Chapter 576 A Prince’s Reputation [ 1 ]

News of the successful Marrowford commission spread through Kingsford faster than anyone at Adventurer Guild Headquarters had anticipated.

Within three days, merchants arriving from the eastern territories were already discussing the reopening of the trade road. Several caravans had resumed their usual journeys, while local workers began clearing vegetation from the roadside and repairing the abandoned patrol stations.

The road wasn’t completely restored, and travelers were still being advised to exercise caution, but the immediate danger that had paralyzed commerce for months was gone.

For the merchants who depended upon the eastern route, that was more than enough reason to celebrate.

At a busy trading establishment near Kingsford’s eastern gate, several merchants gathered around a table discussing the development.

"I heard the Adventurer Guild found the monsters’ nest in less than a week," a grain merchant remarked as he examined a newly delivered shipment. "The soldiers spent months searching those woods without finding anything."

An older merchant shook his head. "The soldiers killed plenty of monsters, from what I understand. The problem was that nobody knew where the creatures were coming from. Apparently, the Guild investigated before sending anyone to clear the nest."

A third merchant leaned forward with interest. "And the Crown Prince was the one who commissioned them. That’s what everyone’s talking about. His Royal Highness finally found a way to solve a problem those two territorial administrations couldn’t settle between themselves."

Similar conversations could be heard throughout the capital.

At Adventurer Guild Headquarters, the successful operation had attracted considerable attention from Adventurers interested in the results of the royal commission.

The Ironwood and Silver Pike parties had returned to Kingsford, submitted their final documentation, and received their rewards after Mission Administration verified the completed objectives.

Their success became a frequent topic of conversation around the Mission Boards.

Gregor was among those examining the posted completion notice when several Adventurers began discussing the operation.

"Eight hundred gold for the investigation, followed by a separate extermination commission," one Adventurer remarked appreciatively. "That’s a pretty good example of why reconnaissance missions matter."

Gregor grinned as he looked toward the speaker. "Exactly. Some people see a monster and immediately want to start swinging their swords. These fellows actually figured out where the creatures lived before doing anything reckless."

A nearby swordsman chuckled. "You sound like you’ve suddenly become an expert in careful planning, Gregor."

Gregor placed a hand against his chest with exaggerated offense. "I’ll have you know I’m an extremely thoughtful Adventurer. I always consider at least three different ways to defeat a monster before choosing the most entertaining one."

Several Adventurers burst into laughter.

Meanwhile, the news had reached the royal palace.

Inside the Royal Administrative Council’s meeting chamber, Crown Prince Richard stood before a gathering of senior officials reviewing the latest reports from Marrowford.

Minister Aldous Pembroke had just finished presenting the results of the operation, including confirmation that the immediate monster threat had been eliminated.

"Your Royal Highness, the Department of Territorial Affairs has received confirmation that both administrations are preparing revised patrol arrangements," Pembroke reported. "Road maintenance crews have already begun working near Old Harrow Bridge, and merchant traffic is gradually returning."

Richard nodded with satisfaction. "Good. Ensure the revised patrol agreement receives proper review. I don’t want us returning to this same problem in another two years."

Lord Thomas Ellery smiled approvingly. "Your intervention has been remarkably effective, Your Royal Highness. The Marrowford situation had become an embarrassment to several departments, and you’ve managed to resolve it without requiring another major military expedition."

Other officials offered similar praise.

Richard listened patiently before raising a hand.

"I appreciate your confidence, gentlemen, but the credit belongs primarily to the Adventurer Guild and the Adventurers who carried out the assignments," Richard stated. "My office provided the commission and ensured the necessary authorization. The Guild investigated the threat, organized the operation, and eliminated the monsters."

Pembroke nodded thoughtfully. "Their procedures certainly deserve recognition. The distinction between reconnaissance and extermination proved particularly useful."

"Indeed," Richard replied. "We should learn from what worked rather than pretend the problem was resolved simply because my name appeared on the authorization."

His remarks were recorded in the council’s proceedings and repeated afterward by several officials.

Before long, word spread that the Crown Prince had publicly acknowledged the Guild’s contribution rather than claiming the entire achievement for himself.

Among merchants and ordinary citizens, the gesture strengthened Richard’s reputation as a practical administrator willing to recognize competence wherever he found it.

Among certain nobles, however, the reaction was considerably less enthusiastic.

Within a private residence in the royal district, several supporters of Second Prince Cedric gathered to discuss the growing attention surrounding his elder brother.

Cedric sat near the fireplace, listening as a young noble named Lord Frederick Merton described the latest developments.

"His Royal Highness Richard is receiving considerable praise," Frederick reported. "The merchants are pleased, the administrative departments are discussing the Guild’s efficiency, and several officials who previously opposed the commission are reconsidering their positions."

Cedric rested one hand upon the arm of his chair. "Resolving Marrowford was a sensible decision. My brother deserves some credit for recognizing an opportunity."

Another noble frowned. "With respect, Your Royal Highness, the issue isn’t Marrowford itself. It’s the organization he chose to involve."

Cedric turned toward him. "Explain."

"The Adventurer Guild possesses a growing number of powerful Warriors, independent facilities, substantial revenue, and its own internal administration," the noble replied. "Now the Crown Prince is establishing a direct working relationship with its Guildmaster. Shouldn’t we consider what that could mean?"

Frederick nodded. "If Richard continues granting royal commissions to the Guild, he could gain considerable influence over an organization whose members aren’t bound by the ordinary military hierarchy."

Cedric considered the argument without immediately responding.

He had already encountered Sage during the King’s birthday banquet and understood that the Guildmaster was not easily persuaded to surrender administrative control.

Nevertheless, he recognized why his supporters were concerned.

A powerful independent organization that developed close ties with one prince could alter the political balance, even without formally declaring allegiance.

"Be careful how you present that argument," Cedric warned. "The Guild has completed a lawful commission, and there’s no evidence that its Adventurers have pledged themselves to Richard."

Frederick inclined his head. "Of course, Your Royal Highness. But perhaps the council should examine whether repeated royal commissions might eventually create such an arrangement."

Cedric glanced toward the documents on the table.

"Questions about transparency and equal access would be reasonable," Cedric replied. "Accusing my brother of assembling a private army without evidence would be foolish. If the matter is raised, I expect it to be handled carefully."

The nobles exchanged understanding glances.