Chapter 144 - Gifts from All Sides
So, Valid's motives have finally come to light. Why he did what he did.
It was a rather trivial matter, but it might have been a good opportunity to understand the motivations of people like him. Valid, who held a position as the Guild Master of a local branch of the Adventurer Guild, should have been in a fairly prominent position. In simple terms, Valid's goal was to return to a position where he could wield power.
The Valid family, originally from the Robe Nobility, had been a prominent family responsible for the judiciary. They had no titles or lands, but their authority to judge criminals was extremely powerful. They even had the power to judge titled nobles, a truly unique position. This position came with various privileges. However, with the collapse of the Kingdom of Brenark, this power was lost forever.
Despite his connections, Valid managed to secure a position as a Guild Master, but he was not satisfied with it. He yearned for the power he once had. This was his ultimate goal, though it was rather unimportant.
The world-renowned Adventurer Guild. Even though the position of Guild Master could be held by someone who wasn't an adventurer, like Valid, it was essentially a honorary position. The duties of a Guild Master included appointing and dismissing councilors, hosting envoys, and appearing at ceremonies to award honors.
In practical terms, the real work of the Guild was done by the councilors, who were typically highly experienced former adventurers recommended for their significant contributions to their respective guilds. The Head of Operations, the actual top of the guild, held the real power. Valid, however, broke with tradition by dismissing all the councilors. This was a clear abuse of power and met with significant resistance.
However, Valid managed to suppress the resistance using force, with the help of other nobles, assassins, and corrupt adventurers. Anyone who opposed him was either intimidated into silence or eliminated.
Under normal circumstances, the Adventurer Guild Headquarters would not have tolerated such misconduct, as it would have violated the guild's rules and public perception. However, Exembra's unique situation worked in Valid's favor.
The collapse of the old Kingdom of Brenark and the Royal Capital meant that the Exembra branch of the Adventurer Guild lost its supervising authority. The lack of oversight meant that the Headquarters received very little reliable information. Even if some complaints reached the Headquarters, verifying the truth from a distant location was extremely difficult, especially during wartime when many adventurers had left the city.
Moreover, Valid had a well-thought-out excuse for his actions. He claimed that Exembra was dominated by the Five Great Families, a secretive organization, and that the Adventurer Guild needed to maintain its independence, sometimes using forceful means. He also argued that long-term residents, including councilors, were heavily influenced by the underworld and that, as Guild Master, he was simply upholding justice by removing them.
It sounded plausible, and Valid's true motives were likely a mix of truth and lies that would spread in the world.
The masterminds, however, fled quickly. They realized that once Valid was captured, their true identities would soon be exposed. With their assassins and corrupt adventurers already eliminated, and the magnitude of their crimes apparent, their lives were in danger. They would face not only our pursuit but also that of their noble rivals. Staying in the city was no longer an option. According to Josephine's speculation, they likely fled the country using distant connections.
If they were still in the city, we would have found them by now. But with them abroad, there was little we could do. We didn't have the time or resources to track them down, and the chances of finding them were slim.
We did arrange for the House Oversta to be informed if they were to appear in the Royal Capital. Given the relationship between the House Oversta and the Kikyo Society, they wouldn't be foolish enough to seek refuge there, making it difficult to locate them.
While it would be nice to bring them to justice, it's impractical given the circumstances. Their quick escape and sound judgment are the only things I can commend about them.
More importantly, the Kikyo Society's actions were crucial.
The Kikyo Society had declared war on the Adventurer Guild. Although the truth was different, it made for a more compelling and entertaining story in the public eye.
A group of strong women banding together to attack the world-renowned Adventurer Guild and even winning—it was a sensational event. Journalists were already writing exaggerated stories, spreading the tale far and wide.
Dealing with this was a hassle, but it was a minor issue for us. However, the Adventurer Guild, which prided itself on its reputation, had no choice but to respond.
The Adventurer Guild, despite the internal misconduct, had to publicly condemn the Kikyo Society for the attack. This was acceptable to us, as we were already notorious and criticism was not a significant concern. The truth was clear in this city, and the attack was seen more as a heroic deed.
However, the Adventurer Guilds worldwide were cautious in their approach, as the Kikyo Society held evidence of the Exembra branch's misdeeds. We used the guild's communication network to inform other branches of this situation.
Early in the incident, a representative from the Adventurer Guild Headquarters made contact. Siegrune and Josephine were briefed on the situation, and a compromise was reached. The Adventurer Guild, while publicly condemning the Kikyo Society, privately acknowledged their wrongdoing and offered an apology. They even left behind a valuable magical artifact as a gesture of goodwill.
In return, we agreed to suppress the evidence of Valid's collaboration with the corrupt adventurers and handed Valid over to the guild. Without concrete proof, the rumors would fade over time. The Adventurer Guild promised not to escalate the conflict further, and we accepted this arrangement.
Peace would be restored, but this was a victory for the Kikyo Society. However, it was a victory that hinged on the Adventurer Guild's decision to back down. Had we faced the full might of the global Adventurer Guild, the outcome might have been different.
Adventurers are a diverse group, ranging from the weak to the incredibly strong. While we had the support of the entire city and the corrupt adventurers, the Adventurer Guild's vast network and resources could have overwhelmed us. The Adventurer Guild's decision to retreat was a strategic one, considering the costs and potential consequences.
We accepted this outcome, knowing that it was a practical solution.
Shortly after the incident, a series of events unfolded.
