After much thought, Suran figured Androde’s request for a private chat likely meant only one thing: recruiting her into the guild.

But something still felt off.

If Androde truly wanted to recruit her, she could’ve just said it outright.

After all, Suran had effortlessly taken down Hankus right before everyone’s eyes—and guilds recruiting strong members was perfectly normal.

Plus, Hankus had a terrible reputation. Suran beating him wouldn’t offend anyone; it might even make them *more* welcoming.

Yet Androde hadn’t made the offer publicly.

Her actions felt mysterious, hard to decipher.

Since Suran had said she was unavailable, Androde didn’t press further. She walked to the center of the guild’s first floor and addressed the newcomers:

“Newcomers, have you all chosen your tasks? Ready for the second round of practical assessment?”

Though her voice was hoarse, it still carried the commanding presence of a former guild master. The newcomers instantly rallied:

“Ready!”

“R-ready!”

A familiar voice came from near Suran’s feet. She looked down—Hushang, slammed hard by Hankus earlier, was now pushing himself up.

“Hushang, are you okay?” Ruby asked quickly.

“Just a little dizzy… otherwise fine,” Hushang said, rubbing his head. “High-tier healing magic… seriously impressive. Bati, hope you’ll reach this level someday.”

Priest Bati, who’d arrived unnoticed, gave a silent nod—same as always.

Hushang noticed him, but Ruby jumped. “Bati! When did you get here!?”

“I’ve been meaning to say—you’d make a terrifying assassin. What a waste,” Suran remarked.

“Maid Sister, our task got snatched…” Hushang suddenly remembered. “Hankus took it!”

“I checked it,” Suran said. “Neither the target nor location suits you three. Be more careful next time.”

*Poison Mist Giant*—just the name implied toxin-laced fog. Suran wouldn’t flinch, but one breath could be fatal for the trio.

“We… we saw other tasks too, all risky. Figured with Maid Sister here, we’d just… pick one,” Hushang stammered.

“Hmm… you’re overestimating me. Even I can’t dispel toxic mist,” Suran replied.

True—she was immune, but couldn’t protect others. A reminder clicked in her mind:

*During daylight, Miss’s constitution leaves her vulnerable to environmental hazards. Nightfall solves it… but we can’t rely on that every time.*

Helping Lyasis overcome daytime limitations would need planning.

“Go accept a new task,” Suran told the trio.

“Got it!” They hurried back to the C-rank task board. This time, their movements were confident—Suran had their backs.

Even F-rank newcomers shot envious glances: *Lucky to have such a beautiful, powerful Maid Sister guiding them.*

After confirming the new slip with the counter lady, they prepared to depart.

…

Outside the guild, Suran found Lyasis still standing quietly, notebook in hand—over halfway through its thick pages.

“Miss’s study pace… truly astonishing,” Suran murmured.

“Suran, resolved?” Lyasis closed the notebook, lifting her gaze.

“Yes, Miss.”

“I see.” Lyasis’s eyes narrowed slightly. She turned to Ruby. “Well? How did my maid look saving you? Elegant?”

“Absolutely!” Ruby gushed. “So graceful, beautiful—and *cool*! Ah! I forgot to thank Maid Sister!”

“Is that so? Then I’m a little envious,” Lyasis said meaningfully. “If only *I* could be in danger… and saved by Suran.”

“Miss, don’t say such foolish things.” Suran patted Lyasis’s head, earnest. “I’ll never let you come to harm. Even at the cost of my life—”

Lyasis rose on tiptoe, a slender finger gently pressing Suran’s lips.

“‘Giving my life’ sounds loyal… but I dislike hearing it. Don’t say it again.” Her tone was firm. “Nod if you remember.”

Suran nodded.

Lyasis slowly lowered her finger.

The air grew thick with unspoken warmth.

“W-we haven’t eaten lunch! Can’t go on empty stomachs! L-let’s grab food and meet at the city gate!”

The trio—feeling like glaring third wheels—blurted an excuse and fled.

After they vanished, Suran asked softly, “Miss… are you hungry?”

“Not at all.”

“Eh? But you…”

“I’m already full… from jealousy.”

Suran blinked. *Oh? Is Miss jealous of Ruby? Because I rushed to save her without hesitation?*

“What you did was right,” Lyasis murmured. “They’re our companions now. Saving them was necessary… But imagining you charging recklessly toward someone else… makes me unhappy.”

Suran had rarely seen Lyasis like this—cheeks slightly puffed, openly flustered. Surprise flickered, then a smile tugged her lips.

*So this is Miss when she’s jealous? Adorable.*

The Lyasis who’d smirk and ask, *“Suran, do you think I’m jealous?”*… even she had a candid side.

“I adore this honest Miss,” Suran whispered, pulling Lyasis into a gentle embrace from behind, warmth pressing close. “But making you unhappy is my failure. Tell me—what should I do to bring back your smile?”

Her voice softened, smiling.

“Command me. Anything.”