Monica spoke indifferently with the Equilibrium Guild members before her. Her tone remained measured and calm, her usual composure unwavering. She gave them occasional nods, as if honoring some unspoken understanding.

Noah had planned to observe a little longer—but the moment he paused, they seemed to sense his presence as if with eyes in the back of their heads.

In an instant, four distinct gazes locked onto him.

He clearly sensed their probing intent. As debt collectors, they must have already contacted Anna and the others. Yet none had ever laid eyes on Noah, the Azure Round Table’s newly appointed Guild Master.

Curious, confused, and amused glances swept over him from head to toe. The strongest emotion among them? Schadenfreude.

If Noah could’ve heard their thoughts, he knew they were silently betting this new Guild Master wouldn’t last three days.

His expression stayed perfectly calm.

Since he’d been spotted, hiding served no purpose. He stepped forward with Anna and Shirley into the guild hall.

“Guild Master, welcome back.”

Monica shot Anna two quick glances. Seeing the red-haired girl wrapped in Noah’s coat—the very one he’d worn when he left—a knowing smile flickered across her lips.

She offered a faint smile and introduced Noah to the Guild member before her: “As you see, this is our new Guild Master. His resume is impressive, and his experience is seasoned.”

Truth be told, Noah’s background truly was extraordinary. Being dug up from a grave and resurrected? Few guild masters could claim that.

Noah stepped forward calmly and extended a hand. “Hello. I’m Noah.”

“Hello.” The young Guild member gave two perfunctory shakes. “York. Level Four Arbiter of the Equilibrium Guild.”

Level Four? An Arbiter? Noah was mildly surprised. Upon closer look, the man was younger than expected—boyish face, fresh out of school, barely stepping into society. His forced sternness couldn’t hide the flickering emotions in his eyes.

The other three stood like gray walls: cold, hollow gazes, only a faint glimmer hinting at thought. Classic rookie versus veteran energy. Newcomers still spark with spirit; veterans have long since checked out.

Still—Noah knew the Equilibrium Guild ranked members Level One (highest) to Seven. For someone York’s age to reach Level Four and hold Arbiter status? He was clearly a standout in the Cult of Equilibrium.

“Guild Master Noah.” York’s voice cut through his thoughts. The young man studied Noah’s face silently for a breath, then asked, “I heard you took Azure Round Table members to climb the Aether Spire today?”

Noah assumed Monica had shared it. “Yes.”

A trace of amusement glinted in York’s eyes, as if he already saw the outcome. “How did it go?”

“That depends on your definition of ‘smooth’,” Noah replied evenly, carefully avoiding thoughts of Anna and Shirley’s antics. “I became Guild Master only yesterday. Today’s climb was to assess the members. By that measure? Very successful.”

York narrowed his eyes. “You’re aware of the debt?”

Noah nodded. “Reviewed it yesterday.”

“The deadline is under two months. Any hope?” His gaze flicked swiftly over Shirley and Anna.

Shirley puffed her cheeks, glaring at him with clear irritation. Anna scowled, tapping her foot impatiently—*tap… tap… tap*—against the floor.

Noah studied York again. This kid had bite.

After a brief pause, Noah answered calmly: “Hope exists. We just need a little more time.”

“Time waits for no one, Guild Master.” York executed an overly theatrical noble’s bow. “Many tried before you. All failed. You know why. If you wish to avoid ruin, abandon the Azure Round Table. It isn’t worth saving.”

Logically sound—but Noah caught the personal edge. Youth struggles to hide true feelings. No matter how polished the act, the eyes betray.

Since the start, York had kept stealing glances at Anna. She was undeniably striking—graceful, battle-worn, even more endearing now. Natural for a handsome youth to notice. But Noah saw no admiration in his gaze.

Just as Noah opened his mouth—

“Enough, York!” Anna strode forward, voice sharp. “Did the Equilibrium Guild send you here to sow discord? Doesn’t that violate your own teachings?”

“I state facts, Anna Carole.” York’s tone turned icy. “Azure Round Table cycles Guild Masters rapidly. Debts pile higher. With holidays near, I’d rather not waste effort deciding your fate.”

