Chapter 56

I finished the quest to train the Lawrence Hero Party in the capital city.

Inside the carriage heading to my hometown, where the Guild's raw stone is located.

"Guild Master, good day."

The voice I hear from the communication magic device is that of the receptionist, Katrina.

"Katrina, how's everything on your end?"

She is also a manager who oversees the staff and knows the field best.

"Everything is running smoothly. We've had your instructions, and Yui has been working hard."

While I was in the capital, I trained Lawrence and his team and used the communication magic device to manage the guild remotely.

For tasks that couldn't be done remotely, I entrusted them to my disciple, Yui.

"You can work even when you're not at the office, as expected of the Guild Master. But... perhaps you should take a little break? I feel you're working a bit too much."

"I appreciate your concern, but there's no need to worry."

"Is that so... Yes, that's right. Given that it's the Guild Master, I'm sure your health management is excellent."

Katrina smiles gracefully.

"By the way, when do you expect to arrive?"

"Probably around dusk the day after tomorrow."

I plan to stop at an inn along the way.

"...Yes, Yui. Around dusk the day after tomorrow. Yes, make the dinner reservations. Yes."

"What's going on, Katrina? Who are you talking to?"

"No, no♡ It's nothing♡"

"I see."

"Guild Master, when you arrive in town, could you come to the guild?"

"Why?"

"I want to see your energetic face as soon as possible... Is that too much to ask?"

Katrina says with concern.

"That's impossible. I'm sorry, but I'm tired. I shouldn't be so demanding."

"You're making assumptions."

"Huh?"

"I'll stop by the guild after visiting the mayor."

"Is that okay...?"

"Don't misunderstand. There's a lot of paperwork piled up because I've been away for so long. I just want to get it done quickly."

"Then! I'll be waiting! ...Yui, it's okay!"

"...Yay! I'll start preparing right away!"

I cut off the communication magic device and sigh.

"What a hassle."

"Master, you're so kind."

Sitting across from me is the silver-haired maid, Frederica, who is smiling happily and moving her dog ears.

"You're a model boss who never wastes the efforts of your subordinates."

"What are you talking about?"

"Hehe. I'm sure there will be a big party the day after tomorrow."

★

Two days later, in the evening.

When I show up at the Guild of the Raw Stone, ...

"Guild Master, welcome back!"

The guild hall is filled with guild members welcoming me.

Both the staff and adventurers have gathered at the entrance.

"Welcome back, Guild Master!" "We missed you, Act!" "Guild Master! Good job!"

Everyone is waving at me with smiles.

"Act-sama!"

A small girl runs up and hugs me.

"I missed you, Act-sama!"

"Yui, you did a great job while I was away."

"Thank you! I worked really hard for Act-sama!"

I pat Yui's head to commend her efforts. Even with my support, she did a great job managing the guild.

"Guild Master, welcome back."

"Katrina."

Katrina, the head receptionist, pushes through the crowd with a smile.

"What's going on here?"

"I'm sorry, but everyone wanted to have a welcome back party for you. I thought it would be presumptuous, but I prepared the feast."

"Yay! Welcome back, Guild Master!"

I see that all the staff and guild members are here, even those who were off duty. They are quite considerate.

"Alright, have you all finished your work for today?"

"Of course!" "We worked extra hard for the Guild Master!" "Guild Master! Let's have a drink together!" "I worked really hard on the food, so please eat it!"

Both the guild members and staff are looking at me with hopeful eyes.

"I'll put my luggage in my room and be back in 30 minutes. Get ready and wait for me."

"Yay!"

As the guild members cheer, I head to my room on the second floor.

"Master, is that okay?"

Frederica asks with a grin.

"Didn't Master come here to finish a mountain of work?"

"I will do the work. I will also attend the party."

"Master is so kind."

"Don't misunderstand. If I refuse, it would dampen the guild members' spirits. Besides, I don't want to waste the food they prepared."

"Hehe. Let's leave it at that."

★

The party continued until late that night.

The guild members are snoring in the guild hall.

"..."

I sit on the stairs leading to the second floor and drink.

"Act-sama."

Katrina climbs the stairs and speaks to me.

"Act-sama, you have a strong tolerance for alcohol."

"I often drink for business."

Her cheeks are slightly flushed. She sits next to me and leans close.

"I've put you through a lot of trouble. I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it. Compared to what you've done for me, this is nothing."

She was once a duchess's daughter, but after various incidents, she is now in my guild.

Katrina rests her head on my shoulder.

"However... the days without seeing you were very lonely and painful."

Katrina pouts.

"Why didn't you contact me more often?"

"I did contact you regularly."

"I don't want to talk about work."

"Then what do you want to talk about?"

"...I don't know. Humph."

Katrina stands up and sticks out her tongue.

"Cover the guild members downstairs with blankets. I don't want them to catch a cold."

"Understood."

"And what about you? If you're going home, I'll take you."

"I think I'll stay in the temporary room tonight♡ Thank you for your concern, Guild Master."

I hand her my empty glass and head down the stairs.

"Also, bring me the bill for today's party tomorrow."

She looks at me with wide eyes.

"No, we held this party for the Guild Master, and everyone chipped in."

"There's no need for that. This is a necessary expense."

I walk to the entrance.

Katrina smiles gracefully.

"To think a guild master would expense a party... You're a bad guild master."

Katrina chuckles.

"Thank you for preparing it for me."

"No, it was my duty. ...Guild Master."

Katrina smiles brightly.

"Welcome back, our best guild master."

【To the Readers】

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