To proceed unknowingly to one’s death is vastly different from doing so with full knowledge.
In the former, one can only die flailing in an undignified manner, while in the latter, there is at least the possibility of making preparations to break through the impending trap.
After exchanging pleasantries calmly, we made sure to keep the ensuing conversation as gentle as possible. We celebrated the end of spring by speaking of the agreeable climate, enjoying the conversation briefly as we looked forward to the weight of grape bunches and the carpet of wheat that would adorn the fields by autumn.
It’s often easier to handle heavier topics after dispatching lighter ones first.
“Now then, Chairman, I sincerely thank you for granting us your time amidst such busy schedules. I fully understand the magnitude of your responsibilities, so this could have waited for another day, but…”
“Nonsense, our doors are always open to you. The great boon you’ve bestowed upon us by helping adventurers reclaim some of their pride deserves eternal praise in Marsheim. For years, we have all wondered when the severed head of that disloyal wretch might finally be placed upon the graves of its victims. If anything, I’ll rearrange my schedule to accommodate you, for you’ve dealt with our troublesome affairs.”
“If a meeting with you can secure a few moments of your precious time, then it would be a trivial thing indeed. If your burdens are lessened, then perhaps I’ll even dare to take up arms against a horde of foes.”
Smiling with an almost unsettling cheerfulness while reciting elegant phrases, my companion was met with an equally polished, unrelenting response adorned by a dazzling smile from the other side. It was a light exchange of verbal jabs, and yet the seasoned experience of each party was clear. It was frustrating—utterly unreadable.
At least if the other party could show some sign of discomfort, it would make things easier. Alas, there was none to be seen.
Still, we hold the advantage here. Let’s tighten the hold gradually without haste. After all, we have no card that would level the playing field like theirs, do we?
“Now then, before we proceed, I would like to mention one of the reasons I came today—to introduce someone.”
“Ah… the mage seated beside you, or should I say the sorcerer?”
At this cue, Mika bowed her head from her seated position, announcing herself with a refined courtly dialect that would rival any noble’s. Observing her perfect grasp of common formalities, one can only marvel at her diligent efforts in the Imperial Capital.
“I am Mika, a humble auditor at the Magic Academy. I have been sent to the Marsheim branch as part of a training program as well as administrative support for the government office.”
I caught a subtle twitch at the corner of the Chairman’s mouth—just the reaction I was hoping for. In a provincial or commoner’s context, there might be little distinction between a ‘sorcerer’ and a ‘mage,’ or even confusion as to what such terms even mean. But to those of noble lineage, the difference is profound.
The rights accorded to mages, especially those honored professors who rank among nobility, hold considerable sway. And the political significance of an auditor sent on behalf of such mentors cannot be underestimated. If I were to speculate about her inner thoughts, they might align with something along the lines of: “Why the hell did you bring someone like that?”
On behalf of this young man, who wished to embark on adventures to gain worldly experience—while his pride would never allow him to admit it was for livelihood reasons—I explained his intentions. In response, they readily volunteered to grant his adventurer’s permit, even preparing the documents right away and expediting the process. However, his treatment, as usual, remained on par with others—a dirty coal-black designation.
Even so, by joining my team, rapid promotions await him. After all, exceptions, though rare, do indeed exist. For instance, it’s not impossible—even if highly improbable—for young aristocrats to take up adventuring, despite their parents undoubtedly restraining them with force if they knew.
Even in ancient tales celebrated in poems today, we have examples like Skillnir, the third son of a noble house without inheritance rights. Having no claim to succession, this young man adventured and achieved greatness, becoming recognized by a divine incarnate and eventually returning to inherit the family lineage.
But surely, we wouldn’t ask bloodline-holding scions or promising mage apprentices to perform trivial tasks like cat hunts or sewer cleanings. The potential repercussions from their mentors or parents would be dire. And if such individuals really do appear, we usually assign them under the protection of well-established adventurer parties, ensuring they avoid the grittier side of the work. It’s a clever arrangement that avoids bending any rules, while also steering them clear of the darker elements of the underworld.
In this case, since they’ve taken the initiative to bring along their own ‘guardian,’ the guild saves itself from the added hassle. How fortunate. Although, our esteemed guardian does possess considerable proficiency in clearing out sewers in about two seconds flat—she’s certainly a promising candidate for the land creation mage class, unbeknownst to many. Were she not part of our crew, potential recruiters might fight tooth and nail, perhaps even killing each other, over her talents.
