On the night of the same day Ryoma had his match with Reinbach and the others, a tense atmosphere filled an Adventurer Guild in a distant town. An elderly, surly man and a man with sharp, piercing eyes sat on a sofa, facing a relatively young and anxious-looking man. The anxious man was the first to break the heavy silence.
"To what do I owe the honor of a visit from two Guild Masters at such an hour?"
"I apologize for intruding so late. We have a matter that requires immediate confirmation."
"Faild, surely you have some idea why we're here. We’re well aware of the hour, so let’s not waste time with pleasantries."
"Some idea...? Henry-dono, Charles-dono, what could be so important that the two of you would come in person? I haven't the slightest clue."
After a theatrical moment of contemplation, the man answered smoothly. This was Faild, the Guild Master of the Adventurer Guild branch where Ryoma had encountered so much trouble.
The responses from his visitors were starkly different. Henry, the head of the local Commerce Guild, kept his sharp eyes fixed on Faild with a thin, knowing smile. Charles, who had traveled all the way from the Teressa Adventurer Guild, made no effort to hide his disgust.
"I wonder if you're truly that skilled at masking your thoughts, or if you genuinely lack an inkling of your own mistakes."
"Faild, we’re here for a serious discussion. Don't play dumb. A boy named Ryoma Takebayashi came to this branch, didn't he?"
"Ah, that boy... He did indeed visit. But why are you asking? Did he cause some sort of trouble?"
Faild’s expression practically screamed I knew he would, which turned Charles’s face a shade of crimson. The disparity in their attitudes was palpable. A few seconds later, Charles’s roar, which he had tried to suppress, thundered through the room.
"You absolute fool!"
Faild flinched for a split second at the shout, but he immediately recovered and glared back at Charles.
"Charles-dono, if you simply scream based on your emotions, people will begin to question your integrity as a Guild Master."
"I don't want to hear about integrity from you! If you’re going to talk about dignity, try doing your own job properly first!"
"I carry out my duties faithfully every single day. To suggest otherwise is quite offensive."
"Why you—"
"As I suspected, you never offered him an apology, did you?" Henry interrupted quietly, cutting through the escalating tension.
"An apology? We did nothing more than take appropriate action. I don't know what he told you, but the information on his Guild Card was riddled with suspicious points. In such a case, it is our duty to suspect fraud and conduct an inquiry. It was his obligation to comply."
"I won't dispute that point," Henry said. "The Commerce Guild also looked upon him with suspicion when we were asked to buy materials from monsters he had hunted and loot from bandits. He possesses an efficiency that defies common sense; under those circumstances, suspicion is only natural."
"I am glad you understand."
"However," Henry continued, "his explanation was entirely consistent. The Commerce Guild determined his story was highly credible based on the condition of the materials he submitted. Furthermore, our follow-up investigation in the towns where he previously resided confirmed a great deal of information that backed up his claims. Even if he was suspicious, it was premature to label him a fraud. There were better ways to handle the situation. Now, I want to know exactly how you responded afterward. Depending on your answer, the Commerce Guild may find this impossible to overlook."
Faild let out a weary, theatrical sigh.
"We handled it properly. Since his goal was the promotion exam, we permitted him to take it. Once he demonstrated strength exceeding the standards, we promoted him. I was informed that the receptionist offered an apology for the trouble caused at that time."
"And that was the extent of it?"
"Was that not enough? As I said, the staff of the Adventurer Guild simply fulfilled their duties. If we deem it necessary, an adventurer is obligated to comply with an inquiry. There is no need for an apology for performing our jobs, and we must maintain a firm stance."
Faild insisted he was blameless, but Henry’s eyes, which had been calm until now, turned icy.
"I see. Let me be clear: I didn't come here because he asked me to. Depending on how this conversation went, I was even prepared to take your side. The Commerce Guild relies on the Adventurer Guild for many things—procuring materials, securing escorts for traveling merchants. We influence each other, and mutual cooperation is necessary to maximize profits."
"Exactly. In that case—"
"That is exactly why this is a problem."
