Chosen By The Lover's Constellation-Chapter 71: Search and Rescue, Part Eight

The bus rumbled along the road, carrying the group of adventurers back to Telvan City.

Lianna sat near the window, the mysterious artifact cradled in her hands. The soft hum of conversation among the adventurers filled the bus, but a palpable tension lingered, amplified by the unknown nature of the object Lianna held.

She could, of course, just put it in her Inventory but she almost feared the item would change or activate in some form or fashion while her eyes weren’t directly on it. So, she just stared at it this whole time.

Enverna, seated beside Lianna, noticed the furrowed brow and the distant gaze in her fiance’s eyes.

She whispered:

"Has the ominous, monstrous, abominable object currently resting in your hands done anything?"

"No."

"Let’s hope that does not change." Enverna sighed. "Personally, I believe we probably should have just left it. Either that or destroyed it, actually."

Lianna’s eyes remained on the artifact. {Target Analysis} didn’t say anything about the object, so, right now, it was basically just a big, colorful rock.

"It’s just strange," Lianna admitted, her eyes returning to the artifact. "Where does this come from? And, why was it even in that place?"

Enverna shrugged.

"I don’t know. But, given how deep it was, I’m guessing it was left there on purpose. Likely because someone decided it was more trouble than it was worth."

"It probably is, isn’t it?"

"And yet, we’re holding onto it." Enverna sighed again, but Lianna couldn’t help but smile as she noticed something.

["We’re" holding onto it? Right... We’re in this together.]

Lianna let her head drop on Enverna.

"You’re getting too comfortable with doing that. We’re in public," she whispered.

"Isn’t that *more* reason to do it?"

"I- fine, fine."

As the bus continued its journey through the city outskirts, Lianna continued to spin and move the rock.

[That eye... thing. What was that? Shit, I’m getting chills just thinking about it.]

Up ahead, Xi was seated next to Gareth, staring out at the landscape with a contemplative expression. Soon, the bus reached Telvan.

The adventurers disembarked from the bus, stepping back onto the familiar streets.

Gareth spoke first, maintaining his authoritative demeanor even though the mission was over.

"Lianna, it might be best if you head straight to the Watchful. The administrator needs to know about this artifact and what happened in that cavern. I’ll submit the request for your payment now. You two," he looked over at Enverna, "should have it by the end of the day."

Lianna nodded, acknowledging the practicality of the suggestion.

"Yeah, I’ll do that."

Xi, standing nearby, interjected with a casual smile.

"You know, Lianna, I was thinking. While you handle the official business, why don’t Enverna and I take a detour?"

"Hm?" Lianna blinked.

"We could grab dinner at that new restaurant near the eastern plaza. It’s got a fantastic view." Xi looked over at Enverna. "What do you say?"

"I..."

Enverna, caught off guard by the unexpected invitation, glanced at Lianna, seeking her opinion.

Lianna considered it for a moment before responding:

"Sure, why not? We can meet up later. Have fun."

"Well... Alright then," Enverna muttered.

With that, Lianna set off toward the Watchful Guild, the artifact held securely in her hands.

Meanwhile, Xi gestured for Enverna to join her on the detour, promising a pleasant evening while the sun slowly descended past the horizon.

---

On Lianna’s end, the crimson-haired rookie approached the administrator’s room. A mixture of determination and curiosity fueled her steps. She paused outside the door, taking a moment to collect herself before giving a firm knock.

"Come in," the administrator’s composed voice called from within.

Lianna opened the door, revealing her well-organized office.

The administrator looked up from her paperwork, meeting Lianna’s gaze with a discerning expression.

"Ah, Lianna." She smiled warmly, her emerald eyes locking with Lianna’s own. "What brings you here today?"

Lianna nodded, holding the mysterious artifact in her hands.

"Um, I just came back from a mission and I found something you might want to know about." She walked up, placing the artifact on the administrator’s desk.

"Mm," the administrator leaned back in her chair, crossing one leg over the other. "The System isn’t saying anything about it."

"Uh, yeah but let me explain," Lianna said. "I found it in Iceditch Valley. I was on a mission with Enverna and a few other people and we were trying to rescue these explorers who were being chased by Fiends. Apparently, they’re attracted to this thing. I went to grab it so I could get rid of it or something but when I did... I had a vision."

Lianna paced from side to side as she explained. The memory was so vivid that it was like Lianna was still there, in that void, being scrutinized by that giant eye.

