Inside the Guild President's office.

Lise placed the documents before Sharin and said with deep admiration, "President, Mr. Aul met with Elder Dorothy."

"Oh? And the outcome?" Sharin asked, intrigued.

"Mr. Aul agreed to compromise. He said if Celia and her team defeat a fourth-tier demon beast in the Hero assessment, he won’t block her becoming a Hero anymore."

"Unexpected, yet still within expectations."

Ever since the Silver Blossom Sword Maiden became Celia’s squad instructor, Sharin knew the Fiona Clan’s steward couldn’t bully them with status anymore. He’d retreat, choosing a fairer way to take Celia. But she hadn’t predicted this specific demand.

Defeating a fourth-tier demon beast in half a year seemed impossible to most. Yet Sharin knew Celia and her teammates’ talents well. Under the Silver Blossom Sword Maiden’s guidance, they might just pull off a miracle.

"Wow, President—you foresaw this too?" Lise marveled at her calm. When Lise heard Mr. Aul had backed down, her own face had gone ghostly pale. How powerful was that mysterious elder to leave the Fiona Clan helpless?

Lise’s eyes flickered. She moved behind Sharin and gently massaged her shoulders. Her technique was skilled, making Sharin sigh in comfort.

After Sharin closed her eyes for a moment, Lise revealed her true aim: "President, since Elder Dorothy made Mr. Aul yield, she must be an incredibly strong Hero, right?"

"Hmm."

"Could you satisfy your employee’s curiosity? Who is she really?"

That elder was a figure who stumped even the Fiona Clan. Lise craved the gossip for her friends. But Sharin couldn’t grant even this small wish.

"It’s not that I won’t tell you. I promised the elder I’d never reveal her details."

"Don’t pry into her identity either. It could bring serious trouble to Vedona."

Sharin’s growing seriousness made Lise’s heart skip. This wasn’t simple gossip—the elder’s identity was deeply sensitive.

"Anything else?"

Lise shook her head, left the office, and shut the door. Leaning against it, she crushed her curiosity. She was just a lowly receptionist. No more questions about that elder.

Alone, Sharin propped her chin on her hand, staring at the documents. She hadn’t lied. If the Silver Blossom Sword Maiden’s presence leaked, the Hero Council would stir. Vedona would flood with Heroes, chaos inevitable. Just thinking of it gave her a headache.

She removed her glasses, rubbed her temples, then stacked the unfinished files neatly. Even busy Guild Presidents had time off. This afternoon was hers.

Slipping her gold-rimmed glasses back on, she grabbed her coat. She’d use this break to visit a certain cold-hearted shopkeeper by carriage.

Outside, fires still raged from the fourth-tier demon beast’s rampage, thick smoke coiling into the sky. Thankfully, people had hidden quickly in Beast Tide shelters, avoiding heavy casualties. Many now huddled in groups, chatting about Hero Roland’s dashing performance.

Was this city truly hardened by endless Beast Tides? Watching them, Sharin felt the Beast Tide wasn’t all bad for once. Each season or magic surge, demon beasts in the Silent Forest migrated or went wild, triggering Beast Tides. Vedona’s residents were used to it—they knew to flee to shelters instantly. That’s why today’s damage stayed light.

Of course, if things worsened, Elder Silverflower would step in. One sword stroke would split that beast clean in half.

The wind chime on the black carriage jingled softly as it halted before the Witch Flower Shop. The driver opened the door. Sharin stepped out gracefully, handbag in hand. She looked less like a Hero and more like a noblewoman, radiating mature charm. Seeing the shop unharmed, she exhaled in relief.

Pushing the door open, the bell chimed lightly. Alyssa, sweeping the floor, dropped her broom and bowed. "Welcome!"

"Still open after that demon beast attack? Shouldn’t you be resting?" Sharin raised an eyebrow.

"Aren’t you resting either, guest?"

Alyssa looked up. Recognizing Sharin, she rubbed her eyes in disbelief. "President Sharin?!"

The Guild President’s face was famous in newspapers, yet Alyssa couldn’t believe she was here. Such a big shot had never visited the flower shop before.

"I’m here for someone," Sharin confirmed bluntly.

"Who?"

Alyssa stiffened, fingers twisting nervously at her waist. Today was surreal—Heroes kept appearing, even the Guild President.

"Your shopkeeper, Lena."

Lena knew the Guild President?! Was this a dream?

Alyssa blinked slowly. "She’s not here."

"Home?"

"Not sure. She left the shop to me, saying she’s busy lately. Rarely comes by."

"Busy? With what?"

Lena was the shopkeeper—what else could occupy her? Sharin frowned.

Alyssa was equally puzzled but knew less about Lena. "President, why do you need Shopkeeper Lena?"

The question triggered a bitter memory. Sharin snorted. "To settle a score."

"Eh? Did she offend you?"

Alyssa’s stomach dropped. Lena was ordinary—if she angered the Guild President… the shop would close for sure.

"Offend? Absolutely."

Sharin crossed her arms, elegance edged with irritation.

"She dared to ignore my messages! How infuriating!"