Chapter 561: The Curious Princess

By the time Sage and Lucan returned to the main banquet hall, the atmosphere had become considerably livelier.

Musicians performed from the elevated gallery, servants circulated with trays of refreshments, and nobles gathered around beautifully arranged tables discussing everything from regional commerce to the King’s birthday celebrations.

Sage accepted a glass of fruit juice from a passing attendant before turning toward Lucan. "Well, that was certainly an interesting conversation. Your Second Prince knows how to make an attractive offer, I’ll give him that."

Lucan adjusted his sleeves with a thoughtful expression. "Prince Cedric has spent years cultivating relationships with influential families, Guildmaster. He understands how to present political arrangements as mutually beneficial opportunities. I’m relieved you recognized the implications before agreeing to anything."

Sage chuckled as they continued toward their companions. "Lucan, I might not understand every noble custom, but I know the difference between accepting an investment and handing someone the keys to my organization."

They found Gregor standing beside an enormous table covered with roasted meats, pastries, and other delicacies. Mina was enthusiastically examining the desserts while Valeria watched over her with her usual impassive expression.

Boren and Lyana were nearby, conversing with Leon about the impressive number of distinguished guests attending the celebration.

"Guildmaster, you’re finally back!" Gregor greeted Sage, raising a plate containing several pieces of roasted meat. "We were beginning to think the prince had decided to recruit you into his household."

Sage laughed as he approached the table. "He certainly tried to recruit something, although I’m afraid his proposal wasn’t particularly suitable."

Lyana regarded him with interest. "Was the meeting difficult, Guildmaster? Lucan looked rather concerned when you left."

Lucan sighed before answering, "I was concerned because Prince Cedric rarely requests private meetings without a specific objective. Fortunately, the Guildmaster handled himself appropriately."

Mina immediately approached Sage with a small plate of pastries. "Uncle Sage, you missed the cakes! Big Sister Valeria said I could have three, but Gregor already ate four!"

Gregor looked offended as he lowered his plate. "Mina, why are you counting how many cakes I eat? That’s confidential information!"

Valeria regarded him coldly before replying, "Gregor, you’ve eaten six. I counted the two you took before we reached this table."

Sage burst into laughter as Gregor stared at her in disbelief. For a few moments, the relaxed atmosphere among his companions allowed him to forget the political complications surrounding the banquet.

However, their conversation soon attracted the attention of someone standing several tables away.

Princess Charlotte Alden had been listening to an elderly noblewoman explain the history of a ceremonial necklace when she noticed the Adventurer Guild’s delegation. Her amber eyes brightened immediately, and she turned toward the young attendant standing beside her.

"Margaret, isn’t that the Guildmaster Father spoke with earlier?" Charlotte asked, gesturing discreetly toward Sage.

The attendant followed her gaze before inclining her head. "Yes, Your Royal Highness. That’s Guildmaster Sage, founder of the Adventurer Guild. I believe he recently returned from a private audience with Prince Cedric."

Charlotte examined the gathering with growing curiosity. "And those people with him must be Adventurers. I’ve heard that the Guild has Warriors who explore dungeons and fight dangerous monsters."

Margaret appeared slightly concerned by the Princess’s enthusiasm. "Your Royal Highness, perhaps we should return to Lady Catherine. She was hoping to introduce you to several distinguished guests."

Charlotte waved away the suggestion with a cheerful expression. "Those introductions can wait, Margaret. I’ve already spoken with more nobles tonight than I can remember. I’d much rather meet someone who actually explores dungeons."

Before her attendant could protest further, the Princess gathered the folds of her gown and began walking toward Sage’s group.

Lucan noticed her approach first. His expression changed immediately, and he straightened before quietly addressing Sage. "Guildmaster, we have another royal visitor approaching. I’d recommend putting down your drink."

Sage followed his gaze and discovered Princess Charlotte walking toward them with two attendants hurrying behind her. He placed his glass upon the table and offered a respectful bow as she arrived, while his companions followed his example.

"Your Royal Highness, it’s a pleasure to meet you," Sage greeted her politely. "I hope you’re enjoying His Majesty’s celebration."

Charlotte smiled brightly as she examined him. "I am, thank you! Although I’ve been hoping to speak with you since Father mentioned your Guild. You’re the person who established that enormous Adventurer Headquarters in Kingsford, aren’t you?"

Sage nodded with an amused expression. "That’s correct, Your Royal Highness. Although I had quite a few people helping me build it."

Charlotte’s attention immediately shifted toward the others. "Then these must be some of your Adventurers! I’ve heard that your organization has thousands of registered Warriors. Is that true?"

Gregor grinned before Sage could answer. "We’ve certainly got plenty of them, Your Royal Highness. Some are excellent fighters, while others are still learning which end of a sword they’re supposed to hold."

Lyana gave her brother an exasperated look before addressing the Princess. "What Gregor means, Your Royal Highness, is that the Guild accepts Warriors with different levels of experience. We evaluate their abilities before allowing them to undertake appropriate missions."

Charlotte appeared delighted by the explanation. "So anyone can become an Adventurer? Even someone who wasn’t born into a noble family?"

