Chapter 201: The Mage’s Guild.

Chapter 201: The Mage’s Guild.

How much did the Sarlenzia company want?! After meeting up with Saori in front of the mages guild, Tasianna and I asked her how her grocery shopping went. Due to a deal we made with the companys president, we were able to secure a large amount of food and spices for our Belzac plants and herbs, all grown inside our garden.

Saori and Ellaine knew the serious demand for Belzac products like fulinoe leaves and Belzac herbs, to the point we were able to broker a great deal in our favor. Well, we had an idea of how high the demand was, just not how well the Sarlenzia Trading Company would promote them.

The representative of the branch told me he wanted us to deliver double the amount we agreed upon as soon as possible, even admitting that President Sarlenzia wanted four to five times what we originally offered if we had that amount on hand, Saori informed us with an expression mixed between excitement and disappointment. The mages guild, the alchemist guild, the nobility, even certain merchants were craving these products like locusts. After we handed them the first batch and they released their promotion, everything was sold out instantly. Hehe, the representative was telling me President Sarlenzia was fuming that he couldnt contact us when we were inside the dungeon and when we left for Griffonpeak!

But werent we resting in Cedaraille for a whole week after our dungeon diving? Couldnt they have sent a messenger to us then? Tasianna asked, only to receive a shrug from Saori.

Yes, they had enough time, but it seemed Duke Greenveil told them to leave us alone. If you ask me, they were probably using this time to create hype around the next supply. The representative went quiet for a moment when I asked him how many people were reserving them. A grin formed on Saoris face, elated to see she was able to fish out this information.

Come to think about it, Ellaines parents did mention they couldnt buy any of the leaves since it was sold out. Damn, didnt think the craze was this much. I guess they probably pre-ordered a few, considering they hadnt asked to buy some off me.

Then why do you look so disappointed, Saori? I asked out of curiosity.

Ack, it is because Ellaine and I underestimated how well they marketed their products. Do you still remember Zeather? The foxian in Firwood? I nodded to Saoris question. Well, he used the amount we gave him to build the foundation for this whole craze. The representative in Griffonpeak called it piquing peoples interest and Zeather made sure to sell the leaves in small batches, increasing the price every resupply cycle. The nobles and mages went wild.

When I told her I still couldnt understand her chagrin, Saori said it as bluntly as she could, They got us, Hestia. Mine a copper vein only to find gold, or whatever Grimnir likes to say. Ellaine and I thought we got the better end of the deal, but we were sorely embarrassed. Newt Sarlenzia and Duke Greenveil used their time well and managed to increase the price even more.

Saori had been quite proud about the deal she made with the president, but I guess this is a lesson for us the sellers always win, the suppliers get only a dime. Still, it wasnt all gloom and doom. However, they made one mistake. Their customers got too impatient, and I noticed this on the representative. When I told him we did not have a large harvest, even stating supplying double the amount would be hard, the mans poker face broke.

But, Miss Saori, our harvest was extremely good. We have more fully-grown fulinoe plants than ever before, Tasianna responded only to prompt Saori to smirk.

I know, Tasianna. Four or five times might be too much, but we could supply them triple the amount if we didnt care about our dragorade stock. Supplying double the amount was easy, but I did not have to tell him that, right? Realizing what she did, I couldnt help but smile at her. I managed to increase our pay. More food, spices, and we will now receive a chunk of the pie a percentage of their sales. The deal will be finalized tomorrow, once President Sarlenzia arrives in Griffonpeak with a flying carriage. Hiehiehie! How dare you try to run away with our hard work, Newt!

I showed her a thumbs up, proud of her achievement. Nice work, Saori. Well, how fitting that we would visit the mages guild now.

Located on the north side of Griffonpeaks mountain which the locals call Wintertalon, as there is snow on the tip of this crooked mountain throughout the year the whole guild was built around the same elevation as the noble district, where you could either fly over there with a flying carriage or mount, or use the streets to enter it. It was part of the upper city with roads connecting it with the noble and merchant districts.

This guild was far larger than the alchemist guild or either of the adventurer guilds, built upon a platform granting them a large amount of space. Mages from whatever social status were walking around it, entering buildings within this area, making it feel like a university. In fact, Ellaine had explained to me that the mages guild was actually a university for alumni of the royal academy seeking to perfect their arcane powers.

As such, there were multiple buildings in this area, as mentioned before. Since the area was far too large for us to start looking for the registration area, Saori asked a woman in her late twenties wearing a magicians outfit for directions.

