Chapter 34 : Guild Plan
Aurelia stood outside a room. The door was wooden, with a small yellow light seeping out from its edges. Without knocking, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The room was occupied by Grim, Kade, and Kade's girlfriend, Rhea. Kade's tan skin, blonde hair, and sharp blue eyes gave him a striking appearance.
Rhea, on the other hand, was a muscular and strong-looking girl with black hair and vibrant green eyes. They were both standing, while Grim was seated by the window, his white hair and black eyes focused on the darkness outside as he read a book.
It been long time that Aurelia had seen Grim reading. His expression was calm, composed, and refined, exuding the air of a perfect businessman. The seriousness of his demeanor seemed almost flawless, his presence radiating power and authority.
Kade and Rhea greeted her respectfully.
"Lady Aurelia, this is not the first time we've met," Kade said with a smirk.
"Welcome, my lady," Rhea added with a polite nod.
Aurelia was surprised by how quickly they were treating her like some sort of boss woman. Their behavior was calm, collected, and respectful, far more formal than she had expected.
Grim's gaze shifted from the book to her, his expression unreadable. But Aurelia could already feel how much stronger the three of them had become. Of course, Grim had always been powerful, but now she could sense Kade and Rhea's strength as well.
She greeted them back with a warm smile. "Ah! Nice to meet you."
She moved toward Grim and took a seat beside him. His dark eyes remained locked on her, studying her with that same cool, calculating expression.
Aurelia turned her attention to Kade. "So, what were you talking about?"
Kade glanced at Grim, silently asking for permission to speak. Grim's expression gave him the go-ahead.
"We were discussing how we should move forward, what we should do after we return home," Kade explained.
Aurelia nodded thoughtfully. "Can I give some opinions?"
Aurelia said with a confident smile, "I'm guessing you're all thinking about starting a guild in our country, right? I think it would be best if you establish two organizations. The first one will be a front guild where you manage the players openly. The second one will be like what you do now — handling the real work from the shadows. And as for me, I'll be starting a guild of my own, exclusively for female players. No males will be allowed.
"The more guilds we have, the clearer our influence will become. The world is about to change, and soon, power will be scattered everywhere. We need to be the first to seize that power before anyone else."
Kade's eyes widened in surprise, his sharp blue gaze flicking to Grim. "That's... exactly what Grim suggested earlier. Almost word for word."
Rhea nodded respectfully. "Your insight is remarkable, Lady Aurelia. It's clear you've already thought this through."
Grim's expression remained unreadable, but there was a hint of approval in his gaze — a rare, almost proud look directed at her.
Aurelia stood up and faced Rhea with a smirk. "And of course, you're coming with me to my guild, Rhea."
Rhea immediately bowed her head slightly and responded, "If that's your wish, my lady."
Kade's eyes widened in surprise, his sharp blue eyes glancing between Aurelia and Rhea. Wow, that's a scary woman. If she wasn't the boss's woman, we'd have to face her... or worse. It's good she's on the boss's side.
Kade grabbed Rhea's arm gently and said, "If you will excuse us, my lady." He then looked at Grim, silently asking for permission. Grim's expression gave him all the confirmation he needed. Without another word, Kade left the room with Rhea.
Now, only Grim and Aurelia remained in the room.
"Come here," Grim ordered, his tone commanding.
Aurelia stepped forward and stood in front of him. Without warning, Grim lifted her up, placing her on his lap. His hand wrapped around her neck, pressing firmly.
"Good job," he said, his voice cold but approving.
It was the first time Aurelia had ever received a compliment about her work. Despite the roughness of his touch, her chest swelled with happiness, and before she knew it, a few tears slipped down her cheeks. Overwhelmed by the moment, she leaned forward and kissed him, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Press harder," she whispered.
She then proceeded to tell him everything that had happened that day — about Lyra, about Seraphine — all while kissing him. As she finished, she added, "I'm planning to challenge the tutorial room tomorrow."
The moment those words left her lips, Grim's actions stopped. His eyes sharpened, and he picked her up again, turning her around and settling her back on his lap, this time facing him.
Aurelia looked at him, confused. "Why did you stop?"
"Let's clear the tutorial room tomorrow. After that, we'll have a full six days. During that time, we can continue... but just hold on for today and save your strength for tomorrow," Grim replied, his tone firm but calm.
Aurelia looked at him and sighed before nodding. "Fine... but I'm sleeping while hugging you today. Don't expect me to let you go all night. I'm going to cuddle you."
Grim laughed, amusement gleaming in his dark eyes. His gaze was so intense it made her feel like he could consume her completely. "Don't expect me to hold back for the next five days."
Aurelia's desire only intensified, her eyes gleaming with a hunger of her own. "Can we do it just one time?" she pleaded.
But Grim shook his head, his grip on her tightening. "Just hold on for one day."
---
It had already been twenty-four days since they had arrived.
Aurelia walked into their room in the morning, finding them all still asleep — Lyra, Seraphine, and Raven. Her gaze softened as she approached Lyra, her white hair sprawled messily over the bed and her eyes peacefully closed. Aurelia brushed her hand gently across Lyra's face before leaning down to kiss her forehead.
"Wake up, darling. We have to go somewhere," Aurelia said softly.
Lyra's black eyes slowly opened, still hazy with sleep. She mumbled, "Sister-in-law... hug," while stretching her arms toward Aurelia.
Smiling, Aurelia hugged her and lifted her up effortlessly, carrying her like a child. Without putting her down, she walked to the washroom with Lyra still in her embrace.
Lyra looked at her with sleepy curiosity. "Sister-in-law, where do I have to go?"
"To the library," Aurelia replied. "Remember your skill — Necromancy? I think you'll be able to find your answers there. I've already arranged for someone to help you find what you need."
Lyra blinked. "Who?"
"It's someone I know," Aurelia answered with a reassuring smile.
They both got freshened up and headed back to the room. By the time they returned, Seraphine and Raven were already awake.
"Good morning, Sister-in-law. Good morning, Lyra," Raven greeted them with a friendly smile.
They greeted him back, and Aurelia said, "I have to go now. Today, I'm challenging the tutorial room."
"Good luck," Seraphine and Raven wished her.
Lyra then added, "I also have somewhere to go today. You two should stay together."
They both nodded, accepting her words. Lyra soon left the room.
After a moment of silence, Raven looked at Seraphine and suggested, "Why don't we go outside for a walk today?"
Seraphine looked at him and nodded with a gentle smile. They both began getting ready for their outing together.