Sage nodded as he answered, "Certainly, Your Royal Highness. Noble birth isn’t a requirement. Applicants undergo registration and evaluation, and their qualifications determine which missions they’re permitted to accept."

The Princess considered this before asking another question. "And how do Adventurer Ranks work? I’ve heard people discussing Platinum Adventurers, but I don’t understand what makes someone qualify for that rank."

Leon stepped forward with a respectful bow. "Your Royal Highness, Adventurer Ranks reflect a member’s demonstrated capabilities and achievements. Advancement requires meeting the Guild’s established standards rather than simply possessing an impressive title."

Charlotte recognized him immediately. "Captain Drakar! I heard you became the first Platinum Adventurer. Does that mean you’re the strongest Warrior in the entire Guild?"

Leon smiled politely as he replied, "Not necessarily, Your Royal Highness. Platinum is an exceptionally demanding classification, but a Warrior’s abilities must still be considered alongside experience, accomplishments, and the requirements for advancement."

Gregor folded his arms with an exaggerated expression of determination. "Besides, Your Royal Highness, some of us intend to reach Platinum eventually. We can’t allow Captain Drakar to enjoy all the glory forever."

Valeria regarded him without changing her expression. "Gregor, you’ll need to stop talking about becoming Platinum and start completing more difficult missions."

Charlotte laughed at the exchange, clearly enjoying the easygoing relationship among the Guild’s members.

Her curiosity soon turned toward dungeons.

"Guildmaster, is it true that some dungeons contain hundreds of floors?" Charlotte asked eagerly. "And that the monsters become more dangerous the deeper Adventurers travel?"

Sage nodded. "That’s correct, Your Royal Highness. Dungeons vary considerably in size and difficulty. Our S-Rank Dungeon near Greyfen, for example, contains hundreds of floors, although most Adventurers only explore areas appropriate for their abilities."

Charlotte’s eyes widened. "Hundreds? Then nobody has explored the entire dungeon yet?"

"Not even close, Your Royal Highness," Sage replied with a chuckle. "Exploring a dungeon of that scale requires considerable preparation, supplies, and experienced companions. Rushing into dangerous floors is an excellent way to get yourself killed."

Margaret visibly relaxed upon hearing that warning, although Charlotte appeared more fascinated than discouraged.

"Do Adventurers really discover treasure inside?" Charlotte asked. "I’ve read stories about ancient weapons, rare gemstones, and mysterious magical objects hidden beneath the ground."

Sage smiled as he answered, "They certainly discover valuable things, Your Royal Highness. Mana Crystals, monster materials, medicinal ingredients, and occasionally unusual treasures. However, most expeditions involve plenty of hard work before anyone finds something extraordinary."

Charlotte listened attentively before shifting her attention toward Mina, who had been watching the conversation while holding a half-eaten pastry.

"And who might you be?" Charlotte asked warmly. "Are you an Adventurer too?"

Mina straightened proudly before answering, "I’m Mina! And I’m training to become a really strong Warrior! Uncle Sage says I still have lots to learn, but Big Sister Valeria helps me practice."

Charlotte looked between Mina and Valeria with considerable interest. "You train with her? That sounds wonderful! I have swordsmanship instructors, but they always insist I finish my etiquette lessons before they’ll let me practice."

Valeria regarded the Princess with her usual cold expression before replying, "Your Royal Highness, discipline is important in both swordsmanship and ordinary responsibilities. Your instructors are probably trying to teach you that."

Charlotte sighed dramatically. "That’s exactly what they keep telling me. I was hoping you’d disagree."

Even Sage couldn’t suppress his amusement at the Princess’s disappointed expression.

As their conversation continued, Charlotte began asking about the Guild’s Headquarters itself. She seemed particularly interested in its mission administration, training facilities, library, accommodation, and the various establishments serving Adventurers.

Sage described the bustling reception hall, the mission boards where Warriors selected assignments, and the facilities that allowed members to purchase equipment, receive treatment, and prepare for expeditions.

Charlotte listened with an enthusiasm that contrasted sharply with the polite indifference she had displayed during many of the evening’s formal introductions.

"Guildmaster, your Headquarters sounds like an entire town inside one enormous establishment!" Charlotte exclaimed. "Do Adventurers really gather there every day to discuss missions and prepare for expeditions?"

Sage nodded pleasantly. "They do, Your Royal Highness. You’re welcome to see how everything operates if an appropriate visit can be arranged."

Margaret immediately looked alarmed, but Charlotte’s expression brightened.

"Then it’s settled!" Charlotte announced happily, turning toward her attendants. "Margaret, please inform the servants that I intend to visit the Adventurer Guild Headquarters personally. I want to see everything for myself!"

Margaret went pale as she hurried forward. "Your Royal Highness, please! A royal visit requires permission, security arrangements, and approval from the palace. We cannot simply decide to visit an establishment without consulting anyone!"

Charlotte regarded her distressed attendant with an innocent smile. "Then we’d better start making those arrangements, Margaret. I wouldn’t want to keep the Guildmaster waiting!"