"What is this!?"
Frederica's angry exclamation was followed by a commotion among the Secretariat Unit members.
A few words were tolerable, but the continuous noise was distracting.
"Hey, what's all the noise about? It's so loud."
My concentration on the documents I was reading was broken, but the group seemed unconcerned.
"It's not 'what'! Yukari, the Head of Operations and the Deputy Head of Operations are calling for an emergency council meeting! Immediately!"
Frederica and April, still visibly angry, glared at me.
I wanted to ask why, but their rare display of anger made it difficult to ask. They didn't seem in the mood to listen.
I looked to Siegrune and Valeria for help, but they seemed to be suggesting that giving up was the best option.
"Fine, it's a request from the top two of the Secretariat. There must be something important."
Siegrune, with a resigned tone, ordered the younger members to summon the council.
I had no idea what was going on, and the fact that it was a call from the Secretariat was unprecedented. Everyone looked puzzled as they waited for the meeting to begin.
Paula, the last to arrive, spoke up.
"Sorry, sorry, I'm the last one here. What's the fuss about? Is there a bonus or something?"
She seemed oblivious to the tense atmosphere, and her cheerful demeanor only made it more awkward.
"Bonus? Ha!"
April!
"Oh, ah, no..."
Even Paula, a seasoned warrior, was intimidated by April's intense aura. The Roles and Responsibilities of the Secretariat Unit and the Combat Unit were usually separate, but today's tension was palpable.
Federica, taking on the role of the dominant force, announced sternly.
"Let me make this clear. There will be no objections to what I'm about to say. Everything is final."
It was a straightforward announcement, and we were not given a chance to speak.
Federica, with a cold gaze, continued.
"For the next six months, the council members' salaries will be cut in half."
"What!?"
"Hey!"
The spontaneous reactions were silenced by the unspoken pressure from Federica and April.
I had things to say, but I decided to hold back.
Seizing the moment of silence, Federica continued.
"Council members' salaries will be halved, while the Vice-Commander and Acting Vice-Commander will have their salaries reduced to a quarter."
"Whoa, what!?"
"Wait a minute!"
Even Siegrune and Gradena, usually composed, were flustered. Federica and April ignored their protests.
Turning her cold gaze towards me, Federica announced the final blow.
"Lastly, the President, Yukari, will have her salary reduced to zero."
"Wha- Zero? Zero!?"
Federica and April exchanged a glance, and the heavy box behind them was placed on the table with a thud.
Federica, now a cold and stern figure, pointed at the box with what looked like a command stick.
"Do any of you know what this is?"
"Um, what is it?"
"Is it a document? What kind of document?"
Federica, frustrated by the lack of immediate answers, rapped the box again with more force.
"These are the invoices! For the destruction of the city! Sent by various parties! They are far more than we anticipated!"
Ah, I see, it's come to this. But it's more than we expected.
The Kikyo Society would have to bear some of the costs, regardless of the circumstances. I had heard from Siegrune, but I had almost forgotten about it.
Federica, looking at the gathered council members, asked again.
"Do you still have any complaints after seeing this stack of invoices? Even April, Sophie, and I will have our salaries cut in half."
Not only those responsible, but even the Secretariat Unit would face penalties. It was a heavy blow, leaving us speechless.
"Even me?"
Sophie, who had been called back from the Princess's Shelter Inn, asked in a small voice. Federica nodded regretfully, making me feel incredibly guilty.
The Kikyo Society's council members received high salaries, reflecting their significant contributions and earnings. Cutting everyone's salary for six months would free up a substantial amount of funds. If it meant the Kikyo Society's plans wouldn't be affected, we should accept it.
Federica and April's decision was likely based on sound reasoning, and we needed to view it as an investment in the future.
But still, only my salary being cut to zero...
Well, as a leader, I have to take responsibility. Besides, my income isn't limited to my salary from the Kikyo Society. I'll accept it, even if it's hard to refuse.
The compensation was only for the destruction of the Central Plaza and its surroundings, partly due to the corrupt adventurers. The Adventurer Guild was supposed to bear a significant portion of the costs, as there were other sources of funds, like the Record Cards.
Still, the amount we had to pay must have been astronomical for Federica and April to react this way. The invoices had been thoroughly checked by the Secretariat Unit, so they should be accurate.
"Federica and April have been working hard..."
"I'm not short on money, so I can manage this time."
"There's no other way."
"I'll go hunt some bandits for extra cash. It'll be a nice side income."
"I might go hunting beasts."
Everyone, aware of their responsibility, accepted the salary cuts. The mood was somber, but we needed to move forward.
"I'm not entirely convinced about my salary being zero, but since no one else is objecting, I'll follow the Secretariat's decision. I'll work hard to make up for the loss!"
"Agreed, let's earn back what we lost!"
"Absolutely! We must approach everything with a positive attitude!"
The shock of a sudden and significant pay cut, lasting six months, was significant, even with our financial cushion. We had brought this upon ourselves, so we couldn't complain. However, these weren't people who took things lying down, and I was a bit worried about what they might do.
Well, we'll deal with it when it happens. A bit of excitement isn't a bad thing.
This brings to an end the conflict with the corrupt adventurers. I hope I've conveyed the structure and scale of the guild, as well as the ongoing growth and capabilities of the characters.
I might have missed a few things, but I hope there are no contradictions. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you for your continued support for the upcoming episodes! The story is about to take a new turn.