Faild, who had been puffing out his chest, blinked in confusion at the coldness in Henry's voice.
"What do you mean? I have performed my duties according to the regulations."
"I repeat: I believe the Commerce Guild and the Adventurer Guild are essential partners. However... that partnership is built on trust. I expect the Guild to properly scrutinize information and offer a sincere apology when a mistake is made. If you cannot do that, the trust in you and your Guild will evaporate."
Faild looked stunned for a moment, then snorted derisively.
"In other words, you think I should have bowed to power and bent the rules? I expected more from someone in charge of a branch."
"Faild-dono, have you even been listening? I was speaking about the treatment of adventurers and the resulting impact on the Guild’s credibility. It is true the boy has the backing of the Ducal House, but whether he did or not is irrelevant."
Henry realized the man was simply incapable of understanding. Just as he was about to give up, Charles finally cut in.
"Henry-dono is right. You act as if bowing to the Ducal House is unthinkable, but aren't you the one who folded? I heard the moment that boy Ryoma mentioned the Duke’s name, you flipped your stance and let him take the test."
"I simply decided to confirm his skills at the same time he happened to mention the Ducal House. I did not show favoritism."
"How shameless... I’ll tell you this: that boy came to my Guild this evening. He was accompanied by the former Duke, the legendary former Knight Commander, and the Witch of Death's Shadow herself. You understand the weight of that, don't you?"
For the first time, Faild’s composure cracked, replaced by visible confusion.
"No... the Ducal House actually... No, more importantly, why would they move for something so trivial?"
"He claimed he ran into them in town, though I don't know how much of that is true. However, it is a fact that all three were with him. They jointly guaranteed the boy's skills. That is why I used a Space Mage reserved for emergencies to come here and speak with you the moment our meeting ended."
Charles then explained Ryoma’s visit to the Teressa Guild—how the boy wanted to "verify his Guild Card."
"He was promoted, yes, but he was terrified that you had tampered with his card or recorded unfavorable information out of spite. He even used Space Magic to flee the town because he feared you would send pursuers. It might be 'trivial' to you, but your actions and the actions of this Guild have instilled that much distrust in him! Even without the Ducal House involved, if you continue like this, the trust between the Guild and adventurers will be irreparably broken! My Guild is on the western frontier. If a crisis occurs that we can't handle, we look to you first. This is a life-or-death matter for us, and I want a proper explanation."
"This is quite offensive," Faild muttered.
"What?"
"You speak as if I would frame him or send assassins to carry out a private execution. I have no memory of taking such actions, and there is no reason for such suspicion. The boy is likely exaggerating, or perhaps he is simply so cowardly that he has convinced himself it's true. That is the way of adventurers—they act like heroes over a small achievement, but they’re usually faint-hearted when it matters."
At this arrogant declaration, Henry was speechless. Charles, however, seemed to reach a strange point of calm. Silence fell over the room, so heavy that the flickering of the lamp seemed loud. Faild, the most composed among them, was the first to notice the disturbance outside.
"Wait! What is... let me talk to him!!"
"How noisy," Faild sighed. "Honestly, we have guests. Excuse me for a moment."
Before he could stand, the commotion reached the door.
"In here!"
"Wh-What is the meaning of this!"
"There you are, you piece of trash!"
"Brian-san, stop! You can't go in there!"
A man who looked like a solid mass of muscle burst into the reception room. Several Guild staff members were clinging to him, trying to hold him back, but he shook them off with ease.
"I am with guests! Leave at once!" Faild commanded.
"Like I give a damn! You, what do you mean by 'disciplining me'!? Explain yourself right now!"
"Someone! Remove this man!"
"We're sorry, sir, but he's too strong!"
"We can't hold him..."
"You wrote that my attitude toward the kid was unacceptable! But I only acted that way because of your instructions! I won't be punished for doing what you told me to do! Revoke it!"
The reason for the intrusion was now clear to everyone in the room.
"The kid... you mean Ryoma?" Charles asked. "Are you Brian? The examiner who handled his test?"
