153 - - Episode 151 Discussions with the Grand Master

We went to the Adventurers' Guild to have a discussion, but for some reason, not only the Guilmouth but also the Grand Master was seated there. The more bigwigs we have, the more trouble we will have when we get into trouble, so please don't do this. And the grandmaster himself is going to explain the situation to us, which doesn't make me happy.

"First of all, guild rank is a problem, but I'm pretty sure that forced requests are the problem.

He is maintaining a well-trained body, and there is an atmosphere that he must be strong, but the atmosphere has lightened up compared to when I apologized to him. I was impressed by the apologetic look of Guilmouth. It's a pattern of free and unrestrained at the top and hardship at the bottom.

"Yes, the compulsory requests are one thing, but the obligations and responsibilities that come with being a high rank are troublesome. There is no reason for me to force myself to raise my rank, and if I have to raise my rank, I'm thinking of moving to another guild.

"Yeah, I hear you there too. Yes, it is a hassle to make a mandatory request, but it is also an honor in another respect. The guild is asking you because of your strength. The rewards are good, and the guild owes you a favor, so it's a win-win situation."

The grandmaster says with his hands in the shape of a coin. I'm starting to look like an old man.

"I understand what you mean, but there are people who want to use me for their own gain. It would be different if I had a relationship of trust with the guild, but I don't trust them at all, so I refuse.

"That's a bit of an earful. Yeah, come on."

The grandmaster bangs Guilmouth on the back and says. Guilmouth, trying hard not to make a sound, has a sympathetic look on his face. Is that it?　Could this be a strategy to elicit sympathy?　I don't know if this is true or not, but I am becoming skeptical.

"Well, if that's the case, I can't say I blame you. I'll give you a written document stating that I have the authority to refuse any request from the guild, including forced requests. One of the conditions you gave me was that the Adventurers' Guild would not send me any requests, but please give me the right to refuse. You might be willing to accept some of them if you hear what I have to say, right?"

...... Hmmm, what do you think?　If you can refuse everything, are you with me?

"I don't want ...... to be harassed and bring requests every day, and I don't want to get in trouble just for listening to them."

"You can't tell me you ain't gonna do that. How about we add in writing that any request that is deemed harassment will be punished?

I don't know what to say.

"Why do you want to raise your rank so much?　It's no different than not accepting a request at a low rank or refusing a mandatory request at a high rank, right?　Isn't the additional hassle and exceptions a negative?"

"Well, it is also meant as a check against the national guilds and other adventurers' guilds in other countries. The guild ranks are strictly enforced. The number of members is a part of the guild's power. And if you have a good adventurer with a low rank, people will question your eyesight.

You want to go through all this trouble just to tell me that I have a bunch of great guys in my place?

Even adventurers who can't submit mandatory requests?"

Yeah, it's not easy to become A rank. It only takes one more person to have an impact. Normally we would like to make them S rank, but with S rank we can't say that we won't accept their requests. That's what they are.

"Not B-ranked?"

Didn't Guilmouth once tell me I was ranked B?

"How can a guy who can beat a fire dragon be B-rank? Listen, it's impossible to beat Fire Dragon solo even if you're S-rank. If I hadn't gotten into trouble with you, I'd be debating whether to give him SS rank."

The Grand Master's face looked very frustrated when he told us that. If even A rank has an impact, then SS rank would have a huge impact. The first SS rank in this country is ...... or something like that. I heard that SS rank is quite impressive. Well, it's none of my business.

How about it?　You want to take it?"

The Grand Master leans forward and asks. Well, if it doesn't seem like too much trouble, I'll take it. Sara and the others might be proud to have an A-rank adventurer with special treatment as their mentor. A rank and E rank. If they ask me, I'll choose A rank.

I understand. If there are no problems with the letter, I will accept.

All right, I'll have it ready for you right away.

A secretary-like woman went to the back under the direction of the grand master. I guess she went to prepare the documents.

"Next, you're talking about the guild preventing not only requests but also solicitations. It is difficult for the Adventurers' Guild to stop a petty trader from approaching, but we will have the guild prepare a document for them. It should clearly state that negotiations will be left to the Adventurers' Guild, and that any violation will result in the suspension of the Adventurers' Guild's services. Any honest nobleman or merchant would back out."

"What about the state, the military, the non-straight party or whatever?"

That's the most important part.

"The state has a common interest with the Adventurers' Guild. The Adventurers' Guild is needed to deal with demons, so we won't force A-rank adventurers out of the guild. If the Adventurers' Guild pulls out because of the commotion, we won't be able to deal with the demons, and if our defensive forces are reduced, we will invite invasion by other countries, and if we are not careful, our country will die.

I see, so you are connected to the country in that way. I guess being an adventurer of A rank was a bargain, then.

"What about non-straightforward partners?"

