An Unexpected Reunion

The moon just sat over the horizon as the first light crept across the sky. Gwen let out a yawn and splashed water on her face, the sudden cold waking her up fully.

Boots laced tight, she tied her hair in a ponytail and stepped out the door. She tiptoed down the steps quietly. The front door opened with a soft click, and she walked outside.

Stretching warmed ‌her muscles before she took off down the empty road. I love starting the day by purposely breaking down my muscles. Healing magic for the win! She thought, settling into a steady rhythm.

The western district where she ran was large; it used to take her an hour to complete a lap, but now she had shortened it to forty minutes.

Gwen sped up slightly while rounding a corner.

Sweat now began to appear on her brow, yet her breathing remained steady. Each step was another obstacle to overcome to complete her goals.

***

As quickly as the run started, she was already done, coming in at little under an hour. The clock tower showed the time as seven-forty-one.

Gwen’s lungs were on fire, but it was a burn she came to enjoy; it gave her a feeling similar to success. She tilted her back, taking in big gulps of air, moving into push-ups, sit-ups, and practicing her stances.

If the rising sun hadn’t signaled the start of the day, the chatter of morning people would’ve. Adults yawned while heading to work or opening shops. Children carried books to the church-sanctioned school.

For Gwen, it was time for her to change and make her way to the guild.

I might have to go back to the Duke’s house for a bath, she thought sadly.

The inn she was staying at offered water and a rag to wipe themselves down with; there was no shower or bath. It was a sacrifice she accepted for now, but she promised herself that in the future she would only stay in places with tubs!

Dressed in her usual adventurer’s outfit, Gwen checked herself out in the mirror, fixing her messy hair. Satisfied, she made her way to the Adventurer’s Guild, only stopping to grab a piece of bread and fruit from the landlord on her way out.

In less than five minutes, she reached the entrance. It was mostly empty, with few adventurers roaming near the request board.

“Gwen, you’re finally here,” Mel said, her eyes snapping to her the moment she got into line. Her eyes had dark bags underneath, and bit the bottom of her lip.

“Yeah, I’m actually earlier than usual,” Gwen replied, lifting an eyebrow. “Is everything okay? Did you need me for something?”

“Yes! The guild master wanted to talk to you about the dungeon and the recent quest you took!”

“Me? Why?”

“Apparently there is an ongoing investigation, and the people looking into it specifically asked for you.”

Gwen's eyes widened in shock, no words coming out of her mouth. Of course, I can never have a peaceful day.

***

Eric's lips formed a frown, both legs planted on the ground as he glared at the guild master sitting across the desk. She stared back at him with a cheeky grin that irked him. The urge to yell at the stubborn old woman was strong, but he kept his tongue.

He knew the kingdom relied on her and the guild to take care of monsters and other requests knights couldn’t handle. Still, it left a sour taste in his mouth: a prince bowing to a commoner.

“Ms. Beth—” Eric said harshly.

“You can just call me Beth; no need for pleasantries here,” Beth interrupted cheerfully.

Eric clenched his hands and moved to stand up. A soft hand on his arm stopped him. Mika’s delicate face came into view with a soft smile.

He took a couple of deep breaths to keep himself together, reigning in his anger.

“Beth!” he said through clenched teeth. “When will I get to meet her?”

“Meet who? Sorry, memory isn’t what it used to be.”

“What the Prince is trying to say is, when will we be able to meet the adventurer with the information about the goblins?” Mika spoke, grabbing his hand to help keep him calm.

Beth nodded her head but went silent.

Whenever I become king, the first thing I would do is strip her of all titles and positions, Eric thought, glaring deep holes into Beth’s wizened face.

Beth saw his look and gave a small smile, a piece of reddish-grey hair falling into her face. “Now, miss, who are you again?” she asked, turning to Mika.

“Right, I am the Prince’s consort, and also assigned to help him out with this ongoing investigation.”

“Ah, so nobody! Why don’t you run along then while I talk to the young prince here.”

Eric slammed his hands on the table, jumping to his feet. “Enough of this, you senile old witch!”

“We have waited for two weeks for this meeting, and dare you go insult my promise? I should have you arrested, put in jail for the slight.”

Beth tilted her head. “I thought you promised that noble family, Vanderick, you were to marry their oldest child.”

“Don’t speak of that family in front of me!”

“You’re just a child playing at being an adult.”

“Everyone, I think we should all get back to the point of the—” Mika began. Her words were cut off as the door opened with a loud squeak of its hinges. Eric, red with rage, turned on his heel.

“Listen, you can’t just barge in here without…” he trailed off.

A person shorter than him stood in the doorway; from the outfit, he could tell it was a female. They wore a white hood with ears on top, a black skirt, and black boots most adventurers wore.

What really caught his attention were the eyes. They were purple, just like hers. His anger skyrocketed, finally losing control as a red glow formed around his body.

No way that could be Gwen, right… the same cold aura circled, and the eyes were the same.

Mika turned and stared at the adventurer in shock. “Why are you here?” Her soft voice turned into anger.

“I was told there was an investigation that needed my input?” the adventurer replied coldly.

“Ahh, yes, my apologies!” Beth said, clapping her hands together. “I had sent for the adventurer early today, and it totally slipped my mind.”

Eric ran a hand through his hair. “That would’ve been nice to know an hour ago!” he growled before turning his attention fully onto the adventurer. “What is your name and rank?”

“My name is Gwen, a D-rank adventurer.”

“D-rank? Is that correct?” Mika asked, glancing at Beth.

“Yes, she got promoted to D-rank not too long ago.”

Eric got closer to Gwen’s face, his glare sharpening as he pointed directly at her. “What the hell are you doing here acting like an adventurer?!”

“Work, what do you think?” Gwen snarled, tilting her head back slightly under his gaze.

“No way you could defeat a hobgoblin on your own; I want to know what you are really up to!”

“Um, what?” Gwen’s eyes widened.