"Something started talking to me about stuff." She waved a hand. "It said some vague stuff and then it sent me away. But, apparently, while I was in that vision, I said the word ’leave’ and the Fiends all listened. So... Yeah, we brought it back."

The administrator studied the artifact with a keen interest, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"Interesting. May I?" she asked, gesturing toward it. Lianna nodded and the administrator picked it up.

[Wow. No hesitation.]

Lianna leaned forward, her curiosity piqued.

"Do you know anything about it? What should we do with it?"

The administrator contemplated for a moment before responding.

"Well... It isn’t the first time I’ve seen an item with a deep connection to Fiends like this. Though, one that can control them? That is a first. I’ll need some time to analyze it further. As for now, keep it in your Inventory and keep it safe. We don’t want to draw unnecessary attention to it until we understand its properties fully."

"You want me to hold onto it?"

"Indeed. See, here’s the thing," the administrator smirked, though it looked like an expression born of experience rather than arrogance. "If I know people half as well as I believe that I do, those individuals you went on the mission with will soon begin yapping away to their friends about what happened. And the explorers you rescued. They will believe that I took it for the purposes of keeping it safe, or locked it away in the guild’s vault."

"The guild has a vault?"

"Yes. Anyway, the last thing they will expect is that I would give it to a child of mana for safekeeping." Lianna’s eyes widened. "Reputation, my dear. I keep trying to teach you this!" She laughed. "You need to learn how to use the people’s perception of you to your benefit Lianna. That’s part of how I got to where I am today."

She waved her hand.

"In any case, keep that thing safe, and don’t let anyone know I let you hold onto it. Was that all?"

"Um, no. That was all."

The administrator leaned back in her chair, her gaze thoughtful.

"Very well then. Continue your duties. I’ll inform you once I have more information about the artifact. Be cautious, and report anything unusual to us immediately."

Lianna saluted in acknowledgment. "Understood. I’ll keep an eye out. Thanks for your help."

With that, Lianna left the administrator’s room, the door closing behind her.

The artifact’s mysteries lingered in the air, and Lianna couldn’t shake the feeling that this discovery might lead to even more unexpected challenges in the days to come.

As Lianna stood outside the administrator’s room, a sudden surge of curiosity overcame her.

[OH, RIGHT! I forgot to check the administrator’s status!]

Awkwardly, Lianna goes to open the door again.

Peeking inside, the administrator’s eyes lifted from her papers to look at her again.

"Did you forget something?" she inquired, her tone neutral but observant.

Lianna, feeling a bit uneasy but determined to carry through with her plan, said:

"Um, I think so. Uh, hold on a bit..."

Then, she focused her mind on activating her Instinct, {Target Analysis}, but to her surprise, a notification from the system flashed before her eyes:

?

MP: ? 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

[What?]

Lianna blinked, momentarily taken aback. It was the same as what she’d seen with the eye.

The administrator smiled.

"You just tried to see my status, didn’t you?"

"N-No! I just..."

"I commend you for lasting so long before your curiosity finally defeated you." She giggled. "You really want to know who I am?"

"Uh..." All of Lianna’s blood was rushing to her cheeks, she was so embarrassed.

"I’ll tell you."

Lianna pulled back.

"What?"

"I’ll tell you who I am," the administrator told her with a smile. "On one condition."

[Oh, of course.]

"What is it?"

The administrator beckoned for her to come closer.

As she approached the desk, the administrator showed her a flier.

On it were the words "Annual Guild Assessment" in bold letters.

"I want you and Enverna to participate in this. Not just that, but I want you both to come in the first place specifically. Do so, and I’ll tell you anything and everything that you want to know about me."

With that, Lianna exited the room, the door closing behind her with a soft click.

The encounter left her with a renewed awareness of the administrator’s power and an understanding that some aspects of the mysterious woman’s identity were beyond the scope of her abilities.

[I guess you wouldn’t get to the top of a guild without being strong... But, wow.]

And as she walked away, Lianna couldn’t shake the feeling that there was much more to uncover.

For now, though, it would appear that this "assessment" was the next step in her journey.

---

{Enverna}

Enverna and Xi found themselves in a quaint little restaurant, the soft glow of warm lights creating an intimate atmosphere. The aroma of various dishes wafted through the air, contributing to the cozy ambiance. The establishment, tucked away in a corner of Telvan city, provided a perfect setting for an evening of relaxation.

