By the time Akari returned to Lyra's house, the tension she had carried all day finally began to fade.
Warm light spilled from the windows, and the familiar scent of cooking greeted her the moment she opened the door.
"You're home," Elen said, turning from the kitchen with a gentle smile. "Dinner's ready."
Akari blinked. "Already?"
"You look like you could use it," Elen replied, setting plates on the table. "Sit."
Akari obeyed without protest.
The meal was simple, but comforting. Steamed vegetables, roasted meat, and fresh bread. The kind of dinner that grounded her back in reality after everything that had happened.
Elen watched her carefully, well Akari explained the whole day.
"You handled yourself well today," she said at last.
Akari hesitated. "Layla could've been hurt… I just reacted."
"That's exactly why it mattered," Elen replied. "You didn't lose control. You didn't hesitate. And you didn't go too far."
Akari lowered her gaze. "…I kept hearing Lyra's voice in my head."
Elen smiled faintly. "Then she trained you well."
That night passed quietly.
The next morning, Akari was halfway through her tea when a sharp knock echoed through the house.
Elen opened the door and raised a brow.
A uniformed guild messenger stood outside, posture rigid.
"A summons for Akari," he said. "From the Guild Master himself."
Akari nearly dropped her cup.
"M-Me?"
Elen took the envelope, reading the seal before handing it to her. "Looks official."
Akari broke it open with trembling fingers.
Akari,
Report to the Adventurers' Guild at once. This is a personal summons.
–Guild Master
Her heart raced.
"What did you do this time?" Elen asked lightly.
Akari groaned. "That doesn't help!"
But Elen's eyes were thoughtful. "No… this isn't punishment."
She gestured toward the door. "Go."
When Akari arrived at the guild, Layla was already waiting.
"Akari!" she whispered urgently. "The Guild Master asked about you first thing this morning."
"…Asked what?"
Layla hesitated. "Where are you staying. Who are you training under."
Akari stiffened.
"I told him the truth," Layla continued quickly. "That you're living at Lyra's residence, and that Elen is personally training you."
Akari swallowed.
"And then?"
Layla smiled nervously. "Then he went quiet."
They didn't have to wait long.
The office door opened.
"Akari," the Guild Master called. "Enter."
The Guild Master studied her in silence once she stepped inside.
"You caused quite a stir yesterday," he said at last.
Akari bowed. "I only did what I thought was right."
He nodded. "That answer alone tells me a great deal."
He folded his hands behind his back. "Layla informed me of your living situation. Lyra. Elen. Their involvement in your growth."
Akari felt the weight of his gaze.
"You are being trained by individuals I trust with the kingdom's stability," he continued. "And you've already demonstrated restraint beyond your current rank."
He turned fully toward her.
"I don't intend to waste that."
Akari's breath caught.
"From this point forward," the Guild Master said, "you will be placed on a fast-track promotion path. Special assignments. Accelerated evaluations."
He paused.
"But understand this, such paths are watched closely."
Akari straightened. "I understand."
A faint smile crossed his face.
"Good," he said. "Because if you continue as you have… your rise will not go unnoticed."
As Akari left the office, heart pounding, Layla bounced slightly on her feet.
"So?" she asked.
Akari smiled, small but certain.
"I think," she said, "I'll be very busy from now on."