Chapter 77 – Caught Him off Guard

Chapter 77

Caught Him off Guard

Date : Day 5 of Grimleaf 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.

Ina stretched like a cat, her arms reaching upward, her body curving in a graceful arc. The motion was fluid, natural—the kind of stretch that came after sitting too long in one position. Her spine popped softly, releasing the tension that had built up during their long conversation about dungeons and her work on the documents.

Hyoren smiled at the sight.

"Are you tired already, Ina?"

Ina looked forward, her stretching complete. Her arms dropped back to her sides as she settled into her chair.

"Fufu. This was nothing, Hyoren. I just wanted to stretch a bit. During busy hours of taking care of what the Guild Master neglected, I can process mountains of documents from morning until night..."

Hyoren exhaled slowly, exasperated. The Guild Master was more unreliable than he'd thought. If Ina—as Vice Guild Master—needed to clean up their mess constantly, the hierarchy was clearly lopsided.

"That must be harsh... working under... an unreliable person."

Ina chuckled. She tried to stifle her laugh with the back of her knuckles, but the sound escaped anyway—a soft, genuine amusement that warmed the cooling air of the reference room.

"Pfft. Unreliable, you say. Well, in some cases, yeah. But you're wrong, Hyoren. Guild Master is actually reliable. It's just... paperwork... is not the Guild Master's strong suit..."

Hyoren's lips parted slightly. He'd made a wrong assumption. The correction settled uncomfortably in his chest.

"I see... I was too quick to judge..."

Ina smiled. Her cheeks softened, the tension from their serious discussion fading into something gentler.

"So, any more questions about the dungeon, Hyoren?"

She glanced at the darkened sky outside the window. The reference room's light had started to dim. The dual suns had sunk lower, casting long shadows through the glass. Evening was approaching.

Hyoren also looked out the window. His time was running out. He had a promise to keep with Elise. The afternoon had slipped away faster than he'd realized.

Ina turned her head back toward Hyoren. The dim light caught her features—her cute bubbly face, her perked cat ears, her large amber eyes that seemed to glow in the fading afternoon. The warm orange hues painted her in soft light, making him aware of her in a way he hadn't been before. It caught him off guard.

She tilted her head. Confused why Hyoren wasn't saying anything.

"What's wrong, Hyoren?"

The feeling surfaced only briefly—a pull, an awareness, something he shouldn't be feeling. He quickly shook his head, dispelling the thought before it could take root.

"Sorry, Ina. Something caught my eye."

He tried to lie. He couldn't admit he'd been captivated by her. Not even to himself.

He leaned forward, diverting the conversation with a new question.

"Anyway. Is there any dungeon nearby, Ina? And is it possible for me and Elise to enter? A dungeon matching our level?"

Ina nodded slowly. Her expression shifted—the playful warmth receding into something more practical.

"Hmm. Good question. To be honest, no."

Hyoren's eyes widened. The revelation caught him off guard.

"There's no dungeon nearby, Ina?"

Ina tapped her fingers on the table. A soft, rhythmic drumming that filled the quiet room.

"To be exact, there's no dungeon in Akela territory. It's actually good though. We're already busy enough handling Shadowden Collective in the Forest of no Return. Managing a dungeon might stretch our resources thin..."

Hyoren nodded. He understood the dilemma. The Goblin King's forces in the forest were already enough of a threat. Adding dungeon management on top of that would overwhelm any guild.

"So... How about neighboring territory, Ina?"

Ina put her fingers to her chin. Her tail swished slowly behind her as she thought.

"There are basically two options. Firstly, in my hometown… Theriarchic Union Cat-clan main town, Golden Claw Plateau. But it's quite far from here. You'd need more than two weeks to travel on foot. And it's in a different nation."

Hyoren grimaced. Different nation meant checkpoints. Customs. Adapting to another culture. He'd just settled into this world's Human Nations—Kingdom of Altaria. He did want to explore the world eventually, but for now, he wanted to keep operating in territory he was already comfortable with.

"I see. That might be an option if I don't have another choice. But there is a closer option, right, Ina?"

Ina giggled. She was amused. She'd provided the option least likely to be picked first—partly because it was her own hometown. A non-practical reason dressed up as a practical suggestion.

"Fufu. Well, maybe I thought mentioning my hometown would trigger something in you... like, suddenly wanting to meet my family to ask for marriage, for example? Kyahaha…"

She laughed. The sound was bright, unbidden, filling the reference room with her laugh.

Her teasing was starting again. Her flirtatious streak wasn't gone—it had just been hiding beneath the professional Vice Guild Master exterior.

Hyoren scratched his cheek. The reason caught him off guard. But it was so like Ina to phrase it that way.

Ina cleared her throat. The laughter faded as she prepared to continue.

"Okay, for more realistic options. Dungeon City Harvengald. Around five to six days travel from Akela."

She leaned forward. Her amber eyes focused. The weight of knowledge about to be shared pressed into her tone.

"Harvengald has three dungeons inside the city. It was built specifically around and for dungeons. One Copper-rank, one Silver-rank, and one Gold-rank. It's the biggest and most populous dungeon city in Altaria. It would be perfect for you, Hyoren."

