The sky matched the color of ice, floating clouds like frozen shards.

Buildings carved from ice formed a dreamlike city—its beauty alone enough to soothe the soul.

Frosthold, an elven city, served players as a starting village.

Logging in, I appeared in a tavern. Classical melodies filled the air amid lively chatter. Dwarves, elves, mercenaries, and adventurers gathered here, sharing tales of their exploits without restraint.

Across the table, MilkywayDancer—Guild Leader of "El's Radiance"—had waited long. Unaccustomed to the boisterous atmosphere, a trace of pink warmed her cheeks. She kept her head down, sipping juice slowly.

Players occasionally approached to chat, but left tactfully when she remained silent.

"Are you *sure* someone’s joining our guild? Don’t lie to me."

She’d never set foot here without that new-member notification.

The noise grated on her—a noble-born girl unused to loud dwarves and cursing mercenaries.

"Of course. They’re just running late. Let’s wait."

I forced a smile. Our meeting time was 11:30 AM. It was now past midnight.

*Is this girl ghosting me?*

My fingers tapped the table. Time crawled. The Guild Leader finished one juice, then three more I ordered. Her expression darkened with each passing minute.

"She’s here! Just a moment longer—she’ll be right in."

I messaged Alicia while calming the Guild Leader. Soon, she appeared at the tavern door. Spotting my wave, she approached.

Her usual fiery red top blazed like flames. No makeup adorned her face, yet her natural beauty shone—petite and delicate as a porcelain doll.

*Sure, everyone designs pretty avatars here. Just enjoy the view.*

"Sorry I’m late. Things came up. Shower after work took time."

"No worries! Glad you made it. Or the Guild Leader would think I lied."

*Stare—*

The Guild Leader rested her chin on interlaced fingers, studying Alicia intently.

"What are you looking at?" Alicia asked.

"You never mentioned the new member was a girl."

Ignoring Alicia, she turned to me.

"I… didn’t?"

*Why does gender matter? You’re a girl too! This isn’t a corporate interview!*

"No. Girls aren’t allowed in our guild."

Before Alicia could react, the Guild Leader shut her down.

"What?! Sexist much? Apologize to every female player!" Alicia slammed her palms on the table.

"Both of you, calm down!" I hissed. "Everyone’s staring. There’s a misunderstanding—"

*Why do I feel like I’m in a love-triangle drama?*

"Bet it’s a love triangle."

"That girl on the west bench is prettier. Gentle and virtuous."

"I prefer the cutie to the south. Adorable, makes me wanna—"

"Such a waste. Good women always end up with pigs."

*The hell?! Who said anything about triangles?! And comparing me to a pig? I’m handsome, dashing—I’m an insult to pigs everywhere!*

My icy glare made the gossipers look away.

"Sit. Let’s talk properly."

"Hmph. I only agreed because *he* begged me. I wouldn’t glance at a tiny guild like yours otherwise."

Arms crossed, Alicia shot me a murderous look.

"S-sorry! I didn’t mean it like that! Please don’t misunderstand—"

"Then explain! Why reject me out of nowhere? He begged me for *three days straight* to join!"

*Three days?! We’ve known each other for two hours!*

"I just… worry. You’re so petite, cute, and pretty."

"Worried I’ll steal your boyfriend? Please. It’s a *game*. And I’d never like this useless guy. I already have someone—totally different from this loser. Ordinary-looking, but when serious? Cold. Dominant. A man who can solo hundreds of thugs. That’s the kind of CEO-type who deserves me."

*Steal your boyfriend?! You’re ranting about fictional CEOs while she’s talking guild rules! And "useless"? I’m just… conserving energy! That "hero saves damsel" fantasy is so outdated!*

They ignored my inner screaming, still arguing.

"N-no! It’s not like that!"

The Guild Leader flushed crimson, waving her hands frantically.

*Why panic? We only planned an in-game wedding for the rewards…*

"Actually…"

"Actually *what*?"

Alicia’s hawk-like gaze pinned the Guild Leader down.

"This guy’s a lolicon! A pervert obsessed with petite, cute girls! He mutters ‘little sister’ nonstop! Allegedly, he drinks his sister’s bathwater to brush his teeth, uses her underwear to wipe his mouth, and makes her wake him up naked every morning!"

(≧w≦) ← The Guild Leader’s face.

Shrinking under Alicia’s stare, she then blurted it all out in a shrill voice—drawing every eye in the tavern.

"Hah?"

I just sat there, hand on head, utterly bewildered.