“We have been expecting you, Master Jin."

Yural spoke out his registered name conservatively. That person seemed like the type who respected private space. Perun had immediately taken a liking to this guy, and nodded in response.

That, and probably Yural knew the actual status of the man, no matter his current status of employment. In the eyes of others other than a few select individuals, not even the far-reaching War Council knew that their hero operated a dark guild under the surface.

Another reason was because Yural had not minded his outfit, despite knowing the status of the establishment he was in. A coat that looked like he could had just picked it off from the homeless, and a pair of inexpensive denim jeans that did not complement any kind of style.

After observing Perun from head to toe with a quick glance, Yural returned his eyes back straight and then continued carefully with a straight face.

"Perhaps, Master Jin, might we trouble you with a new selection of clothing? It would be far too conspicuous to visit like this. If you may allow us to, we can direct you to our walk-in wardrobe for a change of look."

"A change of look, is it."

Yural bowed politely.

As expected, it did seem like it was a problem to enter like this. Probably understanding the logic behind it, Perun sniffed the hem of the shirt under his coat and shrugged.

"I don't mind. I was a little conscious about it anyway. On second thought, this does look rather bad in this kind of place..."

The response seemed to be satisfactory, as Yural revealed a bright smile from the guest's understanding. He gestured with one hand to one side of the vast basement, signalling as if for a pedestrian crossing.

"Then, please follow my colleague here, Hethy to the dressing lobby."

Another employee in a black suit appeared, this was one of the presences hidden behind a door.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Master Jin. My name is Hethy, and I will be your coordinator for today."

Hethy was a tanned-skin woman who donned the same outfit like the other employees. She had a refreshing smile on her face, as expected of one who worked in the service industry. Or rather, Perun could tell that she had a considerable amount of combat experience judging from her posture and muscles behind her attire.

Probably because Perun had begun staring at her for a considerable amount of time to be awkward, Hethy inquired him bashfully.

"I-Is there a problem, Master Jin?"

"...No, sorry about that. You seem strong, so I unconsciously had another look at you."

"...!!!"

Hethy's eyes widened, as if she had been seen through.

"The mana channels in your body are very pure, you must have trained quite a lot."

Her face turned to one of admiration shortly after. Perun could sense a similar gaze from Yural at the front.

"A-as expected, to even discern Hethy's true strength, who is part of the Eight Orders directly led by the Chancellor... I have a newfound respect for Master Jin."

"Eh?"

"I had been thinking that Master Jin might have deteriorated in ability after so long. To think of such rude thoughts before, please forgive me."

(...Ah... I remembered. Sensing mana does still seem like a big deal huh.)

"... ...Hm, well. Don't mind it. Hethy was it?"

"Y-yes...!"

The woman who had received direct compliments from one of the strongest figures in this country stood at attention. Her eyes were sparkling while her body was stiff from his words. She too, knew the implications of receiving the praise of the fourth ranker, Jin Bathory. It wouldn't be a dream for her to receive a promotion in rankings after receiving such a recommendation from the person himself.

"Haha... there's no need to be so tense. I'll be in your care for today."

"E-eh, ah... Y-Hye- ouch-!"

(Ah, she bit her tongue. This woman... she's unexpectedly clumsy huh.)

Hethy's face reddened from shame, and she swiftly worked to correct herself.

"Yes, l-likewise. It is truly an honor to accompany esteemed Ranker during your visit, Master Jin! Please let me know if there are anything you need at anytime! Anything at all!"

The high-spirited Hethy continued with a refreshing voice. Perun could only nod awkwardly at her diligence.

"A-alright, keep it up..."

As expected, the standard of service was higher than the time he had last visited this place. Even the elevator had changed to a more sophisticated one. He could sense the use of mana in it.

"Then... Mia? I won't hold you up any longer than this. You should head back with your colleagues, I will see you later if negotiations were to take place."

"...Mia?"

As Perun asked a second time, he turned around and felt a small fluctuation with her mana. Her head was lowered so he could not see her expression.

"Mia, are you feeling unwell..."

As he pressed his arms on her shoulders, she finally returned a reply with a whisper.

