Chapter 554: An Audience with the Great Houses

By the time Sage returned to Adventurer Guild Headquarters following his meeting with Duke Roland Auremont, three invitations were already waiting on his desk.

Boren had arranged the letters according to their arrival times, while Lucan examined the noble insignias stamped into their seals.

Each invitation came from a different influential household, and all requested an opportunity to speak with the Guildmaster before the King’s birthday banquet.

Sage settled into his chair and regarded the letters with an expression of resignation. "Lucan, I thought meeting your family would be the difficult part. Apparently, every noble in Kingsford has suddenly remembered that I exist."

Lucan chuckled as he opened the first invitation. "Guildmaster, your meeting with House Auremont was never going to remain a secret. When one of the five Great Noble Houses receives an increasingly influential organization, the others naturally become curious."

Boren placed another document on the desk. "We’ve also received inquiries from several lesser noble families, Guildmaster. Some are asking about regional branches, while others seem particularly interested in our dungeon operations."

Sage glanced toward the growing collection of correspondence. "Then we’d better establish a schedule before someone decides to move into my office."

Lucan smiled before examining the first letter more carefully. "This one comes from Lord Geoffrey Lancaster. He’s an influential member of House Lancaster and maintains extensive relationships within the Royal Court."

Sage’s expression became more attentive. House Lancaster had recently shown unusual interest in the Guild’s confrontation with Iron Fang and Black Banner, although there was still no evidence connecting the family to the unidentified patron behind those incidents.

"Interesting," Sage remarked. "And what does Lord Geoffrey want?"

"According to his letter, he wishes to discuss the Guild’s future relationship with the Kingdom’s established institutions," Lucan answered. "That’s a remarkably broad subject, Guildmaster, which usually means the actual purpose will only become clear during the conversation."

Sage nodded thoughtfully. "Arrange the meeting. If he wants to know something, he can ask me directly."

Their first visitor arrived shortly after midday, although it wasn’t Lord Geoffrey. Instead, a representative of House Valois entered Headquarters accompanied by two attendants carrying documents concerning commercial arrangements.

Lord Charles Valois was a well-dressed young nobleman whose courteous manner suggested considerable experience dealing with merchants. After exchanging formal greetings, he accepted Sage’s invitation to sit.

"Guildmaster Sage, my family has followed your organization’s development with considerable interest," Charles explained. "The expansion of your dungeon operations has created opportunities that many established commercial houses would welcome."

Sage smiled politely. "I’m pleased to hear that, Lord Charles. We’re always interested in arrangements that benefit Adventurers and the communities where we operate."

Charles nodded approvingly before presenting his proposal. House Valois wished to establish commercial facilities near future Guild branches within its territories, providing equipment, transportation, and purchasing services to Adventurers.

The initial proposal seemed reasonable, and Boren took several notes while Lucan examined the accompanying documents. However, Sage soon discovered a condition buried among the commercial privileges.

"Lord Charles, this section appears to grant your family’s merchants exclusive purchasing rights over certain dungeon materials," Sage observed, placing his finger upon the relevant passage. "Am I understanding that correctly?"

Charles maintained his pleasant expression. "Only within the territories covered by our proposed agreement, Guildmaster. Such an arrangement would help us justify the investment required to establish proper commercial facilities."

Sage considered the explanation before shaking his head. "I’m afraid we can’t agree to that. Adventurers retain ownership of everything they obtain, and they’re free to choose their buyers. We can discuss commercial cooperation, but not exclusive purchasing rights."

Charles studied him for a moment before inclining his head. "I understand your position, Guildmaster. Perhaps we can revise the arrangement to provide preferential leasing opportunities instead."

"That would be worth discussing," Sage replied. "Provided the terms remain fair to other merchants operating around our branches."

By the time Charles departed, both sides had agreed to continue negotiations without making any binding commitments.

Lucan waited until the visitor had left before turning toward Sage. "That was handled well, Guildmaster. House Valois rarely begins negotiations without attempting to secure an advantage."

Sage chuckled as he returned the proposal to Boren. "I don’t mind them making money. I simply don’t intend to hand them everyone else’s business."

Their next visitor represented House Hohenberg, and the conversation proved considerably different.

Lord Dietrich Hohenberg arrived wearing formal military attire, his disciplined bearing immediately distinguishing him from the merchants and administrators who usually visited Headquarters.

"Guildmaster Sage, my family recognizes the value of capable Warriors," Dietrich stated after the introductions. "Your organization has demonstrated impressive results against dangerous monsters, particularly through its dungeon expeditions."

Sage nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Lord Dietrich. We’ve been fortunate to have many talented Adventurers join us."

Dietrich explained that several northern territories faced persistent difficulties with monster populations. House Hohenberg wished to explore cooperation with the Guild, particularly concerning dangerous missions that might otherwise require substantial military resources.

