18. Lesson
Right after Takuma left the guild, Lorraine knocked on the door of the Guild Master’s office.
“Excuse me. It’s Lorraine.”
“Come in,” came the reply from inside. Following the instruction, Lorraine stepped into the Guild Master’s room.
Sitting in a large black chair deep within the dignified, familiar interior was none other than Gold — the Guild Master of this branch and Lorraine’s direct superior.
“I’ve brought the item you asked for.” “Good. Come closer.” “Yes.”
Lorraine walked slowly toward the back of the room and stopped across the large desk from Gold.
“These are the clothes Takuma was wearing.” “Oh? Could you hold them for me, Lorraine?”
When Lorraine tried to place the sweatshirt on the large desk so it would be easy to see and touch, Gold stopped her.
“Just stay like that.”
Gold stood up, walked around the desk, and approached Lorraine. From slightly behind her right side, he leaned in to look at the sweatshirt and reached out with his right hand to touch it.
“Hmm. These really are clothes I’ve never seen before. What do you think, Lorraine?” “I agree. I’ve never seen anything like them either.” “I see. How does the material feel?” “There are some worn areas, but it’s very soft and has a nice texture.” “I see. Let me touch it myself.”
As Lorraine moved to offer the sweatshirt, Gold stopped her again.
“You can stay just like that. I’ll come to you.”
He moved even closer. While Lorraine was still facing the direction where Gold had been sitting, he reached from behind her right side and touched the sweatshirt.
“Hmm. It really does feel nice. And it looks warm too.”
He touched the fabric several times, giving his impressions.
At fifty-eight years old and having risen to the position of Guild Master, Gold had a sharp eye for things. And those who were sharp always had something that set them apart.
“Lorraine, what is this garment called?” “Its name…?” “Yes. Even if no one has seen it, someone might know the name. I’ve taken a liking to these clothes.” “I’m sorry… I don’t know.” “You don’t know? Why not? Didn’t you ask him about these unusual clothes?” “No…”
People with sharp minds have strong curiosity and a desire to learn. They always try to turn new things into knowledge and make it their own. Gold was one such person. That was how he had grown by absorbing twice or three times as much knowledge as others.
However, for Lorraine, who was simply a receptionist at the guild, the name of Takuma’s clothes was unimportant. She had been curious about their appearance, but she hadn’t asked.
Besides, as a guild receptionist, she had to avoid being rude to adventurers. She had learned long ago from Gold himself that she must not pry too deeply.
Takuma was someone she had only met that day — a brand-new adventurer. She couldn’t bring herself to ask personal questions about clothes that might involve his past.
“That’s troubling… Now we won’t know what these clothes are.” “I’m sorry.” “No, it’s fine. You are the face of our reception desk. I’m sure you acted with the guild’s best interests in mind. So please, lift your head.”
Lorraine slowly raised her head, which she had lowered in apology. Only then did she realize how close Gold was standing.
“However, it is regrettable when someone of your caliber makes a mistake. You’ve been working here for over ten years. Even including myself, in terms of experience and achievements at the reception desk, you stand at the top of this guild. You understand, don’t you?” “Yes…” “Good. Then such a mistake from you sets a bad example for your juniors.”
Gold whispered the words into her ear. Before she knew it, the fingers of his right hand were poking at something soft.
It wasn’t Takuma’s sweatshirt — it was Lorraine’s large breast.
“Why didn’t you ask him the name of these clothes?” “That’s… because I had only just met him today, so I thought it would be prying too much… Nn…! I-I couldn’t ask…”
Even as Lorraine tried to answer Gold’s question, his hand did not stop moving. Since she was holding Takuma’s sweatshirt with both hands, she couldn’t use them to stop him. All she could do was endure his slow, flowing caresses against her soft skin.
“I see. That is indeed something I taught you long ago. You remembered it well. We adventurers’ guild exist because of the adventurers. Maintaining good relationships with them is very important. Just like the relationship between you and me.”
As he spoke, Gold’s fingers stimulated Lorraine’s nipple through the fabric.
Unable to bear the stimulation, Lorraine’s body twitched. She pursed her lips and unintentionally ignored Gold’s next words.
“Oh? You’re not going to reply? Ignoring your superior’s words isn’t like you at all.” “I-I’m sorry…”
She answered immediately, but Gold’s actions did not stop.
“It seems a little re-education is necessary…”