Let's Toast To Success

Kalina reluctantly followed in her boss's broad footsteps through the massive white oak doors, which opened for their owner in an eerily silent way. Then, the two walked silently down the dim hallway. The rich, dark velvet rug drowned out the sound of their footsteps.

Lined up on either side of the aisle, the numerous, grotesque armor suits seemed to laugh at Kalina. And, without speaking a word, Irion led her to the main guild hall.

The familiar smell of leather and mint inside greeted them. The same scent was at the entire elegant and extravagant living room that appeared as they passed through the gleaming white gold-plated archway at the end of the hallway. The room was large enough to accommodate all the guild's members.

A small entertainment platform rose at the back of the room. To the right was the bar and to the left were the doors that led to the stairs and the meeting room.

Zarya stood across the counter from the lush bar looking superbly tall, like the women of her race, imposing and sensual. Kalina consoled herself with the thought that despite all this: if they dueled, she could best the woman using just one of her fingers.

It was fortunate that Irion continued his way without even glancing at the woman. Neither did he greet Dante, who was lounging on a divan, leaning back indolently while reading a book; for his part, the mercenary ignored them as well, limiting himself to giving them only a sidelong glance.

Ignoring a mischievous wink from Stefania, who was playing a game of cards with Franz, Kalina resignedly followed the boss once she realized they were heading to his private office.

¿Wouldn't it have been better to appear inside the damn office? Kalina supposed this was how he showed everyone she had privileged treatment. After all, she was his most esteemed member.

You don't have to try so hard, Irion. Everyone knows I'm your best asset. Kalina thought. Except for her, no guild member had set foot in Irion's private study.

The door closed behind Kalina with a soft: ¡tuc!

"Please, make yourself comfortable," Irion said as he headed towards the beautiful cabinet where he kept the most cherished drinks. Next, he took out two slender glasses. As well as an exquisite bottle of Nectar: a rare and delicate drink enjoyed only in the imperial palace. "¡let's toast to success!"

"For success." - She echoed.

¿Success? Kalina didn't know what to think at the moment. Starting with, she would be the escort of the mysterious first princess. The beastly princess, the people called the young woman. Even among the high aristocracy's circles, the appellative could be heard. But most importantly: for the first time, Kalina would leave the territory of Sacra Terra. Not to mention, she would travel to the very heart of Kru, the enemy empire.

Kalina chose not to think about anything of it while avoiding Irion's captivating eyes. However, after taking a drink of Nectar, she made a mental note to investigate the enemy in the guild archives later. The truth was, she had little time left to prepare. She was tasting the drink's peculiar sweet and sour flavor when Irion began to speak:

"You will receive a third of the rights to the mine, Kal."

Kalina nearly choked on her drink. She wanted to answer, but she found herself speechless as she tried to prevent the precious Nectar from coming out of her nose.

"Irion," - She finally began: - "you're not serious..."

"It's the least I can do after entrusting you with such a mission." He began with a smile that made her heart drop to her stomach. - "Besides, I owe it to your brother."

Again with the life debt. Kalina didn't know how to feel about his undying gratitude to Kaius. Sometimes she got the impression that Irion wanted to play the role of her dead brother.

Kaius. As usual, the distant memory of him made her still grieve.

"I don't know what to say..." - She finally answered as she felt the blush burn on her face. - "Except that it's... overwhelming. Thanks."

"With such financial backing, your brother's soul will be at peace. Kalina, you can leave the guild and finally settle down." - ¿What the...? ¿Leave the guild? ¿Was he drunk? ¿Settle down? That sounded strangely like marriage and children. ¿Was he talking about what she believed? Kalina did not want to speculate further. But something gave her away because Irion hastened to continue: - "Don't worry. You are capable of anything, Kal. In addition, I will support you with the mine's administration. We will be an association. I'll start the paperwork as soon as I receive the property formally."- He added and finished the rest of the drink in one gulp.

They then began to discuss the upcoming visit to the imperial palace and the general preparations for the mission.

Kalina left Irion's office feeling heavy, and it had nothing to do with the drinks she had had. Drinking had never been her thing. To tell the truth: she didn't know what the hell people found in beer or any other kind of spirits. However, Kalina had to admit that the beer was refreshing, and she usually drank it like water.

"¿Where are you going this time?" Stefania appeared in front of her at the next corner. She was mischievously smiling as she spoke to Kalina.

Kalina just gave her a look.

"Another secret mission ¿right?"

"Oh, you are going to miss me," Kalina said while massaging her temples. - "for a long time."

Stefania grinned; however, her smile faded as she looked at Kalina's serious face.

"¿For how long am I going to miss you?"

Kalina sighed, but she started walking. "Let's say for a couple of years." She told Stefania in a whisper as she passed by her.

In a second, Stefania was next to her.

"¿Are you serious?" - But Kalina answered with silence. - "¿Did he go crazy?" Stefania finally exploded, yet her anger did not vent until they were in Kalina's room.

"Kalina, tell me you're kidding. ¿Two years?"

"Stef, I'm fine."

"It's always the same. ¡You are always fine! At least you plan to tell him..."

"Don't start with the same."

"You have to tell him..."

"Not."

Stefania snorted and flung herself onto the wide four-poster bed in one fell swoop. On her face was a furious expression of anger.

"So sharp that he believes himself, and he can't see what's right under his nose."

"Let it go, Stef, ¿okay?"

"Two years. I can't believe it." Stefania said in astonishment.

"Two years." She would miss her best friend. Thinking this way, Kalina threw herself on the bed close to Stef. And with a mutual understanding, they both started talking about merrier things.

Fun and ordinary girl talk. Right now, that was what she needed: just the usual things. And for the next few hours, Kalina did her best not to think about the upcoming events.