Chapter 553: The Duke of Auremont

The carriage bearing House Auremont’s insignia departed Adventurer Guild Headquarters shortly after the morning bells sounded across Kingsford.

Inside, Sage sat opposite Lucan, watching the streets through a polished glass window.

Their escort consisted of six mounted Knights wearing dark blue cloaks embroidered with the family’s golden insignia, and the carriage itself was luxurious enough to make Sage wonder how much gold the nobles spent simply traveling around the capital.

"Lucan, does your family always send an escort like this?" Sage asked, examining the richly furnished interior. "I was expecting an ordinary carriage, not something that looks expensive enough to purchase a small mansion."

Lucan chuckled. "This is actually one of our more modest carriages, Guildmaster. My uncle probably chose it because he knew you’d complain if he sent something more extravagant."

Sage stared at him. "You’re telling me this is modest?"

"By Auremont standards, yes," Lucan answered with an amused expression. "Although I’d recommend not asking my uncle how much it costs. He might decide to explain the family’s transportation expenses in considerable detail."

Sage laughed before returning his attention to the passing streets.

Their destination was House Auremont’s private residence within Kingsford, an estate reserved for senior family members conducting affairs in the Royal Capital.

Unlike the family’s principal seat, the residence primarily served as a meeting place for political discussions, visiting relatives, and important guests.

As the carriage approached the Royal District, the streets became noticeably quieter. Large mansions stood behind decorated walls, and armed guards maintained watch near entrances bearing the insignias of influential noble families.

Eventually, the carriage passed through an enormous iron gate and entered a spacious estate surrounded by carefully maintained gardens.

Sage examined the impressive mansion ahead.

"Well, I can certainly understand why you decided to become an Adventurer," he remarked. "Living somewhere like this must have been terribly difficult."

Lucan shook his head with a laugh. "Guildmaster, if you think expensive furniture makes family expectations easier to endure, you’re welcome to exchange places with me."

The carriage stopped before a broad staircase, where several attendants were waiting.

An elderly gentleman dressed in formal black clothing approached as Sage and Lucan descended.

"Welcome to the Auremont residence, Guildmaster Sage Alistair," the man greeted them with a respectful bow. "Lord Benedict has been expecting your arrival."

Sage returned the greeting politely, while Lucan acknowledged the attendant with obvious familiarity.

They were escorted through an entrance hall decorated with portraits, tapestries, and carefully displayed weapons belonging to previous generations of the family.

Lucan glanced toward one particularly large portrait.

"That was my grandfather," he explained quietly. "He commanded several campaigns during his younger years before becoming involved in territorial administration."

Sage examined the stern-looking figure. "Let me guess. He also believed children should memorize noble law before breakfast."

Lucan smiled. "He considered breakfast an excellent opportunity for additional lessons, Guildmaster."

Their conversation ended when the attendant opened a pair of polished wooden doors leading into a spacious reception chamber.

Several individuals were already waiting inside.

Lord Benedict Auremont stood near a large table, his distinguished appearance and composed bearing immediately recognizable. Beside him sat an elegantly dressed woman whose silver-streaked hair was arranged beneath a jeweled ornament.

However, Sage’s attention was drawn toward the elderly man occupying the principal seat.

Despite his age, the man’s posture remained straight, and his sharp blue eyes possessed an unmistakable authority. His neatly maintained silver hair and formal attire gave him the appearance of someone accustomed to commanding respect without raising his voice.

Lucan stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"Your Grace," Lucan greeted him. "I’ve brought Guildmaster Sage Alistair as requested."

The elderly man studied Lucan briefly before turning toward Sage.

"So this is the Guildmaster I’ve been hearing so much about," he remarked in a measured voice.

Lucan straightened. "Guildmaster, allow me to introduce His Grace, Duke Roland Auremont, the current head of House Auremont."

Sage offered a respectful bow. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace. Thank you for inviting me."

Duke Roland regarded him for several moments before nodding. "Welcome, Guildmaster Sage. Please, take a seat. I’ve been interested in meeting the man responsible for establishing an organization that has attracted so much attention throughout Westmark."

Sage accepted the invitation, while Lucan took a seat beside him.

Lord Benedict approached the table.

"Guildmaster, you already know me through Lucan," Benedict remarked. "Allow me to introduce my sister, Lady Eleanor Auremont. She oversees several of our family’s administrative and charitable interests."

Lady Eleanor inclined her head politely.

"I’ve heard considerable praise concerning your Guild’s activities, Guildmaster Sage," she said. "Particularly its efforts to assist settlements threatened by monsters."

Sage smiled. "Thank you, my lady. Protecting communities is one of the reasons the Guild exists."

Duke Roland folded his hands upon the table.

"An admirable purpose," he observed. "Although I’ve lived long enough to know that organizations rarely remain as simple as their original intentions."

Sage met his gaze calmly. "I imagine that’s true, Your Grace. The Guild has certainly become considerably larger than I originally expected."

Roland nodded slowly. "Then perhaps we should begin with your intentions. What exactly do you hope the Adventurer Guild will become?"

Sage considered the question before answering. "An organization that allows Warriors to earn a living through legitimate work while helping communities deal with monsters, dangerous territories, and other problems they cannot easily resolve themselves."

"And your ambitions beyond Kingsford?" Roland asked.

"We intend to establish branches throughout Westmark’s fifteen regions," Sage replied. "Not immediately, of course. Expansion requires resources, experienced employees, and cooperation with local authorities."

Benedict exchanged a brief glance with Eleanor.

Roland continued observing Sage. "That would give your organization a presence across the entire Kingdom. Thousands of Warriors might eventually operate under your Guild’s administration."

