Mingled Flavors, Part 1

There were high smooth pillars at the entrance. I found myself staring, unable to say anything else as I avoided accidentally bumping into someone.

Every nook and cranny of the lobby was lavishly adorned with marble. If I squinted hard enough, I swear I could see my reflection in the glassy walls. That was how clean the place was.

I looked down at my shoes, then slowly behind me. My footprints were hardly visible on the black tiles below, but they were still there. While a little machinery approached, something bitter rose in the back of my throat.

I stood there dumbfounded as it swept over the prints, which then vanished. As I realized why the lobby was so immaculate, I let out a sigh of relief.

Oh, and I didn't forget to thank my metallic companion in the back of my mind for his support.

Something else piqued my interest, which was positioned right over one of the several reception desks. "Blake," I read aloud, the sound of my voice causing Connor to turn and flash his irking smile.

Just beneath the name, a neat crimson sun shone, surrounded by a pair of magnificent wings. Blake's glistering trademark.

Of course, he was screwing this entire time...

'Really?' I gave him a look that said it all, but all he offered in return was a feeble shrug. Nonverbal communication at its finest.

I strained my head to see Reyna standing in front of a vending machine, wiping her glasses on her blouse. Even though I couldn't determine what drink she wanted, it was rather clear that the machine wasn't currently functioning.

Connor, on the other hand, was having a conversation with the receptionist. I expected him to keep talking for a while (like the social butterfly he is). That's why I approached Reyna; I didn't want to be left alone in a room I didn't belong to. It was odd... as though I was out of place...

And I believe I didn't want to bother any other guests who might pass by.

Her tablet had been flung onto one of the sofas, which didn't surprise me. The fact that someone might steal it didn't seem to bother Reyna as she rummaged through her wallet. I peered over her shoulder, puzzled as to why she was taking so long.

For a second, my eyes remained glued to it. I swallowed because of the amount of money within. I also noticed there wasn't any change to spare.

"Let me handle it," I said as I took out mine.

"I can't do that to you," she stated emphatically, aware of my ongoing dilemma.

"But I insist," I shoved a coin inside the vending machine. "What do you want? Coffee?"

"Gray," she called, her voice wavering as if asking whether I was certain about my decision or not. It was too late to back out, anyway.

"It's fine," I reassured her. "However, I'd love it if you could answer one question."

Reyna sighed, then smiled faintly. "You know I can't refuse that..."

I was glad to hear that as. "Then explain why you're buying stuff from a vending machine when you can order whatever you want from the restaurants on the higher floors."

For free, that is. It just didn't make sense.

"Wait... that's hot..." I tried to warn her, but she took the cup in her hand without even batting an eyelid.

"Why?" she muttered to herself as she sat down next to her tablet. Reyna blew away the steam that continued to rise from the cup, her gaze locked on nothing in particular. She seemed to have taken the question seriously, giving it far more attention than I anticipated.

A beep signaled that my coffee was ready. I reached for it with my fingertips, being careful not to burn myself. It was really hot.

"It's probably because I feel like none of this is mine," she explained, sipping her drink. "I just happened to be born as the chairman's daughter, and I just happened to have talent as a hunter. I never really wished for any of this..."

A drop of water fell across her cheek, then splattered onto the marble. Reyna strained her eyes, sensing there was something strange about the way she phrased it.

"Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't give up on anything even if I had the chance," she clarified. There was no denying she cared deeply about her brother and father. "But acting as though I own this place feels wrong. I didn't do anything to help this guild grow, but I'm still in the spotlight."

Normally, Connor would be the one concerned about such matters as the successor. But, despite her desire to stay out of Blake's affairs, Reyna still received a lot of unwarranted attention, including from other employees.

During the examinations, something similar occurred. The additional test was neither official nor mandatory, but Reyna felt obliged to partake in it because of her standing.

"To be honest, I'd prefer to be locked away in my lab below than play politics on the surface."

"Then you should do just that," I muttered.

She scoffed. "Are you saying I should become a shut-in just because I don't like being around other people?"

"Exactly," I nodded, pausing briefly to take a sip from my coffee. It was bitter, but I knew I'd need the extra energy later. "I'd do the same if I were in your shoes."

Being a shut-in with enough money to live comfortably for the rest of my life without any effort whatsoever? What kind of moron would turn down such an offer? I'd take it in a heartbeat.

"Remind me not to ask for your advice later on..."

"Why?" I questioned, somewhat insulted. "I've only offered you the best I had, Reyna, and you know it."

"It's because I might genuinely consider whatever crap you're spouting," she answered, chin in hand. "I mean, becoming a shut-in does sound good."

Of course, it does, I'm the one that suggested it.

"Are you afraid to admit that one of my suggestions might turn out to be far better than you expected?"

She shook her head. "I don't want to hear what's going on through that thick head of yours, Gray."

"Your loss, then," I grumbled as I laid back on the sofa, having another taste of my drink. Reyna did the same, although with a more relaxed expression.

I took a peek at her profile. Even if it was only by a small bit, I'd be satisfied if anything I did helped. I owed Reyna and Connor a lot, and I'd never hesitate to lend a hand if I have to.

Those were my genuine feelings at the time.