As they arrived at the room, Christophe began to explain briefly as he knew each of the three people's relationships.

Fana gradually understood that they were all in similar situations, having been treated by Christophe in the past.

Sylvia and Ester also accepted Christophe and Fana's relationship, but that wasn't the end of the problem.

Just as Sylvia and Ester had argued, Fana also started the conversation about Christophe's treatment.

"...I see. I understand the situation. However, that doesn't mean we can leave master in the care of such unstable adventurers."

Fana crossed her arms and said, looking down at the two of them. In response, Sylvia and Ester twitched their eyebrows slightly.

"What does that mean, Fana?"

"Yes, that's quite unacceptable. The guild master must be busy with work every day. Surely you wouldn't have time to take care of Christophe-sama."

"Hey, I can handle my own personal care without any problems!"

Christophe mutters a greeting, but it doesn't reach the three of them. He's half-resigned at this point.

Fana interjected.

"I acknowledge your skills as adventurers, but in terms of a livelihood, you are far too unreliable. In that regard, I, as the guild master, am different. I can completely guarantee his livelihood... Master, won't you come with me?"

"I don't mind being asked like that, but―"

"Will you say you're happy, Master!? ...Hehe, then please, whip me until I'm exhausted!"

"Christophe-san!? I never thought you had such a hobby!"

"...Christophe-sama. I accept everything about you."

"No, no... that is not possible. It's hard enough for me to keep up with the young people's vibe even on my own, so please don't go wild with all three of you together… Anyway, it's great that you're asking for an old man's help, but right now I want to cooperate with both of your clans, so just helping Fana alone is a bit, you know..."

From the middle, Fana's voice became weak, and in the end, she looked at Christophe with tear-filled eyes. Her expression was completely devoid of the dignity she had shown earlier, resembling a puppy about to be abandoned by its owner.

"...W-won't you come...?"

"..."

The sheer gap and desperate plea left Christophe speechless.

"Christophe-sama, please compose yourself. You should never trust a woman's tears."

"Coming from you, Ester? You were doing it too!"

However, Ester didn't react at all. Fana puffed out her cheeks in annoyance.

"Please stop saying things that aren't true. My tears are real."

"It's already gone back in, isn't it?"

"Hmm, you're so annoying. Anyway, could you come to me, Master?"

Christophe scratched his cheek again as he accepted the request.

Despite being troubled, he still opened his mouth to clearly express his opinion.

"If there are people who need me, I'm willing to help them. Of course, as long as my body allows… So, of course, I want to help Fana too, but if there's anything I can do for Sylvia or Ester, I want to do it. That's why I think I will stay here for a while and support those two. Of course, Fana too. So, is that okay?"

At Christophe's suggestion, the three of them fell silent for a moment.

Fana placed her hand on her chin and was beginning to regain her composure as guild master.

"...So, you mean working independently? If that's what you wish, Master, this Fana will respect your feelings. For now, at least."

"I'm planning to do that for now too. Yes, for now."

"Yes, I agree with that as well. For now, at least."

The three of them said that and locked eyes with each other.

Christophe breathed a sigh of relief that everyone seemed to have accepted it for now.

"Alright, then, I will be counting on you in the future. Fana, um... again, it's nice to meet you."

"...Ah, I see. And from the guild master's perspective, having both the 'Wings of Flash,' one of the continent's top S-rank clans, and the 'Silver Hammer Brigade' connected isn't entirely a bad thing. In fact, for the stability and development of the Labyrinth City, it could even be considered a welcome situation."

"Oh, that's right."

"...Then, the fact that clans of this scale are forming a cooperative relationship is unprecedented in itself. If we, as a guild, can also be involved, it's a truly wonderful opportunity for me. As expected, master... What a brilliant strategy...!"

"I haven't done anything, have I? It's awkward when people talk about it like it's some kind of achievement..."

As Christophe was surprised by Fana saying that with a smile, she suddenly took his hand.

Chapter 25