Certainly, her presence alone escalates security fees exponentially, and even if she accidentally eliminated a few nuisances along the way, her worth makes it well worth the effort to secure her loyalty.
We’ve comfortably achieved our first objective.
Now, let’s delve into the crux of the matter. After a sip of tea to wet my throat, I presented my best smile and commenced.
“So, Chairman, there’s another matter I’d like to inquire about concerning the escort mission our party recently undertook.”
“…Go ahead.”
Her reaction was difficult to decipher. As expected, she was playing defense. After sipping her tea, she remained composed while receiving my words. She must’ve anticipated my arrival and mentally prepared countless contingencies.
Indeed, her responses to my inquiries flowed smoothly.
When we protested that we were only informed of a simple material escort, she replied with logic that intertwined closely with the political realm—a rebuttal hard to counter. The guild, though independent, cannot remain entirely divorced from politics in its assignments. Arguing for perfect transparency is futile because in this world, such protests would only earn disdain for one’s naivety.
Imagining merely the task of guarding supplies, without prior indication that we were effectively safeguarding a distinguished individual, we encountered adversaries whose level of threat was unexpected, with no clear recourse against the client who misrepresented the situation. Of course, the guild has the responsibility to vet the legitimacy of requests. If they failed to do so, the purpose of the guild itself would be questionable. Despite this, when official governmental seals come into play, everything changes.
Independence, while it sounds grand, cannot be absolute. If their subordinates who work under them were to cry foul on my behalf, they would have little leverage against their employers anyway.
We have already sent formal complaints, and assurances of appropriate reassessment of the commission rates along with apologies have been promised.
In this era, unlike modern times, holding the elite accountable is nearly impossible. Unless another noble decides to exploit the situation as an attacking opportunity, we commoners hold neither the authority nor the obligation to demand apologies from our rulers. The legal foundations differ fundamentally.
Modern law seeks to restrict rights and maximize public welfare while safeguarding national interests. In contrast, laws from ancient times to the medieval period were primarily devised to legitimate governance, ensuring that the populace remains subservient and refrains from challenging their rulers. Thus, resisting such structured authority often necessitates drastic actions like uprisings or public petitions, making this a highly unfavorable system. Absent of any constitutional framework, this world presents a truly arduous existence.
Still, Chairman, you skillfully neutralized the significant card I held—”the guild’s negligence,” with mere finesse. Large entities devoid of avoidance capabilities are often rendered as inert statues, quite inconveniently.
That aside, I still have my own cards to play. Let’s give them their moment to shine.
“Understood, your explanation makes perfect sense. If this falls under politics, then I shall refrain from further interference. Expecting complete foresight from even the gods would indeed be an impossible demand. It seems this incident was unavoidable.”
“Huh?!”
Surprisingly, the Chairman, along with Siegfried, who half-rose, reacted to my unexpected acquiescence. Silently gesturing to let me handle it, I turned my attention to our friend. Though he appeared to want to utter something, eventually, he relented, let out a discontented sigh, crossed his arms, and flopped back into his seat in a manner more befitting a disgruntled youth.
I understand your feelings too well. You’re a good person with a sense of duty, and you’re surely concerned about the fate of the three red-jewel comrades who perished unreasonably in that job. It’s natural to crave not just compensation but also apologies for their sacrifices. Even if their graves along the road are eventually forgotten, we desire acknowledgment of accountability from those who wronged our kin.
But at this moment, that isn’t necessary. A mere bow from the Chairman yields no tangible benefits, nor does extracting an apology serve our strategy in this context. They bear no direct responsibility for this incident.
While they are obligated to ensure compensation and prevent future recurrences, that responsibility doesn’t extend to taking ownership of the initial misstep—an issue originating with the client. In any case, the administrative body certainly won’t bear responsibility for such matters. In this era, states, barring extreme existential crises, rarely if ever, offer apologies to external entities or even their own populace, as doing so could damage governance credibility.
How utterly discouraging. Be it deities or mere mortals, all possess the same underlying greed. The constant struggle against human nature remains relentless.
However, cunning tactics are not exclusive to them.
