[TKOSINM] 124 - Ram Mercenary Guild (2)

“You took Louiselle for an important mission, to guard the woman you were going to marry?” Ted said amidst the confusion and uproar. He was still frowning at Irene, somehow finding something he didn’t like. However, he couldn’t openly show his dislike because of Noel’s words.

“Yea.” Noel nodded at his rhetorical question.

“Lousielle’s a large person. Is there any need for her to be guarded by Louiselle?”

“Because she’s an important person.”

“...She’s the one involved with the circumstances of the family? Ram, you didn’t tell us, you just sent Tom.” There was commotion at Tag’s words.

Perhaps it was because he had touched upon a sensitive topic, the guild members kept their mouths shut, alternating their glances between Tag and Noel. Tag just bit his lip and rolled his eyes. Irene, confused at the tense situation, tried to decipher what was going on. However, it was difficult to infer what the issue at hand was, with the lack of information. Though, she found out that Tom was also involved with this place -- that was new. Noel briefly looked at Tag, then sighed and parted his lips. 

“First and foremost...we can’t stand like this forever, so let’s go inside to talk. Iken, prepare refreshments in my room.” Noel faced a young boy amongst the members.

“Yes, sir! I understand!” The youngest boy in the group jumped out and rushed inside, scurrying to escape the awkward atmosphere.

Noel turned to Louiselle, “Louiselle you don’t have to follow us in. Stay here and see if anyone approaches.”

“Understood.”

Finally he turned to Irene. “Irene, let’s go in.”

“Oh, yes.” She walked beside him, and looked back briefly.

Tag, who’d been wary of her till moments ago, had his head bowed. His sagging back reflected self-criticism, as if he were admonishing himself. Perhaps, there was something going on between the two. Turning his head again, Irene followed Noel into a room in the corner of the guild. As soon as he entered, Noel drew the curtains closed. The guild members who could see in through the window, were instantly obscured.

Irene stood still, quietly observing the room for a while. Although it was smaller and simpler than the rooms of the Kristen residence, it was neat and tidy. As expected of Noel’s room. 

“You can sit here,” Noel told her, pointing to a chaise lounge.

“Yes,” Irene nodded curtly and sat down. 

Seeing her seated, he sat across from her, separated by a small rectangular table.

‘Knock. Knock.’

“Ram, I have refreshments for you.”

The door opened just in time, as the young boy named Iken came inside with a tray. He laid down cookies and teacups on the table, and looked at Irene. His round brown eyes were filled with curiosity at the new, and special guest. Irene couldn’t hide her emotions, and looked away from his clear curious eyes, awkwardly smiling at the ground. Seeing her smile, Iken’s curiosity was amplified and his eyes widened. 

“Iken, get out.” Noel said, quickly judging Irene’s troubled expression.

Iken’s body drooped in disappointment, as if he wanted to stay in the room longer, and dragged himself sluggishly out of the room. Irene felt relieved from the pressure and took a deep breath, drinking the tea he’d just brought in. Her eyes suddenly widened. 

I like this tea.

“Iken is responsible for serving refreshments whenever guests come. Although he's still young, he makes great tea, I’m sure you’ll love it.”

Irene shook her head a few times, nodding happily at his words.

“Indeed, I love it.”

It tasted just as good as Louiselle’s. Hearing she liked it, Noel smiled in satisfaction and started drinking the tea along with Irene. They quietly savoured the rich liquid, which had the aroma of a bouquet of spring roses, and orchids in bloom. Floral tea, a high grade tea kind of which the lightness and purity suited her palate.

Not long after, Noel placed his tea cup down and carefully began to start talking, after confirming she too had finished drinking. 

“I apologise for the rudeness of the guild members.”

“Oh, no. I liked it, they seemed fun. But everyone calls you Ram…” Irene questioned. Why did they address Noel, by the name of Ram? Could he not just use his real name here?

I called him Noel earlier…

She became worried for a moment that she may have violated the rules because it was her first time in a mercenary guild. Noel answered lightly, as if he’d read her thoughts. 

“If you use your real name whilst working as a mercenary, you’d definitely be caught. So, it’s an alias. The guild members know my real name, so you don’t have to worry.” he explained.

“Oh, I see. I’m glad to hear that.” Finding out that Ram was just his alias, made questions rise one after another in Irene’s head. Why did he have to work as a mercenary? He was not affiliated with the government, and he was the next head -- the Grand Duke of the Kristen Duchy. Why did he have a relationship with the mercenary guilds? 

“Are you wondering why I’m working for the mercenary guild?”

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