* * *
Several minutes earlier...
Inside the guild's main office, Aya sat patiently on a couch near the desk, while the guildmaster rested on the side, holding a note in his hand. Silence hung in the air, each person in the room keenly aware of the impending discussion about Aya's distinctive white hair.
The room was quiet, and Aya wasn't saying anything yet due to the suggestion that Hiroki had made to her.
Even the guild master, who was also informed of this expected situation, kept a stern expression while waiting for the knight to inform him of his intentions.
Of course, the guildmaster wasn't going to make the knight keep standing up, which is why he offered to let him sit on the third couch that was in front of him.
"Ahem..." The knight cleared his throat, a small disruption in the otherwise heavy atmosphere. "I truly didn't intend to cause such a disturbance in your guild. I apologize for this."
"No need for apologies. In fact, we were prepared for an event like this. I made sure to inform my staff members in advance, just in case." The guildmaster's response was measured and calm, his fingers intertwining as he fixed his gaze on the knight.
"I'm surprised to see how much you care about this girl despite having the characteristics of a demon…."
The knight found himself surprised by the level of care and attention the guild was affording to a single girl, especially one who bore characteristics that might be associated with a demon. He was taken aback by the extent to which the guild was willing to protect her, even in the presence of a knight such as himself. It was unexpected, to say the least.
"Well, it's only natural. Different characteristics shouldn't deter us from extending our support and understanding,"
The guildmaster softly closed his eyes for a moment before staring at the knight's yellow eyes.
"Isn't that right…. Ryosaki Sun Barlowe?"
Ryosaki Sun Barlowe, the knight, was momentarily taken aback by the use of his full name. However, a soft smile graced his features as he inclined his head in acknowledgement.
"I'm surprised you're familiar with my name." he replied, his voice laced with genuine surprise.
"My job as a guildmaster is not only managing the adventurers guild, but also knowing the potential and influence many fighters hold in this kingdom. Knowing the strongest knight in our kingdom is only part of my duty." The guildmaster confidently responded.
As this exchange unfolded, Aya, observing from the couch, contemplated the dynamics between these two individuals, each holding significant positions in their own right. However, that wasn't because of her own interest, but because someone inside her was enthralled to know of this powerful knight who seemed interested in Aya.
~Have you heard of this knight before?~ Hiroki asked.
"...I think I have heard of him once…."
Aya whispered to herself with her hand over her mouth while the knight and guildmaster were having a conversation.
"He is known as the simbol of protection and the strongest person in the whole kingdom."
~So he must be quite famous?~
"Yes, but no one has seen his face before, which is why no one would recognize him based on just his looks. Some would even say that he is nothing but a myth that the church has made up to reassure people that this country is safe. I'm surprised to know that he is real…"
As Aya expressed, her gaze focused on the knight's figure.
'...so the church must have sent him here….' He reasoned in his mind, piecing together the bits of information he had gleaned from his research.
In this world, religion seemed to have a straightforward and uncomplicated nature.
They state in their beliefs that humans either simply disappear after death or are given a chance to experience eternal happiness— dreams given by the god who has given light to this world.
The church is also a sacred place, where it holds great authority with the king of this country. While they cannot defy the king, the archbishop can work on his own without permission to eliminate evil and assure protection against it.
They have proven their influence in the past, which is why the king also holds a great deal of trust in this organization that is trying to direct its people according to its own beliefs.
However, Hiroki knew that something wasn't right the moment it was mentioned that not many people believed in it. And what's more, the archbishop wasn't that interested in spreading this religion to the whole world compared to his world.
After Hiroki rethought the whole deal with the church in this world, his attention returned to the knight.
"...that is indeed correct. The color of my hair has also brought quite the misfortune while traveling around the kingdom."
The knight with gray hair continued, his smile still on his face at what the guildmaster was trying to say.
"But that hasn't stopped me from pursuing what I think is right."
"Then may I know the motive behind your arrival in this town?" The guildmaster inquired, his eyes narrowing.
"Saying that I came here for my own benefits would be half the truth. I came here as a request from the holy church in order to verify whether there is a demon with the face of a human lurking around the town and manipulating the townspeople."
The guildmaster's eyes twitched for a moment after hearing the true reason for his arrival.
"And may I know what conclusion you've reached after meeting this demon with a human face?"
There was a slight gap of silence as the knight seemed to think for a moment before his eyes glanced over at the white-haired girl who was silently watching.
"Hm."
The knight, however, only showed a soft smile as a first response.
"There is no such thing as a demon with a human face, and that's why I believe that no further action from me must be taken. I already confirmed it the first time I met her on my way here."
"And how can you be sure of that? Or are you able to tell what a demon dating back hundreds of years looks like?"