"...No, it's fine. You can go ahead with that woman there. Like you said, I will be rather busy from now on so I will be going then."

"A-ah... alright. Then, we'll see each other again later if there's a chance."

"...Yes, we shall."

The conversation seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary, yet Perun could not help but feel some kind of anger from her words.

(It probably isn't a big deal since I don't feel hostility against me, but...)

The detection of mana that Perun was good at did not raise any signs of being attacked. Perhaps she was just angry at the fact that she had to return to work again?

(Really, I totally understand how she feels.)

"Miss Mia, the Chancellor is waiting. We will escort you there."

"I understand."

Without much hassle, she followed Yural into the elevator. As she passed by Hethy who was standing near Perun as his temporary attendant, he could feel her anger spike up again.

Recalling that she was to return to work after reporting back, Perun could not help but feel a sense of empathy for her. Mia's job must be really busy.

(I feel bad for pushing a rejection onto her like this earlier, but it couldn't be helped. The atmosphere was just really bad for me...)

"Then, please excuse me. I hope you have a pleasant visit, Master Jin."

Yural bowed again.

"Then, I'll see you again later, okay? Definitely."

It seems like Mia had cheered up a little. She waved her hand towards Perun with a smile.

(Really, that woman...)

(...Wait, definitely?)

"Then, we should get going too, Hethy?"

"..."

"Hethy?"

"-Ah...ahhhh! I-I'm sorry, please do not worry about me. I was merely thinking about something."

(Hm? Is that sweat...?)

"Are you nervous?"

Perun placed her hands into the pockets of his cheap coat.

"N-no well..."

"Don't worry about it. Should we skip the change of clothes after all, if it's bugging you?"

"I... N-no, that's not the case. Please let me be your coordinator for today."

It seemed like she was still worrying about something, but soon snapped out of it.

"I see."

Slapping herself on the cheeks to refresh herself, Hethy bowed her head.

"...Still, please do not overdo it. I am okay with anything."

"Yes, there are no problems! Then, this way, Master Jin."

The War Council was the largest guild in this country of Liberun. It was a place where many diplomats and important figures spanning the entire nation, other times even internationally would visit. No matter how powerful one is, they would have to dress for the occasion. To dress this badly would conversely attract eyes. One would be subject to the eyes of countless of influential figures once inside, it was not advisable to stain the atmosphere with an inappropriate dress code.

While problem for someone looking like this to enter the building. The War Council could be considered a branch of the country’s parliament, so wearing the clothes of a commoner could only be seen as a joke. One could regard the establishment under the War Council's name as a status symbol, a place of high society in this new world.

Many people come to the War Council for varying reasons, most of the times to request for the services of their ability users, or "new humans".

"This way, Master Jin."

Perun was led to a wide ballroom with a high ceiling. At the side of the doorstep was a line of maids and butlers ready to receive him. The center of the interior had a classy chandelier, befitting the atmosphere of this 'hotel suite'.

"...Hoh."

Perun felt that the War Council had prospered a lot to prepare these kinds of things.

A large selection of suits and ties, coats and various other wear befitting that of a high-class person. Be it silk, linen or any other material, they all gave off the feeling that purchasing even one of them might have burnt his pockets.

This kind of treatment made him feel like royalty, something which he had not experienced for a long time. After all, Perun had always been the one taking care of people, namely the daughters he had adopted while he had been roaming around from war to war. Had it been a scheme to draw him back into active service, Perun could not help but feel that his heart had wavered a little by it.

"Cough."

Since Perun was not very particular with how he coordinated himself, nor did he know how to, he left the change of clothes to the attendants around him without reserve.

"Then, I shall wait for you outside until you have gotten a satisfactory change of clothing."

Taking a glance at her watch, she continued.

"Mr Rinsfelt will be leaving in 30 minutes, I will notify Master Jin when it is time to head out. Please rest assured."

That was true, Perun came to the War Council after contacting his old buddy Hammond Rinsfelt. He was now the secretary of such a big guild, thus his reception had been welcomed without a hitch.

Hammond was also a busy man. Perun decided to not make the guy wait.

With the help of the attendants inside, Perun changed into an appropriate set of clothes without much deliberation.