XII: Proper kneading helps develop the product.

The day of the parade had finally arrived, and Exousia buzzed with a mix of excitement and nerves. The male members wore their midnight-black uniforms—waist-length coats adorned with polished gold buttons embossed with the guild's emblem, paired with long trousers. The female members sported striking red versions of the same design.

Rieze and Gress waited outside Serys's room in the guild house, watching as she stepped out. The three of them wore outfits befitting the guild founders: coats split down the middle—red on the left, black on the right—with gold buttons, and a scale embroidered in gold on a black cape lined with deep crimson.

"You spent so much of your coffer on costumes, but you didn't bother making me a member's uniform," Serys grumbled.

"You spent so much on your bakery, you didn't bother buying yourself one," Gress shot back.

"He has a point," Rieze added, smirking as Serys rolled her eyes.

"Let's just go," she said, striding ahead. They followed, making their way toward the town's entrance.

Exousia's members fell in step behind them, their boots striking the cobblestone with synchronized rhythm as their banner fluttered in the gentle spring breeze. The guild had spent weeks preparing for this event, and the air hummed with anticipation. Above, the kingdom's banners in vibrant hues rippled against the sky, while the rich scent of roasting nuts and spiced cider drifted from the festival stalls.

Various guilds had gathered at the entrance—merchant guilds, smaller adventurer guilds, and even performers commissioned for the festival. The town's entrance buzzed with final preparations and eager anticipation.

Prince Sylvas sat astride his white steed, his formal dress uniform impeccable as he conversed with Halen from the registry and Samsan Vinsu, the leader of the merchant guilds. Spotting the groups from Exousia, the prince raised a hand in greeting. The guild members bowed in respect as they approached.

"Lady Larkwell," the prince said smoothly, taking Serys's hand and brushing a polite kiss across her knuckles. Gress immediately clamped a hand over Rieze's eyes, only for the guild leader to swat it away. The other members giggled, quickly silenced by their guild master's sharp glare.

"Good morning, Your Highness," she greeted, smiling as she carefully withdrew her hand. "Lovely day for a parade."

"Indeed." The prince's expression turned wry. "This morning, I passed by a rather… colossal blue structure outside the town entrance. Your guards tell me it's your guild's float. If I may ask… is that abomination truly your parade entry?"

Gress clutched his chest in mock devastation, as if the prince had run him through with a sword. "Abomination?" he echoed, devastated, while Rieze patted his shoulder in solemn condolence.

Serys bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. "There's more to it than a colossal blue structure, Your Highness. You'll just have to wait and see."

"Very well," the prince replied, one brow arched. "I hope to be amazed."

"Then please prepare to be amazed," Serys said confidently.

"Is it just me, or is the prince—" Heena began, glancing at Arden as they ran through their checklist of parade items.

"Not just you," Tama interjected.

"Definitely not just you," Arden agreed, nodding toward Rieze. Their guild master was currently being restrained by Kael and a few members of the Golden Sentinels and Exousia, his stormy glare fixed on the prince. A few steps away, Gress had slumped onto the road, drawing tragic circles in the dirt while being comforted by Iona and the healer he was in a party with a few days ago.

Their thoughts were interrupted by the sharp blast of a horn, signaling everyone to take their places.

Halen cleared his throat, stepping forward. "Everyone, thank you for coming to our town to celebrate the summer festival. I pray to Solnne that merchants sell their wares, guilds recruit adventurers who are the right fit, and that our town is blessed with a plentiful harvest and prosperous business."

"…Right," Samsan chimed in cheerfully, hopping onto his horse to lead the merchants and performers into formation.

"Places, everyone!" Heena called out. Members of the House of Versare, the Golden Sentinels, and Exousia scrambled to their assigned spots.

Serys turned to Rieze and Gress, gripping their arms before releasing them. "Gress, you did your best, didn't you? Then have faith in our members and our friends. And Rieze, you're our guild leader. Don't embarrass Exousia. If you can't do it for our guild, then do it for my bakery."

Gress sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "You're right. We put too much effort into this to let a little royal criticism get to us."

Rieze, however, narrowed his eyes. "And if I can't do it for the bakery?"

Serys smirked. "Then do it so I don't bake you into a pie."

Gress snorted, tension breaking at last. "That's a threat I actually believe."

"That's some pep talk, Serys. You always know just what to say to encourage us," Rieze said dryly, rolling his eyes.

Serys smirked. "The prince is just a friend," she added before turning on her heel and walking toward her spot in the parade lineup.

Rieze exhaled, only to frown a second later. Why did that not feel as reassuring as it should have?

The parade finally began to move, music swelling in the air as the festival's grandest event commenced.

"Gather up, Exians! A few words from your vice-captain, Gress!" Rieze roared, and all members of his guild looked at him.

"Why don't you do the honors, my friend?" Rieze softly said as he stepped back to give the floor to Gress, who wasn't expecting the gesture from his guild master.

"O-oh… W-well… Alright, folks!" Gress stammered, his eyes scanning the crowd. "I know some of you don't take me seriously at times… I mean, I don't, either, heh," he added, earning a few chuckles from his fellow guild members.

"But we've worked hard for today. And while people's expectations aren't exactly sky-high, considering we have... well, a colossal blue structure for our parade entry, it's a bit discouraging, really…" Gress continued, smiling awkwardly.

Rieze cleared his throat while Serys covered her mouth, a small laugh escaping her lips.

"I mean… we've worked hard, so let's do our best. But most of all, let's have fun! Let's show the new and future adventurers why we chose Exousia as our guild—why they should want to join us! Because no matter our differences, we chose to stand together… and stuff! And also, for every new recruit, we're offering a free bread from Serys—hip, hip—!"

"Hurray!" came the resounding cheer from the guild members, both new and experienced.

"W-what? I didn't agree to this…?" Serys whispered to Rieze.

"It's fine. Gress probably accounted for it in his budget," Rieze explained, grinning at a panicking Serys. "If not, it'll come out of the guild's miscellaneous expenses."

A resounding cheer erupted from the guild members.

"Okay! Places, everyone!" Gress shouted, bringing the moment to a close.