Hyoren's eyes widened.

Dungeon City Harvengald. Elise mention this city before. 

And this city had three actual dungeons within city limits. A city built specifically for dungeon diving. His mind raced with the image—a city full of adventurers, all seeking to explore dungeons. Wanting to find treasure. Wanting to grow stronger. A hub of activity, commerce, and opportunity.

He leaned forward. Excitement buzzed beneath his skin at the prospect of a good grinding place. He wanted to join with many adventurers who already operated in Harvengald.

"So, I can go there to enter the dungeon, Ina?"

Ina raised her hands. A stopping gesture.

"Not straight away... Harvengald dungeons are harsh. Even the easiest one—the Copper-rank dungeon—has a level requirement of 10. You're still level 6, right? You need to raise your level first before you attempt to enter their dungeons, Hyoren."

Hyoren slumped in his chair. The disappointment was immediate, a weight settling on his shoulders. He couldn't run straight toward the dungeon after all.

Ina chuckled seeing the change in him. The visible deflation was almost comical.

Hyoren smiled wryly and straightened his posture again. The excitement had been premature. He still had work to do.

"Well... I guess back to my original plan then... For now I'll take it easy and do monster subjugation quests around Akela to raise my level. Then when I'm ready, I'll go to Harvengald."

His path was starting to become visible. His immediate goal was settled. The steps were clear—grow stronger first, then seek the dungeon.

"Fufu. That's right, Hyoren. No need to rush."

Ina smiled. Agreeing with his more sensible goal. The afternoon light continued to fade outside, the orange hues deepening into amber, then slowly toward the purple of approaching evening.

***

The reference room started to darken. Outside, magic lamps flickered to life one by one, replacing the dual suns as the source of light. Their soft amber glow pressed against the windows, casting long rectangles of warmth across the wooden floor. Three moons had begun to hang in the sky.

Ina stood. Her chair made a soft scratching sound against the floorboards as she pushed it back.

"It's a shame, but it seems our time is up, Hyoren. It's dark already."

Her cat ears deflated slightly. Her tail's swishing slowed to a gentle, almost reluctant rhythm. She was sad the moment they'd shared was coming to an end.

Hyoren stood as well. The chair scraped softly behind him.

"I didn't realize we'd been talking for so long."

He chuckled softly. The sound was low, almost contemplative.

"Time flies when you're having a good time, doesn't it?"

Ina beamed. Her eyes brightened, and her ears perked forward. Happy that Hyoren shared her sentiment.

"Yes! You're right!"

Practicality then arrived for both of them. Ina gathered the books and parchment sprawled across the table, stacking them neatly before returning each one to its proper shelf. Her movements were practiced, efficient—she knew exactly where each book belonged.

Hyoren tidied the desk and chairs. He straightened the furniture, ensured everything was in order.

After they finished, they exited the Reference Room together. The door clicked shut behind them.

They descended the stairs. Passing a few clerks—young women he didn't recognize—who were carrying papers or sorting quest requests. Many people worked at this institution. All of them bowed slightly to Ina as she passed, acknowledging her with respect.

Before today, he'd been confused why every clerk showed such deference to Ina. But now he understood. She was Vice Guild Master, not just a Senior Clerk. The authority was real. The hierarchy was clear.

The main hall bustled with adventurers returning from their quests. Some were exhausted, shoulders slumped from long days. Others laughed boisterously, celebrating successful hunts. But none of them paid attention to Hyoren or Ina as they crossed the space.

They reached the exit afterward. Hyoren pushed the heavy ironwood door open for Ina. The wood was dense, solid—required genuine effort to move. They stepped through, leaving the bustling hall behind.

The cool Autumn air and the busy main street of the Adventurer's District greeted them. The temperature had dropped noticeably since the afternoon. The street was alive with vendors packing up their stalls, adventurers heading home or seeking taverns, and the distant sound of conversation and laughter.

Ina turned to face Hyoren. Her tail swished once, then stilled.

"Okay, Hyoren, I'll go home now. Thanks for the pleasant time today. I truly enjoyed our time together. This was my best day off in years. Fufu."

Hyoren smiled at her. The expression came naturally.

"The pleasure is mine, Ina. You taught me a lot today. I'm grateful."

He checked the time by looking up at the sky. It had already darkened considerably. But a sliver of light still peeked from the horizon—the last remnant of sunset. He nodded. He still had some time.

"Also, let me escort you to your house... I'd feel bad sending a young woman off alone. Especially after you've already helped me so much today."

Ina giggled. Her soft laugh spread across the busy main street. A few passersby glanced their way, then continued on.

"You're so serious, Hyoren. But I truly love this side of yours."

She leaned forward. Her hands found her waist. She winked.

"If you keep doing this, I'll truly fall in love with you, you know. Fufu."

Her eyes glinted. The light was not predatory—not like the hunter stalking prey. Something deeper. Something had shifted inside Ina, just for a moment.

But as quickly as it appeared, it vanished.

Hyoren scratched his cheek. The gesture was absent, automatic. He didn't notice the change in her expression.

