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

leaves Jet as

was enigmatic, but he was already well-received by most of the

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

suppose the final decision will be made after the

**********

[Meanwhile]

back, huh? That was

he found himself staring at

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

do that for?" Rey yelled, already creating some distance between himself and the girl who simply stared at

long have y-you been standing

in the slightest. He also found

if the whole thing wasn't that big a deal. "I got bored waiting and wanted to

collapsing on it in one swift downward

what? And you're admitting it just

been begging

flustered? It's not like you could have

her hands together. "I think I

room. Instead, he simply shared

couldn't really do anything. He only had

to pry open

that, a creeping fear popped into his mind.

I could have found a way around that." As if reading his mind, Esme replied

was driving

you. You're not even sure it's my real face that's under the mask

"It is."

aura of seriousness about it despite her smile. She seemed to

It scared Rey.

way you could know