Chapter 568 The Crown Prince’s Invitation

Three days had passed since King Edmund’s birthday banquet, yet its consequences were still being felt throughout Adventurer Guild Headquarters.

The number of visitors requesting appointments had increased considerably. Merchants sought commercial agreements, minor nobles inquired about establishing relationships with the Guild, and several officials had submitted requests for information concerning its future expansion.

For Boren, the sudden attention had created an entirely new collection of administrative headaches.

"Guildmaster, if another noble household sends us a letter requesting preferential treatment, I’m going to start charging them for the paper we’re wasting on replies," Boren complained as he entered Sage’s office carrying a thick stack of documents.

Sage looked up from his desk and chuckled. "That bad already? I thought the banquet would give us at least a week before everyone started knocking on our doors."

Boren placed the documents on the desk with an exhausted expression. "Apparently not. We’ve received inquiries from seven different territories, three merchant companies, and two households interested in sponsoring Guild branches. Unfortunately, half of them seem to believe that offering financial assistance entitles them to appoint our administrators."

Sage shook his head in amusement. "Then send them our standard commercial partnership requirements. Anyone genuinely interested can submit a proper proposal."

Boren nodded before taking a seat opposite him. "That’s what we’ve been doing, Guildmaster. But these inquiries have raised another issue. We need to determine how much expansion we can realistically manage before making commitments."

Sage leaned back thoughtfully. "Let’s hear it. How are our preparations looking?"

Boren opened his notebook and consulted several figures. "Our Royal Capital Headquarters is operating comfortably, and revenue from dungeon access, accommodation, equipment services, and other facilities remains strong. However, constructing additional branches will require substantial capital, experienced personnel, and reliable supply arrangements."

Sage nodded. "Money isn’t our only concern, then."

"Not even close, Guildmaster," Boren replied. "We could establish several smaller branches relatively quickly, but finding competent administrators will be considerably harder. We can’t simply recruit anyone who knows how to read and expect them to manage Adventurer registrations, mission assignments, finances, and complaints."

Sage smiled faintly. "Especially when some of our Adventurers are capable of turning an ordinary disagreement into a tavern brawl."

Boren sighed. "Exactly. And that’s before considering security personnel, receptionists, medical staff, equipment suppliers, and transportation arrangements."

Sage glanced at the documents spread across his desk. The Guild had grown enormously since its establishment in Evergreen, but expanding across an entire kingdom presented challenges that couldn’t be solved through enthusiasm alone.

"Have Tobias and Irene prepared their preliminary estimates?" Sage asked.

Boren nodded. "They’re working on several possible expansion models. Tobias favors establishing regional distribution points before constructing larger facilities, while Irene wants us to avoid committing funds until we understand the operating costs of each territory."

Sage considered both approaches before answering. "They’re right to be cautious. I want a plan that allows us to expand without weakening the branches we already operate. Have them prepare a combined proposal."

Boren made another note before looking up. "There’s also the question of regional permissions. We still don’t know whether certain nobles intend to introduce additional licensing requirements."

Sage’s expression became serious. "That’s something I intend to discuss with Crown Prince Richard. We can’t plan construction properly if the regulations might change halfway through."

As though summoned by the mention of the Crown Prince, a knock sounded at the office door.

"Come in," Sage called, setting aside the document he’d been examining.

Lucan entered wearing a neatly tailored coat, carrying an envelope bearing the royal crest.

"Guildmaster, I’ve received confirmation from the Crown Prince’s household," Lucan announced with a pleased expression. "His Royal Highness has accepted our request for an audience. He’s expecting us at his residence this afternoon."

Sage smiled. "Excellent. I was beginning to wonder whether his schedule would allow us to meet this week."

Lucan chuckled as he handed over the envelope. "The Crown Prince has been occupied with administrative meetings since the banquet, but apparently he made time for us. His secretary mentioned that Prince Richard specifically requested the meeting be arranged as soon as possible."

Boren regarded the envelope thoughtfully. "Then he must consider whatever he wants to discuss important."

Sage opened the letter and examined its contents. The invitation was formal but brief, confirming the time and location of their appointment.

"Well, we’d better not keep him waiting," Sage remarked as he placed the letter upon his desk. "Lucan, you’ll accompany me. Boren, continue preparing our expansion estimates. I want something practical to review when we return."

Boren nodded. "Understood, Guildmaster. And please try not to return with another mountain of administrative responsibilities."

Sage laughed as he stood. "I’ll do my best, although I can’t promise anything."

Several hours later, Sage and Lucan departed Headquarters in a carriage arranged through the Crown Prince’s household.

Their destination was a magnificent residence situated within Kingsford’s royal district, not far from the main palace complex.

Unlike the enormous Royal Palace, Richard’s residence possessed a quieter atmosphere. Its grounds were extensive, with carefully maintained gardens, stone pathways, and several buildings occupied by household officials and administrative staff.

Royal guards inspected their invitation at the entrance before escorting them through the courtyard.

Sage observed the surroundings with interest. Although the residence was unquestionably luxurious, it appeared designed as much for conducting official business as for accommodating royalty.

