Chapter 7

After the problem with Oslo was resolved, I was called to the guild office to formally express my gratitude.

Grace and I were led to a private room and offered tea.

"No, I really am very sorry. I thought Oslo was predictable because he tends to act out of self-preservation. I didn't realize his subordinates were so clueless."

Verine bowed her head and poured the tea herself. She is a receptionist at the guild, but it seems she came to this town as a helper from another branch. The helper role is probably related to the relationship between the lord and the guild, and the involvement of that guard captain.

"It's fine. It seems you were trying to prevent Oslo from doing something reckless."

The Forest Birds should be shopping in town, trying to catch up on the delayed supplies and weapon maintenance.

"Actually, I want to keep my connection with my family thin. I'd appreciate it if you didn't bring it up too much."

"No, that would have made you uncomfortable earlier, wouldn't it?"

"No, I didn't know about it, so it's fine."

As long as you understand, there's no problem. Verine smiled and said,

"Of course, I'll add a bonus to the reward for the inconvenience this time. If there's anything else you need, I'll do my best to accommodate you within reason."

Perhaps because she assumes I'm a child from a noble family, Verine's manner is very polite. I doubt she would have a problem even if she knew I was a bastard and Grace was a Dampira. Speaking of Grace, I might as well ask about her self-defense options.

"Do you know of any good alchemists? If not in this town, then in Termwillows would be fine."

"An alchemist, you say. I'm not sure, but I can arrange for an introduction through the guild. I'll write a letter of recommendation."

"Thanks."

If she came here as a helper to resolve the issues with Oslo and the lord, it's probably because she's capable. Just then, a knock sounded on the door.

"Verine, I'm sorry to interrupt, but can I speak with you for a moment?"

"What is it?"

"Actually..."

A guild staff member whispered something to Verine. She closed her eyes for a moment, then turned to me.

"Mr. Theodor, Lord Ashley Siln would like to meet you."

Seeing my face scrunch up, Verine chuckled.

"The lord here is a bit special. He's been an adventurer-hater since his father's time, but that's just a simplified explanation to make things clear in the moment."

"But he did rely on Oslo, didn't he? I'm not really looking forward to it."

"I don't want to give you any preconceived notions, but I think you'll understand once you see him."

"Hmm."

Since he's the lord and has come to see me, I can't really refuse. Whether the meeting goes smoothly depends on his approach, but at least we have the advantage of being in the guild.

"Would you like me to join you? If Mr. Theodor is the excuse, I'd be thrilled to speak directly with Lord Ashley. I've been turned away every time I've tried to meet him."

"Sure, as long as it doesn't cause any trouble."

"Of course. It's my job, after all. If Mr. Theodor wants to establish a connection with Lord Ashley, that would be great. The guild seeks connections with capable people."

Her straightforwardness is refreshing. Revealing her hand is probably the most sincere thing she can do.

I nodded. I guess I understand. I was a bit surprised to find out Ashley is about my age. She's a baroness, a pale and delicate girl. She might be frail. She must have taken over from her parents at a young age and had a tough time.

That said, it doesn't justify poor supervision... but what about me? Unlike Ashley, I don't have any responsibilities or ties to this town. So, I don't really have a right to complain about the lord. I was thinking of being indifferent and non-interfering, but since he came to see me, I can't really do that. Let's see what he wants and decide how to respond.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Ashley Rodias Siln."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Theodor Gartner."

When she introduced herself, I did the same, and Ashley bowed deeply.

"I apologize for the trouble caused by one of my family members. I also want to thank you for repelling the Killer Ants."

Her attitude... is she naturally timid, or does she know I have ties to the Gartner family? It's hard to tell. Verine's desire to speak with Ashley is probably to rebuild the relationship with the lord.

From Verine's perspective, the current situation, with the guard captain's credibility damaged and the responsible person absent, is a golden opportunity. The guild has the expertise to deal with the aftermath of the ant infestation, and creating jobs for adventurers is part of Verine and Ashley's job.

In that sense, it's unlikely I'll be handling the ant cleanup. If I'm the only one who can do it, and if there's a reason I can agree with, then maybe. But probably not this time.

It's all part of the ecosystem, the cycle of supply and demand. In the BFO, there was a quest where over-hunting gray wolves led to an increase in goblins. It was funny then, but it's not so funny now. Killer Ants are pretty common, which is why I chose Termwillows, where the supply won't run out.

"I accept your apology."

Considering my family, I don't particularly want to build connections with the nobility, so I won't set any conditions. Sometimes, unconditional forgiveness can be more meaningful, but not this time. I've received a lot from Verine, so I'll give her a little support.

"But I was just in the right place at the right time. Even as a bastard of the Gartner family, I think it's better to rebuild the relationship with the guild rather than with me."

"Rebuild, you say?"

Ashley tilted her head. That was... a somewhat expected answer.

"Verine has tried to meet you several times."

"…I don't know. I've never heard such a thing."

I glanced at Grace, who nodded subtly. In other words, my words weren't reaching her father, just like mine weren't reaching mine.

"Is it the same as what Oslo did this time?"

"I don't know the town's internal affairs. Excuse me, but what is your relationship with Oslo?"

"He's a vassal. From my father's time..."

Ashley said this with a bitter expression. I guess she trusts him. That might explain why Oslo felt secure enough to act as he did.

"What do they think of adventurers?"

"Well..."

Ashley's gaze shifted to Verine.

"Please, don't worry about me. I can imagine, and in a way, it's correct. It's also the guild's responsibility to manage them."

"Yes, they... they say adventurers are ex-thieves or down-and-outs... my father and grandfather... I mean, Kennel, and Oslo, they all said the same thing..."

It's true that some adventurers fit that description, and some people view them that way. Or maybe she had a bad experience. If her father was like that, then Kennel probably shares the same values. That's why Oslo was left in charge... if he had been competent, things might have worked out, but unfortunately, they didn't.

From what I can gather, there are some positive signs. First, Kennel seems to be more reasonable. He's not on the same page as Oslo. If they were both the same and colluding, Oslo wouldn't have feared being caught. Also, Ashley seems to have received a solid education. From her responses, she's intelligent and has a good sense of right and wrong. She's likely being educated and trained to assist Ashley. Kennel might be too busy with practical matters to supervise Oslo.

"Can I speak with this Kennel?"

Verine seems to have set Kennel as her secondary target. If Ashley is the main goal, then Kennel is the wall.

Kennel seems to be a stubborn, conservative, and overprotective person, but seeing Oslo's failure might make him reconsider.

"Kennel is currently out of town on business."

Given the situation, Ashley must have rushed here in a panic.

"Is that so? Then, Lady Ashley, may I take this opportunity to explain the importance of the guild? Would that be alright?"

"Please do."

It's a presentation. Ashley nodded solemnly at Verine's words.

"Just don't let her talk you into anything too easily. Keep a bit of distance and use each other to your advantage."

"Hmm. Mr. Theodor, you're quite the negotiator."

Ashley chuckled at our exchange. Verine turned to Ashley, nodded, and began.

"Indeed, Mr. Theodor is right. Make your own judgment after seeing and thinking for yourself. There are things you can't understand from hearsay. I can't guarantee I won't be swayed either. If a corrupt minister takes over, it would be meaningless."

"You're right."

When confronted with opposing values, you can't help but think.

"Shall we take a little time, then? I'll have the materials gathered. Mr. Theodor, I'll prepare the reward and the letter right away."

Verine smiled and left, looking pleased with how the conversation went.