"Well... I thought it was pretty normal to escort women back to their house."

Ina chuckled. The sound was warm, genuine.

"Fufu. If you say so..."

She straightened her posture. Her professional demeanor settled back into place.

"Okay then, Hyoren. I'll take your offer. Please escort me."

She latched onto Hyoren's arm. Her movement was quick, confident. She claimed the spot where Elise usually stood—close, intimate, her body pressed lightly against his side.

The gesture was abrupt. He couldn't avoid it. He was caught off guard by Ina's sudden proximity.

He tried to move away, but her grip was strong. Her fingers dug into his sleeve with surprising firmness.

"Ina, isn't this inappropriate?"

He looked left and right. Worried that Elise might see this and accuse him of cheating. Worried that someone they knew might spot them and report back to her. The main street was crowded. Eyes were everywhere.

"Inappropriate how, Hyoren? This is a normal gesture when escorting a woman, you know? You did say you wanted to escort me. Or are you going to take back your own words?"

Ina smiled mischievously. She turned his own words against him with practiced ease.

"No more dilly dallying. Let's go, Hyoren."

With awkward resignation, Hyoren gave in. He really couldn't win a verbal argument with this Cat-clan Vice Guild Master. And so they started walking, arms intertwined, making their way through the evening crowds of the Adventurer's District.

***

Ina led Hyoren down the stairs in front of the guild. Her steps were purposeful, her grip firm on his arm as she pulled him along. They descended into the cooling evening air, the streets now alive with magic lamps and the murmur of evening crowds.

She turned onto a side road beside the guild. The path was narrower, quieter—a service road that ran parallel to the main street. Her pace didn't slow. If anything, she walked with more confidence, more certainty. Pulling Hyoren in her arms as they went.

But to Hyoren's surprise, they stopped almost immediately. In front of them stood a two-story building—wide, spacious, well-maintained. The structure radiated warmth. Magic lamps hung near the entrance, their soft glow illuminating flower boxes beneath windows. The atmosphere was cozy, welcoming.

"Okay, I'm home, Hyoren."

She released her grip on his arm, then stepped forward before turning to face him. She gestured toward the building with a flourish. Her smile turned mischievous, playful, knowing.

"This is the Guild Dormitory for their staff. And I live here. Fufu."

The revelation struck Hyoren. He stood still, processing the information. She lived nearby. They'd walked for less than five minutes. His escort had been unnecessary from the start. She lived within a stone's throw from the guild.

It was practical, he realized. For unmarried staff, living in a guild dormitory made perfect sense. She could commute to work easily—barely a commute at all. The environment was guaranteed to be safe, surrounded by colleagues and guild members. And the rent would be reasonable, subsidized by the institution.

Ina leaned forward. Her mood was visibly good. Her cat ears perked and twitched in quick, happy motions. Her tail swished behind her—left, right, left, right—a metronome of satisfaction.

"Fufu. Surprised?"

Hyoren smiled wryly. The expression was tinged with resignation and mild embarrassment.

"I truly didn't expect this... Ina."

Ina twirled. Her dress flared with the motion, her tail swishing along with the fabric. Happy she could tease Hyoren even now. Making him caught off guard one more time before they parted.

"Fufu. Now you understand when I said I didn't really need an escort, right?"

He scratched his cheek. Feeling embarrassed. Heat crept up his neck and face, flushing his skin.

Ina smiled. The mischief faded, replaced by something warmer, softer.

"But thanks. Really, thanks, Hyoren."

She looked up at the sky. The three moons hung in different positions now, their light mixing with the glow of street magic lamps. Reminiscing about something.

"It's been a while since I was treated like... a lady."

Her eyes flickered with darkness for a moment. Brief, but unmistakable. The weight of those simple words hung between them.

She usually toyed with men. She consumed them for pleasure, and men sought her in return—for her body, for physical satisfaction. Not for connection. Not for love. Other women despised her for her reputation. It was her own choice, her own path. She didn't regret a single encounter. But the dark feeling still built up inside her. Slowly. Surely. Accumulated over time like sediment in a riverbed.

And now, Hyoren had treated her like a lady. A woman to be respected. The feeling was novel. Foreign. She wasn't used to being treated this way. Part of her teasing today had actually been a way to divert her own mind from thinking too deeply about this.

What Hyoren had done had moved her.

She coughed softly. Trying to bury the feeling. Trying to mask it so Hyoren wouldn't notice the shift in her expression, the catch in her voice.

"Anyway, thanks again for today, Hyoren. Goodbye!"

She waved her hands. The gesture was bright, cheerful—a deliberate contrast to the shadow that had passed through her eyes.

Hyoren waved back. His own smile genuine, warm.

"The pleasure is mine, Ina! Goodbye!"

She turned around. Climbing the few steps to the dormitory entrance. Her hand found the door handle. She paused, peeking over her shoulder one more time. Her smile was soft, genuine, stripped of mischief. She waved at him. Then she entered. The door clicked shut behind her, separating them.

Hyoren stood alone on the quiet side road. The lanterns flickered softly. The evening air was cool against his skin. The sound of distant conversation drifted from the main street.