Anna opened her mouth—then closed it. He wasn’t wrong. She recovered fast, smirking coldly: “That’s a problem for two months from now. Even if we face arbitration… it might not be *you* handling it. What if *you’re* dismissed first?”

“You think I’m like you?” York’s voice dripped with contempt. “I’m a Level Four Arbiter. You? A fool who can’t even succeed at Ritual Magic. Don’t use your ignorance to predict my future.”

Anna clapped slowly, voice dripping sarcasm: “Oh yes, the *noble* Arbiter… Right? I recall you once looked down on the Equilibrium Guild.”

York’s composure cracked—but he caught himself. Jaw tight, he enunciated each word: “Past is irrelevant. I am an Arbiter now. I hold the authority.”

“Arbiter York.” Another Guild member stepped in, hand on York’s shoulder. His gaze, cold as stone, fixed on Anna. “Disputing an Arbiter may be deemed obstruction. It risks your guild’s credibility—and could shorten the deadline.”

“Stay calm. It matters.”

Anna’s lips twitched. If she could, she’d already be chanting Ritual Magic to drag York down with her. But Noah and Monica’s stares held her back. They couldn’t afford a shorter deadline.

Fuming, she stomped once, turned—and before disappearing down the hall, tossed over her shoulder: “What’s so great about a traitor?”

The words struck sharper than steel. York sucked in a sharp breath, whipping around to glare at her retreating form. Curses burned behind his teeth—but decorum held them back.

“Guild Master Noah.” York turned back, eyes on the unnervingly composed man before him. “See the Azure Round Table for what it is. Don’t waste your time on them.”

Noah met his gaze evenly. “I’ll judge that for myself.”

York held the stare a few seconds longer, then left without another word. The last member closed the door softly behind them.

In the dim guild hall, Noah reached out and gently stroked Shirley’s wing. She was fluffed up like a hissing kitten, baring tiny teeth at the door. “Easy now,” he murmured. Earlier, she’d nearly lunged to peck York.

“My apologies, Guild Master.” Monica bowed slightly. “You witnessed… an unseemly scene.”

“No harm done. We’d meet them eventually.” Noah waved it off. “Do they visit often?”

“Yes.” Monica gave a slight nod. “Once a month. As long as debts remain unpaid, they monitor our finances.”

Noah clicked his tongue inwardly. The Guild’s power ran deep. Joining them felt like passing the civil service exam—security guaranteed.

York’s face surfaced in his mind. Sensing history, he glanced at Monica preparing tea. “Monica… does that Arbiter know Anna?”

Monica arranged biscuits on a wooden tray, never missing a chance to praise: “Your insight is remarkable. Yes—they knew each other well. Once, quite closely.”

Noah hesitated. Personal matters weren’t his to pry into.

Monica offered the tray with a warm smile. “If you wish to know more, ask Anna directly. She’ll likely open up to you.”

“If she’s willing, I will.” Noah bit into a biscuit. The texture felt… odd. He frowned. “I thought we were so broke even mice would starve.”

“These are leftovers from three years ago. Mice wouldn’t touch them.” Monica smiled.

Noah stared at the half-eaten biscuit.

“But still good for another month—just a bit stale. Perfectly safe.” Her smile deepened.

Noah swallowed. “And after next month?”

Monica smiled, silent.

Well. York had one thing right.

Time waits for no one.

And Noah had zero intention of eating dirt come next month.

He ruffled Shirley’s hair and told the bird girl to head back to her room for now. Then he turned to Monica with his next instructions:

“First, take these items to the Guild Master’s office. While you’re there, bring me the bill and the guild’s inventory list. I’ll go take a shower, and when I’m back, I’ll go over everything carefully.”

“Understood.”

Monica nodded, maintaining the elegant and dignified composure befitting a maid. “Is there anything else you’d like me to do?”

Noah furrowed his brow, sorting through the current situation in his mind before reaching a conclusion.

“Bring me the information on the third guild member. The more detailed, the better.”