Volume 1 Chapter 37 - Truth Behind Closed Doors
The morning sun spilled through the tall windows of Aelbourne's Adventurer Guild. The usual bustle of adventurers checking quests and merchants negotiating bounties filled the grand hall.
But today, Cindy and Puff weren't heading to the mission board.
They were heading upstairs — to the Guildmaster's private office.
A messenger had approached them earlier that morning, bowing slightly.
"Guildmaster Elandra requests your presence before you depart for your investigation."
Cindy exchanged a curious look with Puff.
"Maybe there's an update about the breach," she said.
"Or maybe," Puff muttered, "we're in trouble for something."
Cindy smiled faintly. "We'll find out soon enough."
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The Guildmaster's Office
When they entered, the air was quiet.
Guildmaster Elandra stood by the window, hands behind her back, gazing at the city below. The morning light outlined her form, and the faint glow of protective runes shimmered on the glass panes — silent sentinels warding off unwanted ears.
"Thank you for coming," she said softly, turning toward them.
Her tone was calm, but her eyes were sharper than usual — focused, searching.
Cindy bowed slightly. "Guildmaster. We're ready for the investigation."
Elandra nodded slowly. "I know you are. But before that, I wanted to speak with you both privately."
She gestured to the chairs before her desk. "Please, sit."
Cindy and Puff did so, a faint tension settling in the room.
Elandra leaned forward slightly, her gaze steady. "Miss Cindy. Mister Puff. You've done good work since you arrived in Aelbourne — helping the injured, protecting citizens, and defending this guild's honor. You've earned my respect."
Puff smiled awkwardly. "We just do what's right."
Elandra smiled faintly — then her eyes softened in a way that made Cindy's heart skip.
"That's exactly why I can say this... without fear."
She lifted a single finger, and a faint light gathered at her eyes — a deep sapphire glow.
[Appraisal – Level 10 Activated]
Cindy stiffened. A sudden chill rippled down her spine.
That magic signature... she recognized it instantly.
"Y–You have appraisal...?" she whispered.
Elandra nodded gently. "Yes. And at a level higher than most scholars in this kingdom."
She rested her hands on the table, her voice kind but firm.
"I already know what you are."
The silence that followed was heavy — not hostile, but filled with meaning.
"Cindy of the Wind. A rare Butterfly Spirit. Classified as an awakened spirit-born. Currently Level 40, capable of humanoid transformation."
"Puff of the Verdant Burrow. A Spirit Hare, Level 30, recently evolved to humanoid form with telepathy."
Cindy and Puff froze.
Elandra smiled faintly at their expressions. "Don't worry. I have no intention of exposing you."
Cindy blinked. "You... you're not afraid?"
"Afraid?" Elandra's expression softened. "You saved my city, Cindy. You healed my people. Why would I fear you?"
The Guildmaster stood and slowly walked around her desk, stopping in front of them.
Then, to their surprise, she knelt slightly so she could meet Cindy's eyes directly.
"I've seen enough of this world to know that monsters and spirits aren't defined by their race. It's the heart that matters. You and Puff have shown nothing but kindness — and courage."
Puff rubbed his neck, looking embarrassed. "You're... kinda making it hard to stay tough, Guildmaster."
Elandra chuckled softly. "Good. Toughness without kindness is just cruelty."
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A Moment of Trust
Cindy hesitated, glancing at Puff — then took a deep breath.
"Then... may I?"
Elandra nodded once.
A soft shimmer of light surrounded Cindy's body. Her form glowed, and her wings unfolded — luminous, iridescent, and breathtaking.
In her true butterfly spirit form, she seemed to glow like moonlight trapped in motion, wings spreading gently behind her back.
Beside her, Puff also released his disguise — his ears lengthened, his eyes turned bright emerald, and soft fur lined his arms. His humanoid form retained a touch of wild innocence.
For a long moment, the Guildmaster simply smiled, eyes filled with wonder rather than fear.
"Beautiful," she whispered. "So this is your true form..."
Cindy lowered her head shyly. "It feels strange to show it here... but I trust you."
Elandra placed a hand gently on her shoulder. "And that means more than you know."
She turned her gaze toward Puff. "Protect her well, Spirit Hare."
"Always," Puff said firmly, crossing his arms. "She's my partner."
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A New Understanding
After a long silence, Elandra returned to her seat, her tone more relaxed now.
"I wanted to be honest before sending you off. There are people — and factions — who would use your kind for power or research. But here, in my guild, you are under my protection."
Cindy nodded, deeply moved. "Thank you, Guildmaster."
Elandra smiled warmly. "No need for thanks. Just promise me you'll come back safely."
Cindy stood, her wings folding softly behind her as she reactivated her Transformation skill, returning to her human form.
"We will. And we'll uncover the truth about the breach."
The Guildmaster inclined her head. "Good. Take this."
She handed Cindy a small pendant with a silver emblem engraved with the Guild's sigil.
[Item Acquired: Guildmaster's Crest Pendant]
A symbol of trust and safe passage. Protects the bearer from guild scrutiny and wards against minor detection spells.
Cindy accepted it reverently. "I'll treasure it."
Elandra smiled one last time. "Go then, Butterfly of the Wind. The world beyond these walls awaits."
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As Cindy and Puff left the office, the morning sunlight fell on them again.
Puff exhaled. "You think she'll really keep our secret?"
Cindy smiled, holding the pendant close to her chest.
"I know she will. She's not just strong — she's good."
And as they stepped out into the bright streets of Aelbourne, a soft wind blew past them — gentle and reassuring.
Trust, once given freely, becomes the bond that even destiny cannot break.