"Yeah! What of it!?"
"Let us hear your side. As the Guild Master of Teressa, I, Charles, request Brian’s testimony. Faild, if you’re as blameless as you claim, you won't mind, will you?"
"Sigh... fine. But it won't change anything. Both the treatment of Ryoma Takebayashi and the discipline for Brian followed the regulations."
"Then you’d better be getting punished too, you bastard!" Brian roared.
"Brian, this is a discussion," Faild said smoothly. "As I told Charles-dono, stop shouting. I am a Guild Master; you are an adventurer. Know your place."
"Stop your—"
"Quiet!" Charles thundered again, stopping the argument. "Faild, keep your mouth shut. Brian, I know he’s infuriating, but we can't talk while you're playing into his hands. Ignore him and tell me what happened."
Brian calmed down slightly and thrust a crumpled piece of paper toward Charles. It was a formal notification of a pay cut and a penalty for Brian, detailing his conduct.
"'During proxy duty as an Examiner, the following discipline is imposed due to behavior that wounded the dignity of the examinee and damaged the prestige of the Adventurer Guild'..." Charles read aloud.
"That's right. I admit I was a prick to the kid. I mocked him. But I only did it because he told me that some brat with noble backing was trying to use his connections to cheat his way into a higher rank!" Brian glared at Faild with murderous intent.
"Personally, that pissed me off, sure. But C-Rank is where you're considered a real adventurer. You get harder jobs. You lead other people. If someone cheats their way into that rank and becomes a commander, they won't just die alone—they’ll take their whole team with them! As an examiner, I couldn't let that happen. I thought if he got crushed during the test, it would be for his own good. I let my emotions get the better of me, yeah, but I told you exactly what I was going to do before the test even started! You didn't say a word to stop me! If I'm guilty, you're just as guilty!"
Brian’s voice rose again, but Faild simply let out a deep, condescending sigh.
"It seems there has been a misunderstanding."
"What!?"
"I simply informed you that there was a suspicion of fraud; I never concluded he was guilty. In fact, it was because of that suspicion that I asked you, as the examiner, to judge him carefully. I request proxy examiners because I lack combat expertise myself. We must provide fair tests, and I entrust that entirely to adventurers like you. I understand your indignation regarding fraud, but it is never acceptable to bring those personal feelings into your duties. No matter the examinee, you were expected to conduct a solemn, professional test. I trusted you to do that despite your personal complaints, but you failed. Thus, the discipline is appropriate. Do you understand?"
Despite the smooth words, the hostility in the room was reaching a breaking point.
"I see," Brian said, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous level. "You’re saying you have no responsibility. That I did it all on my own."
"I am not saying the Guild is entirely without fault. We will review our test protocols and implement stricter oversight for our examiners to prevent this from happening again. Naturally, you will be required to undergo retraining. This punishment is a warning, but if you cannot follow the regulations, we may have to reconsider our contract."
"Enough," Brian said.
"Pardon?"
To everyone's surprise, Brian turned to leave. He was suddenly quiet, his anger replaced by a cold, hollow realization.
"I didn't mind this job, but I'm done working for someone like you. Don't worry about the next contract; I'm quitting now. If I've 'failed' as an examiner, it doesn't matter anyway."
"I see. Then please complete the paperwork downstairs. Do note that breaking your contract for personal reasons will incur a penalty fee and a permanent mark on your record."
"Is that a threat? You going to tell me you'll catch me, like I told that kid?"
"No, I am merely informing you of the regulations so you cannot claim ignorance later."
"Right. Talking to you is useless. You keep talking, but all you're saying is 'it's not my fault.' You're empty, Faild. There’s nothing inside you."
With that, Brian walked out.
"I'm leaving too," Charles said.
"As am I," Henry added.
"What is the meaning of this? Why so suddenly?" Faild asked.
"It’s as Brian said—talking to you is a waste of time. Ryoma must have felt the same way. I knew you were rigid, but I thought it was out of a sense of duty. Now I see the truth. You despise adventurers, don't you? Why are you even a Guild Master?"
