(Heartfelt thanks to David H. Smith, Shilei, Long Lian Qingxue, and Youyouzi's Lament for their tips!)
Tokyo Area, airport.
In the bustling airport terminal, Noah and Tina entered through the main entrance and followed the signs to the arrivals area.
Without much effort, Noah spotted a particularly conspicuous pair among those waiting for arrivals.
Naturally, they were a pair of Civil Security officers.
The Promoter was a young man around twenty years old, dressed in a uniform-like suit.
The Initiator was a young girl of about thirteen or fourteen, with twin tails, a gaudy dress beneath a jacket, and a pair of knee-high boots.
This Civil Security pair was squeezed into the crowd, arguing over who knew what.
"Say, Rentaro, has the Guild Master really returned?"
"Enju, you've asked that question no fewer than ten times already, and I've answered it no fewer than ten times. At least, that's what I was told over the phone."
"But didn't they say the Guild Master would come pick us up? I still haven't seen him!"
"I only called Miss Kisara twenty minutes ago. How could he have gotten here so quickly?"
"Could it be that you, fool that you are, got the time wrong?"
"The only one who'd get the time wrong is you, definitely not me."
"Hmph, Rentaro is so annoying. No wonder Kisara ignores you. Even your childhood sweetheart didn't choose you. I think you'll only ever be a bachelor for the rest of your life!"
"Sh-Shut up! You're still a minor. You don't get to lecture me!"
Watching the comical pair argue among themselves and scare off the surrounding pedestrians, Noah and Tina exchanged looks before both bursting into laughter.
Just as Tina opened her mouth to call out to them, Noah pressed a hand onto her shoulder. Looking