Lucan noticed his attention and smiled. "The Crown Prince spends considerable time here handling administrative matters, Guildmaster. His household maintains its own secretaries, advisers, and officials responsible for assisting with his duties."

Sage nodded. "So this isn’t simply somewhere he comes to relax."

"Hardly," Lucan replied with a quiet laugh. "Prince Richard has been involved in royal administration for years. His Majesty has entrusted him with responsibilities that extend well beyond ceremonial appearances."

They were welcomed by a senior household secretary who guided them into a spacious reception chamber overlooking the gardens.

After refreshments were served, the secretary informed them that the Crown Prince would receive them shortly.

Sage had barely finished examining a large map of Westmark displayed upon the wall when the doors opened.

Richard entered wearing a dark blue coat embroidered with the royal insignia. Unlike his elaborate birthday attire, his clothing was comparatively restrained, although his bearing remained unmistakably regal.

"Guildmaster Sage, Lord Lucan, welcome," Richard greeted them warmly. "I’m pleased you accepted my invitation. I hope your return from the birthday celebration was uneventful."

Sage bowed respectfully before answering. "Thank you, Your Royal Highness. We returned safely, although the banquet has certainly given us plenty to discuss at Headquarters."

Richard laughed as he approached the table. "I can imagine. My sister has already reminded me twice that she intends to visit your establishment. Apparently, she believes I should personally ensure her arrangements aren’t delayed."

Lucan smiled politely. "Her Royal Highness seemed genuinely fascinated by the Guild. I suspect she’ll be disappointed if her visit is postponed for too long."

Richard shook his head with amusement. "Charlotte has never been particularly patient when something captures her interest. Fortunately, I believe today’s discussion will involve matters considerably less troublesome than organizing her sightseeing expedition."

They exchanged a few additional pleasantries before taking their seats.

A secretary placed several folders upon the table, then withdrew after receiving a quiet instruction from Richard.

The Crown Prince rested his hands upon the documents and regarded Sage thoughtfully.

"Guildmaster, during the banquet we discussed the difficulties Westmark faces when responding to monster threats across different territories," Richard began. "I’ve spent the past several days reviewing reports from regional administrators, military officers, and commercial representatives."

Sage nodded attentively. "I remember our conversation, Your Royal Highness. You mentioned the eastern trade route near Marrowford and the difficulties caused by overlapping territorial responsibilities."

Richard inclined his head. "Precisely. However, Marrowford is only one example. The more reports I examine, the more apparent it becomes that several regions are experiencing similar problems."

Lucan leaned forward slightly. "Are these incidents connected, Your Royal Highness?"

Richard shook his head. "Not necessarily. Some involve monster migrations, others concern dangerous trade routes, and a few relate to settlements that have expanded into territories where local security arrangements remain inadequate."

Sage considered the explanation carefully. "Then the problem isn’t simply the number of monsters. It’s the difficulty of responding efficiently when different authorities are involved."

Richard nodded approvingly. "Exactly. Westmark possesses capable soldiers and experienced commanders, but military resources aren’t unlimited. Nor can every minor monster incident justify deploying an entire detachment of royal troops."

He gestured toward the map hanging nearby.

"Some settlements are located several days from the nearest substantial garrison. Others fall within territories whose lords possess only modest military forces. When trouble emerges, assistance can arrive far too late."

Sage listened without interrupting.

Richard continued, "I’ve also discovered that independent Warriors frequently operate near these troubled areas. Unfortunately, there’s often no dependable arrangement connecting those Warriors with the communities requiring assistance."

Lucan nodded thoughtfully. "Which means capable fighters might be available while the authorities struggle to locate and organize them."

"Precisely, Lord Lucan," Richard replied. "And that’s where I believe the Adventurer Guild could provide something valuable."

Sage leaned forward with growing interest. "Are you considering commissioning Guild missions in several regions, Your Royal Highness?"

Richard smiled faintly. "Potentially. But before we discuss arrangements, I want you to understand the situation properly. I’m not interested in promising the Guild work without establishing what that work would involve."

Sage appreciated the Crown Prince’s approach. Richard wasn’t offering privileges in exchange for loyalty or attempting to dictate how the Guild should operate.

He was presenting a problem and asking whether the organization possessed the means to address it.

"Then I’d like to examine the available information," Sage replied. "If the Guild is going to participate, we need to understand the risks, locations, and responsibilities involved."

Richard nodded with satisfaction. "That’s precisely why I invited you."

He reached toward the folders and selected one bearing the seal of a regional administrative office.

"These reports concern the eastern territories, particularly the trade route passing through Marrowford," Richard explained as he placed the folder before Sage. "The situation has deteriorated considerably, and the latest information suggests that several neighboring settlements may soon be affected."

Sage opened the folder and examined the documents inside.

There were casualty records, reports of missing caravans, damaged trade routes, and requests for military assistance. Several pages carried official seals from different territorial authorities, while others contained statements from merchants who had survived encounters with dangerous monsters.

Richard watched him examine the documents before speaking again.

"Guildmaster, what you’re looking at is no longer an isolated problem involving a dangerous woodland. We may be facing a regional security crisis affecting multiple territories, and the authorities responsible have yet to agree upon an effective response."