Chapter 6: The determined huntress
Anthanasia was on her way back from a hunt when she heard the news. She had two of her close friends—Helia and Helena run up to her as she carried a divine beast over her shoulder.
"Casper said they're sending you out because you're the strongest and most beautiful woman in the guild," Helena said breathlessly.
Anthanasia smiled at the first part of the statement, pleased by the compliment. But as soon as Helena finished, her brow furrowed. They were sending her on this mission because she was a woman—and because she was beautiful?
Without a word, she dumped the beast onto the twins, her movements brusque and decisive. She didn't have time to waste. She made her way straight to the captain's quarters, where Arias was deep in discussion with the vice captain.
"What the hell, Captain?!" she stormed as she burst into the room.
The two men looked up, and the vice captain immediately sensed that a storm was about to hit the room. He took it as his sign to leave as he quickly excused himself, giving Anthanasia a brief, sympathetic pat on the shoulder before leaving.
Arias didn't look up from his chair as he responded coolly, "It's good manners to greet your captain after a three-day hunt."
"I would give my greetings under normal circumstances, but forgive me if my manners elude me after hearing that I'll be sent out in less than a day to hunt some beast in the forest—just because I'm a woman!" she snapped, her frustration clear in her voice.
Arias flinched at her words. He couldn't exactly argue back to her since her words held some truth.
He sighed, rubbing his temples.
"We didn't choose you just because you're a woman," Arias began, his tone measured. "Though, I won't lie—your gender did play a part. But we also recognize your skill. Casper thought it might be worthwhile to test the waters, see if the manbeast would respond differently to you. Perhaps he'd be more open to negotiations, if possible."