To the Iris Guild (5)
Ellis surrendered her body to the bed in her family home, one she hadn't felt in ages. Korea had its share of fine beds, but nothing matched this one, honed to her over twenty years.
"Huuuuh…."
She yawned, rubbing against the plush mattress before clutching the duvet tight. The soft cotton against her skin always felt divine. But her mind was crowded with worries. Her sister, whom she hadn't seen in so long, was the same as ever—still coveting what Ellis liked, just like when they were kids, tossing out those barbed little jabs without a care.
And then there was Lee Ho-yeon. Ellis replayed his words.
—I didn't say anything. Just chatted about the centaur? She was really worried about you. Your sister's still against me joining the tracking team, same as your dad. She'll probably pull the safety card and try to keep you out of it, just like him.
"Ah, agh… nooo."
Ellis clawed at her hair, twisting her head side to side. She'd thought bringing Ho-yeon to the Iris Guild would fix everything, but it only piled on the frustration. Of all the timing, running into her sister right when she'd taken a wrong turn.
"…."
She wanted to join the centaur operation. Was it the overprotection from childhood? She couldn't bring herself to tell her father outright. Her first real combat op scared her a little, truth be told. Even as an adult, Ellis had no field experience, and the delay had bred real fear. She wanted to conquer it this time… but she was pathetic for not speaking up.
—If you don't believe me, wanna come along?
Ellis recalled Ho-yeon's words before they'd come to France.
—You've always wanted to step out of your dad's shadow. If it's safe, you can join the tracking team too.
—It'll be a great experience, so you can thank me in advance.
He'd brimmed with confidence, unlike her. It was a brief talk, but he'd clearly said he'd take her along. Even knowing it was just polite talk, it sparked hope.
"…If only it were that easy. Sigh."
Ellis shoved the expectations from her mind. Hoping for the impossible would just piss her off more.
"Playboy…."
Forcing the man's face from her thoughts, she buried herself in the pillow.
*
Wednesday. Two days into our stay at the Iris Guild, morning. Last night, I'd taken Scarlett and Liliana to a restaurant, and damn, French food lived up to the hype. Liliana raved, and I was hooked. Next time, gotta take someone out solo.
Knock knock.
"Yeah? Who's there?"
I was rolling around in bed, groping Liliana first thing, when someone knocked. Opening the door revealed Scarlett.
"Good morning, Ho-yeon."
"Morning. What's up, Scarlett?"
"You need to see the Guild Master. Ellis is waiting too."
"Oh… right. Gimme a sec."
We weren't here just to play. I threw on some clothes quick. While dressing, I nudged Liliana, sprawled asleep on the bed, with my foot.
"Ugh, uuuh… Master. Already in the morning…."
"Not that. Get up—we're heading out."
Had I overdone it last night after that delicious meal? She wouldn't budge.
"Hey. Sleep if you want, but turn into the necklace first. We gotta go now."
"Eeeek…."
Poof!
Liliana vanished in a puff of smoke, transforming into the chrome necklace with its red gem. I splashed water on my face, fixed my bedhead, hung her around my neck, and opened the door.
"Let's go, Scarlett."
"You're a whole new man every morning."
"Not my first rodeo."
"This way."
*
"Sorry, a bit late?"
I met Ellis waiting outside.
"It's fine. Pretty quick for a sudden summons. Let's go."
"Guild Master's here?"
"Yeah. Wants to see me right away, so I figured I'd bring you along. Who knows what he'd say to you alone."
"Ooh, thanks for the thought. Meeting him solo does freak me out a little."
That first encounter with the guy was seared in. Terrifying.
"Don't stress. C'mon."
Ellis led the way. Watching her back, I thought,
She's the one who seems more nervous.
Telling me not to tense up while she was the tense one. Nerves about seeing her dad after so long? I waved to Scarlett waiting behind, then followed.
Having wandered the guild yesterday, I knew the layout well enough. We reached the Guild Master's office quick, got permission, and entered.
"My Elli… wait, why're you here too?"
"…Long time no see, sir."
Isaac, Iris Guild Master and Ellis's father. Handsome enough to pass for thirty-something, he eyed me coolly.
Bow.
I bowed; Ellis answered for me.
