Chapter 560: The Prince’s Offer

The royal attendant remained standing before Sage, awaiting his response to Prince Cedric’s invitation.

Around them, the banquet continued without interruption. Musicians performed near the eastern gallery, servants circulated with refreshments, and nobles gathered in small groups to discuss the evening’s proceedings.

Sage exchanged a brief glance with Lucan before turning toward the attendant.

"Please inform His Royal Highness that I’d be honored to speak with him," Sage replied politely. "I’m available whenever he’s ready to receive me."

The attendant bowed. "His Royal Highness has already prepared a private reception chamber, Guildmaster. If you would follow me, I’ll escort you there."

Lucan stepped forward before Sage could move.

"Guildmaster, with your permission, I’d like to accompany you," Lucan suggested. "Prince Cedric is familiar with my family, and my presence shouldn’t cause any difficulties."

Sage nodded. "Of course, Lucan. I was going to ask you anyway."

The attendant acknowledged the arrangement and guided them away from the principal banquet hall.

They passed through a corridor decorated with royal portraits and elaborate tapestries before reaching a smaller chamber overlooking the palace gardens. Several attendants stood near the entrance, while two ceremonial guards maintained watch beside the doors.

Inside, Prince Cedric Alden was seated beside a polished table arranged with refreshments.

The Second Prince rose upon their arrival, greeting them with a pleasant smile.

"Guildmaster Sage, Lord Lucan, I’m delighted you accepted my invitation," Cedric remarked warmly. "I hope I haven’t interrupted your enjoyment of the banquet."

Sage offered a respectful bow. "Not at all, Your Royal Highness. Thank you for inviting us."

Lucan bowed as well. "It’s a pleasure to see you again, Your Royal Highness."

Cedric gestured toward the available seats.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable. There’s no need for excessive ceremony when we’re having a private conversation."

Sage accepted the invitation, while Lucan settled beside him.

An attendant poured refreshments before withdrawing toward the wall.

Cedric examined Sage with obvious interest.

"I must congratulate you on your conversation with my father," the prince began. "His Majesty doesn’t usually devote that much attention to newly established organizations."

Sage smiled politely. "His Majesty was very generous with his time, Your Royal Highness. I’m grateful that he considers the Guild’s work worthwhile."

Cedric nodded approvingly. "And rightly so. Your organization has achieved remarkable things in a relatively short period. From Evergreen to Kingsford, you’ve demonstrated an impressive ability to attract capable Warriors and establish profitable operations."

"Thank you, Your Royal Highness," Sage replied. "We’ve been fortunate to have hardworking employees and reliable Adventurers supporting our development."

Cedric chuckled. "Modesty is admirable, Guildmaster, but leadership deserves recognition. Organizations don’t grow at such a pace without someone capable directing their efforts."

Sage acknowledged the compliment, although he suspected the prince hadn’t invited him merely to exchange congratulations.

Cedric continued speaking about the Guild’s achievements, mentioning its growing membership, dungeon operations, and expanding commercial relationships.

His knowledge was surprisingly detailed.

"Your Royal Highness appears quite familiar with our activities," Sage observed.

Cedric smiled. "Naturally. I make it my business to understand developments that might influence Westmark’s future. And I believe the Adventurer Guild could become one of the Kingdom’s most important institutions."

Lucan remained attentive, carefully observing the prince.

Cedric placed his cup upon the table. "Which brings me to the reason I requested this conversation. Guildmaster, I understand you’re planning to establish branches throughout all fifteen regions."

"That’s our long-term ambition, Your Royal Highness," Sage confirmed. "Although expansion will require considerable preparation and cooperation with local authorities."

"Precisely," Cedric replied enthusiastically. "And that’s where I believe we could assist one another."

Sage waited for him to continue.

"Establishing operations across Westmark isn’t simply a matter of constructing buildings," Cedric explained. "Every region contains powerful noble families, administrative institutions, and commercial interests. Securing their cooperation can become extraordinarily difficult without appropriate connections."

Lucan nodded politely. "That’s certainly true, Your Royal Highness. We’ve already encountered differences in regional administrative requirements."

Cedric smiled toward him. "Then you’ll appreciate the advantages of having someone capable of navigating those difficulties."

The prince turned back toward Sage. "I would like to offer the Adventurer Guild my personal patronage."

Sage raised an eyebrow. "Your patronage, Your Royal Highness?"

"Indeed," Cedric answered. "My associates maintain relationships with influential nobles throughout the Kingdom. With their assistance, your expansion could proceed considerably faster."

He leaned forward slightly. "Territorial permissions, administrative approvals, commercial negotiations, even certain legal disputes could be handled through established channels. Instead of spending months negotiating with reluctant officials, your representatives would have powerful supporters willing to assist them."

Sage considered the proposal.

On the surface, it sounded remarkably attractive.

The Guild’s expansion had already demonstrated how complicated regional negotiations could become. Access to influential officials and cooperative noble families might save considerable time and resources.

Cedric appeared to recognize his interest.

"Furthermore, Guildmaster, I’m prepared to arrange financial assistance," the prince continued. "Construction expenses, equipment procurement, transportation networks, and staffing requirements could all benefit from additional investment."