"Registered through the Guild, Your Grace," Sage clarified respectfully. "They wouldn’t become soldiers under my personal command. Adventurers accept missions voluntarily, and our rules regulate their conduct while undertaking Guild activities."

Roland appeared interested in the distinction.

"Nevertheless, such an organization would possess considerable influence."

Sage nodded. "That’s unavoidable if we succeed. But influence isn’t the same as political authority. I have no intention of governing territories or replacing the institutions already responsible for them."

Benedict leaned forward slightly. "And what happens when a territorial lord demands authority over your local branch?"

Sage answered without hesitation. "We negotiate the conditions under which we’re permitted to operate. Local laws must be respected, but the Guild’s internal administration and established principles cannot simply be surrendered."

Roland raised an eyebrow. "Even if refusing costs you an opportunity to expand?"

"Yes, Your Grace," Sage replied calmly. "A branch that cannot operate according to the Guild’s fundamental rules would create more problems than benefits."

For the first time, the Duke’s expression softened slightly. "At least you understand that expansion has a price."

Lucan remained quiet, although Sage noticed that Benedict occasionally glanced toward him.

Eventually, Eleanor joined the conversation.

"Your Grace, perhaps we should discuss the benefits as well," she suggested. "I’ve reviewed reports concerning settlements that have benefited from the Guild’s mission system."

Roland nodded. "Very well. Guildmaster Sage, explain how your organization might improve security throughout our territories."

Sage leaned forward. "Many smaller settlements cannot afford to maintain enough experienced Warriors to handle every threat. Through Guild branches, they could submit missions requesting assistance with monster attacks, dangerous roads, missing travelers, and other problems."

Eleanor listened attentively. "And the Adventurers would receive payment according to the mission?"

"Exactly, my lady," Sage answered. "The Guild verifies requests, establishes appropriate classifications, and ensures that rewards and responsibilities are clearly defined."

Benedict nodded thoughtfully. "That could reduce the burden upon local garrisons."

"Particularly when dealing with threats that don’t require military intervention," Sage agreed. "Soldiers could concentrate upon their existing duties while qualified Adventurers handle suitable assignments."

Roland considered the explanation.

"And commerce?"

Sage smiled. "Adventurers require equipment, accommodation, food, transportation, and numerous other services. Their activities also introduce valuable materials into local markets. Establishing a branch can create opportunities for merchants and craftsmen."

Eleanor glanced toward Benedict. "That would certainly interest several of our regional administrators."

Benedict nodded. "Provided the arrangements remain financially sustainable."

Roland returned his attention to Sage. "Your Guild also controls dungeons, does it not?"

"Yes, Your Grace," Sage answered. "We’ve established a system allowing Adventurers to purchase Dungeon Passes and enter Guild-controlled dungeons while retaining everything they obtain."

"An arrangement considerably more generous than those offered by certain noble families," Roland observed.

Sage maintained his composure. "We believe Adventurers should benefit directly from the risks they undertake, Your Grace. The Guild earns revenue through access fees and its other services."

Roland studied him thoughtfully. "Interesting. You appear determined to establish an organization that remains independent while cooperating with the Kingdom’s existing authorities."

"That’s precisely our intention," Sage replied.

A brief silence followed.

Then the Duke turned toward Lucan. "And you, Lucan? Do you believe this Guildmaster understands the difficulties awaiting him?"

Lucan straightened slightly.

"Not every difficulty, Your Grace," he answered respectfully. "But I’ve worked alongside Guildmaster Sage long enough to know that he takes responsibility for his decisions. He also listens when someone explains a problem he hasn’t encountered before."

Benedict raised an eyebrow. "An interesting endorsement from someone who once refused every opportunity to participate in family administration."

Lucan smiled faintly. "I never said those lessons were useless, Uncle. I simply preferred choosing where to apply them."

Eleanor chuckled softly, while Roland regarded his younger relative with an expression that suggested equal parts amusement and contemplation.

"Perhaps your unusual career has accomplished something worthwhile after all," the Duke remarked.

Lucan bowed his head slightly. "I’d like to think so, Your Grace."

The meeting continued with further questions concerning Guild administration, regional cooperation, and the responsibilities of Adventurers operating outside the Royal Capital.

Sage answered each question patiently, occasionally consulting Lucan when matters involved complicated territorial customs.

By the time refreshments were served, the atmosphere had become noticeably more relaxed.

However, Duke Roland eventually set down his cup and regarded Sage with renewed seriousness. "Guildmaster Sage, there’s one final matter I believe you should understand before attending His Majesty’s birthday celebration."

Sage straightened. "I’m listening, Your Grace."

Roland glanced briefly toward Benedict before continuing. "Your Guild’s growth has attracted attention from individuals who see opportunities in its success. Some may genuinely wish to cooperate with you. Others will be interested in determining whether your influence can be directed toward their own ambitions."

Sage nodded slowly. "I expected as much."

"Expectations and experience are different things," Roland replied. "The Royal Court contains individuals who have spent decades navigating political relationships. They won’t necessarily reveal their intentions openly."

Lucan’s expression became serious. "Your Grace, has something happened?"

Roland looked toward his younger relative.

"Certain discussions have reached my attention," he answered. "Nothing that requires immediate alarm, but enough that I believe your Guildmaster deserves a warning."

Sage met the Duke’s gaze. "What kind of warning?"

Roland leaned back in his chair. "Several powerful figures at the Royal Court intend to use the King’s birthday banquet to test your political loyalties, Guildmaster Sage."

He paused before adding, "And depending upon how you answer their questions, they may decide whether the Adventurer Guild is an organization worth supporting—or one that must be brought under someone else’s influence."