A beastman looking to register as a mage? As she frowned at Saori for some reason, she suddenly noticed Tasianna and me before tapping her staff on the ground as if she understood something. Oooh, a lizardman shrine maiden and an elf, uh, wind elf? Understood. The guild building is easy to miss with the university in the way, but you just need to follow the path. There is a training area protected by a mana barrier, so if you notice it, turn to your right and voila.

Thank you for your help, Saori stated with a normal smile, unperturbed by the womans comment, before moving forward according to the directions we received.

Saori? The slight disgust the woman showed Saori was easy to hear, but I was baffled to see her so calm. As I followed her, I spoke up about it, Saori, didnt you notice what she just said to you? She just looked at you as if you were trash or something. She even called me a lizard!

I was currently hiding my wings inside my robes. If King Drangleics words were to be believed, rumors of a powerful dragonewt mage should have already spread. I mean, Im glad to hear she saw me as a lizardman without seeing my [Humanize (Minor)]s full lizard appearance, but I still couldnt help but be annoyed at people calling me a lizard or gecko.

While I felt insulted at how that mage woman acted towards Saori, she waved her hands dismissively. Who cares, Hestia. I have read enough books of how certain beastman races are less proficient in magic, to the point these books mentioned there was a myth that these specific races cant cast spells, like dwarves. One member of this group is wolfkins, so the Miss from before was probably stereotyping. Nothing awful. Actions speak louder than words, anyway.

I guess that is true

While following the womans directions, we noticed a few mages sparring or testing their spells on a flat training area. Spells were being slung around the area carelessly, making me worried one of them would hit a bypasser, but my concern proved unwarranted. Each wayward spell was blocked by a translucent mana barrier when it reached the edge of the area. I wondered if this was similar to the one surrounding the entirety of Griffonpeak.

In any case, as the woman told us, the moment we turned right after the training field, we ended up at the entrance to a building. Moving inside, the interior of the building reminded me of the reception of a fancy four or five-star hotel. As you would expect from a noble-controlled organization, the room was well decorated with fine furniture, manatechs, and paintings.

As the two women behind the counters were occupied, we checked for a line, only to be informed by one of the seated mages to register our ID using the [Crystal of the Divine System] next to the receptionists to be called up. When Saori asked if only one person was enough, he confirmed that it was.

As such, Saori pulled out her ID and registered for the three of us. Finding a seat to pass time, I recognized a small altar placed before a bust of a male elf. Looking at the altar, it had the emblem of a giant owl wearing a set of glasses while carrying a half-filled grail and a long scroll flowing around the owls head, forming a perfect circle. According to my theology lessons, this was the religious symbol of the God of Knowledge and Magic, Istari.

The half-filled grail symbolizes God Istaris unending desire for knowledge, always in the pursuit for the unknown, but unable to fill his grail as he gluttonously consumes any new experience. The scroll, on the other hand, marks his promise to document everything he learns, even using his own skin if he runs short on parchment. Tasianna gave me a satisfied nod after I remembered her theology lessons. At this point, I have learned more about religion from Tasianna than Theodore, huh?

There was also the symbolism of the owl, which appears to be similar to Earth. The owl is there to show wisdom, secrets, and the unknown. Istari was the patron god of all mages and spellcasters while also being the Subordinate God of Aurena. Considering how many mages were in this world, Aurena and Istari must be enjoying the amount of faith they must be generating, which makes it even more incredible that Plesia is the Chief of the Origin Gods.

After some time passed, we were finally called up to the reception, where Saori told her we wanted to register at the mages guild.

A mage associate registration, of course. Would this include all three of you, Madam? Saori nodded. Understood. To inform you, to become members of the guild, you must first pass a written and practical exam, or present to us a certificate of your arcane abilities. Would you wish to schedule one?

Wait, you require us to pass exams? Nobody had told us about this, but then again, it should have been obvious enough considering this place was made for practitioners of magic, not novices who had only recently read a magic book.

Yes, Madam. However, we wont be able to schedule the exam for any earlier than this evening. The examiners are currently preoccupied at the royal academy and the guilds university. Since we had to become mages to not cause any issues, we agreed to take an exam after confirming we could retake them if we had failed beforehand. I was confident I could pass it with Master Kushs teachings, but who knew, right? Thank you. May I have your IDs, please? I will need to register your names and ages.

Would you be looking at our entire profile?

