Chapter 583 A Gathering at House Auremont

The invitation from House Auremont arrived at Adventurer Guild Headquarters two days after Fourth Prince Julian’s unexpected visit.

Unlike the formal summons issued by royal administrative departments, the letter carried the personal seal of Duke Roland Auremont and requested Sage’s presence at a private gathering in the family’s Kingsford residence.

Lucan had received a separate message from his uncle, Lord Benedict, explaining that the Duke wished to discuss the Adventurer Guild’s proposed Royal Charter before the matter advanced any further.

Sage welcomed the invitation. Although Crown Prince Richard had introduced the possibility of royal recognition, their conversation had made one thing abundantly clear: obtaining a Charter would require considerably more than the support of a single prince.

"Your grandfather doesn’t waste time, does he?" Sage remarked as he examined the letter across his office desk.

Lucan smiled as he stood nearby. "Grandfather prefers discussing important matters before everyone else begins arguing about them, Guildmaster. Once the royal committees become involved, even the simplest proposal can take weeks to resolve."

Sage folded the letter and placed it beside his administrative reports. "Then we’d better make good use of the opportunity. I’ve been meaning to ask someone with experience in noble politics how these Charter negotiations actually work."

Lucan nodded thoughtfully. "Grandfather would be an excellent person to ask. House Auremont has dealt with royal legislation and territorial agreements for generations. He’ll also tell you when something is unrealistic, whether you want to hear it or not."

That afternoon, the two departed Headquarters in a Guild carriage and traveled toward the aristocratic district of Kingsford.

The Auremont residence occupied an extensive estate surrounded by carefully maintained gardens and high stone walls. Its imposing architecture reflected the family’s centuries of influence, although the building lacked some of the extravagant decorations Sage had encountered at other noble estates.

An elderly steward welcomed them at the entrance and escorted them through a spacious corridor lined with portraits of previous Auremont family heads.

Their destination was a private sitting room overlooking the western gardens.

Duke Roland Auremont was already waiting beside a large window. His silver hair had been neatly combed, and an ornate walking cane rested against his chair.

Despite his advanced age, his blue eyes remained sharp as he examined several documents spread across a nearby table.

Lord Benedict Auremont stood beside the fireplace, while Lady Eleanor Auremont occupied a chair near the Duke.

"Guildmaster Sage, welcome," Roland greeted him warmly as he rose with the assistance of his cane. "I trust the journey wasn’t troublesome."

Sage bowed respectfully. "Not at all, Your Grace. Thank you for inviting me."

Roland smiled before turning toward Lucan. "And you, grandson, seem to have become rather difficult to find lately. Your uncle tells me you spend more time at the Guild than at your own family’s residence."

Lucan chuckled as he approached. "The Guild keeps me occupied, Grandfather. Although I assure you I haven’t forgotten where I live."

Benedict shook his head with amusement. "Your grandfather was beginning to wonder whether we should send all family correspondence directly to Guild Headquarters."

Lady Eleanor smiled as the guests took their seats. "Considering how frequently Lucan speaks about the Guild, perhaps that would be more convenient."

The lighthearted exchange continued briefly while servants brought refreshments. Once everyone was settled, Roland dismissed the attendants and turned his attention toward Sage.

"I’ve been following the developments surrounding Marrowford," Roland began. "The Guild performed admirably, and I understand the Crown Prince has been discussing the possibility of granting your organization formal royal recognition."

Sage nodded. "That’s correct, Your Grace. His Royal Highness suggested that a Royal Charter could establish clearer rules governing the Guild’s operations throughout Westmark."

Roland rested both hands upon his cane. "A sensible suggestion, provided the Charter is written properly. Unfortunately, sensible proposals have a habit of becoming considerably less sensible once enough interested parties begin adding conditions."

Benedict reached for a document on the table. "We’ve already heard about the proposed licensing regulations. Several provisions appear designed to give regional officials greater discretion over independent organizations."

Lucan nodded. "Third Prince Adrian has been reviewing those regulations. The Guild participated in a consultation with him recently, and he seemed particularly concerned about provisions that could be abused."

"Adrian has a good understanding of administrative law," Eleanor observed. "He’s unlikely to support a regulation simply because it benefits one faction. However, that doesn’t mean he’ll automatically support the Guild’s preferred arrangements."

Sage smiled faintly. "He made that very clear during our meeting."

Roland regarded him with interest. "Good. Then you already understand that not every disagreement should be treated as hostility. A Charter that survives serious legal examination will be far more valuable than one granted through temporary political enthusiasm."

The Duke gestured toward a map of Westmark displayed on the table.

"Tell me, Guildmaster, what do you actually want this Charter to accomplish?" Roland asked. "Not what the Crown Prince suggested or what your administrators might find convenient. What are the essential protections your organization requires?"

Sage considered the question carefully before answering.

"First, formal recognition of the Guild as an independent institution operating within Westmark," Sage replied. "Second, consistent procedures for establishing branches and conducting lawful activities across the Kingdom’s fifteen regions. Third, protection against arbitrary interference in our internal administration and properly authorized missions."

Benedict listened attentively as Sage continued.

"We also need clear rules concerning Adventurer membership, mission contracts, and our existing dungeon operations," Sage explained. "But I’m not asking for unlimited privileges. Local laws should still apply, and we don’t expect automatic ownership of dungeons or the right to establish facilities on land belonging to someone else."