Lucan glanced toward Sage without speaking.

Cedric continued confidently. "Imagine establishing branches across several regions simultaneously. Your Guild possesses the expertise, while my associates can provide the resources and political relationships necessary to accelerate its growth."

Sage nodded thoughtfully. "That’s certainly a generous offer, Your Royal Highness. May I ask what arrangements you would expect in return?"

Cedric’s smile widened slightly. "A reasonable question. Naturally, any partnership requires mutual understanding."

The prince reached toward a document resting beside the refreshments. "My advisers have prepared a preliminary framework. Nothing binding, of course. Merely a starting point for discussion."

He passed the document across the table.

Sage accepted it and began reading.

The opening sections outlined financial assistance, regional introductions, and support in negotiations with territorial authorities.

However, the later provisions were considerably more interesting.

Under the proposed arrangement, representatives recommended by Cedric’s faction would receive positions within the Guild’s expanding regional administration.

Certain commercial contracts would require consultation with appointed advisers, while major decisions concerning new branches would be reviewed by a joint committee.

Sage read the provisions twice before placing the document upon the table. "Your Royal Highness, may I clarify something concerning these administrative appointments?"

Cedric nodded pleasantly. "Of course, Guildmaster."

"The proposed committee would possess authority to review regional appointments and operational decisions," Sage observed. "Would its recommendations be advisory, or would the Guild require its approval before proceeding?"

Cedric folded his hands.

"Initially, I imagine the arrangements would remain flexible. However, considering the resources my associates would contribute, some degree of oversight would naturally be appropriate."

Sage nodded slowly. "And the commercial contracts?"

"Those would ensure that participating families receive reasonable opportunities to recover their investments," Cedric explained. "Nothing unusual in arrangements involving substantial financial commitments."

Sage understood the implications immediately.

The prince wasn’t simply offering assistance.

He wanted a permanent position from which his faction could influence the Guild’s administration, commercial relationships, and future expansion.

Once those privileges became established, removing them would likely prove extremely difficult.

Sage glanced toward Lucan, whose composed expression revealed that he had reached the same conclusion.

"Your Royal Highness, I appreciate the thought you’ve put into this proposal," Sage began respectfully. "However, there are several conditions that would be difficult for the Guild to accept."

Cedric regarded him attentively.

"Such as?"

"Our administrative appointments are determined according to the responsibilities and qualifications required for each position," Sage explained. "Allowing external political representatives to influence those appointments could undermine the consistency we’ve worked to establish."

Cedric’s smile remained in place. "Surely experienced advisers recommended by trusted noble families wouldn’t present such difficulties?"

"Qualified individuals are welcome to apply for appropriate positions," Sage answered. "But the Guild cannot guarantee appointments based upon political recommendations, regardless of who provides them."

The prince studied him for a moment. "And the proposed commercial arrangements?"

"We’re willing to negotiate fair contracts with interested merchants and investors," Sage replied. "However, we cannot grant a particular faction authority over the Guild’s future commercial decisions."

Cedric leaned back in his chair. "Guildmaster, you must understand that meaningful support rarely comes without certain expectations."

Sage inclined his head respectfully. "I understand, Your Royal Highness. And I wouldn’t expect anyone to provide financial assistance without reasonable compensation. But compensation and administrative control are different matters."

For the first time, Cedric’s pleasant expression tightened slightly. "You’re remarkably protective of your organization’s independence."

Sage smiled. "It’s one of the principles that has allowed us to earn the trust of our members, Your Royal Highness. I wouldn’t want to compromise that trust."

A brief silence settled over the chamber.

Lucan remained quiet, allowing Sage to conduct the negotiation without interruption.

Eventually, Cedric picked up his cup.

"Perhaps you’re concerned that accepting my assistance would associate the Guild with a particular political interest," the prince suggested.

"That is another consideration, Your Royal Highness," Sage acknowledged. "The Guild intends to serve communities throughout Westmark, regardless of their local political relationships."

Cedric gave a restrained chuckle. "An admirable ambition. Although complete neutrality is considerably more difficult to maintain than you might imagine."

"I’m beginning to understand that," Sage replied pleasantly.

The prince examined him for several moments before setting down his cup. "Very well, Guildmaster. I won’t insist upon an immediate agreement. Perhaps you’ll reconsider after experiencing more of the difficulties associated with regional expansion."

Sage bowed his head. "I appreciate your understanding, Your Royal Highness. I’d still welcome opportunities for cooperation that respect the Guild’s established responsibilities."

Cedric rose, signaling that their conversation had concluded. "Naturally. My invitation remains open should your circumstances change."

Sage and Lucan stood as well, offering the appropriate farewell before turning toward the entrance.

However, just as they approached the doors, Cedric spoke again. "One final thought, Guildmaster."

Sage stopped and turned respectfully. "Yes, Your Royal Highness?"

The prince regarded him with a composed expression, although the warmth of his earlier smile had noticeably diminished.

"Westmark is governed through relationships that have existed for generations. Even the most capable organizations eventually discover that ambition alone cannot overcome every obstacle."

Cedric paused before delivering his final words.

"Remember this, Guildmaster Sage. Expanding throughout Westmark will be considerably more difficult without powerful political allies."