No, of course not, Madam. We value your privacy. Only your name and age will be projected on the crystal during this section of the registration, but once we finalize your membership, we will ask again if we may look at your entire profile. You may refuse. However we must at the very least see your level, status, and magic skills to determine your ranking within the guild. The receptionist pulled the Divine System Crystal from the top of the counter and placed it behind her desk, asking for our IDs now.

After we handed it to her, she began speaking our names and ages to confirm them. Tasianna Marina Silverpond. Age 88. Saori Segawa. Age 18. Hestia Atsuko. Age 16. She then raised her head, looked at me as if she was analyzing something on me before standing up. I apologize but I must ask for your patience. I will be back very soon.

This does not bode well

As the three of us agreed something was up, our first instinct was to run away from the mages guild but, since we absolutely needed to become members, it was not like we could ignore the guild forever. After some time passed, the receptionist came back, guiding a woman in a Gothic-era business dress to us. With blue-tinted blond hair and sparkling azure eyes, the woman stood out quite a lot.

Showing me a curtsy, the woman introduced herself. Greetings and may the Goddess bless our meeting, Lady Hestia Atsuko. I am Maverina von Dareinburgh, the guild master of the mages guild branch in Griffonpeak.

Although I responded with a curtsy of my own, I couldnt help but be confused about this situation. Von?

Yes, Lady Hestia, I am an aristocrat of the Empire, a vassal of his Holy Majesty, the Emperor of Light. I am also a professor affiliated with the Magical Capital, Aleistunum, which, as you should know, the founding location of the mages guild spread far and wide amongst human civilization, the guild master stated with pride, unfurling her gemstone-encrusted fan to appear haughty.

Okay, then why are you here?

For you, of course, Lady Hestia. As the three of us expected, something was up, but I still had to tilt my head as I looked at Guild Master Maverina with confusion. Oh, there is no need to make such a face, Lady Hestia, you are ruining your pretty face. Your name has been spreading around in Firwood and all the notable noble mages in Cedaraille have mentioned a crimson red-scaled dragonewt shrine maiden of the Goddess performing amazing acts of arcane wonders during a dungeon break event. Also, rumors of you have been going around the hunters guild in Firwood and Cedaraille.

Considering that I told Duke Greenveil not to silence people to stop them from spreading what they saw during the rachonoid queen raid in Cedaraille, it shouldnt have been so surprising to hear people talking about me. The nobles saw me shoot out [Omnictus] and [Symphonie des Feuergottes] and the adventurers most likely saw me transform from a dragon into my dragonewt form. I mean, I gained followers because they saw me in my dragon form.

It doesnt take a genius to link these information points together. There were also reports of a dragon? Immediately, Tasianna invoked [Air Shield] around us, preventing information from leaking out. Maverina, instead of being shocked by this, was marveling at Tasiannas spell cast. Marvelous. Such a fast cast of a wind spell, as expected of a wind elf, a descendant of Goddess Zephira. She then returned her attention to me. Well, as I said, rumors about a dragon have been going around. A high-ranking dragonewt noble was reported by many nobles in Firwood, so it surely made me curious who this Hestia Atsuko was. But what makes me more interested is your magical abilities. Would you like to skip the written exam and move on directly to the practical one?

What is the catch? Saori asked without leaving anybody time to think.

Oh, nothing serious Madam Saori Segawa. Maverina asked the receptionist Saoris identity. As you would be registering as a guild member of the mages guild, you also have a responsibility to register your custom spells. The guilds role in the kingdoms and countries we are stationed at is to manage the local mages and to prevent them from causing any trouble for the local populace. We do not wish any deviants ruining the image of an Aleistunum mage, a noble seeker of knowledge of God Istari.

Saori, Tasianna, and I agreed to the proposal. We had to do this anyway, according to Master Kush, to legalize our custom spells, so why not use it to skip an unnecessary step? I would rather present my magic skills than do a writing exam. Also, I hate taking surprise tests.

After the three of us handed in our IDs and showed them the custom spell category on our profile, Maverina began to smile at us devilishly. And what she said next sent a chill down our spine. While I can understand why you havent registered yourself in Firwood, it is inexcusable to not have done your registrations at the mages guild in Cedaraille. I apologize, but the guild must fine you Lady Hestia, Madama Tasianna, and Madam Saori for this transgression.

Huh? WHAT?!

We are getting fined?! For what?!

Wait, what are you talking about?! I spoke up, placing my hands on the counter in astoundment. How are we getting fined?! We are registering ourselves right now!

