Welcome to the Special-Grade Guild! ~ The Beloved Elf Poster Girl Soothes Everyone’s Hearts ~
Chapter 163

163. Side Gilnandio / Side Sauradite

The moment I felt that immense magical power, everyone in the guild went on guard. It was greater than anything I’d ever felt before. I immediately used my shadows to track its source. When I realized it was in the basement, my blood ran cold.

—Meg’s in the basement.

“Th-This is bad! Everyone, listen!”

As I was about to dive into the shadows to go to the basement, I saw Maille rushing up the stairs, his face pale.

“Lady Meg… She’s gone!!”

At that scream, the guild fell silent. For a moment, everything went dark. …Get a hold of yourself. What am I going to do, being like this?

“What happened!? Explain, Maille!”

Saura, who had rushed over from the reception desk, demanded an explanation. Everyone else was silent, listening intently.

“The Lady, she came to thank me for that fashionable magic tool I gave her, the one she used to change her hair and eye color. We were chatting, and then this magic circle, one I’d never seen before, appeared at her feet. I tried to grab her hand, but I was repelled… And then, before I knew it, she was gone!”

“It’s all my fault, for being so useless,” Maille said, his fists clenched. This is incredibly rare. He must be incredibly frustrated with himself, for not being able to do anything.

“It was probably a magic circle designed to prevent interference. You’re not to blame, Maille.”

That was probably what it was. You can design them to be used in any number of ways by changing the spell, such as not allowing any other people to interfere while it’s in place to prevent accidents, or allowing interference as an exception. It just gets a bit complicated.

“So, instead of wallowing in regret, just tell us. You said you’d never seen it before, right? Do you still remember that magic circle?”

“Of course! I never forget a design I’ve seen! Down to the smallest detail!”

That was his special ability. He’s devoted to enhancing beauty, and when it comes to design, he’s top-class. He never forgets a design he’s seen, even magic circles. I was shocked when I’d found that out. It’s questionable to group magic circle designs with fashion, but it’s coming in handy now.

“Then write it down, now! Gil, once it’s ready, go analyze it with Lasch!”

“…Yeah.”

The moment I answered, everyone tensed. I could sense a dense, oppressive magic power leaking from me. That’s probably why.

“…Gil.”

Saura narrowed her eyes as she looked at me. I know. I know I’m losing control. But I can’t help it. I want to find the one who kidnapped Meg and tear them to pieces. I couldn’t bring myself to suppress this murderous intent spreading through me.

※

“Gil. Gilnandio!”

She called out to him, her voice sharp, as he continued to lose control.

“Gilnandio, you’re off this investigation.”

“What…”

“This is a direct order. Cool your head!”

“…!”

She met his gaze head-on, that sharp gaze, as if he were about to kill someone. Gil then wordlessly turned on his heel, disappearing into the shadows. The moment he did, the murderous aura vanished. …Whew, that was tiring.

“Saura…”

Ludo, who had just arrived from the infirmary, spoke to me with a troubled smile. Ludo would have grasped what happened with his threads. And it seems like he understands my intentions. That alone made me feel a little lighter.

“Saura-san! Why… Why are you taking Gil-san off the investigation!?”

But there were those who couldn’t understand. Or rather, most couldn’t. Reki was practically growling, ready to bite. Very well. I’ll give Reki a little hint.

“Reki, this is an order. I’m sure Gil understands. There’s nothing you can do about it now.”

“B-But! If we have Gil-san’s power, we could find her immediately…”

“That’s not true.”

I cut him off, refuting his words.

“As of right now, it’s an unknown magic circle. Researching it is our top priority. And that is Gil’s specialty. But Lasch can analyze it on his own. Or rather, Gil would just be in the way right now. He’s incredibly capable, but he’s not omnipotent.”

“B-But… Gil-san’s the most worried about her, isn’t he!”

It’s true, he’s incredibly worried. But to say he’s the “most” worried is wrong. Doesn’t he realize how wrong it is to rank how worried we are about her?

I’ll do what’s best. And what’s best, is constantly changing. I’ve just chosen what’s best right now. I swallowed those words and spoke quietly:

“…Listen, you’re still new here. An immature adult. For now, all you have to do is listen carefully to what I say as your boss and do what I say.”

Reki gritted his teeth, his face filled with frustration. It’s fine, Reki. You’re not at that stage yet, but it’s okay.

“And remember… those feelings.”

Reki slowly looked up at my words.

“If you believe it’s wrong, then when you’re stronger, you can correct it. So for now, even if you’re dissatisfied, even if you think it’s wrong, follow my instructions. An inexperienced person should not be acting on their own, okay? Success or failure, the responsibility is all mine, because you’re just following instructions. You won’t have to suffer, so don’t worry. Now then, if you understand, get to work. Everyone else too! If you make the guild grind to a halt, I won’t forgive you!”

The guild members slowly started to get back to work. It was a good thing no outsiders had come in yet, since it’s still early.

Reki was still trembling, his fists clenched, without answering. Wallow in your frustration, Reki.

“…And when you are stronger. Then you can confidently help me.”

I left those words behind and headed off. …Maybe I’m being too soft. I couldn’t bring myself to see Reki’s reaction. But let’s believe that he’ll learn something from this.

Now then, time to focus. I have to analyze that magic circle and figure out where she is, as soon as possible.

“Saura.”

“Yes, I know. I’ll contact you when Gil’s calmed down. So head out, now.”

“I’m glad we’re on the same page. As expected of the executive officer.”

“What are you saying? You’re the Don, you don’t need my permission.”

The Don, walking next to me, called out to me quietly. I immediately responded. He must be worried, of course. He probably never wants to be separated from her again. I admire how calm he’s being, considering even Gil’s lost it.

“What are you saying? You’re the executive officer! You’re in charge of me too.”

“…You’re surprisingly needy, aren’t you?”

“That’s right. You’re one of the few people I can be needy with. Precious, aren’t you?”

He said this with a smile, and it was hard for me to not be flustered. Honestly, this guy… He’s a natural at saying things that make people happy!

“Then, as the executive officer, I have an order for you. Don’t do anything reckless. Make sure to confirm everything with me before you take action. Absolutely.”

“Roger, Executive Officer. …I’ll try my best.”

I sighed as I watched the Don head off.

He’s absolutely going to act before getting my approval. I doubt he’ll even try!