My eyes widened in surprise while Erlin sounded a sharp gasp.
The older maid quickly put down the teapot and went to the younger one.
"Quinda! Don't speak reckless thing like that! You don't know what you're talking about!"
The middle-aged woman scolded the girl.
"But I do, Erlin! I want to join the raid team! I want to become a raider!"
The younger maid snapped back in firm tone.
I raised my hand gently at their exchanges.
Fortunately the two caught my gesture and quickly settled down.
I proceeded to question the eager girl.
"Quinda, why do you wish to join the raid team?"
"Mistress, I spent quite some time with the gatherers and heard that everything we did in the lobby was to support the raid team. They told me how mistress and the other raiders risked your lives to win wars that would save our world."
Quinda said beamingly. Adoration glinted in her eyes.
She went on in such spirited voice.
"I saw how mistress and the other raiders worked hard day and night. The effort you put to save our world. Our home. All of you truly are heroes told in fairy tales!"
"Is that why you want to join the raid team? To become a hero as well?"
I asked.
The girl shook her head.
"I doubt I'll become as powerful and brave as mistress. But I wish to help. I really want to help you. I can't resist the urge after seeing the raiders working hard every day right before my eyes."
"You're already helping me, helping us, by attending me and the other raiders. Not to mention your contribution to the gathering effort in the Weekday Dungeons. You've been a great help already, Quinda."
"I don't find what I'm doing right now to be enough, mistress. I want to do…more. I want to fight!"
"In that case, you can train to become a combatant escort for the gatherer parties. You'll be tasked to hunt the Weekday Dungeon guardians and collect elemental stones. I'm sure you've heard from the gatherers how precious those materials are to the raid team."
I said to her.
Combatant escorts were the most sought out roles by the first floor trainees according to Trudy.
They would not have to worry dying in the tower's trials, especially Quintal Trials, since they would only be visiting the Weekday Dungeons and fight relatively weaker enemies.
Those who did not find much talent in combat or other skilled supporter roles, but still wished to live on the lobby's second floor, worked very hard to be chosen as a combatant escort.
The positions were limited according to Serize. Master did not freely grant the position to just any able fighter.
Aside from combat skills, knowledge in game-hunting and material-gathering was considered as well.
The role would be perfect for Quinda.
I went on to the girl.
"You've already been working in the gatherer parties. I'm certain you've developed valuable gathering skills during your outings. Once you learn a combat skill, master would surely appoint you as a combatant escort."
I tried my best to present the opportunity tempting, but the tall firm-looking girl shook her head.
"I wish to fight beside you, mistress. I want to be there to help you fight those wars, those trials. I want to help saving the world."
I sighed at her statement.
My gaze turned sharp and cold.
This would be my last chance of saving her life.
"If you wish to join the raid team, you must surrender your position as servant and go live on the first floor of the lobby. Eating only potatoes every day and sleeping on the ground every night."
Quinda nodded immediately at my words. No hesitation in her eyes.
"I don't mind, mistress. It won't be much different from my life before coming here."
"You would begin your training to learn combat skills. The experience will be harsh. I heard some men bigger than you could not withstand Instructor Calle's exercises."
The girl nodded again confidently.
"It's what I have to endure if I want to be of help to you, mistress. I need to become stronger if I want to help the raid team achieve victories."
This was it. The very last chance.
"People die in the raid team, Quinda. Seven trained warriors lost their lives in the second Quintal Trial. One of them was a skilled 3-star hero. There were also a great number of trainees who died on the regular floors. Do you still want to join the raid team after knowing the risk?"
To my disappointment, the tall firm-looking girl nodded once more. Determination unwavering.
"If I'm going to die, I wish to die helping you, mistress. I wish to die helping the raiders, the raid team. I wish to die saving the world."
I still tried one last effort. Though I knew it was futile.
"Become a combatant escort, Quinda. Take that role instead. You don't have to take this difficult and dangerous path."
Quinda shook her head at my suggestion.
All I could do by then was sigh at the girl.
"Then you best retire early this evening. Pack your belongings and move to the first floor. Join the other trainees at tomorrow morning's exercise. I'll inform Instructor Calle of your intention."
Quinda's lips curled into a wide smile.
She stood up and deeply curtseyed to me.
"Thank you, mistress! I promise that I will work hard!"
With stiff gaze I watched the girl rushed out of the room.
I was not certain how I was supposed to be feeling.
Glad that there was someone who wanted to join the raid team and help our climb effort, or guilty for sending a girl to her possible early and gruesome death.
"I've been worrying this would happen, my lady."
Erlin said suddenly by my side, sighing while pouring another cup of tea for me.
"You knew Quinda wanted to join the raid team?"
"It's not just her, my lady. Several other servants had also been wanting to become a raider. Earlier this morning, three others quit their jobs and moved down to the first floor to begin their training. They're also the younger servants like Quinda."
I supposed they could not help but be fascinated by the idea of saving the world.
The third floor servants spent most of their time interacting with the raid team after all.
Well, who was I to reject them of their desires?
I myself came to the forged land because I was driven by my desires as well.
Whether my desires would lead me to what I want or my painful death, I did not know for certain.
But nothing would stop me from pursuing my desires.
That I certainly knew.