One quiet morning, while I was hunched over several ledgers, checking trade records and treasury logs, the doors to the library creaked open.
I looked up, surprised.
"Still working here, child?" It was King Leontius, his calm presence filling the room.
I stood up surprised. "Your Majesty… Y-yeah. It's easier to focus here. It's quiet, and the light's good."
He walked over, eyeing the open books and notes spread across my desk.
"I see you're keeping two ledgers?" he asked, raising a brow.
"Yes," I replied, tapping the edges of both. "It's a method from my world—keeping double records to reduce errors or catch manipulation. One for daily input, and one for long-term consolidation."
"Very interesting…" he mused, then smiled. "Well, I bring good news. The Hero Party has returned—they've conquered their dungeon. They'll be attending a meeting today."
I blinked. It had been a week since I last saw them. Ramon, Emma, Lily, Silver… I almost forgot what their faces looked like. Maybe I should talk to them—if they're free.
---
That afternoon, I stood among the royal officials and nobles for the formal meeting. Only this time, I wasn't among the summoned or the commoners—I stood near the throne, on the side reserved for royal appointees.
How strange… Just a week ago, I was on the opposite end of this room. Funny how life changes in the blink of an eye.
_Sigh..._
The doors opened, and in walked the Hero Party—still clad in light armor, dust on their boots. They bowed before the King, as Ramon stepped forward holding a glowing crystal core.
"Your Majesty," he announced, "we've successfully closed the dungeon. Its core has been retrieved and purified."
King Leontius nodded. "Well done. You've kept the kingdom safe once more."
He clapped Ramon on the shoulder with a proud smile, then leaned in to whisper something.
"Remain behind. There are matters I must discuss with you privately. Meet me in the royal library."
Afterward, he stepped forward again and raised a small bag and a polished medallion.
"As promised, your reward. With this, the meeting is adjourned."
The hall began to empty as nobles, knights, and scholars filtered out in murmurs and groups.
I lingered behind, watching as the heroes approached me.
"Good to see you all again!" I said, a little more cheerfully than I expected.
They grinned as they walked closer. Lily gave a short laugh.
"Alve, look at you. All official now," she teased. "A royal member!"
Ramon reached forward, touching the green pendant around my neck—the one standing with the King and royalties.
"Directly under the King," he said.
"Oh… That's what it means?" I asked, tilting the pendant slightly. "Do you guys have pendants too?"
They each reached into their cloaks.
Ramon pulled out a **gold pendant**. Emma held up a **silver** one. Lily showed a **white one with silver trim**, and Silver—fittingly—wore a **blue** pendant.
Each was shaped differently, but all carried the same magical symbol glowing faintly at the center.
"Seems like the color and design represents your position or rank," I murmured, fascinated.
"You're a royal accountant now. Well, guess you _do_ have brains," Ramon said with a smirk.
I chuckled softly. That was his way of praising—subtle, roundabout, but honest in its own way.