Unlike Charles Valois, Dietrich showed little interest in commercial privileges. His concerns involved security, military jurisdiction, and the possibility of experienced Adventurers assisting during emergencies.

Sage listened carefully before explaining the Guild’s position. "We’re willing to establish branches and accept appropriate missions in your territories, Lord Dietrich. However, our Adventurers aren’t soldiers who can be permanently assigned to military commanders."

Dietrich nodded without apparent offense. "I expected that distinction, Guildmaster. My concern is whether reliable assistance can be obtained when settlements face threats beyond their local defenses."

"That can certainly be discussed," Sage answered. "We already maintain procedures for urgent missions, although availability depends upon the Adventurers qualified to accept them."

Their conversation continued for nearly an hour, eventually producing an agreement to exchange further information concerning northern territories that might benefit from Guild branches.

Afterward, Lucan appeared considerably more satisfied.

"House Hohenberg respects clearly defined responsibilities," Lucan explained. "Lord Dietrich will probably report favorably upon the meeting, especially since you didn’t promise military assistance beyond what the Guild can reasonably provide."

Sage leaned back in his chair. "That’s two families interested in entirely different things. I’m beginning to understand why you insisted that we prepare."

Lucan laughed. "And we’ve barely started, Guildmaster."

The afternoon brought additional correspondence from representatives connected to House Falkenberg. Their inquiries concerned regional administration, road security, and the legal status of Guild branches operating within territories governed by lesser nobles.

Boren reviewed the documents while Sage listened to Lucan’s explanation of the political implications.

"Falkenberg’s influence depends heavily upon its relationships with regional authorities," Lucan explained. "If they support our expansion, negotiations with several territorial lords could become easier. However, they’ll want assurances that Guild branches won’t undermine existing administrative arrangements."

Sage nodded. "Then we’ll provide those assurances where they’re reasonable. We’re establishing Guild facilities, not replacing local governments."

As evening approached, Lord Geoffrey Lancaster finally arrived.

Unlike the previous visitors, Geoffrey carried no lengthy commercial proposal. He was a composed gentleman with neatly arranged dark hair and an expression that revealed little about his intentions.

"Guildmaster Sage, I’ve heard considerable praise concerning your achievements," Geoffrey remarked after taking his seat. "The speed of your organization’s growth has impressed many people within the Royal Court."

Sage returned his polite expression. "That’s encouraging to hear, Lord Geoffrey. We’ve worked hard to establish reliable services."

Geoffrey folded his hands. "Naturally, such growth raises questions concerning political responsibility. An organization operating across numerous territories must eventually consider how its influence relates to the Crown."

Lucan remained silent beside Sage, although his attention sharpened.

"The Guild respects His Majesty’s authority and the Kingdom’s laws," Sage answered calmly. "We intend to cooperate with legitimate officials while maintaining responsibility for our internal operations."

Geoffrey nodded thoughtfully. "An understandable position. Nevertheless, certain individuals believe an organization possessing such extensive influence might benefit from closer supervision by established authorities."

Sage regarded him steadily. "That would depend upon what they mean by supervision, Lord Geoffrey. We’re willing to comply with lawful requirements, but the Guild won’t become the private instrument of any noble household."

A brief silence followed before Geoffrey offered a courteous smile.

"A clear answer, Guildmaster. I suspect several people at the banquet will be interested in hearing it."

After the nobleman’s departure, Lucan remained thoughtful.

"Lord Geoffrey wasn’t negotiating for commercial privileges," Lucan observed. "He was determining how firmly you’d resist political interference."

Sage nodded. "Then I hope he enjoyed the answer."

Lucan chuckled, although his expression remained serious. "Some people will appreciate your independence, Guildmaster. Others may regard it as an obstacle."

Later that evening, as Sage prepared to leave his office, another visitor arrived without the elaborate ceremony of the day’s noble representatives.

Pax Riven entered quietly, accompanied by Fenric Vale. Both men appeared tired, and the documents Pax carried bore none of the decorative seals that had occupied Sage’s attention throughout the afternoon.

"Guildmaster, we’ve uncovered something concerning our investigation," Pax reported, placing a folded sheet upon the desk.

Sage immediately became attentive. "About the person behind Iron Fang and Black Banner?"

"Possibly, Guildmaster," Pax answered. "We still haven’t identified the patron, but we’ve been following several individuals connected to Edmund Krail’s earlier dealings."

Fenric stepped forward and indicated a name recorded on the document. "One of those intermediaries disappeared from our attention after the mercenary companies suffered their setbacks. We believed he might have left Kingsford."

Sage frowned. "But he hasn’t?"

Pax shook his head. "No, Guildmaster. We received confirmation this afternoon that he’s still in the capital."

Lucan leaned forward. "Where was he seen?"

Pax exchanged a brief glance with Fenric before answering.

"Among the guests and attendants preparing for His Majesty’s birthday banquet, Guildmaster. Someone connected to the earlier conspiracy has managed to enter the royal celebrations."