The Adventurers’ Guild in a certain city was as lively as ever.

A throng of adventurers crowded the task boards, shouting and reaching over one another, trying to grab the missions they wanted most.

Most of them were novices or low-tier adventurers. Their noisy competition stemmed from their lack of skill, which limited the number of tasks they could accept.

Veteran adventurers, in contrast, waited patiently for the more difficult tasks that others couldn’t handle, calmly navigating through the chaos when the right opportunity arose.

Devon, as usual, sat quietly at a table, sipping his drink while observing the commotion. Across from him sat Aino, equally composed.

The contrast between them was striking. Devon, a tall and muscular swordsman with skin tanned bronze from years of adventuring, was seated opposite a petite, fair-skinned girl. Their juxtaposition naturally drew attention.

Most people assumed they were father and daughter, but a closer look at their interactions revealed this wasn’t the case.

For months, this scene had repeated itself at the guild. The two sat together, never taking on tasks or doing much of anything—just idly passing the time.

Devon, a familiar face at the guild, attracted occasional questions from acquaintances.

“Hey, Devon, who’s that girl you’ve been hanging out with lately?”

The question came from a fellow adventurer, someone who had worked with Devon a few times before. He knew Devon had no family and wasn’t interested in women, let alone someone as young as Aino.

Still, he couldn’t help but let his imagination wander.

Surely Devon wouldn’t… He’s not that type, right? He’s always so stern and upright—it just doesn’t fit.

Devon’s response was as straightforward as ever.

“Her? She’s an adventurer too.”

“Oh, a newbie looking for a mentor, huh?” The man grinned knowingly.

Devon chuckled, giving the man a pointed look.

“Judging others based on appearances is a bad habit, kid. Don’t assume you know someone’s strength.”

The adventurer scratched his head awkwardly. While young and talented individuals existed, they were rare, and his assumption wasn’t entirely unreasonable.

“Alright, alright. So who is she, really?” he pressed, curiosity piqued.

“I don’t know much about her, except that she’s very strong. Don’t provoke her, and don’t get involved.” Devon’s tone was calm, but his words carried weight.

The younger adventurer respected Devon enough not to push further. He chuckled nervously.

“Got it, boss. I’ll steer clear. Anyway, I’ve got tasks to grab. See you around.”

With that, he turned and joined the chaotic crowd vying for missions.

Devon watched him go, a faint smile on his lips.

When they had first met, the young man had been a complete novice—polite, eager to learn, and utterly inexperienced. Devon had taken him under his wing for a few missions, teaching him the ropes.

He had been clumsy, asking endless questions and smiling sheepishly even when reprimanded. But he always improved.

Now, he was a capable adventurer, though still with much to learn.

Months earlier, after selling the Purple Spirit Grass and splitting the profits, Devon had decided to retire from high-risk adventuring. With his age nearing fifty and plenty of money in hand, he preferred a quieter life.

Boredom, however, eventually drove him back to the guild, hoping to take on light tasks to pass the time.

That was when he had spotted a familiar figure.

The black-haired girl, barely tall enough to reach his shoulder, sat slouched in a chair, propping her chin on her hand and staring off into space with a bored expression.

“Miss Aino?”

The girl turned slowly, blinking in surprise when she recognized him.

“Devon? You frequent this guild?”

“Yes. It’s the closest one to where I live. I usually pick up tasks here.”

“Oh, I was just wandering around and ended up here.”

Her tone and expression were oddly stiff—like someone trying to maintain composure in an awkward situation. Her darting eyes and fidgeting fingers made it clear.

Is it because of our last awkward parting? Is she embarrassed to see me again?

On a whim, Devon made a bold decision. Without hesitation, he walked over and sat in the chair opposite her.

“Thanks to you, I made a fortune. I don’t even need to work anymore, so I’m here to kill time.”

“I see. Then, uh…”

Devon said nothing, merely staring at her.

Aino floundered, clearly at a loss for words. Her mind seemed to be spiraling into chaos.

Maybe it’s because she’s not human, Devon thought. She probably doesn’t have the same social experience as us.

As a man in his fifties, Devon felt a sense of amusement at her youthful awkwardness.

Aino eventually calmed herself, casting a sidelong glance at him.

“Why aren’t you saying anything? Are you trying to tease me?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, Devon felt a sudden, crushing pressure envelop him. His muscles tensed reflexively, and he half-crouched into a defensive stance, unable to maintain his relaxed demeanor.

His abrupt movement drew the attention of the other guild members, who stared at him as if he were a rare spectacle.

“Hey, honey, what’s with that scary-looking swordsman?”

“Don’t mind him. Swordsmen are weird. Maybe he’s gone crazy from fighting monsters too much.”

Snickers and whispered comments spread through the room. Even someone as seasoned as Devon couldn’t help but feel his face flush with embarrassment.

“I’m sorry! Miss Aino, please forgive me!” he whispered hastily.

The oppressive pressure vanished instantly. Devon, relieved, returned to his seat, though this time he sat upright and proper, abandoning his earlier casual posture.

Aino smirked, her expression uncharacteristically mischievous as she raised an eyebrow at him.

Ugh, I brought this on myself, Devon thought.

But she’s really strong…

There had been no warning, no visible movement. The mere thought in her mind had been enough to force him into a defensive stance.

Devon, though not a true powerhouse, was a skilled and accomplished adventurer in the area. Yet in front of Aino, he was as helpless as a toy.

Straightening his rumpled clothes, Devon sat rigidly and looked at her.

“Miss Aino, I apologize for my earlier misunderstanding.”

“Oh? What misunderstanding?”

“Nothing. By the way, have you eaten yet? My treat.”