LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter Forty Two
The guild hall, located within the heart of enormous maple tree. At the center stands a large, round table carved from dark wood, Its surface is smooth. Chairs surround the table, each uniquely designed from different types of wood.
The hall is softly illuminated by floating, luminescent orbs that hang from the branches above, providing a warm, ambient glow.
Three figures are seated around the table with another standing a few feet away.
Maple was one of those figures, a smile adorning her face as she filled it with cookies made by the former princess Yslaine, who stood a few feet behind Maple.
Seated on another seat next to Maple, was the God of death... I mean Sally.
Sally had her eyes narrowed, wisps of blue energy slowly emanating from her lithe form as she stared at the enemy... guest."
Seated across from the two figure heads of the Maple Tree guild, was the current Magistrix, Namarie.
Namarie, the Magistrix, sat with an air of authority that matched the grandeur of the guild hall. Her emerald eyes glinted with an unknown fervor, something Sally took notice of. She was draped in robes of deep violet, intricately embroidered with silver runes that seemed to shimmer with a life of their own.
Maple's smile was genuine, her eyes twinkling with warmth as she enjoyed the cookies. "I'm so glad you came Namarie, how are Rosa and Leone?"
Yslaine, standing behind Maple, watched the interaction with a mixture of interest and caution.
Namarie smiled, her voice smooth and articulate. "They are doing just fine, Leone has quite the talent for water magic and Rosa is such a lovely little girl, it's like I have a daughter of my own."
Sally's eyes narrowed slightly, but she remained silent, letting Maple lead the conversation. She easily noticed the Magistrix's eyes were keen and assessing, taking in every detail of the guild hall and its inhabitants.
Namarie met Sally’s gaze evenly, a flicker of amusement in her eyes.
Maple beamed a smile that for a moment, seemed to light up the room, leaving the three other inhabitants stunned for an instant.
Yslaine's thoughts were filled with admiration. 'As expected, Lady Maple is the light that brightens up this world. With just a smile, she's able to banish the darkness.' A proud smile adorned her features.
Sally's thoughts were a whirl. 'Was Maple always this... this cute? What the hell was that?' Her eyes narrowed further as she focused her willpower, maintaining her composure.
Namarie's thoughts lingered on Maple's aura. 'Oh Maple ~. Such beautiful mana. Ah~ that smile.'
"I'm so glad they're okay. Maybe I'll go visit them," Maple said, her voice bringing them back to reality.
Namarie chuckled softly. "Just say the word, and I'll bring them to visit instead. What are friends for?"
Sally’s voice cut through the pleasantries, direct and probing. "What brings the Magistrix to our doorstep? You’re not known for social calls."
Namarie paused briefly, her smile never wavering. "Your leader here, Maple, and I have a history, however short it may be. It wouldn't be misplaced for me to visit a 'friend' now, would it?"
Sally's eyes narrowed further. (How are her eyes not fully closed yet?)
"However," Namarie continued, "I am here for a purpose." She turned her attention back to Maple, who was sipping fruit juice from a beautifully crafted wooden cup. (It came with the guild. Hehehehe.)
"Your new status elevates you to one of the most prominent people in all of Phalsia. People are bound to want to reside in your city. I would like to build a branch of my institution here," Namarie finished with a smile.
"Your institution of Magic?" Sally interjected before Maple could reply. "Isn't that a little too early? We're still in the process of rebuilding the city."
Namarie relaxed in her seat, her posture graceful. "And I must say, you have done quite a wonderful job. Most of the city's buildings are back in working order. And you all did this yourself. I would love to see the magic you used to accomplish this mere days after your arrival."
Sally's mind raced. 'Note: Stop Maple from carelessly showing our hands.' She noticed Maple about to speak again and quickly cut her off. "Of course, but as you said, most of the city, not all. We don't even have citizens yet."
Now, it was Namarie's turn to slightly narrow her eyes. "Exactly my point. With the institution already established, it would be easier to search for talents as the city is being filled. Talents like Leone who wouldn't normally be noticed in a large city."
Maple's eyes brightened at this. "Really? That's wonderful. We can help so many people this way."
Sally resisted the urge to frown. "I understand your point, but we will have to think about this, right, Maple?"
Maple looked confused for a moment before answering. "Uh, yes."
Namarie rested her cheek on her left hand, her expression thoughtful. "Wonderful. I'll leave behind one of my messengers so you can contact me. If you approve, I can get my things ready for the construction."
Sally cocked an eyebrow, intrigued. "You'll be moving here?"
Namarie chuckled again, straightening her posture calmly. "I will be moving here for the time being to ensure the institution kicks off perfectly."
Maple cheered, clapping her hands together. "That's awesome! Ooh, ooh, maybe you can bring Leone and Rosa with you."
Namarie gave a soft laugh. "That's an idea. I'll be happy to bring them along. I'm sure they'll be delighted to see you."
Namarie finally rose from her seat. "I should get going. My messenger will be here soon. I hope for good news."
Maple quickly hugged Namarie, who suddenly froze like she had suddenly been electrocuted. "Bye. Greet the girls for me."
Namarie's eyes softened. "I will."
////
"I kinda forgot how paranoid you can be sometimes." Maple giggled after Namarie had left as Sally had a thoughtful face.
Sally looked up at Maple from her seat. "There's nothing paranoid about it. That woman is obviously suspicious. What kind of history do you even have with her?"
Maple thought for a moment, before explaining the incident where she met the Magistrix.
Sally placed her hand under her chin. "Feels a little too convenient."
Maple sighed. "Sally stooop it, she's a good person. She even helped Leone get into magic school."
Sally sighed as well. "I'm just saying, we should be careful. We shouldn't just trust anyone. Especially not in a world like this."
This seemed to make Maple frown for a moment. "You're right, I guess. I don't like it, but you're right."
Sally's expression softened. "Don't be like that. At the end, you're still the leader. Whatever you choose, I'll fully support you. The whole guild, not just me. We're family now aren't we?"
Maple smiled. "Yeah."
Sally quickly added. "Also we're going to have to call a meeting. We need to talk about what we can and cannot show off outside."
Maple seemed confused. "Huh?"
"Don't you remember the guild wars? We can't let anyone know too much about us. It's the best and safest thing to do. This world is basically a never ending guild war."
Maple looked thoughtful. "I... Haven't really thought of that. I haven't really thought much of anything honestly."
Sally laughed. "That's what the guild is for. You don't have to do everything on your own."
Maple smiled. "Thanks Sally... I'm so happy you're here."
She immediately hugged Sally who hugged her back. "Me too."
The hug lasted for a good few minutes. Maple whispered. "Hey Sally?"
Sally answered. "Yeah?"
Maple buried her hair into Sally's hair as she spoke in a soft whisper. "I love you."
Sally's heart almost stopped beating for a moment before beating with a sudden fervor it felt like it would leap from her chest. 'stop thinking about that. She doesn't mean it that way. You're her best friend, get your head out of the gutter.' Sally cheeks reddened although Maple couldn't see it. "I love you too."
Of course, a certain former princess stood in the shadows with a large proud smile on her face. 'As expected of my Lady.'
