CHAPTER 497: QUESTIONS AND TEA

Mr. Covez gestured towards the chairs, indicating that they should take a seat.

"Take a seat." He instructed softly with a calm and measured tone, then turned his attention towards Coco. "And Coco, be a dear and fetch something for them to drink from the other room. There should be some left."

"Okay, sir. On it." Coco said and nodded before she slipped quietly out of the office, leaving Heiren, Kairo, and the Guild Master alone together.

When Coco exited the office, an uneasy silence fell over the room.

Heiren shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his nervousness growing as the moment of quiet settled over them— meanwhile, Kairo, though he tried to maintain his composure, couldn’t help, but feel a tinge of unease as well.

The absence of Coco added an extra feeling of anxiety to their current situation, especially with her leaving them alone with the guildmaster, someone with high rank and their soon-to-be employer, in the spacious office.

Mr. Covez leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on Heiren and Kairo, his eyes studying them with a sharp, penetrating stare.

He remained silent for a second, his eyes slowly drifting between Heiren and Kairo, assessing their character with the best of his ability without speaking to them.

Then, Mr. Covez finally broke the silence, clearing his throat as he fixed his gaze on Heiren and Kairo.

"So.." He began, his voice dripping with reluctance. "Are you both Coco’s husbands?"

The question was straightforward and unexpected, his eyes flickering between the two, which took the mediators aback.

"Uhm.. No, sir." Heiren answered, his words clear and respectful as he quickly clarified his relationship to Coco. "I’m actually one of her four husbands.."

Mr. Covez let out a soft hum in acknowledgment, his expression unreadable. "I see.. Four husbands, you say? How about you?"

The guildmaster’s gaze flickered to Kairo, a questioning look crossing his eyes.

Kairo spoke up to clarify his relationship with Coco. "I, however, am just a friend of Coco. We are not romantically involved nor are we planning to enter one."

Mr. Covez acknowledged Kairo’s situation with a swift nod, his keen observation evident in his words. "Then I suppose it’s safe to assume that you need this job rather urgently."

"What.. Do you mean?" Kairo asked, his eyebrows creasing together slightly.

"Based on your demeanor and the current open positions, I have a strong feeling that you would fit the bill perfectly for both roles." Mr. Covez stated with a matter of fact tone.

Turning his attention towards Heiren, Mr. Covez’s eye took in the mediator’s demeanor and disposition.

"As for you.." Mr. Covez started, his voice steady and thoughtful. "You appear to be the type who takes good care of those around you."

"Pardon?" Heiren blurted out, surprised.

The guildmaster went further and said. "If it comes down to it, I may even consider assigning you as a receptionist, doesn’t matter if it’s in the bar or the guild, given your nurturing qualities."

"Really?" Heiren questioned as his face lit up with eagerness at Mr. Covez’s words, his excitement evident in his expression. "That’s wonderful!"

However, Heiren paused and cleared his throat, the excitement on his face replaced with sheepish expression. "But, if you don’t mind.. I’d also like to discuss the potential working hours first, if that’s alright."

Mr. Covez blinked and raised an eyebrow.

Okay.. We’re getting somewhere. He thought as he offered a confirming nod in response to Heiren’s request, accepting the proposal with calm befitting someone of his status.

"Certainly." He replied, his voice laced with understanding. "I’ll interview you first, and once Coco returns with the tea, we can have your friend step out so that we can speak in private."

Just as their conversation came to that point, the sound of the door creaking open signaled Coco’s return to the room.

She carefully stepped inside, her arms carrying a tray with a tea set and as she approached the table, a glint of embarrassment danced in her eyes, gently placing the tray down and speaking up.

"I’m embarrassed to say this, but.. I don’t know a thing about making tea." She confessed, a sigh escaping her lips. "I hope this is suitable for your tastes, though."

A small chuckle threatened to slip past Kairo’s lips, a look of amusement crossing his eyes, but he managed to suppress it quickly.

Meanwhile, Heiren’s nose scrunched up in confusion and worry, not expecting Coco to actually give them tea— he never let her work around the kitchen so why would she let someone else ask her to make something?

The guildmaster simply raised an eyebrow, his expression showing surprise.

The silence in the room was momentarily interrupted by Kairo’s stifled laugh and Heiren’s sigh, while the guildmaster maintained a straight face.

A frown emerged in Coco’s face, her words coming out a little defensive. "Hey, cut me some slack! I’ve never bothered to learn how to make tea— I prefer coffee anyway! So don’t judge me just because I’m not some tea connoisseur!"

Heiren couldn’t help, but let out a small chuckle at that, his worry vanishing in an instant.

"Correction, my wife." He spoke up with a fond tone and a loving look thrown her way. "You prefer hot chocolate more than coffee."

"She does?" Mr. Covez asked with teasing lilt in his voice. "Well, it looks like I will have to order some chocolate for the guild’s strongest hunter, and regardless of the tea’s quality.. It seems it won’t be me who has the pleasure of drinking it."

"Whatever." Coco grumbled, huffing.

"Speaking of which.." The guildmaster continued, gesturing towards the door while staring at Coco. "I’ll be conducting your husband’s interview now. If you could kindly ask your friend to step out, we can begin."

Coco nodded her head and motioned for Kairo to follow her out of the room.

Kairo stood up from his seat and quietly followed Coco out of the office, leaving Heiren alone with the guildmaster.