Eric paced rapidly down the main thoroughfare of Njord back to the adventurers guild, his hands crossed into the opposite sleeves of his robes to hide his recurrent nervous twitches and shakes.

If I’m to eventually become a branch manager in the Guild, I am supposed to be able to watch and learn how to manage guild affairs. That’s what Baal said. HE said it. So why, when called for an EMERGENCY meeting, would he suddenly change his mind at the door to the city hall and send me back to the guild?

Eric’s lips twitched readily, as his pace accelerated and decelerated in tune with his nervousness.

He said that as long as we supported that kid, I would become a branch manager. But… he didn’t say that it would make me qualified to be one? Does that mean, even after all this time, I am still not good enough? Would I lose my title after our contract is done and Baal leaves? What do I do? I just… I want to curl up in my spot…

In spite of his inherent distraction, Eric subconsciously dodged through the large throngs of people crowding the streets, and made his way back in to the guild. From the intricate carvings of the World Serpent adorning the walls into the guild to the thick and heavy entrance doors, not to mention the near constant presence of adventurers, the Adventurers Guild was the only place Eric ever really felt safe.

Really, it was also the only place he ever thought of as home.

Exhaling in relief after he closed the weighty doors behind him, he proceeded up to Elsie’s desk.

The catkin began her usual routine anytime he returned to the guild, bouncing between each foot as she spoke.

“Wyelcome byack Myster Eric! Did the myeeting end early?”

Her demeanor and tone were certainly disarming enough, and while Baal said such traits would be good for handling rough adventurers, Eric couldn’t help but wonder if she was picked for his own sanity’s sake as well.

“Ah, well, not it hasn’t… by the way, has anyone important come by?”

Elsie’s ears folded back for a moment in thought, and something about her expression and the little green vest she wore made Eric almost want to pet her, much as one would pet an ordinary cat. Thankfully, he knew better. He saw the last person who tried that get mauled. Just the thought sent shivers down his spine…

“Nyah! Hmmm… nyobody has byeen by. Were you expyecting someone?”

Her head tilted quizzically, dangerously even… not because her expression was dangerous. Far from it. It was dangerous for him.

Ah, I will definitely make a foolish mistake if I talk with her much longer!

“No no, well, if anyone does come by, I will be taking care of some administrative business in my office. T-Thanks for all your good work Elsie!”

“Nyo problem!”

Eric hurried along through the door behind her desk, desperately trying to ignore her wave as she bounced back and forth.

Why do some of the most dangerous things come bundled in the cutest packages? Ah, I can’t wait to get back to my room… and relax into my spot on the couch, right in front of the fireplace… it took so long to position it to perfectly catch the cross-breeze too… how come it is so hard to get something comfortable and just right?

‘Twas some of the many great mysteries of life that he pondered, as he made his way through the labyrinthine halls and up a few flights of stairs to his office.

If nobody came by, and nothing seems to be going on, then really… I am still just a hindrance...

The thought was short lived, however. While he was greeted by the usual light fragrance of lavender that grew in pots adjacent to the doorway and the pleasant warmth granted by the Ever-Burning logs of a Mystacian Elderwood in the fireplace, he was not prepared for the glowering expression emanating from a very familiar black-haired boy.

From the moment he stepped into the room, he felt the child’s piercing gaze cut into him, even while he was slouched back into Eric’s favorite Tusker-leather couch. Somehow, the stitched-together light brown shirt and dark-grey pants with the frayed hems just added to the sense of danger surrounding the child.

He’s the kid who is always following that Diane girl around… something about him always feels so unsettling, just like Baal… is this why he sent me back?!

Then, a rather impulsive thought forced its way through Eric’s head, and he spoke before he really thought about what he was saying.

“Ah, hey! Kid! That’s my spot! Move before you mess it up!”