The restaurant’s decor featured intricate wooden accents, and the dim lighting cast a warm glow on the polished surfaces. Soft instrumental music played in the background, enhancing the sense of tranquility that enveloped the space.

As they perused the menu, Enverna and Xi engaged in light conversation, the topics meandering from the events of the day to more personal matters. The waiter approached to take their orders, and the subtle clinking of cutlery and hushed conversations created a soothing symphony.

Soon, their plates were empty and Xi was smiling and grinning at Enverna, in between sips of her wine.

Then, she said this:

"You know, I believe I’ve figured you out."

Enverna’s brows went up.

"Yes?" She asked, feeling some of the wine’s effects, grinning like an idiot. "What do you think?"

Xi’s eyes held a spark of mischief.

"The Lover has chosen you." Enverna’s eyes widened. "My guess is that she offered you power in exchange for... Maybe pursuing someone. Someone close to you, someone adventurous."

Enverna’s expression shifted, a blend of surprise and realization.

"Lianna," Xi stated as if that wasn’t clear."

"You seem quite certain about this."

"It’s the only possibility that makes sense to me. Why else would you travel all the way from Garriden to Telvan and marry someone in your first week? The only part I’m not still pondering is... Why Lianna? Maybe it’s because she was someone who could easily be convinced to marry you with money? I don’t know."

Enverna held back a relieved sigh.

[She still doesn’t know Lianna’s chosen too.]

"But, more interesting than that... I’ve noticed something else." Xi leaned back, a coy smile playing on her lips. "You’re uncertain about your own desires, aren’t you?"

Xi’s gaze bore into Enverna’s, as if unraveling the intricacies of her spirit.

Enverna hesitated, then admitted.

"I... I suppose I haven’t given that sort of thing much thought."

Xi’s eyes sparkled with understanding.

"I may not know every detail, but I sense the nuances, the unspoken desires. It’s all quite evident."

The ambiance of the restaurant, with its soft music and subdued lighting, created an intimate atmosphere as Enverna and Xi continued their conversation. Xi, ever enigmatic, leaned in, her eyes penetrating the veil of Enverna’s thoughts.

"You don’t have to live in uncertainty, Enverna," Xi murmured, her voice a gentle invitation. "Sometimes, you just need to take that leap, test the waters, and discover the truth for yourself."

"What do you mean?"

"What do you think?" Xi asked, her golden eyes piercing Enverna’s soul. "Use me and see for yourself."

Enverna’s breath caught in her throat.

[What? But...]

Xi paused, letting her consider what she’d said.

Caught between curiosity and apprehension, she actually considered Xi’s proposition. The offer hung in the air, laden with the promise of self-discovery.

Every single moment flashed through her mind. The way Lianna’s warmth made her feel, the way Enverna struggled to pry her eyes away from beautiful women, the way she imagined her family would react if they saw her behavior.

[Am I truly, ehm... Like that?]

After a moment of contemplation, Enverna nodded, determination in her eyes.

"Alright," she said, her voice tinged with a mix of nerves and resolve. "Let’s put this matter to rest."

Xi smiled, a knowing glint in her eyes.

"Come with me."

They discreetly slipped away from the table and into the dimly lit corridor leading to the restaurant’s restroom. The air buzzed with anticipation, and Enverna could feel the weight of her own expectations.

In the privacy of a clean, spacious bathroom, Xi turned to Enverna, her gaze unwavering.

"Remember, there’s no judgment here. Just an exploration of your desires. Take a deep breath and let me know when you’re ready."

Enverna, her heart fluttering, nodded, acknowledging the significance of the moment. She nodded.

Xi closed the distance between them, her lips only inches away. In that suspended breath, Enverna felt a surge of both vulnerability and curiosity.

As their lips met in a gentle, exploratory kiss, Enverna’s senses heightened. The taste of uncertainty mingled with a subtle revelation, and for a fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still. Enverna, caught in the dance of discovery, closed her eyes, surrendering to the experience.

It was over almost as quickly as it started, though.

When they parted, Enverna stood there, the echoes of the kiss reverberating through her. Xi’s eyes held a warmth that mirrored Enverna’s own realization.

"So?" Xi inquired, her tone gentle yet probing.

Enverna’s heart just about stopped.

[... I do.] Her heart nearly burst out of her chest. [I liked that.]