Chapter 13

“Ah, Guild Master! Tell us what happened!?”

Liam leaned forward with undisguised curiosity, Marco beside him practically vibrating.

“Are you done?” Marco added eagerly.

Sonia clicked her tongue.

“Aish men,” she said, waving a dismissive hand. “Why are you all so nosy?”

“Come on,” Kyle chimed in, arms crossed but grinning. “Something interesting must’ve happened.”

“There was,” Sonia replied smugly, chin lifted. “But you’ll have to wait until I make an official announcement.”

“Muuu~”

“You’re no fun~”

The men collectively groaned.

“Um… Guild Master?”

Sonia turned to see Mina and Keila looking up at her, eyes wide and hopeful.

“Did it… perhaps go well?” Mina asked softly.

“Perhaps,” Sonia replied casually.

Both girls immediately drooped, shoulders sagging.

Seeing this, Sonia burst out laughing and pulled them both in, wrapping an arm around each of their shoulders.

“Haha! I’m teasing, I’m teasing,” she said. “It went very well, thanks to you two! This might just be the best thing that’s happened to this guild in years!”

“R-really!?”

“That’s amazing…!”

Sonia laughed boisterously as the girls beamed.

“Haha, it seems lively here.”

Everyone turned.

“Lord Soobin!”

He approached calmly, smile gentle.

“So,” he asked, “where do you all plan to go after this?”

“I was thinking we head back to the guild,” Liam said, stretching.

“I agree~,” Marco added. “Today was exhausting.”

“I also have… rather annoying paperwork waiting,” Sonia sighed. “I was planning to apply what we agreed on immediately.”

Soobin’s expression visibly drooped.

“Oh… I was thinking of preparing some healing herbal tea for you all.”

The shift was instant.

“…I felt bad.”

“That’s illegal,” Marco muttered.

“That face is unfair,” Keila added.

Sonia cleared her throat.

“…Well,” she said, turning away. “I suppose we could stay a little longer.”

“Really!?” Soobin’s face brightened.

“Yes!” Mina said quickly.

“Just a bit!” Keila nodded.

—

Some time later…

“I truly apologize, Lord Soobin,” Sonia said, adjusting her coat. “We’ll come again another time.”

“Well, it can’t be helped,” Soobin replied warmly. “Please, take this with you.”

He handed over a large bag filled with fruits, herbs, and vegetables.

“Thank you, Lord Soobin!”

“We’ll bring something in return next time!”

The three men waved as they departed.

“Looks like the kids had fun,” Sonia remarked.

“Indeed,” Soobin smiled.

She paused, then bowed her head slightly.

“…Thank you. For saving them. If you hadn’t—”

“Oh please,” Soobin waved it off. “I would’ve handled it regardless. Minjun did most of the work.”

He gently stroked Minjun’s mane.

“I’m still amazed,” Sonia admitted. “Unicorns never acknowledge anyone. But if it’s you… I suppose it makes sense.”

“Well,” Soobin chuckled, “it was mostly chance.”

“It’s okay to brag a little,” Sonia laughed. “I should head back, work never ends.”

“Then I’ll leave you to it.”

“Please,” she said with a grin, “just call me Sonia.”

“…Alright. See you soon, Sonia.”

She nodded, then turned to Mina and Keila.

“Aren’t you coming?”

“Ah, w-we still have something to do here!”

“Yes! A quest!”

“…There’s still tomorrow.”

“It has to be now!”

“Yes!”

Sonia sighed.

“…Very well. I’ll leave them in your care.”

“You can count on that.”

—

Some time later, it was only three of them. They fidget nervously seemingly expecting something.

"Aren't you going to finish your quest?"

"A-about that.." Mina seeming hesitant.

"T-the reward.." Keila answered in a low voice.

"Oh right, my apologies." I chuckled lightly, because they looked like kids wanting to ask for allowances.

I guess this was the reason after all.

It's kind of adorable in its own way

"Alright, well?"

"..."

"Aren't you going to ask me anything~?"

Gulp

Their faces looked red in embarrassment.

"Come on, no need to be shy."

I decided to tease them further. I have an inkling of idea of what it could be.

"Well if it's anything pervy, I—"

"N-no it's nothing like that!"

"Y-yes we won't do that! Ever!"

Well I was slightly disappointed but then again it's sort of fun teasing them.

Also, I don't think now would be a good time.

I slowly turned to look at Minjun who looked like ready to charge at any given opportunity.

The wisps also arrived, hiding in the bushes. They seemed to always arrive just in time whenever there's mischief.

These little rascals.

Just then, the girls spoke.

"P-pats.." Keila muttered

"U-um!" As Mina nodded confirming hers as well.

Hehe adorable.. They looked like kindergarters everytime they do this. Though I do see them less of a woman and more of a child as time went on.

Also,

They went through the trouble of asking a high authority to help me have an easy forest life. And all they ask are pats?

No, I think I'll give them more than just herbs and pats this time.

I smiled with the mischievous thought I had in mind.

—

Some time later.

"Are you enjoying this?"

I smiled warmly looking at the view below me.

Two of the girls laid their heads down my lap as I gently caressed their heads.

Though I can't see their faces. And based from their silent response, they're probably embarrassed.

They looked like daughters I never had. I guess it would be a good idea to raise an orphanage here, as it would probably count as increasing "population".

We would both benefit from it.

"Phooo~"

That's when I suddenly heard a coo beside me.

The source of the sound was Mina's.

"The other one's asleep."

"Should I wake her?"

Keila looked up at me, her face red, not wanting to trouble me any further.

"Oh no it's fine, I would be happy if you could relax as well."

It's not like I have anything better to do in the forest when the beastkin hasn't arrived yet.

"Okay.."

"Good"

I started caressing her hair as well, she seemed startled at first but after a minute or two, she soon after gently drifted to sleep.