Resonant Rewrite

Rin stood silently for a moment, her thoughts racing as she absorbed everything Vera had shared. Evelyn's mistrust, the betrayal, the corruption, and the Council's greed—it painted a grim picture. Yet, there was still something that didn't sit right with her.

Rin turned her calm yet piercing gaze back to Vera. "There's one more thing I'd like to ask about Evelyn."

Vera tilted her head slightly, her expression curious. "Go on."

"If Evelyn's team betrayed her and the Council failed to protect her, why didn't she leave the guild?" Rin asked, her voice even but inquisitive. "Given what she endured, it seems logical that she would have sought refuge elsewhere. Instead, she chose to stay and form an independent team. Is it possible that she couldn't leave? That she found this alternative because she had no other choice? Please enlighten me about this matter, Guild Master Vera."

Vera's expression shifted, a flicker of hesitation crossing her face before she sighed deeply. "You're perceptive, Aria. As always. Yes, there's more to the story. Evelyn's decision to stay wasn't entirely her own."

Rin's brows furrowed slightly. "What do you mean?"

The Binding Contract

Vera leaned back in her chair, her gaze growing distant as she began to explain. "When Evelyn awakened as an S-Class Esper, she was offered a contract with the guild. It's standard procedure for Espers of her rank. The guild invests significant resources in their training and support, and in return, the Esper agrees to serve the guild exclusively for a set period of time."

"How long is the contract?" Rin asked, her tone sharp.

"Five years," Vera said. "During that time, the Esper is bound to the guild. They can't leave, even if they want to. Breaking the contract would result in severe penalties, both financial and reputational."

Rin's eyes narrowed. "So, Evelyn was trapped."

"In a sense, yes," Vera admitted. "When her team betrayed her and the Council refused to act, she had two choices: stay and endure, or leave and face the consequences of breaking her contract. Given her situation, leaving wasn't a viable option. The penalties would have ruined her."

Rin's voice was cold. "And yet, the guild—the very organization she was bound to—failed to protect her."

Vera's expression hardened. "I won't deny that the guild failed her. But Evelyn is nothing if not resourceful. Instead of leaving, she chose to work within the system. She proposed the formation of an independent team as a way to regain control of her situation."

Rin tilted her head slightly, her tone thoughtful. "So, the independent team was her way of reclaiming agency. She couldn't leave, but she could create a space where she had the authority to make her own decisions."

"Exactly," Vera said. "It was a clever move, and it allowed her to continue her work without being entirely at the mercy of the Council. But it came at a cost. The resentment from other guild members, the Council's jealousy, and the isolation she imposed on herself—it's all taken a toll."

Rin's Perspective

Rin folded her arms, her expression contemplative. "A five-year contract… That explains a lot. But it also raises more questions. If Evelyn's contract is still in effect, what happens when it expires? Will she stay with the guild, or will she finally be free to leave?"

Vera's lips pressed into a thin line. "That's a question only Evelyn can answer. But if I had to guess… I think she'll stay. Despite everything, she's dedicated to her work. She's driven by a desire to protect others, even if it means enduring her own suffering."

Rin's gaze softened slightly. "She's stronger than I realized. But strength alone isn't enough. If she continues to bear this burden alone, it will break her eventually."

Vera nodded slowly. "That's why I'm glad you're here, Aria. Evelyn may not admit it, but she needs someone she can rely on. Someone who can guide her, not just as an Esper, but as a person."

A New Understanding

Rin's mind was filled with new information and a deeper understanding of Evelyn's struggles. The binding contract, the betrayal, the Council's greed—it all painted a picture of a woman who had been forced to fight for her survival in a system that had failed her at every turn.

Evelyn stayed because she had no choice, but she made the best of her situation. Now it's up to me to help her find a way forward. Rin's resolve hardened. The guild may have trapped her, but I won't let it destroy her.

Rin's expression softened as she considered everything Vera had told her. Yet, there was one thing that didn't align with her understanding of Evelyn. Turning her gaze back to Vera, she asked, "There's something I don't quite understand. Evelyn's mistrust of others makes sense, given her experiences. But she's never seemed that way with me. In fact, she's gone out of her way to support me and even protect me. Why is that?"

Vera smiled faintly; her tone reflective. "That's something I've wondered about myself. Evelyn has always been guarded, keeping others at arm's length. But when it comes to you, it's different. Evelyn trusts you completely, Aria. She said you're the only one in the world she trusts."

Rin blinked, startled. "She actually said that?"

"Yes," Vera confirmed. "She didn't elaborate on why, and I don't have the answer myself. Maybe it's something from your past together—something you've forgotten. Or perhaps it's simply the connection you've formed since joining her team. Whatever the reason, it's clear that you hold a special place in her heart."

Rin leaned back in her chair, her fingers lightly tapping the armrest as she absorbed Vera's words about Evelyn's trust. It was a lot to take in, but instead of dwelling on the seriousness of the matter, she decided to approach it with her usual composure and a touch of humor.