Roland nodded slowly. "That distinction will be important. The moment your proposal appears to threaten established property rights, you’ll encounter opposition from considerably more than a few disgruntled officials."

Eleanor placed her cup upon its saucer. "You should also consider how the Guild’s commercial activities will be treated. Your facilities provide lodging, meals, equipment, and various services. Some merchant associations may argue that a Royal Charter gives you advantages unavailable to ordinary businesses."

Sage nodded. "Then the Charter should specify that our commercial activities remain subject to applicable laws and taxes. We don’t need special exemptions simply to operate."

Benedict looked approving. "That will remove one obvious argument against the proposal."

Roland leaned back in his chair, studying Sage for several moments.

"There’s another matter we must address," Roland said. "Your relationship with Crown Prince Richard."

Sage’s expression became more attentive.

"The Guild has cooperated with His Royal Highness through a lawful commission," Sage replied. "We’ve made no political commitments, and I have no intention of involving the organization in succession disputes."

"I believe you," Roland answered. "But others may interpret the situation differently. Richard has gained considerable praise from Marrowford, and his association with your Guild has become increasingly visible."

Lucan frowned slightly. "Some of Prince Cedric’s supporters are already suggesting that Richard intends to cultivate the Guild as a private military organization."

Roland nodded. "Precisely. Which is why House Auremont must be careful about how it approaches this matter."

Sage regarded the elderly Duke thoughtfully.

Roland continued, "Our family has longstanding relationships with the Crown Prince, and we recognize his administrative abilities. However, supporting the Adventurer Guild’s independence is not the same as endorsing Richard’s succession faction."

Eleanor nodded in agreement. "A Royal Charter would be issued under the authority of King Edmund and should remain valid regardless of which prince eventually inherits the throne."

"Exactly," Roland replied. "If the Charter becomes associated exclusively with Richard’s political interests, his rivals will have every incentive to weaken it. But if we can demonstrate that the Guild provides lasting benefits to Westmark, the argument becomes considerably stronger."

Sage appreciated the distinction.

The Guild couldn’t afford to build its future upon the political fortunes of a single royal household. Even if Richard eventually became King, the organization’s independence would mean little if its legal standing depended entirely upon his continued favor.

"Then the proposal needs support beyond the Crown Prince," Sage observed.

Roland nodded. "And that support must be earned through the merits of the Charter itself."

For the next hour, the discussion turned toward the procedures necessary to obtain royal recognition.

Benedict explained that a proposed Charter would ordinarily undergo legal examination before being presented to the appropriate royal advisers. Its provisions would need to be compared against existing laws, territorial privileges, and the Crown’s established authority.

Eleanor added that financial and commercial implications would attract scrutiny from merchant interests and noble families with substantial investments in transportation, security, and dungeon management.

"House Valois will certainly examine anything affecting trade or dungeon revenue," Eleanor explained. "House Hohenberg may focus on military jurisdiction, while Falkenberg will be interested in regional administration and infrastructure."

"And Lancaster?" Sage asked.

Benedict exchanged a glance with Roland before answering.

"House Lancaster possesses considerable influence within the administrative departments," Benedict replied. "They’ll be particularly attentive to provisions concerning appointments, licensing, and the authority of regional officials."

Roland tapped his cane lightly against the floor. "Which means you should prepare to defend every important clause. Vague promises of independence won’t survive a serious review."

Sage nodded thoughtfully.

"Your Grace, that’s actually why I wanted to speak with you," Sage admitted. "I understand how the Guild should operate, but I don’t pretend to understand every legal procedure involved in obtaining a Royal Charter. I’d appreciate your guidance concerning the proper steps."

Roland smiled faintly.

"An excellent answer, Guildmaster. Knowing when to seek expertise is considerably wiser than pretending to possess it."

Benedict opened a leather-bound notebook. "The first step would be preparing a preliminary draft outlining the Guild’s requested rights and obligations. That draft should then undergo legal examination before anyone attempts to secure formal political support."

Sage considered the suggestion. "Our administrators can prepare the operational provisions. Boren and Lyana understand our internal regulations, while Irene can provide the necessary financial information."

Eleanor nodded. "And you’ll need legal specialists capable of identifying conflicts with existing statutes before your opponents discover them."

The conversation continued as the afternoon gradually gave way to evening.

By the time Sage prepared to depart, he understood that the Charter would require careful preparation, extensive consultation, and compromises that preserved the Guild’s essential independence without disregarding legitimate governmental authority.

Roland rose slowly from his chair as the meeting concluded.

"Guildmaster Sage, I believe your organization has considerable potential," the Duke remarked. "Marrowford demonstrated that the Guild can provide services the Kingdom genuinely needs. But potential alone isn’t sufficient reason for a Great House to endorse a document of this importance."

Sage inclined his head. "I understand, Your Grace."

Roland regarded him steadily before continuing.

"Prepare a preliminary Charter with clearly defined provisions," Roland instructed. "If those provisions can withstand proper legal scrutiny, House Auremont will sponsor a formal legal review and help ensure that your proposal receives serious consideration."

Sage’s expression brightened slightly.

"Thank you, Your Grace. I’ll have our administrators begin preparing the necessary documents."

Roland nodded with satisfaction.

"Then we’ll see whether your Guild’s independence can be established upon something more durable than the goodwill of princes and nobles."