"It is my job," Faild replied. "I don't hate them; I simply follow the regulations."
"Adventurers are a mixed lot," Charles said. "Some are good, some are thugs. I know they make life difficult for the staff sometimes. I know it took a lot for a career staffer like you to climb this high. But a man who looks down on adventurers, who can't empathize with them, has no business running a Guild. I will be contacting Headquarters. I will be requesting your dismissal. You’d better get your affairs in order."
"Wait! What are you saying!? What did I do wrong!?"
The mention of Headquarters and dismissal finally shook Faild. His composed mask crumbled into genuine agitation.
"Faild-dono," Henry said, "as the head of the Commerce Guild, I won't stop doing business with the Adventurer Guild. But I will be reconsidering how we do business. To be blunt, if you are the one making the decisions, I no longer consider this Guild a reliable partner."
Henry and Charles left without another word, ignoring Faild’s attempts to stop them. Left alone, Faild crossed his arms and let out a sharp breath of frustration.
"Suddenly barging in and being so disrespectful... Charles-dono is nothing more than a promoted adventurer after all. But Henry-dono... why would he go that far? I only followed the rules. Wait... it must have been a lie in the receptionist’s report. There is something I don't know—that would explain everything!"
The thought that he might be at fault never even crossed his mind. Faild immediately summoned the receptionist who had handled Ryoma.
The consequences of his delusions, however, arrived far sooner than he anticipated.
The Next Morning
"Why are there only three staff members here!?" Faild demanded.
Only three people had shown up for work, and they all looked ready to walk out the door.
"It’s a strike," one of them said. "Unless you accept our protest, apologize, and resign, everyone is quitting."
"What do you mean!? They were working fine yesterday! To quit so suddenly—"
"It's your fault!" a woman snapped. "You called Susan in yesterday and tried to bully her into confessing to a mistake she never made! Everyone heard about it, and we decided we're done! If I weren't the Supervisor, I wouldn't even be here!"
"Wh—"
"Guild Master, we’re fed up with you," a man added. "You never listen to us. You just force your own twisted interpretation of the rules on everyone to suit yourself. We didn't say anything because you're the boss, but you’ve made this job a nightmare. Everything you say feels hollow. The staff’s frustration finally boiled over because of what happened these last few days."
"If you had complaints, you should have said something! I would have listened! To quit without trying to improve things... you’re going to paralyze the Guild!"
"You have two choices: close the Guild or do all the work yourself. We’re only here as representatives; we aren't working today. Fire us if you want; we don't care."
"By the way," the Supervisor added, "the Commerce Guild is already telling the merchants what happened, and Brian is telling everyone at the taverns why he quit. The whole town knows. You can't hide this. There’s nothing you can do."
"I've heard some adventurers are already planning to leave town because of this," the man said. "It’s going to be a disaster. If you want to cling to that chair, good luck. You’re going to need it."
The Supervisor and the management staffer turned and walked away. Only Faild and the Sub-master remained.
"Sub-master... even if you drive me out, you won't get my job. You’ll be held responsible for the damage this causes the Guild."
"I told you, I'm prepared to quit too," the Sub-master said. "If I took your job now, I’d just be spending my life cleaning up your mess. I’d rather work a low-level job at another Guild. You only became a Guild Master here because this is a tiny frontier town... in other words, you were demoted here because you were incompetent, weren't you?"
"That is a rude thing to say. There is no such thing as a superior or inferior branch. If you believe—"
"Save your empty sermons. Unlike a hack who only has years of service to show for himself, I actually have the skills to find work elsewhere. Even if I’m fired, I have other offers. I'm leaving. Oh, and if you decide to resign, let me know. Send a letter to my house. Once your resignation is confirmed, I’ll gather the staff who want to stay and we'll get the Guild running again."
Left entirely alone, Faild sat in silence. Four days later, a messenger from Guild Headquarters arrived. Faild’s authority was frozen, and he was dismissed on the spot. What became of him after that is a story that will likely never be told.