Online Game: Starting With SSS-Ranked Summons-Chapter 424: Gilderhaven

A well-dressed supervisor entered with diplomatic grace.

"Guild Leader Azarel," the man extended his hand with politeness. "I’m Marcus Thornfield, one of the divison heads of the Gilderhaven guild."

Arthur accepted the handshake, noting the man’s grip power. "Nice to meet you, I need to arrange a meeting with Guild master, Seraphina. Business matters that require direct discussion."

Marcus processed this request with political acumen that showed his extensive experience managing inter-guild relations.

"Of course. Lady Gilderhaven maintains an open-door policy for allied guild leaders." His smile carried diplomatic warmth. "Would you like to follow me, Mr. Azarel?"

Arthur rose from the furniture. "Lead the way, Mr Marcus."

Marcus led him deeper into the guild’s inner sanctum.

Shortly after, they approached an ornate door that radiated protective enchantments. Beyond that barrier waited the woman who commanded Caldera’s most influential guild.

Seraphina Gilderhaven.

...

Marcus knocked on the ornate door with a specific rhythm. The knock consisted of three precise raps followed by a pause, then two more. The sound echoed through the hallway.

There was no reply for a second before a voice came from beyond the door.

"Enter,"

Seraphina’s voice was as seductive as always. It was unknown whether she deliberately made that tone, or whether it was from birth. Either way, her voice struck the strings of most men that heard it, including Marcus.

The voice carried tones designed to command attention, each syllable carefully modulated to suggest intimacy and authority in equal measure.

The door swung open silently, revealing an office that redefined opulence.

Crystal chandeliers provided ambient lighting while rare tapestries depicted guild history in threads worth small fortunes. The very air seemed to shimmer with residual magical energy.

Marcus gestured for Arthur to enter while remaining in the corridor himself. "Lady Gilderhaven will see you now, Guild Leader Azarel."

Arthur stepped across the threshold, his eyes immediately scanning the room. The office was beautiful, but it was also a carefully constructed arena where negotiations became battles fought with words instead of weapons.

Behind a desk, carved from what appeared to be a single massive gemstone, sat Seraphina Gilderhaven. Her appearance was striking in ways that seemed almost deliberately designed—auburn hair that caught light perfectly, eyes that gave the feelings of danger and intelligence, and clothing that managed to be both elegant and subtly provocative.

She was dangerous and beautiful. And, she was completely aware of both facts.

Seraphina rose from her chair with grace, her movements were soft and unrushed.

"Guild Leader Azarel, what an unexpected pleasure to have you at my guild today. Please, sit." Seraphina’s voice carried warmth that seemed genuine despite obvious artifice.

Arthur did not fall for the honey trap of her voice and actions.

Arthur settled into the offered chair without allowing his eyes to linger on her deliberate display. His expression remained neutral, businesslike, completely immune to whatever spell she was attempting to cast.

Arthur wasn’t there for entertainment.

"Lady Gilderhaven. Thank you for agreeing to this meeting on short notice."

Seraphina’s smile deepened as she observed his clear detachment from the subtle, seductive traps she had arranged throughout the office. Most men who entered this space faltered, their attention drawn away from conversation and purpose, ensnared by the carefully curated allure she wove into every corner. But this one? He was composed. Controlled. Focused.

That intrigued her more than she cared to admit.

The traps weren’t overt, but they were unmistakable to the observant. A lacy undergarment peeking from a half-closed drawer. A nightgown, soft and intimate, was draped over the armrest of her chair as though recently discarded.

A lingering scent of perfume in the air—faint, expensive, and deliberately provocative. A mirror angled just so, offering glimpses of crossed legs or the curve of her waist when she moved in certain ways.

Each item was placed with intention. Not enough to break propriety, but enough to stir imagination. Enough to test control.

And still, he didn’t look. Or if he did, it was with the same indifference he might grant to wallpaper. No hesitation. No tell. No shift in his tone or gaze.

Seraphina leaned back slightly, intrigued. Most men in the city played into her hands within seconds. This one was either highly trained, utterly uninterested, or playing a deeper game than she’d expected.

Interesting. He’s immune to standard approaches. She thought, the same smile still on her face.

"Please, call me Seraphina. We’re both guild leaders here, formality seems unnecessary." She moved around the desk with grace, perching on its edge in a way that would have flustered most visitors.

Seraphina escalated the seduction by a notch, testing his boundaries.

Arthur’s expression didn’t change at her attempt. "I appreciate the courtesy, Seraphina. You can call me Azarel. I’m here to discuss potential partnerships between our organisations. We have agreed to do so in the guild council meeting."

Arthur’s voice remained direct and professional. Completely unaffected by her seductive tone.

Her eyes sparkled with what might have been genuine interest. Few people resisted her charms so effortlessly.

"Indeed, we have agreed on a partnership. What did you have in mind?" She said, placing her hand under her chin in what seemed like amusement.

Arthur leaned forward slightly, his posture shifting to project serious intent. "We can try to agree on three specific areas of cooperation.

First, training exchange programs. Both guilds have some knowledge that could benefit the other’s members. We can send a specified number of people from both of our guilds to train; the training period and other logistics can be agreed upon in more detail.

I believe that this type of cooperation will help both of our guilds. What do you think?"

Seraphina nodded thoughtfully. "We can indeed do that. But what sort of things can your guild help our guild members with? As you know, our guild can help train assassins, mercenaries and other things related to combat. What can your guild provide us?"

Seraphina’s tone was measured, but direct. Arthur nodded in understanding.

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