The auction was a lucky incident on my path, but I know I won’t be as fortunate next time. I’m glad my limbs won’t numb the month before my birthday; otherwise, I would have to accept my fate.

“What do I do now,“ I say while passing back and forth in my living room. “That stupid Emperor!“

I want to break something to sate my anger. A knock on the door and I walk up to the door. Before I open it, I ensure the hood covers my head and open the door in a fury. Before me is a messenger bird with a letter in its beak.

“A letter for Miss Lily!“ the bird cries.

I take the letter and the bird messenger departs. I look for the sender and it is the Lion Guild master from the Empire’s Intelligence Guild. I walk back into the living room, sit on the couch, and open the letter. The guild master wants me to come in because they have a commission for me from the Raven Guild master.

At the guild, I wait for the guild master to get me. I’m curious why they want me to come directly to the guild. Whatever mission they have, I have to decline. I have to plan how to find more of the Isrier flower.

I am escorted into the guild master's office, and before me, they sit with a lion mask covering their face.

“Please have a seat, Miss Lily“ he gestures. “I’m sure you are wondering why I’ve called you here“

“Yes, you better have a good explanation“ I retorted.

“I got an emergency letter from the Iphania Kingdom,“ the Lion guild master says. “Specifically, it’s from the Intelligence Guild in Grarc“

“What do they want?“ I ask them impatiently.

“The letter only said they need your assistance,“ the guild master took out a letter and handed it to me. “You can see for yourself“

I take the letter from his outstretched hand and read its contents.

“Can I decline?“ I ask.

“You can see for yourself that it is not an option“

In big bold letters, it says that I absolutely cannot decline. I sigh. Maybe I could use this opportunity to get news on the Isrier flower.

I tell the guild master that I’ll accept and leave for Grarc as soon as possible. The Lion Guild master is ecstatic and wishes me a happy journey.

Back at my house I pack lightly and make my way to Iphania Kingdom as Lily.