The Adventurers' Guild can't handle that kind of thing. A big organization would be foolish enough to make enemies of the Adventurers' Guild and would not touch us, but idiots and scum don't care about that. They will come no matter what you do. You should crush them. Just let the Adventurers' Guild know before you crush them, and we'll take care of your ass.

Well, I understand what you're saying. There are people who act on the spur of the moment without thinking of logic or interest. If they don't become criminals, are they OK?　But the way he says "grandmaster" is always a bit clunky or Yankee-like. ...... Well, he is the head of an adventurer who specializes in rough work, so isn't he wrong?　...... No, you're wrong.

I understand. That's fine. What about keeping my hands off the people around me?"

"We can't have Adventurers' Guild officials on the ground forever. We will send a staff member until the situation settles down, but after that, you will have to consult with us from time to time. And we can't handle it if you keep adding more people to protect."

...... Hmmm...is it too much to ask for a constant escort? You'll be under constant guard at all hours of the day and night. I understand that it's a lot of work, but what about it?　I feel like I'm being played along, though I think it makes sense.

"Can I assume that the people I've asked for will be sent to escort me until the situation is settled?　I would appreciate a shady escort so I don't get in trouble."

So far I'd say I know Marie, Mel, and the great Torque innkeepers at .......　Marie has an escort and Mel has Meral. Both Torque and Martha seem to be strong at Torque's place. Do they need guards?　I mean, do you think they will target us because of the relationship we have now?

Marie is a business partner, and Mel and the innkeeper are basically seen as customers. ...... Well, if you have a significant other in the future, you need to get them to protect you. Oh, and when Gina becomes your apprentice, you can ask her to protect you. Yeah, it's not a waste of time.

"Yes, as I said before, we can't handle too many people, but I promise you that we will send our best men to help you. I also promise to provide an escort if we feel it necessary."

......That should not be a problem.

Okay. Okay, I'll take care of it.

"Okay, I understand. So, here's what I'd like to discuss. I'd like to increase the number of adventurers beyond the 50th level. Is there anything you want from the Adventurers' Guild in exchange?

"No, I don't. As I told Guilmouth last time, I have no intention of changing that condition."

He says, looking at Gilmas, who is small next to the Grand Master as if he were air. I feel that he is trying to be airy because he doesn't want to be beaten up.

"But you know, there are so many parties I want to take you to. Can't you do something more?

"I hate to say it, but I think I've made a lot of concessions from the conditions I've given you. What I demanded was that the Adventurers' Guild not make any requests of me. I asked them to completely block any outside business meetings. No contact with the surrounding area. I know it's difficult, so I gave in. But if you misstate the number of people, they may think they can get by if they ask.

"No, I'm not asking you to give in or not to give in, I'm asking you to increase the number of people in your group so that we can pay you for your services.

"I have no demands to make of the Adventurers' Guild. The benefits of being able to go beyond the 50th layer are enormous, but can the Adventurers' Guild make an offer attractive enough to pay for it?"

Strictly speaking, there will be ten more people, but if we keep adding more people, the herbs will lose their value in no time.

"Seriously. Money is no good, right?"

"No."

I don't know how much money is the market price when the wholesale price of magic grass and all-purpose grass for one-fifth of one gathering is 200 million dollars.

"What about status and honor?"

"It's a hassle."

"What about women?"

"I can't ...... in my position."

My heart was a bit wobbly, but I was curious to see the look in Sylphy's eyes. And I don't know what to say to Sara and Belle, so I can't.

"I think I have a pulse. I don't mean to say this, but the Adventurers' Guild has some beautiful receptionists. How about a party with all the receptionists?　It'll be fun."

The adventurers around us, who had been quietly listening to me and the grandmaster, started to murmur. I think I can sympathize with their reaction here.

I glance at Sylphy.

"Yuta is a boy, too.　Just don't let them be a bad influence on Belle and Sarah."

...... How nostalgic. Usually in a case like this, people would look at you with disdain. But it's hard to go when they say you can go.

"It sure sounds like fun, but I don't think it's balanced if you want to break through the 50th layer.

"I guess not. All right, I'll introduce you to ten people. But if you come up with a good reward, please, if you like the reward, take it.

You had finished choosing your ten.

"It's a hassle to have to check them over and over again, so please only ask once a year."

I don't like being asked about every single one that comes to mind.

"Once a year? That's not easy."

"You don't have to ask me, just think about it and ask me."

The Grand Master nodded his head while scratching it. Hopefully we can get more people to the fiftieth level and beyond. They're going to start investigating my background, or have a meeting to discuss how to deal with it.

"I'll tell you one thing, you can investigate me, but please don't bother my acquaintances. If something happens to me, it won't end with some lukewarm retaliation like filling the guild with plants."

"Oh, yeah, okay. I'll have something in writing soon, and I'll introduce you to the adventurers I want you to take with you."

They're going to look into it. You're gonna be okay, right?

"Yes, sir."

Now that the discussion is almost over, all that remains is to confirm the documents and the adventurers we are taking with us. That shouldn't take too long.