Chapter 8 - A Custodian and a Guild

Aris nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Fair enough. But don't expect any hand-holding. While in the order you listen to me and the great commander only. And also, don't you dare go around fooling around the reputation of the

Black order."

As Aris, Sophia, and the two horse-tailed beings approached the counter, they were greeted by a young woman standing behind it. She had a warm smile, she wore a crisp uniform with a neatly tied bow, her eyes shining with a practiced cheerfulness. Her long hair was tied back, and she had a professional yet kind aura

"Welcome back, Sir Aris!" she exclaimed, her bright eyes flicking over the group. "And Aelara, Lirion! It's good to see you both as well." Her gaze lingered on Sophia, curiosity filling her expression. "But… who might this be?"

Sophia, feeling out of place and increasingly frustrated, opened her mouth to introduce herself, "I—" But before she could get a word out, Aris cut in sharply.

"This is Sophia Sagittarius," Aris declared, his voice flat and dismissive. He shot Sophia a look that clearly communicated that she should stay quiet. "She's… with me."

Sophia clenched her fists, her eyes narrowing at Aris. How dare he cut me off like that? Her frustration boiled just beneath the surface, but she held her tongue, for now. Still, her irritation was clear as she crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at Aris from the side.

The guild girl blinked, taken aback. "Sagittarius? As in the Baron?"

Sophia, feeling like she was on the verge of being misunderstood again, tried to explain, "Yes, but—"

But again, Aris interrupted, this time more forcefully. "It's complicated," he stated bluntly. "She's not exactly a custodian in the sense, if that's what you're wondering."

Sophia's face reddened, her anger bubbling up. She glared daggers at Aris, her mind racing with retorts, but she bit her tongue, barely restraining herself from causing a scene. She wasn't sure what game Aris was playing, but she was getting sick of being sidelined and silenced.

The guild girl hesitated, her eyes flickering between Aris and Sophia. "I see… Well, in any case, welcome, Lady Sophia," she said cautiously, trying to be polite despite the tension she could feel simmering between the two.

Sophia forced a tight smile in response, though it didn't reach her eyes. She shot Aris another glare, clearly not appreciating his domineering behavior.

"And what brings you here today, Sir Aris?" the guild girl continued, trying to move past the awkwardness.

"I need to speak with the Custodian Manager," Aris said, his tone growing more serious. "Is he available?"

"Yes, he's in his office," she replied, nodding toward the stairs.

Without a word, Aris grabbed Sophia's hand, pulling her along forcefully. "Let's go," he muttered.

"Hey—! Let go of me!" Sophia protested, struggling to break free, but Aris didn't slow down, practically dragging her up the stairs.

Her heels clicked loudly against the wooden floor as she stumbled along behind him. The entire hall went silent, every custodian present turning to watch the spectacle unfold.

"What's going on with them?" one custodian whispered to another, both of them looking intrigued.

"Didn't Fürstenberg did say Sagittarius?" a voice spoke

"As in the Baron." Another assumed.

The guild girl, still behind the counter, leaned closer to Aelara and Lirion, her voice hushed. "What's happening? Who is she really?"

Aelara shrugged slightly, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "She's… adjusting."

Lirion chuckled. "And Aris is being Aris. You'll see soon enough. Aris is just pushing her too hard; he for some reason accepts her to know all of our norms, even though I doubt she has once witnessed a Morgo."

As they continued up the stairs, Sophia's mind raced. She wanted to scream, to fight back, but her confusion and the whirlwind of events kept her off balance. She didn't know what was waiting for her behind that door, but one thing was clear: she was in way over her head.

"ARIS!!!" She threw his hands off her, as if his touch had ignited something primal. It was as if Aris had unleashed a demon—a wild, untamed force that he couldn't control. The submissive Sophia was gone, replaced by someone with fire in her eyes, seething with barely contained rage. Her arms were crossed defensively, but her posture screamed defiance, her very presence now a storm.Sophia's eyes flicked around the room, desperate for something to anchor her, but all she found were the unfamiliar surroundings that only fueled her frustration. Her breathing was ragged, and her hands shook uncontrollably, whether from adrenaline or the overwhelming surge of emotions, she couldn't tell. She clenched her fists so tightly her knuckles turned white, her nails digging into her palms in a futile attempt to hold herself together.