Hidden genius: Black belly snake

The guild headquarters looked more like a palace than an administrative building. It was sprawled across several acres and looked very lively with a huge gathering inside. 

"This is the gala hall." Lucas introduced them and brought them over to the huge chamber near the entrance of the building.

The hall itself was very lavish and extravagant and sparkled from shiny gem studded decorations. 

Several monstrous beast heads were hung around the place, proudly displaying the strength and capability of the guild.

Members from all sorts of races including human beings, elves, fairies, orcs, goblins and beast clansmen, dressed in expensive clothes and fine jewelry, were merrily standing around and chatting. 

Maids dressed in scanty clothes flitted about carrying food and drinks, supplying the fuel to the party.

"Alright. Why don't you three head inside and relax for a bit? I will join you in a few minutes. I have some things to take care of first." Lucas chuckled and waved goodbye, half walking and half running to somewhere inside the huge palatial building.

Xavier sighed, walking the man disappear and then turned towards Xander. "What do we do now, brother?"

"Let's go. Relax and enjoy. You heard what he said." Xander shrugged and walked into the gala with a bright smile on his face, like the first rays of sunlight that appears after the storm clouds cleared.

Charlotte, on the other hand, was in no mood to fake anything and simply followed behind him with a somber expression.

"Arghhh! You guys…" Xavier frowned, his gut screaming at him that nothing good was going to come out of this venture.

However, once inside he already forgot about everything else and started happily chatting with a group of women standing near the fire place.

Xavier had the charm and charisma to naturally shine and so he quickly adapted to the new setting without any issue.

Xander, on the other hand, was far more reserved and tight lipped. Nevertheless, he was also instantly swarmed by a group of women as he had spectacularly mesmerizing features that captivated everyone who laid eyes on him.

Not to be outdone by the two brothers, Charlotte quickly attracted a group of men who introduced themselves to her.

All three elves did not have any issues being social and quickly mingled with the  guild members of Frost Thorn as if they had forever been a part of it.

Time quickly ticked by, but the party was only turning more and more boisterous by the minute. 

Someone was arm wrestling at the center, a few people gathered around casting bets on the outcome.

Some were dancing and giggling. And some people were excitedly sharing the gory details about their latest adventure.

Xander swirled the drink in his hand, lost in his own thoughts. I have finally found someone who knows about the demonic clan members… But things have gotten more complicated and looks like this is going to be more difficult than I anticipated… Are you really doing okay?

A couple of women were chatting with him, but his mind was clearly somewhere else.

"What are you thinking so deeply about Mr. Xander?" A red headed woman asked, leaning closer to him.

Before Xander could answer, another slightly chubbier woman butted in and dragged the red head. "Rhea! Quick come here. Sir Reynolds is showcasing his sword skills."

"Ummm… No Millie. Can't you see that I am busy?" Rhea frowned. 

Since she was the daughter of a Duke, she was already used to the constant attention, not even having a minute to herself. 

But today, no matter what, she was determined to spend some time with the mysterious elf in front of her.contemporary romance

"Ah… ok." Seeing that she was not going to budge, Millie nodded and walked away.

"Eh? Rhea didn't come with you?" Reynolds asked after seeing the woman return back empty handed.

"Umm… She is… ha ha… just a bit preoccupied today." Milli hesitantly replied, trying her best to be as delicate as possible as a huge crowd had gathered around them.

However, someone else spilled the beans and loudly shouted. "Oh! There she is. Look there. She is talking to that bloke over there."

"Oh boy. It looks like she doesn't fancy you any longer, my Lord." Someone else added fuel to the fire.

Reynolds's face immediately changed, but he quickly adjusted his expression and ruffled his hair, taking the comment light-heartedly.

"Oh… Did we recently recruit new guild members? I see a couple of new faces in the hall tonight?" Reynolds raised his brow.

"Hmm? I don't think so? You know we only recruit at the beginning of every season and that person doesn't even seem to have  reached the fifth circle?"

"How could he be a part of the guild being so weak? It's impossible."

"Then is he a wait staff?"

"Heh. Since when did the Duke's daughter start laughing and chatting with wait staff?"

"Is he perhaps a representative from the south? One of the holy protectors?"

"Nah. He is far too shabbily dressed for that."

"Why are you guys guessing so hard? Let's just go there and find out."

The group of young men chuckled and walked over to where Xander and Rhea were standing.

"Hello there, Lady Rhea. How have you been these days?" Reynolds smiled and bowed, lifting the woman's hand and placing a polite kiss on the back of her palm.

"I am fine, Lord Reynolds." Rhea replied, clearly displeased with what was happening around her.

Just as these two were chatting, another guy walked closer to Xander and leaned, putting a hand on his shoulder. "And who do we have here?"

Xander did not react to his barely veiled taunt and replied with a smile. "I am Xander. Hello."

The man, however, did not introduce himself in return. "Xander? I have never heard of someone like that in our guild? Were you invited for the festivities today evening?"

"You could say that. I and my companions just joined the guild today." Xander raised his wine glass and took a sip of the drink calmly.

done.co