An Extra’s POV

"Huu… I forgot to ask how they managed to get here in the first place."

As Richard collapsed back on his seat, he muttered words to himself while allowing the faces of everyone he just met to burn into his memory.

This way, he wouldn't be able to forget them no matter where they met in the future.

'They're all strong and capable. That man especially… Sebas….' Richard pictured the handsome man in his mind.

'He has the aura of a leader!'

More than anything, Richard desired to pick him as his successor. He could already tell that the man was more than capable of it.

'Should I talk to him about it? Try to make him a sweet offer, maybe?' He shook his head as his wry smile widened.

"Nah, that would definitely piss off the Royal Council. I shouldn't try to poach such an asset of theirs—especially when I'm trying to establish good relations with them."

Still, it was such a shame.

'Having someone like that to bridge the gap between Adventurers and the Alliance… wouldn't that be something?'

Richard decided to stop thinking about it, else he would be tempted to throw caution to the wind and ask the man anyway.

'I suppose my options have now been cut down to four potential candidates.'

Out of those four, he already singled Lux out due to her passive attitude. Britta was also very hot-headed and brash, lacking a lot of the emotional maturity that made a great leader, so she was out as well.

'I mean, there's a reason why I still didn't consider her for the position when she was the only competent around.'

That left two real choices; Jet and Sherlock.

'Sherlock is still too young, but he has a lot of potential. If I start early, I could groom him into a capable leader.'

wasn't sure if he would have enough

Jet as the optimal

already well-received by most of the Adventurers. His fame

will of Zephyr in him.' Guildmaster Richard nodded as he remembered how he heard the

be made after the Conquest.'

**********

[Meanwhile]

back, huh?

he found himself

The moment he finally processed what was happening, he

hell?! What did you do that for?" Rey yelled, already creating some distance between himself and the girl

long have y-you

face was very hot, and the dark mask covering it didn't help in the slightest. He also found himself stuttering, which

shrugged, almost as if the whole thing wasn't that big a deal. "I got

walked towards her bed, collapsing on

you're admitting it just like

that? I've been begging you

even flustered? It's not like you could

together. "I think I was pretty close back

left the room. Instead, he simply shared

did this, his main body couldn't really do anything.

have been able to pry open the

popped into his mind. 'What

found a way around that." As if reading

unfounded confidence was

even sure it's my real face that's

"It is."

seriousness about it despite her

It scared Rey.

way