Wraith spent the period of a week, a period of time that Amelia had given him, while he struggled to open his shop and struggled to make ends meet.

　He was now visiting the Adventurer's Guild as promised.

''Did that guy make it there properly?''

　After entering the guild, Wraith suddenly thought back to the girl he met along the way. She was a strange girl with black hair like herself and a fox on top of her head.

　First of all, it was definitely a person who came on a dragon cart.

'I mean, that fox had three tails. If you make that kind of thing a mascot or something like that, it will probably stand out.

　Designing the exterior interior, making products and putting in the logo. I've done a lot of things for the store, but there is still one regret for Lace.

　That is - the mascot.

　It is often said that a mascot is the daughter of a signboard in a restaurant or inn, but I suppose the role of a mascot is similar to that of a shop's signboard. The mascot is also similar in role, so to speak, a useful point to attract customers.

　When running a shop in the capital, it is better to have a little name recognition. That's why it's a mascot. In any case, Wraith has no idea of such a convenient thing.

　Hence, he was intrigued by the fox on the girl's head. However, there was no way the fox, which was probably the girl's pet, could be used as a mascot.

　Only recently, Daisy had asked me to do a little advertising. We need to fix the problem as soon as possible, since we still don't see an increase in customers. That's why I'm tempted to want anything that will create a buzz.

''Mmmm....

　While waiting for Amelia, he meditates and contemplates.
　Two shadows approaching next to him.

''........Oi, Wraith-san. Wraith-san, can you hear me?

　Wraith, who was lost in thought alone, suddenly opened her eyes and saw Sylvia in front of her, fluttering and waving her hand modestly. Next to her was Raffy, as usual.

'Oh, sorry. Just thinking about something.
You seem pretty serious. What were you thinking about?
We've only just opened up shop, but it's not going very well. ...well, you know, stuff.

　Raffy and Sylvia, looking at each other, crackling and blinking their eyes in wonder.

''Well that's surprising. I would have thought I would be full of people.''
Me too, sir.

　The two sisters were truly surprised at the unexpected result. They were the two who had continued to feel Wraith's abilities the closest. You can't help but feel that way.

''I guess business isn't so sweet........''

　As Wraith is sentimental, the person he's been waiting for, Amelia, returns.

'Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Wraith. Here, please keep this one so you don't lose it.
Thank you. Can I go home now for the day?
'Yes, the review itself was completed last week, so you should be fine.
I understand.

　I have no further particular use for the Adventurer's Guild, including requests. I've also told Daisy that I can't take requests since I'm opening a shop, and I'll be focusing on the shop for a while.

　We'll start by getting more customers.

Then I'll go home. Take care of business, both of you.
Yeah, Wraith, the store, go for it.
Good luck!
Oh!

　Responding with a smile, Wraith turned to head for the exit--

I'm back!

　Suddenly, such a voice rang out as the door of the Adventurer's Guild was released.

　Wraith's feet, which were about to head for the exit, naturally stopped. The inside of the guild was also silent, and all of the adventurers' gazes poured out to the exit at once.

　The one who entered the guild with an imposing gait while receiving all eyes was a blonde man. His entire body is wrapped in silver armor and he holds a sword at his waist. He has a very well-defined face and the way he is smiling will be attractive to the opposite s*x.

　In fact, a new adventurer girl a short distance away from the Wraith is looking at the blonde man with awe.

''I'm back,''

　The blonde says as he closes his eyes and places his hands on his chest for emphasis once more. Lace looks at him and thinks of only one thing.

　--No, who are you?

　It's a person who doesn't look at all familiar to the Wraith, even if he gives off a vibe that everyone knows him. There is no doubt that he is an adventurer, judging by his attire.

　However, it seems that Wraith is the only one who thinks so.

''Oi, that guy can't be....''
'Yeah, definitely. I thought I hadn't seen you around lately, but you've been working on a long-term commission.
One of the few S-rated...

　He could hear whispering and talking from the surroundings at once. The blond man himself was probably feeling better about the attention, and he lightly brushed his bangs away with his left hand to try to look good.

　However, Wraith had no idea who he was. Wraith turns back to Raffy and the others, intending to ask them before returning from the guild.

　Then, there is Raffy's figure, who is hiding behind Sylvia, who is smiling, for some reason. To begin with, Raffy is taller than me, so hiding doesn't have much of an effect on me.

''........What are you doing?''

　I was more concerned about that first than the identity of the blonde man. However, Raffy himself seems to be hiding in blissful seriousness, and he puts his index finger to his mouth and tells me to be quiet.

　His eyes are serious. Lace doesn't understand what the situation is, but for some reason, Raffy has the most serious eyes in recent times.

　It can't be helped, but Wraith gave up on the conversation. I thought there was no point in staying here like this, so I tried to leave.

'Ooh, isn't that Raffy in there?'

　Raffy's name comes out of the blonde man's mouth. When Wraith looks at Raffy, she has the most exasperated look on her face that she has ever seen on her face.

　The blonde man smiles and walks up to Raffy.

'Long time no see, Raffy and Sylvia. How are you doing?
...Oh, good to see you, Elial.
It's been a long time, Mr. Erial.

　If you know his name, then you know him. Wraith unintentionally stopped to listen to the conversation.

　The adventurers in the guild also seemed to be paying attention to Raffy and the others' conversation, and they were still whispering to each other.

''Hey, it's starting again.''
The usual.

　Wraith tilted his head at the words he heard from the adventurer next to him. However, he would soon find out the answer to that question.

''-- So, will you go out with me?

　Erial and Raffy were chatting about recent events and a bit of banter. But the topic of conversation quickly changes and those words come out of Eyal's mouth.

　Wraith is unconsciously amused.

　However, Raffy, who received the confession, is not upset. She quietly shakes her head and shows her denial.

''Erial, I've told you many times that I have no intention of doing so.
Yeah. And I've heard it a million times. But I'm not going to give up on you. If you don't have a crush on someone, I'll tell you as many times as I can.

　Raffy raised her eyebrows in annoyance, then suddenly huffed. Then, for some reason, she glanced at Wraith.

'I'm there.'
...?
I'm seeing someone.

　At Raffy's words, Sylvia and Amelia also had a surprised look on their faces. Most importantly, Erial's clear expression was broken and her eyes widened.

''Nah........!　Duh, who's that?

　Raffy doesn't respond to his words, but walks straight out. What she is catching in the end of her gaze is--

That's him.

　Wraith is grabbed by a gashful right arm, as if to say he won't let her go. I tried my best to shake it off, but my right arm didn't budge.

　In such a situation, the eyes of the entire guild gathered. I thought I was an outsider, but for some reason, I was caught up in it before I knew it.

　........What is this, what kind of situation?

　I can only stiffen, unable to keep up with my understanding.