Chapter 48: Choosing a Quest
The waiting room remained silent. The only sound was the soft, rhythmic breathing of those present. There was an atmosphere of calm that contrasted with a subtle tension lingering in the air, as if the remnants of a storm had only just passed.
Aziz sat in the center, eyes closed. His posture was relaxed, almost meditative, but there was not a hint of carelessness in his demeanor. Beside him, Astrid gently rested her head on her son’s shoulder, as though trying to savor each remaining second she still had by his side. Her eyelids were half‑closed, and a faint smile lingered on her lips—discreet, yet sincere.
𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖
Around the room, the other women were scattered, each lost in her own thoughts. Some exchanged quiet glances with one another; others simply watched Aziz with a blend of pride and unease. It was clear that something had changed—or was about to.
Selene, seated slightly apart from the group, observed everything in silence, but she could no longer suppress the curiosity growing within her. Her gaze drifted over Aziz’s serene face, and finally she broke the silence with a question, her voice calm yet probing:
"So, Aziz... do you intend to accept a mission as soon as the guild master returns?"
The question echoed through the room, drawing everyone’s attention. Astrid slowly opened her eyes, and Aziz did as well, tilting his head toward the human woman with long blonde hair. He remained silent for a moment as if weighing his answer, then replied naturally:
"Yes. I want to set out on a mission as soon as everything is in order."
Selene nodded slowly, showing she understood his decision. Still, her expression hinted at something more—perhaps a touch of concern, or simply a desire to help in some way.
"I see... If you’d like, I can show you a few missions that would be decent for a beginning," she offered, attempting a casual tone, though a genuine care resonated in her voice.
Aziz lifted one hand to his chin, thoughtful. His fingers traced his skin as he considered her suggestion. Then he shrugged naturally and nodded:
"That’s fine with me. Of course—if it’s not any trouble."
"Not at all," Selene replied, with a reserved smile but clearly pleased at the opportunity to assist him. Her eyes gleamed faintly.