myself.

I did promise the Duke that I would protect Theo with everything I had. Drius would act as his personal guard, so we had the security pretty guaranteed.

I gazed at Seraphina after I assured her, and it seemed my promise helped.

The tension in her body seemed to ease slightly at my words.

"I can't thank you enough for everything you're doing for us, Luke," she said, gratitude shining in her eyes.

"Why... why are you willing to go so far for my family?"

In the dim light, her sincerity was unmistakable.

The question hung heavily in the air, and I felt a strange surge of emotion welling up within me.

'I want profit. That's the goal. But…'

I gazed into her eyes, my heart thumping loudly in my chest, and said, "I just want you to be happy, Seraphina."

Yes, I wanted the rewards that would come with this mission. I was bound to shoot up the ranks of prominence in this world once this expedition was over.

It was even likely that I was going to Level Up as well.

However, even with all of these, I still… felt happy that Seraphina and her family would be safe afterwards.

I genuinely wanted to help them—no, I genuinely wanted to help her.

A soft blush tinted her cheeks, and she looked at me, her eyes wide with surprise.

She smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile, and I felt an undeniable urge to speak more.

But before I could utter another word, she leaned in and kissed me.

'A-ah….'

Her lips met mine in a fervent, passionate kiss.

Time seemed to stand still as we got lost in the moment, the rest of the world fading away.

As I sat there, I was lost in myriad of thoughts.

'What am I doing?'

'Is this right?'

'I shouldn't be indulging in this!'

However, before I knew it, I shoved those thoughts aside and simply enjoyed the moment.

After what felt like an eternity, she pulled away, her face flushed and her eyes bright.

"I'll be expecting your return, Luke," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Good luck."

With a final glance and a gentle squeeze of my hand, she turned and ran towards the mansion, leaving me by the fountain, my heart pounding in my chest.

As I watched her retreating figure, I felt a surge of determination.

I would return, and I would bring victory for her, for her family, and for myself.

'Everything will work out perfectly! I promise.'

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[A/N]

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