[Vol. 9] Chapter 99: The Sword of Lotus, Reunion
Because of the staff member’s exaggerated reaction earlier, many curious eyes followed them as they entered, but Violet ignored it all and calmly walked into the Mercenary Guild under his guidance.
The heavy oak doors closed behind them, shutting out the noise and prying eyes of the outside world. Passing through the bustling main hall, filled with the smell of sweat, leather, and whispered conversations. They climbed a stone staircase leading to the second floor, where they were finally brought before a carved wooden door.
It was a luxurious lounge. The staff had servants bring in fine drinks and delicate pastries before leaving in a hurry after a quick apology.
Violet didn’t stop him. She just waved her hand casually. Once Veranica understood and took her people to guard the hallway outside, Violet walked over to the bookshelf against the wall. She looked over the titles with mild interest before pulling out an old, leather-bound book titled Chronicles of the Northern Lands. Sitting down on a soft sofa, she quietly read under the warm morning sunlight coming through the window.
Now, all she had to do was wait.
Only Alexia and Tina remained in the room. The latter seemed lost in thought, quietly standing behind Violet, her eyes wandering across the fine tapestries and ornate furniture. Alexia, however, could never stay still. She hadn’t even warmed her seat before she leaned toward Violet, poked her shoulder, and asked curiously:
“Hey, Lady Violet, when exactly did you make this appointment? I don’t remember anything like that!”
Looking at the blue dragon girl, a mighty mythical creature by nature, yet as nosy and restless as a child, Violet sighed softly and replied helplessly.
“I’m new here too. How could I have arranged an appointment with the Salzburg Mercenary Guild in advance? It was just an excuse. They probably mistook us for members of Silver Claw. Don’t worry, someone will come looking for us soon.”
“Ehh... I see...”
Sure enough, only a short while after the staff left, steady footsteps sounded from the corridor outside, drawing closer until they stopped in front of the door.
The handle turned. The door opened quietly. The newcomer stepped in, about to speak, but froze when her eyes met Violet’s.
“You’re... Why are you here?”
“Well, well, long time no see! I didn’t think the lady knight would still remember me~”
Violet greeted her with a teasing smile. Her silver-blue eyes swept over the woman’s figure, and her lips curved slightly with amusement.
The newcomer wore gleaming silver-white armor, a sword at her waist. Her short black hair was tied into a ponytail behind her head. The Silver Claw emblem on her chest was raised proudly by her ample curves, moving slightly with each breath, hard not to notice.
Just standing there, she exuded a steady, unshakable presence, like a mountain that could not be moved. Though she looked no older than her early twenties, her eyes carried a calm determination that felt far beyond her years, the bearing of a true commander.
Of course, Violet knew her.
Gladys Wycliffe, one of Carinvega’s “harem”, her guardian knight, and the most trusted among her combat aides. According to Carinvega herself, in that strange “game” she once played, Gladys was even one of the romanceable heroines.
In other words, this woman was someone blessed by fate, a chosen one of sorts. Her future, without a doubt, was destined to be extraordinary.
Other than that, Gladys was also the granddaughter of Hugh Wycliffe, the leader of the Silver Claw mercenary group. According to Tina, because Hugh was already old and had to stay at the headquarters, he didn’t come to the Northern Region this time. Therefore, Gladys took charge of this mission as the commander.
Her appearance here was pretty much within Violet’s expectations.
Although the two weren’t particularly close, since they had Carinvega as a mutual connection, and because of the events involving Sainz back then, Gladys naturally knew the priestess.
After a short moment of surprise, Gladys quickly composed herself. Her sharp eyes swept over Miss Tina, who stood to the side looking a bit embarrassed, and she seemed to instantly understand something. She quietly shook her head, not commenting further.
“Honorary Professor of Sainz Academy, one of the world’s only two Saint-rank adventurers, Miss Violet, although I have never personally seen your abilities, Her Highness has always spoken highly of you. But for someone as truly respected as you to address me as ‘Lady Gladys’ feels a little too much of an honor, doesn’t it?”
“Pfft—what ‘respected senior’? Why does that make me sound like some old man…”
The priestess helplessly shook her head but didn’t argue about who was of higher rank. Even though she was in someone else’s territory, she still casually gestured toward the empty seat across from her as if she were the host.
Gladys didn’t mind. She smoothly waved her attendants away; they silently withdrew and closed the wooden door behind them. Then, sitting perfectly upright with flawless manners, her hands properly resting on her armored skirt, she spoke again.
“Come to think of it, every time I see you, Miss Violet, the girl beside you seems to be different. Sainz, the Imperial Capital, and now here, no wonder you and my lord get along so well.”
“Pff—!”
The priestess almost sprayed the tea she had just lifted to her lips.
She coughed several times before finally catching her breath. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw two girls behind her struggling hard to hold back laughter, their shoulders trembling, leaving her completely speechless.
She remembered Carinvega complaining before that this Miss Gladys, despite her calm appearance, often said the strangest and most unpredictable things at the worst possible times, and it seemed that was completely true.
The worst part was that Gladys looked utterly serious when she said it. Her eyes were so clear and sincere that Violet couldn’t even bring herself to talk back. All she could do was cough awkwardly and force the conversation back on track.
“Ahem… speaking of which, it’s been a long time since I last visited Frederick City. How is your lord doing lately?”
Perhaps because she knew how close Violet was to Carinvega, Gladys didn’t hide anything and answered politely without changing her perfect sitting posture.
“Her Highness is doing well. But ever since the late emperor passed away and His Majesty Xiluo ascended the throne, appointing her as the Equal King, Her Highness has been summoned to the royal palace frequently to discuss government affairs. Life has become increasingly busy, she often reviews documents late into the night and barely has time to attend classes or take a walk outside.”