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“So this is Eraldo, the branch master of the Adventurers’ Guild who took care of Jill? I’ve heard from Lord Kalaba that he’s quite the capable man. I’d like to meet him.”
“Hmm. For a guildmaster from another nation to personally visit us at this time… I can’t help but wonder what his true purpose is.”
“Well, the Adventurers’ Guild may operate independently in every country, but its headquarters are located in the Commonwealth of Amitia, of the United Kingdom of Déra-Amítia. So it’s not entirely unrelated to me, either… Ah, Jill, you might want to call Ms. Laika over.”

I checked with everyone in the room, but Luke, Lady Lieselotte, and Viola all said there was no problem—in fact, they wanted to meet him.

“Ms. Laika? I think she’s in the dormitory building, but why?”

Tilting my head at Viola’s suggestion, I saw her glance around the room and then smile meaningfully, as though hinting, *‘this is just between us.’*

“Actually, I happen to be acquainted with the Fedora Adornant family—Laika Fedora Adornant’s household. The Adornants are direct descendants of the founder of the Adventurers’ Guild headquarters, and they’ve long been influential figures in the Commonwealth of Amitia. In the unlikely event that the Guild is trying to apply pressure on us, we could perhaps use her connections to mediate… Even if not, her mere presence should be a deterrent against any unreasonable demands.”

I understood her reasoning—but still, Laika isn’t my retainer, and she’s been living independently as an adventurer, away from her family. Wouldn’t it be wrong to drag her into this?

“Let’s at least explain the situation to her first and see if she’s willing. But everyone, please avoid prying into her background or spreading it around.”

Said Luke, he must’ve read my hesitation.

“Wait, hang on—she’s got two names *and* a family name? Don’t tell me Laika’s some kinda royalty!?” Bruno blurted out, eyes wide.

“What are you even surprised about!? Have you forgotten who you’re sitting with right now!?”
Eren snapped, smacking him hard.

Bruno glanced around the room—at me (Shrine Maiden Princess and imperial family), Luke (imperial grandson), Her Highness Lady Lieselotte (princess), and Viola (princess…?)—and muttered an “Ah…” expression that suggested he really *had* forgotten because we were too casual and familiar.

“By the way, the Adornants aren’t royalty anymore. Besides, Amitia is a commonwealth now, so there’s no nobility. Some old families still keep their ancestral names, but they’re more symbolic than anything…”

Eren, Bruno, and the others looked puzzled at my explanation—clearly in a “Commonwealth? What’s that, can you eat it?” state of confusion. Well, to be fair, the Amitian Commonwealth’s ‘republican system’ is mostly a façade anyway. The hereditary elite still hold quiet, real power.

For now, I told Curtiss to check whether Laika herself would agree to join us; if she did, then to welcome two guests from Consul inside.

—Twenty minutes later.
Laika, who had readily agreed, took her seat with us, and Curtiss entered the room with a young man and woman in tow.

The man looked to be in his mid-twenties at first glance, but in reality, he was older than Miss Christy—a deceptively youthful Eraldo, the branch master. The woman, however, was exactly as young as she looked: Caldina, the guild’s famous receptionist and mascot.

“Lady Julia, I’ve brought Master Eraldo Balderas and Miss Caldina.”
“Thank you, Curtiss. My apologies for keeping you waiting. Master Eraldo, Miss Caldina—it’s been a while. I’m relieved to see you both well.”

It had been nearly two years since we’d last met—and the first time they were seeing my real face, without any recognition obfuscation magic. Perhaps that’s why both of them were frozen stiff, staring blankly like statues.

“Well, it’s been over two years since you last saw her without the recognition magic.”
“And Lady Jill is standing this close without warning—yeah, that’d do it.”
“Poor things…”

Bruno said, Eren added, and Monika sighed sympathetically.

“Master Eraldo…?”

I called again, and the branch master finally rebooted. Caldina, however, still seemed to have her soul wandering off somewhere. “W-wait, how… what is this… this is… a literal bust-size class divide right in front of me…” she mumbled deliriously.

“I—no, not at all. My deepest apologies for the sudden visit. Lady Julia, you seem as… ah, that is, um—”

① “Even more beautiful.” → Are you implying I wasn’t before?! → Not Good
② “You’ve changed.” → *How* have I changed? → leads to ① → Not Good
③ “You look well.” → Didn’t you know I’d been missing for a year?! → Not Good
④ “You’ve gained presence.” → Are you calling me fat!? DIE. → BAD END
⑤ “You’ve grown.” → leads to ④ → Nice Boat

For an instant, I could see the agony of decision flicker in his eyes.

“…you’ve become even more captivating.”
“An excellent choice of words. Thank you.”

As expected of a seasoned guildmaster, he chose his words perfectly.

“Now then, since you’ve come all this way, allow me to introduce my friends.”

I turned toward Luke and the others, who were already standing gracefully, clearly used to such formality.
Seeing their poise, Eraldo quickly realized they were of noble birth and straightened his posture respectfully.

“As you may already know, this is His Highness Lucas, imperial grandson of Her Majesty the current Empress of the Graviol Empire. Beside him is Her Highness Lady Lieselotte, Third Princess of the Central Kingdom of Cilento. Next to her is Her Highness Viola, First Princess of the Safiras royal family of the United Kingdom of Déra-Amítia. And here is my trusted guest and protector, Laika Fedora Adornant of the Commonwealth of Amitia. Then, we have Father Cestlavie Lowe of the Saintess’ Church, and from the Elven Forest—‘The Millenium Ramus’—we have Silver Star (Ashimi Astéri) and Rainy Sky (Pryui Ciel). Finally, the merchant Chaton from the Central Capital. As for Bruno and the others… I don’t think they need any special introduction, do they? …Um, Master Eraldo? Hellooo?”