Isao's nonchalant question, tinged with dark humor, left the guild members stunned. They had witnessed the trio's impressive feats, but Isao's casual acceptance of violence against another adventurer marked a disturbing contrast to her typically cheerful demeanor.
Balmung, however, maintained his composure, his expression a mask of calm authority. "Miss Isao, while we understand your eagerness to test your prowess, such confrontations must be carried out with caution and restraint. The sanctity of our guild premises demands that our disputes remain peaceful whenever possible."
His gaze then shifted to Clementine, who stood seething with bloodlust. "As for you, Mr. Clementine, I implore you to reconsider this foolhardy challenge. These young adventurers have already proven themselves worthy of our admiration and trust. Their talents serve the greater good, not the petty satisfaction of personal victories."
"Let them duel," Isla said to Balmung with an aloof expression. "Clementine won’t back down, and I know his type—they need to be put in their place."
Balmung was momentarily taken aback. Isla spoke with the wisdom of someone far beyond her years, yet she was clearly just ten years old. With a sigh, he reluctantly agreed. Perhaps it was the sheer audacity of the child speaking with such weighty understanding, or maybe Balmung sensed the depth of Isla's inner strength that belied her youthful appearance. Whatever the reason, he hesitated for only a moment before nodding solemnly.
"Very well, Miss Isla. The decision rests with you three. Clementine, step forward to engage in combat with our young champions, as decreed by Lady Isla. May your skills be matched by theirs, and may the greatest warrior prevail."
With a heavy sense of foreboding settling over the room, Clementine strode forward, his eyes locked onto his challengers.
On the other hand, Isla and Sylveria sat at an empty table, casually ordering tea and cake which the waitress serve immediately as if Clementine didn’t exist. “Damn kids! I’m right here!” Clementine shouted, charging at them.
Still unfazed, the two continued their conversation about snacks—until, in an instant, Clementine was teleported to the farthest side of the guild hall, replaced by a single lavender flower.
“I told you, didn’t I? I’m your opponent,” Isao said, her smile gone, katana aimed at the stunned Clementine. The entire guild fell silent, eyes locked on the scene. No one had seen how she did it. Clementine, now standing on the farthest side of the hall, stumbled as he tried to process what had just happened. His face twisted with confusion and anger.
“What kind of trickery is this?!” he shouted, scanning the room for an explanation. But there was none—Isao had effortlessly moved him without lifting a finger.
"You should’ve listened," Isao said flatly, her voice cold. "I warned you not to underestimate us."
Balmung, the Guild Master, stood up, his expression a mix of shock and intrigue. “Miss Isao, I had no idea you possessed such an ability. Teleporting someone across the room with such precision... it’s remarkable.” Violet, always analytical, leaned in with keen interest.
“Well, I’m from the Lavender Family. Unlike my brothers, who are physically gifted and excel in magic, I inherited our family’s switching magic. It’s not true teleportation—it has a cost and limitations. I can switch places with a ‘Lavender,’ which may seem weak… if used by a fool. But I’m no fool.” Isao's words are half true, as she can use her switching ability even without using a lavender petal.
Isao stepped back into a drawing stance. “Lavender Swordsmanship: Instantaneous Slash.”
In a flash, she unsheathed her sword. One moment, she was at a distance—the next, she was right in front of Clementine. He barely had time to react before her blade struck him. In an instant, she teleported again, reappearing pass him who was sent flying, a deep mark visible across his torso as he hit the guild floor with a loud "thud".
“He’s alive. I used the back of my blade,” Isao said, her usual playfulness returning.
Balmung realized that if Isao had used the sharp edge of her sword, Clementine would have been sliced in half. Yet, even with the back of her blade, the impact was severe, proving that her teleportation added significant force to her strikes. Even Clementine's party was stunned, realizing how foolish he was to challenge someone far beyond his level. It was obvious that Isla, Isao, and Sylveria were at least five black-star rank in strength, yet they remained officially rankless.
Humming to herself, Isao casually returned to Isla and Sylveria’s table to take a bite of their cake and as if nothing had happened. For her, the duel was nothing more than a minor distraction. "Alright, let's take a quest," Isla said, dashing to the guild board. She grabbed an investigation request and handed it to Violet. "We'll take this one," she stated calmly, while Violet was still struggling to process what she had just witnessed. She shook her head, trying to dispel the unsettling thoughts. "Very well, Miss Isla. Proceed with caution on your assignment. And remember, in case of emergencies, don't hesitate to seek aid from the guild."
"Veldina, please grab the clothes for us and give them to Sebastian when you return to the castle," Sylveria asked her older sister before dashing out of the guild to catch up with Isla and Isao.
"Wait, what? Ugh... and they're gone. Sigh," Veldina muttered. She had been more lenient with the trio lately—Kite had advised her to be kinder to children, reminding her that she couldn't always act tough like a lioness, especially once they had their own.
Veldina, watching her siblings vanish into the crowded streets as she exits the guild holding their special clothes given by Balmung, let out a frustrated huff. The constant chaos those three seemed to attract wore thin on her patience, especially when she was supposed to be focusing on matters of state. As she stood there, hands on hips, a resigned sigh escaped her lips. "Fiiiine," she muttered under her breath. "For Kite, I shall endure this whimsy once more." Veldina reluctantly made her way back to the castle, determined to complete the task Sylveria had entrusted to her.
Her thoughts drifted to Kite as she walked, recalling the tender moments they'd shared recently. Despite her fierce exterior, the notion of bearing his children and creating a family with him sent a flutter through her chest. Veldina's resolve hardened, though. She would ensure those three troublemakers paid for whatever mischief they'd cooked up this time. "No leniency for those brats!" She declared with a good-natured grin.