"Came to make sure you don't pull anything weird on Ho-yeon."
"Ellis. He's got some skill, but he's not fully proven. Needs to pass at least three more of my tests…."
Ellis, right at home in the office, gestured to a seat for me.
"Sit here."
"Ah, thanks."
We ignored Isaac's muttering and sat. He glanced uncomfortably at Ellis, cleared his throat, then addressed me.
"Ahem. First off, welcome to the Iris Guild. Sorry about last night—something came up."
"No worries. Your guild members gave me a warm welcome."
"Right? They love Korea. Do it without me asking. Oh, if you ever wanna join Iris Guild, door's always open…."
"…."
Isaac beamed at me; Ellis sighed in disbelief before going stone-faced.
After minutes of guild bragging, he snapped to, clapping.
"Ah. Got sidetracked. Back to business—you wanted to see the centaur?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Dunno your reasons… but no harm in it. We'll make it happen. I'll slot you into the next tracking team."
"…Could we bring Ellis too?"
I slipped her name in. Might as well let her gain experience.
Ellis shot me a startled look at the sudden mention.
"Bringing Ellis isn't a bad idea. She's here for field training anyway."
"…Dad. For real?"
"Yeah. Time you got some real combat under your belt."
Ellis bit her lip to hide her expression but couldn't stop the corners from twitching up. Thrilled at "first real op," it seemed.
I eyed Isaac—easier permission than expected—and recalled Irene's words yesterday.
—Dad'll fake-approve it for Ellis's sake. Tracking the centaur's super dangerous.
Spot on.
Ellis hadn't said it first, but Isaac's intent was clear. No way this doting dad would push his daughter into danger. He'd probably planned some workaround. But after all my big talk about great experiences, he couldn't back out now.
"Guild Master."
"Yeah?"
Still smiling smugly. Thought he'd slide by? No chance. I dropped the bomb.
"Confession time: I actually have a surefire way to track the centaur."
"…What're you on about?"
"That ominous, dark mana when he vanishes. Professor Im Sol and I analyzed it together and got results. Sorry for holding back till now."
I sold out Professor Im Sol without a shred of guilt. I'm getting known as a genius mage, but her name carries more weight. Perks of a good mentor-student bond—for times like this. She's in secluded training anyway; no checking. She'd probably let it slide later. Maybe.
Isaac's eyes widened; Ellis grabbed my arm, whispering.
"What? You researched with Professor Im Sol?"
"Sorry. Meant to keep it secret, but had to now."
"Why bring it up…."
"Why now? We could've treated you right, saved your wish for something else."
Isaac cut in. Good thing Ellis was here—he wasn't raging. Valid question, and I'd prepped.
"Wanted to handle it quietly at first. No need to broadcast my skills. But watching today… felt like you weren't putting me on a real team. That doesn't fit my goals."
"Y-you. What're you saying?!"
"Ellis. No way he'd take you somewhere truly dangerous. Calm down—don't forget our deal for a good experience?"
"…!"
Ellis stared, shocked, but I met Isaac's gaze steadily. He chuckled lightly.
"What makes you think that?"
"Haven't known you long, but you dote on Ellis. Doesn't seem like the type to send his daughter on her first op to a high-risk spot like centaur tracking."
"…Dad?"
I banked on two things: my skills and Ellis beside me. I'm the only one who can fix her issue, the talent Iris wants. Can't ditch me lightly. Plus, Ellis—blinded by excitement—had to sense the offness now. No dad sends his girl into that.
Ellis eyed Isaac cautiously.
"…Yeah. It's weird. You've never let me near danger. Centaur's that risky, but you're taking me?"
"Not like that, sweetie. For your first joint op, I just planned extra safety. No deception. Ho-yeon, if you insist, I'll put you on the real team. Your call. But Ellis isn't ready."
"…."
Isaac mixed truth with lies to sway her, then eyed me: Your move.
I've said my piece.
Ellis fidgeted beside me. No comeback? Lack of confidence? After setting her up perfect, she wasn't biting.
Fine, last chance to build that image—suits me.
I grabbed her wrist. She looked startled; I faced Isaac.
"Guild Master. I'd like Ellis on the real tracking team."