Yu'Keto looked genuinely taken aback for a moment, his brow creasing before the expression slowly softened. He exhaled, a long, measured sigh slipping past his lips.
"…What about the others?" he asked quietly.
Aiko hesitated, then answered honestly. "They've turned the guild into more of a part-time posting. With no monster outbreaks, no dungeon breaks, most of the work now is public service. Crowd control. Escort duty. Disputes. Thugs, at worst."
She let out a small, bitter laugh. "Things that don't really need a guild like ours."
"I see…" Yu'Keto murmured.
There was sadness there, unmistakable, but it didn't linger. As always, he folded it away, easing it into another sigh as his gaze drifted toward the massive window, the city beyond bathed in light from wards.
"Guild matters aside," he said at last, turning back to her, his voice lowering, "I came today because I wished to discuss something important with you."
Aiko straightened instinctively. "Something important?"
