CH 4

*** Daphne’s POV ***

“Have a seat.”

Contrary to his appearance, his voice was much lower than I thought. However, it was clear he hadn’t heard the rumors about me. I shakily took a seat. I still couldn’t believe I’d entered this interview without running away. Well, I couldn’t have done this sober. I slumped back in the chair, my mind still reeling from last night’s hangover.

‘I might as well say sorry now and get out.’

But before I could say anything, I heard someone pleading, even though no words were spoken. The turquoise eyes across from me seemed to beg me not to leave. I didn’t know why I felt that way, but I couldn’t look away from the hero staring me straight in the eye.

‘It’s okay, even if this is an illusion. Even if I leave dejected like everyone else.’

I’ll just go back to living the way I’m used to.

My thoughts were not very comforting. The hero was going to reject me anyway. Locking eyes with the giant, who stood behind the hero, arms crossed, staring at me, I bowed my head deeply. It was probably Georg, the hero’s assistant, and the man’s appearance alone was terrifying.

“Don’t be so nervous.”

The hero’s words were a tug-of-war between coldness and gentleness. It was a very hero-like thing to do. My eyes, which were constantly fluttering, were locked with his. When I regained my composure, he gave me a small smile and snapped his fingers.

“Are you ready?”

I nodded at his question. ‘Was he waiting for me?’ My eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he began speaking out loud.

“Daphne Epifon, from Naia. Fourth circle, Magic Tower graduate. Second year as an adventurer.”

The hero muttered and recited my history. My life was so insignificant as I listened to it in someone else’s voice. Two lines on a piece of paper. Those two lines contain everything I have achieved in this world.

“You’ve only been in the Kingdom briefly, so you were still living in the Naia until you joined the Magic Tower?”

“Yes….”

The warrior exhaled with interest and unfolded a piece of paper. Georg, the big man with his arms crossed behind the hero, frowned and glared at him. It was as if he didn’t like what he was doing. The hero took the intimidating stare casually and began his questioning.

I was exhausted from the lengthy interview. But the words of rejection and acceptance still weighed on my head and heart simultaneously. With a rustling sound, he rummaged through a drawer and pulled out a white sheet of paper. Georg’s expression, which had been on the verge of distortion as he watched her from behind, hardened.

I only had one thought in my head, the line I’d heard many times. ‘I’m afraid to say this, but–’     

“Here, go into the next room and fill this out.”

It wasn’t. In my hands were a piece of paper and a pen. The pen was a luxury item I’d never touched, and the paper was very stiff and high-quality. ‘What is this, a contract?’ I looked at it, feeling like an idiot.

“W-what is this?”

“A contract. Please understand that we are in a hurry and are giving the results immediately.”

I stood in a daze, opened the door to the office, and started to walk out when the hero’s voice called after me. I stopped and turned around, and the hero was pointing behind a bookcase.

“You can exit through this door.”

I nodded and then walked to the door like a broken doll. Creak. The hinges creaked as they moved, and I walked into the break room next to the office. I looked down at the paper in my hand as the hinges creaked again.

“…Did I get the job?”

Thud.

As if to answer my monologue, the door to the break room slammed shut behind her. I stood there staring at the contract for a long time.

*** Elroy POV ***

“…I don’t want to say anything anymore.”

“I’m against it, anyway. I don’t care how good a wizard you are in theory; I’m going to only party with them once I see they will be useful in practice. If you insist, I’ll risk everything and report you to the higher-ups.”

I drummed my fingers on the desk. There was something oddly comforting about this desk. It helped me stay calm in front of Georg, who spoke as if he were on edge.

“So you’re complaining about Daphne’s unreliability?”

“There is more than that, but that is the main reason.”

“Then I’ll comply, and we’ll put her on hold.” Is what he wished I said

“If I can solve her problem and she can deliver results, will that convince you?” 

Georg snorted and glanced at me.

“If that happens, I’ll not only include Daphne Epiphone in the party, but I’ll never disobey your orders or oppose any of your decisions. I will become your loyal follower. I’ll also ignore the fact you got rid of Arjen and Iris.”

Ohhhh, well said, Georg.

This might be my chance to solve two of my biggest anxieties simultaneously. The corner of my mouth twitched upward. The hero’s grin reflected off the creaky wooden desk and looked mean and wicked. Oh no, I shouldn’t be smiling like that. I twitched the corners of my mouth, changing my smile to something less mean, and looked back at Georg.

“You must honor your word.”

Georg nodded vigorously, not noticing anything.

“Of course. You’d better brace yourself. You need to feel the weight of that title you’re carrying.”

‘Brace myself? You should.’

I let the words hang in the air and began to reread the contract with Daphne.