But couldnt you have done this in Cedaraille? There was a mages guild there. You could have asked any mage in the hunters guild or even use your noble connections, Lady Hestia. Regardless if you are a noble from another country, every mage must register themselves while they are within the guilds jurisdiction. Maverina did not budge a bit, causing me to finally understand where this was going.

You have no proof, Saori argued back. We could have invented these custom spells while we were on our way to Griffonpeak. You somehow knew we were in Firwood and Cedaraille, but its impossible for you to confirm this defense.

That is true, Madam Saori. Some eyewitnesses stated you and Madam Tasianna had used lightning and ice spells, but none of them were knowledgeable enough in these fields to recognize your spells. We cannot use this against you; however, there is still no reason for you to not register at Cedarailles mages guild, right? Can I confirm you stayed in that city for a whole month?

Since it seemed nobody suspected my [Symphonie des Feuergottes] thank goodness fire mages were so unpopular and it appeared that Maverina couldnt refute Saoris argument, the guild master simply went back to the original accusation.

Lady Maverina, Lady Hestia and Miss Saori have just arrived in this kingdom this year. I, too, am new to a human civilization, Tasianna began. While it might be true that we broke a regulation, could you not look the other way? We didnt mean to purposely postpone our registrations.

I will give you the benefit of the doubt, but a crime is a crime, Madam Tasianna. The mages guild does not care if you are a noble or commoner. As long as I, an Aleistunum representative, am the guild master, I must treat you the same as I do others. If every foreigner were to break our rules, then what? Should I give all of them clemency?

You cant be serious! This is unfair! I complained like a child. You do know we dont have to register as members, right? You can only fine us when we are members, right? I was attempting a long shot, but anger and irritation at the fact she tricked us into revealing our custom spells and was playing some kind of power game made me irrational.

To my surprise, my argument seemed to have landed. That is true, the fine can only be issued if you are members. I was about to regain hope before it was stomped back down. However, the Kingdom of Artorias has the obligation to enforce our guilds rules due to our agreement. The mages guild is an international guild like the two adventurer guilds, and if they do not follow our rules, we are able to leave and refuse them service. You might not be fined by us, but you could be tried as a criminal by the Kingdom, Lady Hestia.

Guck! It felt like she stabbed me with the blade of debating.

In addition, it would be a waste for mages of your caliber to not acquire some of the guilds support. Aleistunum is the country for magical studies, even rivaling the elusive and secretive elves. It was founded by God Istari himself, after all. We are a neutral force, not bound by the Empire, but we still have our connections and resources. Maverina began to lure us in with honeyed words. If you require catalysts, we can commission our master alchemists to help you, for a fee, of course. Magical ingredients to help your studies in alchemy or enchanting. Books and references for even more custom spells. Archmages and Supreme Sorcerers to act as your masters. Even entry into the magical capital, itself. If there is a branch of the mages guild in the land you visit, you may always call for our services. Doesnt it sound wonderful?

Pushed to a corner, the three of us had a telepathic discussion. Sadly, there wasnt much to talk about, since becoming criminals was an issue if we wanted to stay inside Artorias borders for a while. Sure, we could restart our travels and go to the dwarves, but we all agreed to allow Ellaine to spend some time with her parents. It would be a long trip. Who knew when we would return to Artorias?

With no other options, we gave in to her demands. To our horror, the fine amounted to 68% of our total savings, breaking Saoris heart. Her crestfallen yelp she gave after she saw the number was a sound I have never heard her make; the three of us were just filled with storming emotions.

After reluctantly paying the fine, the receptionist went over to the door and opened it up for us. Thank you very much for your understanding. I must inform the necessary examiners first, but let us first go to the training area so you may warm up, yes?

Looking out the door as my mood began to drop, my parallel minds, affected by my emotional state, went wild, shouting around at how unfair the situation was. It was then when manager mind explained a very devious plan. The depression was gone, replaced by anger and wickedness.

How about we speed this up. A shortcut, if I may? I told Maverina without looking at her.

What do you mean by a shor

Warp Point: Entry. Warp Point: Exit. Two portals immediately opened up one right before me and the other outside the building. Come on, I want our visit to be as short as possible.

Wha-?! [Space-Time Magic]?! As I stepped into the portal, I did not give Maverina any more of my attention. When Saori and Tasianna came over to the other side with me while the guild master was still shocked at what I did, I told them of my plan through telepathy.

[Saori. Tasianna. Are you two mad, too?]

[Of course, Lady Hestia.]

[Im listening, Hestia.]

