Serys spent the next few days completing paperwork for the guild, ensuring she left nothing unfinished to avoid Gress's complaints.
"While you're at it, do mine too!" Gress called out. They often handled guild tasks together not just because Gress provided the comedic relief for any stressful, deadline-ridden situations, but also because Serys made sure he finished his share of their guild duties before running off and disappearing for days with his party or his young apprentices.
"If I do your work, your budget will lose a number."
"I'll finish the raid schedule myself," Gress replied, scratching his head.
Serys managed the budget, events, and recruitment of the guild. She handled paperwork for guild house repairs, seasonal and external events, and next year's recruitment plan. She aimed for her successor to continue or enhance her projects without issues. She also led a few more quests with novice members since some of them needed money for gear upgrades and repairs, and a few required her guidance to make healing ampoules, which was an opportunity she used to test more of her recipes for flavor and effect.
"These are people, Serys, not subjects for recipe testing," Rieze remarked.
"For your information, they accepted the pastries and drinks I made for them with gratitude. None of them had died, so far," Serys responded confidently.
"So what's next? Are you going to ask the new mages to make you a freezing room or an oven? Are you going to ask the young healers for their mana, and the master carpenters to make you tables?" Gress asked.
"That's not actually a bad idea," Serys said, placing both hands on her waist.
Rieze and Gress looked at each other, understanding what might happen next.
The following morning started with a clear dawn, as sunlight entered through the windows of Exousia's Guild House, popularly called Exia House. Since quests could start at various times and may keep members out of town for days, Rieze ensured that all guild members had breakfast together to maintain connections before starting each day, creating a lively atmosphere in the dining hall. Serys, too, was already awake, preparing lists and organizing her belongings in her room carefully.
The creak of the door broke her concentration. Gress strolled in, his silver hair loose around his pointed ears and his characteristic grin firmly in place.
"Morning, Serys," he said brightly, plopping himself down in a chair. "Still pretending to retire, or are you having second thoughts yet?"
"Good morning to you too, Gress," Serys replied, not looking up from her parchment. "No second thoughts. And I'm not pretending."
"Hmm," Gress hummed, resting his chin on his hand. "You know you're leaving me to deal with Rieze alone, right? He's insufferable without you keeping him in check."
Serys chuckled softly. "I'm sure you'll manage. Besides, you're the one that needs babysitting!"
Before Gress could retort, the door opened again, revealing Rieze. He stepped inside quietly, his imposing frame seeming to take up more space than it actually did. His dark hair fell over sharp, intelligent eyes, which scanned the room before settling on Serys.
"Serys," he said, his voice low but steady. "We need to talk."
Gress leaned back in his chair with a grin. "Let me guess. You're here to convince her not to leave too."
Rieze's gaze flicked to Gress before returning to Serys. "Yes."
Serys sighed, setting down her quill. "I appreciate your concern, but—"
"It's not just concern," Rieze interrupted, stepping forward. "You're a pillar of this guild. You've always been the one to keep everything balanced—between Gress's impulsiveness and my… tendencies to focus on the big picture."
"You mean your tendency to overthink everything," Gress interjected with a laugh.
Rieze ignored him. "The point is, we need you, Serys. The guild needs you."
Gress stood and stretched, his grin fading into something softer. "Yeah, what he said. We're a team, Serys. Have been for years. What's the guild without you?"
Serys met their gazes, first Rieze's, then Gress's. She could see the sincerity in their eyes—their reluctance to let go. But she also knew in her heart that her decision was the right one.
Instead of answering, she folded her parchment, tucking it into her satchel. "Instead of lazing around in my room, why don't you two help me do my errands," she said simply. And even before Gress managed to sneak out, Serys grabbed his collar and dragged him out of her room.
Gress blinked. "H-hey! I just bought this tunic! What errands?"
"To the market," she replied, picking up her bag. "I have ingredients to buy."
Rieze raised an eyebrow. "Serys—"
"If you really want to understand why I'm leaving, you'll come with me," she said, her voice calm but firm. "Besides, I could use the help."
Gress exchanged a glance with Rieze before shrugging. "Well, I don't have anything better to do."
Rieze sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Fine."
Serys led the way to the bustling streets of Eldoria, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease. The market was bustling as always, filled with the chatter of merchants and townspeople, the clatter of carts, and the enticing smells of fresh food and spices.
"I didn't realize this was what you were retiring for," Gress said as they passed a stall selling exotic fruits. "You're going to be spending your days shopping for flour and sugar?"
Serys chuckled. "It's more than that, Gress… I'm creating something that brings people comfort and joy."
"Adventuring brings me comfort and joy," Gress said smugly. Meanwhile, Rieze walked beside her silently, his dark eyes taking in every detail of her demeanor. She seemed lighter and happier somehow, more at ease than he had seen her in years.
At a spice merchant's stall, Serys carefully selected jars of cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom, her movements precise and thoughtful. "Do you know what's special about these?" she asked, holding up a jar of cinnamon.
"They smell nice?" Gress guessed, earning a glare from Rieze.
Serys smiled. "This blend enhances the user's focus in alchemy. Used in the right recipe, it can help someone stay alert for hours without feeling jittery. It's perfect for adventurers preparing for long missions."
Gress tilted his head. "So, you're still going to be helping adventurers, just… with food?"
"Exactly," Serys said, her smile widening. "I'm not stepping down because I didn't care about the guild. I'm leaving because this is my way of contributing. And because it's what I love."
By midday, Serys had filled her satchel with various ingredients and supplies. She arranged for bags of flour, sugar, and fresh produce to be delivered to the bakery. She became friends with merchants wanting to sell her produce for a bulk discount.
Instead of returning to the guild, she led Rieze and Gress to the outskirts of town, stopping in front of the run-down cafe.
"This," she said, gesturing to the dilapidated cottage, "is where it begins."
Gress let out a low whistle. "Well, it's… got character."
Rieze crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "This is what you're leaving for?"
Serys nodded. "Yes. It doesn't look like much to you now, but I see potential. It has a basement for storing ingredients, and a second floor for my staff to rest. I can fit at least five tables of four and a counter, some display shelves, and a kitchen. Once it's all set up, this can be a place where adventurers can rest, where locals can gather, where magic and comfort come together."
Gress stepped closer, peering through the grime-covered windows. "You're serious about this, aren't you?"
"I've already hired my employees, so there's no turning back," Serys chuckled.
Rieze stared at her, his usually guarded expression softening slightly. "You've always been stubborn when you set your mind to something."
She winked at Rieze, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You wouldn't want me any other way."
Gress laughed, clapping Rieze on the back. "Looks like she's made up her mind, guild master. Might as well support her."
Rieze sighed but nodded. "If this is what makes you happy, Serys… then I won't stop you."
Serys's smile widened. "Thank you. And don't worry—I'm not disappearing. I'll still be around, just in a different way."
As they turned to head back to the guild, Gress threw an arm around Serys's shoulders. "You know, I'm still not convinced you're not just using this as an excuse to avoid Rieze's nagging."
Serys laughed, the sound light and free. "Well, I won't deny it's a nice bonus."
Behind them, Rieze walked silently, his heart heavy but resolute. Even if he couldn't convince her to stay, he would support her dream—because seeing her happy was more important than keeping her by his side.