"While I've never seen a demon before, I have a special blessing that can identify anyone who poses a threat or has malicious intentions." The knight explained.
"If you already confirmed that she is no demon, then how come you still intend to get in contact with her? Even if she is a random adventurer, she still holds potential that could be considered valuable within our guild."
The guildmaster's stern voice inquired, his eyes not flinching away from the knight's.
"That is…. because I believe she is the descendant of the first Sun Barlowe. Her white hair is already proof of that, which is why I want to confirm the theory I have." The knight spoke with narrowed eyes and a confident look on his face.
Aya's eyes widened in surprise at the knight's revelation. She had not expected this turn of events, and the weight of his words settled upon her. She knew that it was impossible for her to be related to a noble, not to mention the shield of hope in this kingdom.
"Descendant….?" She suddenly spoke for the first time.
The room became quiet again as the white-haired girl fell into her own thoughts. But after a few more seconds passed, the guildmaster coughed in his own fist to grab everyone's attention once again.
"This may not be related to me directly, but I must ask. How will you prove your claim that Aya is a descendant of your family, and if so, what do you plan on doing?"
"Ah, no. It's only conspicuous that you would ask. If Miss Aya is truly a descendant of my family, I plan on taking her back to the main capital, Pixi, so she can take back her title and honor as part of my family. Of course, she will be free to do anything and even serve the country as one of the specially ranked knights." The knight's positive smile remained in place as he responded.
On the other hand, Aya didn't seem that happy or stressed about this kind of situation because she was sure that she was not a descendant of any important family.
Despite the knight's assurances, Aya couldn't shake the feeling that this was a misunderstanding or some sort of coincidence. She had no memories or connections that tied her to the noble family he spoke of. Her parents were villagers, and her life had been a far cry from the glamorous world he described.
I'm sorry, but I can't be a descendant of the Sun Barlowe family. I already know where my family comes from, and I remember clearly how I was raised. None of my parents had white hair, and none mentioned anything of the sort. My hair became like this due to a near-death experience. And I can reassure everyone that this condition hasn't affected me or anyone else." Aya clarified, her eyes not showing any sign of emotion.
While the guildmaster looked on with a blank expression on his face, the knight had his mouth slightly open at the explanation that Aya gave.
It was the kind of revelation that he couldn't believe or match with his side of the story. However, after a few moments of thought, the smile returned to his face once again.
"If I may ask, Miss Aya. May I know your age?"
Aya was a bit hesitant about this sudden question, however, as she closed her eyes as if thinking about it, she looked up once again in confidence.
"I recently turned 15 years old."
"Is that so….." The knight responded with the same kind of expression as he softly closed his eyes in notion.
After a few more seconds of silence, the guildmaster coughed on his fist once more to break the silence.
"Aya, can you wait outside? I would like to ask a few more questions to Sir Ryosaki — alone if possible?"
The guildmaster requested, getting a nod as a response from the white-haired girl.
Upon walking outside, Aya sat down in the chair that was very close to the office. With a blank look on her face, she kept thinking of what the knight was saying and how she could be a descendant.
~Are you worried his assumption is just a misunderstanding?~
Hiroki's voice broke through her thoughts, earning a nod of agreement from Aya.
~I understand your worries…. However, even if you are not a descendant, that guy is somehow convinced that you are related. Additionally, getting a connection to someone as big as him could be very helpful. Still, becoming part of a family that you clearly know you do not belong to is something that even I can feel is wrong. Not to mention that he could become a trouble for both of our goals~
Hiroki explained before narrowing his eyes in a bit of annoyance.
'....after all… he might be able to get in my way…'
As time passed, the same receptionist reappeared, noticing Aya waiting with a slightly troubled expression. Seeing how she was waiting in the hallway, she assumed that the guildmaster must have asked her to wait outside. That's why, until the guildmaster finished talking with the knight, she decided to talk with Aya about everything that had happened until now.
She also tried getting more information about the goblin nest, which she had conquered today, something that was very significant for all the villagers that were outside the protection of the town.
'Is this the true potential that the guildmaster saw in Aya?' Mirai thought to herself as she was recalling how fast and suddenly this young girl was stepping up into higher ranks.
Upon waiting a few more minutes, the knight was soon seen walking outside the office with a satisfied look on his face before directing his eyes towards Aya one last time.
"We'll meet again," the knight said as a smile appeared on his face, "and hopefully next time there won't be any misunderstandings between us."
The receptionist gave a suspicious stare at the knight, while Aya was simply looking with an expressionless face, confused about the meaning of his words. Hiroki did mention that getting involved with him was going to be inconvenient.
"Wait here. I'll inform the guildmaster about your quest as well." Mirai advised before entering the office.
"....okay…" Aya remained in the same seat for several more minutes with a single thought in her mind.