[Good, well, during this practical display, Im not sure if they will ask us to perform our custom spells or not. Whether they will is irrelevant, okay? Give them a show, alright? We have three empty vessel magics to show them.]

T-This is the two [Warp Point] spells, correct?! I heard they drain an immense amount of Mana every second they are left open, and it would become worse the further away the portals are. H-How are you able to keep it up for this long?! Maverina spoke up, baffled at the situation, but I did not answer her question.

Well, anyway, bye-bye~ Warp point: Entry. Warp Point: Exit! Without letting Maverina speak another word, I conjured up a portal and Saori, Tasianna, and I ran straight into it to leave the mages guild immediately.

Proficiency requirement fulfilled. [Space-Time Magic Lv. 5] evolved into [Space-Time Magic Lv. 6]

Magic acquired: [Room]

Room

A space-time spell able to conjure up an area separate from the worlds reality using the Systems assistance. The creator can designate an anchoring area where a space outside of the current worlds confinement can be created and maintained, requiring increasingly larger amounts of mana to create. The size limit of this spell is determined by the casters Mana Capacity. If the anchoring area is destroyed, everything inside the area will return back to the current reality

Hold on, isnt this kinda similar to creating a dungeon area? Since its also a separate world within Peolynca? Ha, this solves our RVs space problems!

While sprinting down the stairs leading to the merchant district, I couldnt help but burst out in laughter at acquiring this new spell. Saori and Tasianna interpreted my joy differently, however.

Should I mention what youre mischievously planning in tomorrows meeting, Hestia? Saori asked, smiling as if she was anticipating a clear confirmation. Well, I wouldnt want to burst her bubble now, right?

Of course! As if we should let them take all our money! We worked hard for it!

Societies with a monetary system are truly so vastly different from how it works in my village, Tasianna sighed before beginning to cheer. Miss Saori, please have the Sarlenzia company return every coin the guild stole from us!

Would I feel bad if Maverina got into trouble for this? Absolutely not! As if the mages guild would be so strapped for money that they would have issues if the Sarlenzia company raised the prices of fulinoe leaves only for them. If these leaves were a luxury even in Aleistunum and the Empire, then nobody could complain to her about it. In fact, getting them at a semi-consistent rate should make any wand-wielding old man happy.

With our business at the mages guild finished, we returned home. After returning to the mansion, Count Helvas took us over to the knights building and had us register our mana signatures for the magic barrier surrounding Griffonpeak.

There, I heard some knights gossiping. Hey, did you hear, three professors at the royal academy were suddenly kidnapped only to reappear the moment the knights arrived. They told everybody nothing bad happened. Some students mentioned a girl did it or something.

Welp. Troubles always seek me out, hehehe.

Of course, we did plan on going to the adventurer guild to get our permission to enter Griffonpeaks dungeon, but we could do that later on. Instead, we decided to use the time until the royal ball by working at our restaurant. I was able to sing to spread news of my concert, Saori made money with her new menu and delivery services using her garms, Grimnir was able to work as a blacksmith, and Tasianna was able to cause a bunch of masochists to climax with her cold and disgusted glares. Weirdos, I say.

Ellaine didnt participate in our restaurant work since she was more focused on her training. For some reason, she was even more motivated after returning from school. When I asked her about that, she said, I hate being there. The lessons are far less interesting than what I could do with Aurora or my father. I just want to train and work on controlling KleaHatma after school. There was also seemingly some tension between Ellaine and her brother Jonathan, but I wasnt interested enough to meddle in family business.

After five days of training, restaurant work, and theology lessons with Theodore and Eshe, Grimnir came storming inside the mansion with his boisterous laughter. Ellaines armor was repaired and her sword was finally done.

In addition, it was time for us to see a runesmith at work.

A note from AbyssRaven

Hestia's Mindset: If they dare to fine us, then we will make sure to increase the prices to the point we make the money back and more!

Chaotic. Very chaotic.

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About the author

1 Fictions 7 Posts 1 Threads

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 11:56:46 PM Germany [Member of Zard Skwad]

Bio: Hey there, AbyssRaven here. I'm just an avid Light Novel and Fantasy story reader who randomly thought of a story and began writing about it.

I eventually found out that I've been spending a bit too much time with building, planning, and researching for the story, that I've decided to just share it with others.

Writing is mostly a hobby for me, but I would still love any kind of criticism to improve on it.

I'm also german, so please excuse anything that sounds a bit weird...I wouldn't mind you pointing it out though.

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