Chosen By The Lover's Constellation-Chapter 190: Star Players, Part Nineteen

{Caroline}

Caroline and Enverna navigated through the busy corridors of the Shields of Saren’s guildhall.

The sleek, high-tech surroundings stood in stark contrast to the rustic charm of Garriden, leaving Caroline marveling at the advanced technology that permeated every aspect of life in this city.

It was, quite frankly, overwhelming.

"This place is something else," Caroline murmured, her eyes darting around in awe.

Enverna nodded in agreement.

"I felt that way as well," she noted softly.

As they made their way deeper into the guildhall, they spotted a group of individuals engaged in animated conversation.

"... I dunno, the offer just kinda sounded weird. I mean, a guild full of Children of Mana? Why am I even being invited?"

Naturally, both Caroline and Enverna stopped, alarm bells ringing in their minds.

Approaching the man, Enverna cleared her throat, drawing his attention away from his companions.

"Excuse me, do you have a moment?"

The man turned toward them, offering a friendly smile.

"Of course, what can I do for you?"

"We couldn’t help but overhear your conversation," Enverna began, her tone polite but inquisitive. "You mentioned receiving an offer to join another guild?"

The man nodded, a hint of skepticism coloring his expression.

"Yeah, it’s this new guild that’s popped up recently. Something about being centered around Children of Mana. Kinda like the Starsign Association. Someone told me about it recently, but, eh, I don’t think it’s for me."

Caroline frowned, her interest piqued by the mention of the Starsign Association.

"Why’s that?" Caroline asked, walking forward.

A wry smile touched the man’s lips.

"It just didn’t sit right with me, you know? It sounded like they were more interested in using me as a prop rather than valuing my skills as a player."

Enverna and Caroline exchanged knowing glances, a silent understanding passing between them. It seemed they had stumbled upon a valuable piece of information.

"Thank you for your time," Enverna said with a nod of appreciation.

As they walked away, Caroline couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

"Looks like we made a good discovery."

Enverna nodded in agreement.

"Indeed. Another lead."

---

{Lianna}

As Lianna continued to voice her grievances to Elina, she leaned into the woman’s comforting presence, allowing herself to play the part of the aggrieved party.

With every word, she painted a picture of Enverna’s overwhelming dominance, painting herself as a mere shadow in comparison.

"Ever since Enverna came into my life, it’s like I’m invisible," Lianna lamented, her voice tinged with frustration. "No matter what I do, she always steals the spotlight. It’s like I’m just here to prop her up."

[I almost feel like I need to apologize to Envy for saying all this, damn,] Lianna nearly laughed.

Elina’s response was gentle and reassuring, her hand moving to stroke Lianna’s back in a comforting gesture.

"I can only imagine how difficult that must be for you," she murmured sympathetically. "But perhaps there’s a way to change that."

Lianna’s interest was piqued at the suggestion, and she turned to face Elina, her eyes searching the woman’s face for any hint of what she might be implying.

"What do you mean?" she asked cautiously, her curiosity piqued.

Elina’s lips curved into a knowing smile, her gaze meeting Lianna’s with unwavering intensity.

"I’ve heard whispers of a new guild," she began, her voice low and conspiratorial. "One that’s specifically for Children of Mana like yourself."

Lianna’s interest was immediately piqued, and she leaned in closer, her heart racing with anticipation.

"A guild for Children of Mana?" she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper. "What kind of guild?"

Elina leaned back in her chair, a mysterious glint in her eyes as she began to elaborate on what she had heard.

"From what I’ve gathered, this guild is different. It’s not just about following orders or being overshadowed by others. It’s about embracing your true potential, standing on your own two feet, and being recognized for the unique abilities you possess."

Lianna blinked.

[Could this be...?]

"And that’s where you come in, Lianna," Elina continued, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "I called you because I wanted someone to go undercover, investigate this guild, and report back to me with any information you gather. Think of it as a joint mission between the Watchful and the Silver Blade. For mutual benefit, as I’m sure your guild’s been getting offers from these people as well."

"I’ll do it," she replied without hesitation, determination burning bright in her eyes. "Just tell me where to find them, and I’ll take care of the rest."

Elina’s lips curled into a satisfied smile at Lianna’s response, but there was a glint of mischief in her eyes as she spoke again. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"I’m glad to hear it, Lianna," she said, her voice low and seductive. "But... That is costly information, isn’t it? I mean, they are a pretty secretive group. If I’m gonna do that, I think we need to discuss what you can do for me in return."

Obviously, Lianna knew exactly what Elina was hinting at. She’d made it clear from the moment Lianna had walked into this place.

And, she was more than willing to play along.

Leaning in closer, she met Elina’s gaze with unwavering intensity, a mischievous smile playing at the corners of her lips.

"What did you have in mind?" she purred, her voice dripping with innuendo.

Elina’s response was immediate and unabashed. With a swift motion, she reached down and squeezed Lianna’s ass, her touch sending a jolt of electricity coursing through Lianna’s body.

Lianna’s breath caught in her throat at the unexpected contact, but she didn’t hesitate to reciprocate.

Closing the distance between them, she captured Elina’s lips in a passionate kiss, her hands roaming freely over the woman’s curves.

As their tongues tangled together in a frenzy of desire, Lianna felt a surge of arousal coursing through her veins.

With every touch, every caress, she felt herself growing more and more intoxicated by Elina’s presence.

Breaking the kiss with a satisfied sigh, Lianna smirked up at Elina, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Is that what you had in mind?" she teased, her voice husky with desire.

Elina’s lips curved into a wicked smile, her eyes smoldering with lust as she met Lianna’s gaze.

"Yeah, I think that’ll do. But, maybe a bit more convincing would help too."

Lianna licked her lips.

"Gladly."