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.'

the life of an Adventurer—Richard wasn't sure if he

Jet

well-received by most of

Guildmaster Richard nodded as he remembered how he heard the loud declaration of the

after the Conquest.' He smiled widely and felt himself drift into

**********

[Meanwhile]

back, huh? That

eyes, he found himself staring

apart. The moment he finally processed what was happening, he became so

already creating some distance between himself and

y-you been standing

and the dark mask covering it didn't help in the slightest. He

"I

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

And you're admitting

that? I've been begging you

Why am I even flustered? It's not

sure about that?" Esme made a smug look, rubbing her hands together.

body never left the room. Instead, he

really

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

that, a creeping fear popped into his mind.

a way around that." As if

was driving him

you. You're not even sure it's my real face

"It is."

aura of seriousness about it despite her smile.

It scared Rey.

no way