Let’s not forget: we’re drifters unburdened by fixed ties. Should a location no longer align with our interests, we possess the freedom to move elsewhere.
“However, due to the issue of maintaining client relationships—we regretfully must decline any future assignments from the administrative body.”
“What!?”
Ah, it’s working. Finally, the stern beauty’s composed façade began to crack.
We adventurers often receive specific job offers, but whether we accept or decline remains our prerogative. While assignments recommended by the guild usually offer better pay and improve our standing, even gold coins hold little allure if smeared with filth. Who’d willingly store such tainted items in their wallet?
And we’re not indentured servants either. Even when requested by nobles, the guild’s established codes allow us the right to decline. While many casual jobs can be dismissed easily, turning down a significant assignment can pose complications. Yet, given my reputation and the guild’s desire to retain me as a key player, I can withstand such repercussions. These aren’t mere trifling commissions that can be discarded without consequence.
Rather, an aggressive response from them would be welcomed. While typically opposed to wielding power unnecessarily, there’s no hesitation to do so when required.
In this case, that corrupt party will undoubtedly cooperate in good humor. When opportunities arise to establish influence in the Western frontier—a domain crucial for international trade flows—the interest displayed by Count Ubiorum Lady Agrippina with her sharp political acumen will be invaluable in dismantling complex political knots.
The profits from overseas trade are vast. With the potential to participate in ventures that could sustain an entire nation, it’s certain that she’ll wield her formidable political skills to great effect.
“With incidents like this occurring without adequate explanations—this indeed jeopardizes the lives of our fellow adventurers. It’s our right as adventurers to selectively accept jobs.”
“Please wait!”
“Unfortunately, we cannot wait. Rest assured, our confidentiality obligations will be upheld. As a matter of fact, regarding this assignment, we will maintain that we encountered no one…”
“Right?”
“Affirmative…”
Acknowledging with a single nod, he drained his remaining tea and stood up. Mika, having gauged the situation, also rose gracefully, followed by Siegfried.
“If your concern persists, my friend and I wouldn’t mind exchanging non-disclosure oaths. That’s something I can arrange from my side. What do you think?”
“In that case, we can assist in processing such an agreement at our branch office.”
“No! Golden-haired sir, please hold! Let us at least talk this issue through!”
Just like accepting jobs, visiting considerations are polite accommodations; however, our departure takes precedence per our terms. There’s nothing more to discuss, and I won’t wait.
Don’t bring me more of that tainted work. I’ve had enough of political undercurrents from my past tenure as a retainer of Lady Agrippina.
“Apologies, but facts remain: there were undeniable oversights in handling this task. Regrettably, future work from clients who obscure the truth is unacceptable to us. Yes, perhaps the administrative body isn’t at fault, and the issue lies with a meddlesome broker who attempted to skim from the commission. But moving forward, I shall personally select trustworthy clients.”
Declaring this firmly, I exercised my rights just as I expected them to. Sensing her inclination to continue arguing, I bowed deeply to express gratitude for her time.
In subtlety, I conveyed that there was nothing more to be said. With that, we departed the guild premises. Stretching at the Adrianan Grants Square, the matter was technically not resolved, yet we’ve successfully avoided an immediate complication for now.
Were they to escalate matters with direct aggression, it would indeed necessitate reaching out to Lady Agrippina.
Should assassins be sent directly, we’ll counter them decisively. However, accusations of inciting rebellion could be disastrous.
Perhaps undertaking a cross-border escort mission for half a year would be prudent. Leading my crew will prove lucrative, and I’ve long desired to explore foreign lands with Mika—though this temporary separation will be painful, it’ll serve well to lay low for a while.
“Well, my friend, is your afternoon free?”
“Mostly, though I’d appreciate hearing more details about this affair…”
With a weary sigh, I apologized to my friend for the entanglement and promised to elaborate later.
Thus, with this in mind, let’s engage in some sightseeing to blow off steam….
One of the few rights adventurers possess is the liberty to choose or refuse commissions. A beautifully clad garment holds no value if it’s soiled inside. Somewhere along writing, the content feels a bit scattered and incoherent.
Apparently, pre-orders for Volume Three are beginning to emerge, and a captivating book cover designed by Lansane has been released. Though I can’t share a direct link, I recommend searching for it by title.
Yes, alas, the continuation remains somewhat uncertain h (remainder redacted due to censorship).