"So, Evelyn trusts me the most in the entire world?" Rin said, raising an eyebrow with a playful smirk. "I mean, I knew I was amazing, but that's some high praise coming from her."

Vera chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Don't let it go to your head, Aria. Evelyn doesn't throw words like that around lightly. For her to say that, it must mean something profound."

Rin tilted her head, pretending to be deep in thought. "Profound, huh? Maybe she just likes my cooking. I did make a pretty mean stew the other night."

Vera laughed at that, the tension in the room easing. "I doubt it's the stew, but who knows? Evelyn is a mystery even to me sometimes."

Rin's smirk faded into a thoughtful expression. A mystery indeed. Could it be something tied to Aria's past? She mentally sighed. If only I had her memories, I might have a clue. But for now, I'll have to wing it, as usual.

A New Question

After a moment of silence, Rin shifted the conversation to another pressing matter. "Thank you for telling me, Guild Master. I'll keep that in mind as I move forward. But there's something else I need your help with."

Vera leaned forward; her expression attentive. "What is it?"

"I want access to the restricted section of the Central Archive," Rin said, her tone steady but firm. "I need to learn more about my guiding abilities. There's too much I don't understand, and I can't afford to remain ignorant."

Vera's brow furrowed, her lips pressing into a thin line. "The restricted section? That's a tall order, Aria. Even I don't have access to that area. Only high-ranking members of the Hunter Association are permitted to enter."

Rin's eyes narrowed slightly. "Is there no way to gain access? No one you can contact?"

"I can look into it," Vera said, her tone cautious. "But I don't want to give you false hope. The restricted section is heavily guarded, both physically and bureaucratically. Even if I make inquiries, the chances of success are slim."

"I understand," Rin replied, her voice calm. "But I'd appreciate it if you could try. The more I know about my abilities, the better prepared I'll be for what's to come."

Vera nodded. "I'll see what I can do. But don't get your hopes up."

A Private Request

With the matter of the Central Archive shelved for now, Rin shifted gears. "There's one more thing I need your help with, Guild Master."

"Another request? You're keeping me busy today," Vera teased. "What is it this time?"

"I need a place to stay," Rin said, her tone suddenly serious. "I want to move out of Evelyn's apartment."

Vera's eyes widened in surprise. "Move out? Why? And does Evelyn know about this?"

"No, and I'd like to keep it that way—for now," Rin said firmly. "Evelyn's emotional state is… delicate, to put it mildly. I don't want to upset her unnecessarily. But I need a space of my own, somewhere I can feel secure."

Vera nodded slowly; her expression thoughtful. "I understand. Discretion is key, then. Do you have any specific requirements?"

"Just a few," Rin said, holding up three fingers. "First, it needs to be secluded and secure. No one should be able to waltz in uninvited."

"That's reasonable," Vera said, jotting it down mentally. "And the second?"

"I need a large space with an underground area," Rin continued. "I've got some training to do, and I don't want to disturb the neighbors. Or blow up their kitchens. Again."

Vera raised an eyebrow but didn't comment, waiting for the third requirement.

"And finally," Rin said, her voice softening, "the land should be fertile enough for a garden."

"A garden?" Vera asked, her tone laced with curiosity.

"Yes," Rin said with a wistful smile. "I've always loved flowers and greenery. It's peaceful, you know? If there's a lake nearby, that would be a bonus."

Vera gave her a bemused look. "That's quite specific. You're not asking for a house—you're asking for a dream retreat."

Rin shrugged, her tone turning playful. "What can I say? I have high standards."

Vera chuckled, shaking her head. "Alright, I'll see what I can find. It might take some time, but I'll make sure it meets your requirements."

"Thank you, Guild Master," Rin said, her tone sincere. "I really appreciate it."

The Reason for a Garden

As Vera made a mental note of Rin's unusual request, she couldn't help but ask, "So, why the garden? I mean, I get the security and the training space, but flowers?"

Rin's smile turned mischievous. "Well, for one, they're pretty. And two, it's a great excuse to avoid people. 'Oh, sorry, I can't come to the meeting—I'm busy with my roses.' Genius, right?"

Vera laughed, shaking her head. "You're impossible."

"Maybe," Rin said with a wink. "But admit it—you're a little curious now. Don't worry, Guild Master. Once I've got my garden up and running, I'll invite you over for tea. And maybe a flower arrangement or two."

"I'll hold you to that," Vera said, still smiling.

A Lighthearted End

As their conversation wound down, Rin felt a sense of satisfaction. She had taken the first steps toward understanding Evelyn, securing her own independence, and preparing for the challenges ahead and navigating the Hunter Association's labyrinthine bureaucracy. And she'd done it all with her usual flair.

Life as Aria might be complicated, but at least it's never boring.

With a grin, she rose from her seat, ready to face whatever came next. "Thanks for the chat, Guild Master. You're not so bad for a bureaucrat."

Vera shook her head, smiling fondly. "And you're not so bad for a troublemaker. Take care, Aria."

"Always," Rin said as she headed out the door, already plotting her next move.