Chosen By The Lover's Constellation-Chapter 189: Star Players, Part Eighteen

{Lianna}

Because this was to be a private meeting, Lianna sat alone in the car Miss Taylor arranged for her.

Mel and Zura would be in the area, close enough to where they would reach Lianna’s position within minutes if something happened, but still. Lianna had gotten so used to having Enverna with her that being apart like this was enough to send chills down her spine.

[... My stats really suck without Enverna nearby, huh?] Lianna thought with a chuckle. [Oh well. Be on your best behavior and keep an eye over your shoulder.] Lianna told herself.

Lianna’s car glided to a stop outside the imposing structure of the Silver Blade Guild’s headquarters. The building stood as a testament to modernity, its sleek lines and shimmering façade hinting at the advanced technology housed within. Lianna cast a wary glance around, ensuring that the Child of Mana they had been battling was nowhere in sight before stepping out of the car.

As she approached the entrance, a figure clad in gleaming armor strode forward to greet her. The man’s demeanor was polite, his movements fluid as he extended a hand in welcome.

"Welcome to the Silver Blade Guild, Miss Velcross," he said, his voice muffled slightly by the helmet concealing his face. "If you’ll follow me, I’ll escort you inside."

Lianna nodded, her curiosity piqued by the air of professionalism that surrounded the guild. With a sense of anticipation coursing through her veins, she fell into step behind the armored figure, allowing him to lead the way into the guildhall.

As they passed through the entrance, Lianna’s gaze swept across the interior, taking in the sleek, modern furnishings and the bustling activity of guild members going about their duties. The atmosphere hummed with an undercurrent of purpose and determination, fueling Lianna’s resolve.

Her guide led her through the labyrinthine corridors of the guildhall until they reached a set of ornate double doors. With a practiced flourish, the armored man pushed them open, revealing a spacious office beyond.

Seated behind an expansive desk, a woman of commanding presence awaited them.

"Ah, Miss Velcross. Welcome."

The woman behind the desk was much younger than she had anticipated, her features possessing a youthful vitality that belied her position of authority.

With an elegant face framed by short, white hair and piercing, brown eyes, she exuded an air of confidence and poise.

But it was the woman’s attire that truly caught Lianna off guard.

The neckline of her dark, green dress plunged daringly low, revealing an ample expanse of cleavage that left little to the imagination.

[Holy...]

Lianna couldn’t help but feel a flush of warmth spread across her cheeks.

"Please, make yourself comfortable," the woman said, rising from her seat and approaching Lianna with a graceful stride.

Before Lianna could react, she leaned in and pressed a kiss to her cheek.

Lianna’s eyes widened, the unexpected gesture sending a shiver down Lianna’s spine.

"Good evening," Lianna said once they were both seated at the couch to the side of the room, after clearing her throat.

At that point, she couldn’t help but voice her confusion.

"I’m sorry, Miss Pell, but I’m not sure why you’ve asked to see me."

The woman smiled, her gaze warm and inviting.

"Call me Elina," she said, her tone tinged with a hint of amusement. "And to answer your question, I suppose I just wanted to get a read on the Watchful’s new, young star."

Elina chuckled softly, a playful glint dancing in her eyes.

"I’ve heard a great deal about you, Lianna Velcross. Your exploits with the Watchful have not gone unnoticed, and I must say, I’m impressed."

Lianna felt a surge of pride at the praise, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to Elina’s words than met the eye.

"Thank you," she said, her voice cautious.

As Elina crossed her legs on the couch, she threw an arm behind Lianna’s back, a gesture that caught Lianna off guard. She shifted slightly, feeling the warmth of Elina’s body against her own.

Then, Elina began recounting Lianna and Enverna’s achievements.

Her words flowed with smooth grace, each accolade painting a vivid picture of their bravery and skill.

"Impressive," Elina remarked, her tone neutral but her eyes keen as she continued. "Your exploits with the Watchful have not gone unnoticed, Lianna. Taking down the Fiends to the west a couple of weeks ago, confronting the Greater Fiend in the ruins of Kaelen, and your pivotal role in the defense of Garriden... These are remarkable feats, indeed."

As Elina spoke, Lianna couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something more to her words than simple admiration.

Her eyes narrowed slightly as she listened, a flicker of suspicion dancing in their depths.

"But I can’t help but wonder... does it bother you, Lianna? That Enverna seems to receive most of the credit for your accomplishments?" Elina asked softly.

Lianna’s jaw tightened at the implication, her mind racing as she realized what was happening. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

Elina was trying to manipulate her, using her potential envy of Enverna as a means to coax her into joining the Silver Blade Guild.

[Ah,] Lianna nearly smiled, as it finally dawned on her. [This is an under-the-table recruitment attempt. And, she reached out to Miss Taylor personally to make it happen? That’s way too bold!]

Taking a deep breath, Lianna made a split-second decision. If Elina wanted to play games, then she would play along.

With a dramatic sigh, she leaned back against the couch, her eyes falling on Elina’s own.

"It’s been... hard," Lianna began, her voice tinged with emotion. "Living in Enverna’s shadow."

Sympathetically, Elina reached out and took Lianna’s hand in her own.

"I understand," she said softly, her gaze locked with Lianna’s. "It’s not easy being overshadowed by someone else’s brilliance."

Lianna felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins as she realized her plan was working.

Leaning into Elina’s touch, she allowed herself to press their bodies together slightly.

... She was having way too much fun, honestly.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "It means a lot to have someone who understands."