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.'

uncertain life was—especially the life of an Adventurer—Richard wasn't sure if he would have enough of it to

Jet as the optimal

the man was enigmatic, but he was already well-received by most of the Adventurers. His fame and power was nothing

in him.' Guildmaster Richard nodded as he remembered how he heard the loud declaration of the lad's

decision will be made after the Conquest.' He smiled widely and felt himself drift into

**********

[Meanwhile]

back, huh? That

opened his eyes, he found himself staring at Esme's

apart. The moment he finally processed what was happening, he became so startled that he nearly jumped

yelled, already creating some distance between himself and the

have y-you been standing

and the dark mask covering it didn't help in the slightest. He also found himself stuttering,

"I got bored waiting and wanted

and walked towards her bed, collapsing on it in one swift downward

you're admitting it just like

begging you to show me

I even flustered? It's

that?" Esme made a smug look, rubbing her hands together. "I think I was pretty close back there.

Instead, he simply shared his senses with

really do anything.

you wouldn't have been able to pry open the mask no matter how

saying that, a creeping fear popped into his mind. 'What if she found a way

around that."

was

even sure it's my real face that's under the mask right

"It is."

an aura of seriousness about it despite her smile.

It scared Rey.

no way you could know