"Alright, I think that settles everything I wanted to discuss about the contract, I'm ready to go ahead with signing it.

But, before that, I did want to ask something. And I'd like you to be blunt with your answer...tell me, how will I be treated by the other members of the Guild?" I asked her.

Might as well address the elephant in the room, after all.

"That's a fair question, our Guild does have something of a reputation with that. And, to be frank, there are going to be a handful of members who won't exactly be welcoming to you. Please don't hesitate to report them if anyone is especially unpleasant to you."

"Got it, I'll keep that in mind, thanks."

"If there's nothing else, shall we proceed?" She suggested with a smile.

"Sure, I'm good to go," I nodded with a thumbs up.

"Great! Alright, I've sent the contract, it'll be official once you sign it."

I opened up my email and clicked on the newest entry in my inbox, before tapping on the link, which took me to the contract.

Hey, Ai, analyze it real quick, just to make sure nothing shady has been added.

<That is unlikely to be the case, as that would be illegal>

<But I shall check anyway>

<Initiating>

<Analyzing>

<Analysis Complete>

<You can go ahead and sign it, I haven't detected any suspicious content>

Cool, thanks.

I then signed the contract, before submitting it. With that, it's settled I'm officially a member of the Diva Guild now. At least for the next year, anyway.

"Allow me to welcome you to the Diva Guild, I'm excited to see what you accomplish with us," She smiled, holding her hand out towards me.

"Thanks, I appreciate it-...wait, how should I address you?" I asked her, as I shook her hand.

"Huh? Oh, the other members all just call me Guildmaster or ma'am, so you can do the same."

"Sure, got it. So, when do I start? Right away, or tomorrow?" I inquired, stretching my arms up.

"Well, the contract period begins tomorrow, so-...oh, I believe Ariella is here today, she should be in one of the training rooms. I could have her show you around today," She suggested thoughtfully.

"Hm...yeah, I don't see why not. I don't really have anything planned for today anyway," I replied with a shrug.

"In that case, I'll call her over right away," Responded Isla, before tapping away on her I-Watch.

As we waited, it wasn't more than a few minutes before someone knocked on the door of her office, a familiar voice echoing out.

"Hello, Guildmaster? It's me, you asked to see me?"

"Yes, come in, Ariella," Isla called out.

The door then swung open, the familiar head of vibrant red hair and bright green eyes coming into sight, her face lighting up as she met my gaze.

"Kai! If you're here, does that mean...?" She trailed off as she jogged over excitedly.

"Yeah, I just signed the contract," I nodded, standing up as she approached me, before pulling me into a hug.

Huh, wasn't expecting that. Definitely not complaining, of course.

"Oh, my. You two seem quite close," Smiled Isla, before Ariella quickly let go of me and composed herself.

"U-Uh, sorry, I guess I got a bit carried away," She responded sheepishly.

"No need to apologize, I don't mind. Now, then, I'd like you to show Kaivel around the Guild, if you aren't busy or-...," Began Isla.

"Yeah, okay! Come on, Kai, let's go!" She grinned, grabbing my wrist and starting to drag me along with her.

Well, someone sure is enthusiastic, huh?

"Slow down, Ariella, let me finish. Since his contract period begins tomorrow, just give him a tour of the place. We'll introduce him to the Guild and other members officially tomorrow."

"Sure, yeah," Ariella nodded, looking a bit impatient.

"Okay, go on, you can leave now," Replied Isla with a wry smile.

"Alright, I'll see you later then, Guildmaster," She responded, before heading out of the office, pulling me along with her.

"Hey, wait, close my door before you go!"

Ariella let out a slight huff as she stopped, letting go of my wrist and heading back to shut the door.

"You should relax, there's no need to rush, you know," I smiled, patting her head.

"I know, but...I just feel really giddy," She grinned, starting to reach for my arm.

"Uh, I can walk by myself, you know. You don't need to drag me around like a little kid," I laughed as she took hold of my wrist.

"Yeah, but you drag your feet a lot."

"Fine, I'll match your pace. Although, if you want to hold my hand instead of my wrist, I'd be okay with that," I smirked teasingly.

"H-Huh? But that's embarrassing..."

"I mean, there's not a whole lot of distance between a hand and wrist," I pointed out with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, that's true, but...i-it's still embarrassing. Maybe if there was no one else around, but there's a lot of people around the building and-...," She mumbled while fidgeting awkwardly, before trailing off as I placed my hand on her head.

"I see, so you're okay with holding my hand if we're alone, huh? Well, now...aren't you just adorable, Aria?" I smirked, as I leaned in slightly, narrowing my eyes at her.

"Wh-Wha...?!" She blurted out as her face turned bright red, her lower lip quivering as her mouth fell open.

"Heh, relax, I'm just messing with you. You're fun to tease," I chuckled, taking my hand off and stepping back as I gave her a smug smile.

She was quiet for a moment, before huffing with an indignant pout...

"H-Hey, don't tease me like that just because it's fun, Kai!"

"Sorry, sorry, couldn't resist," I grinned sheepishly.

Honestly, getting that close kinda flustered me too, she's just painfully cute.

"Hmph...I'll make sure to get you back for that one of these days," She declared, before a slight smile spread out across her lips.

"Oh, yeah? Sure, bring it on," I responded with a smile, before adding, "Now, then, let's get this tour started, shall we? Lead the way."

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