Chapter 151: Discussion with the Grandmaster

Leave a Comment / Spirits' paradise and ideal life in another world / By IX

In the middle of it, I unexpectedly encountered the Valkyries, among other things, deviating from my plans. But when I went to the Adventurer’s Guild for the discussion, to my surprise, not just the Guild Master but also someone called the Grandmaster was seated at the table. More high-ranking officials mean even more trouble when conflicts arise, so I wish they’d spare me that. Moreover, it seems the Grandmaster himself will explain things to me, though I’m not particularly thrilled about it.

“First, let’s talk about your guild rank. There’s no doubt that the issue lies with the compulsory quests,” the Grandmaster began.

While he gives off an aura of someone with a well-trained physique, the atmosphere lightened significantly compared to when he was apologizing earlier. The Guild Master seems more apologetic now. The pattern is that the higher-ups are carefree while those below suffer.

“Yes, it’s not just the compulsory quests, but the obligations and responsibilities that come with having a high rank can be bothersome. There’s no real reason for me to forcefully increase my rank, and if it’s necessary, I’m considering moving to a different guild,” I replied.

“I’ve heard about that as well. Certainly, compulsory quests can be a hassle, but on the other hand, they bring honor. The guild relies on your strength when they assign such quests. The rewards are great too, and you can even make loans from the guild, so it’s quite beneficial,” the Grandmaster said, making money signs with his hands. He’s starting to look like just an ordinary old man to me.

“I understand what you’re saying, but there are also people who try to use me to their advantage. If I had a trusting relationship with the guild, it might be different, but I don’t trust the guild at all, so I have to decline,” I explained.

“That’s a harsh reality to hear. Alright then,” the Grandmaster said, patting the Guild Master’s back. The Guild Master was desperately trying not to react and had a pitiful expression. Is this some kind of strategy to invoke sympathy? I’m becoming more suspicious.

“Well, if you put it that way, I can’t force you. I’ll prepare a document granting you the right to refuse any requests from the guild, including compulsory ones. There was a suggestion of not receiving any requests from the adventurer’s guild at all, but I’ll spare you that by adding a clause stating that we’ll penalize requests deemed as harassment if you decide to accept them after hearing them out. How does that sound?” the Grandmaster proposed.

What am I supposed to say to that?

“Why are you so keen on raising my rank? Isn’t it the same whether I don’t accept requests as a low rank or refuse compulsory quests as a high rank? It just adds more hassle and exceptions, which is more of a disadvantage, isn’t it?” I asked.

“Well, it also serves as a restraint against other countries’ adventurer’s guilds. Guild ranks are taken very seriously. The number of members reflects the guild’s power to some extent. And having capable adventurers at a low rank might make others doubt our discernment,” the Grandmaster explained.

Are they going through all this trouble just to show off how many strong individuals they have?

“But can’t you have adventurers who can’t take on compulsory quests even among A-rank?” I inquired.

“True, it’s not easy to find those who can’t take on compulsory quests even at A-rank. Having just one such adventurer can have considerable implications. Ideally, we’d want to have an S-rank, but if we had one, they wouldn’t be able to refuse compulsory quests, so it’s not feasible. Just having an S-rank alone elevates the guild’s status. It’s that kind of existence,” the Grandmaster clarified.

“Isn’t B-rank good enough, then?” I asked.

I recall the former Guild Master mentioning B-rank before.

“That doesn’t make sense; there’s no way someone at B-rank can defeat a Fire Dragon. Listen, even S-rank adventurers would find it impossible to take on a Fire Dragon solo. If we hadn’t had that dispute, we might have been discussing raising you to SS-rank,” the Grandmaster said with a very regretful expression. If A-rank already has an impact, then SS-rank must have a tremendous influence. He mutters something about this country’s first SS-rank being… I don’t really care, though.

“So, what do you think? Will you accept?” the Grandmaster leaned forward, asking eagerly. Well, if it’s not going to be too much trouble, I suppose I can accept. If special treatment means having an A-rank adventurer as a mentor, it might make Sara and the others quite proud. Besides, having a high social status might be helpful when recruiting disciples. If I were offered A-rank and E-rank, I’d choose A-rank.

“Understood. If there are no issues with the document, I’ll accept,” I replied.

“Got it, I’ll have it prepared right away,” the Grandmaster said, and a secretary-like woman went to the back to prepare the document.

“Next, it’s not just about requests, but also about preventing other guilds from recruiting you. Although it’s challenging for the adventurer’s guild to stop small-business merchants from approaching, we’ll prepare a document for that as well. In it, we’ll leave the negotiations to the adventurer’s guild and specify that any violation will result in a suspension of guild services. Reasonable nobles or merchants should back off,” the Grandmaster continued.

“What about the country, the military, or other unreasonable opponents?” I asked, as that’s the most critical aspect.

“The country has common interests with the adventurer’s guild. We need the guild to deal with monsters, so forcibly recruiting A-rank adventurers is out of the question. If the guild is pulled out due to a commotion, we won’t be able to handle the monsters, defense capabilities will decrease, which could invite invasions from other countries, and worst-case scenario, the country might fall,” the Grandmaster explained.

I see, so they have connections with the country in that regard. That means being an A-rank adventurer comes with some benefits.

“What about other unreasonable opponents?” I asked.

“We can’t handle those through the adventurer’s guild. Large organizations wouldn’t foolishly provoke the guild, but fools and trash wouldn’t care. No matter what we do, they’ll come after you. In such cases, we’ll crush them. Before crushing them, though, you’ll inform the adventurer’s guild so they can cover your back,” the Grandmaster replied.

Well, I can understand what he’s saying. Some people act without considering reason or interests. As long as they don’t become criminals, it should be fine. However, I can’t help but feel the Grandmaster’s way of speaking is a bit rough or delinquent-like. Well, I guess it’s not entirely wrong for the leader of a combat-oriented adventurer’s group… No, it’s still wrong.

“Understood. I don’t mind. What about preventing anyone around me from getting involved?” I asked.

“It’s impossible to have adventurer’s guild staff guarding you forever. We’ll dispatch staff until the situation settles down, but after that, we’ll need to consult on a case-by-case basis. Also, we can’t keep increasing the number of people to protect indefinitely,” the Grandmaster explained.

Hmm… it’s probably too much to have guards around me all the time. They would be sticking to me 24/7. I understand it’s tough, but is this really the right choice? I can see the reasoning behind it, but I also feel like I’m being manipulated into agreeing.

“Can I assume that the people I asked for help will receive covert protection until the situation settles down? It would be helpful to have undercover guards, so they don’t inconvenience anyone,” I said.

So far, if I think about the people I know, there’s Marie-san, Mel, and the strong arms at Torque’s inn… Oh? Marie-san has business partners, and Mel has Melal with her. Torque and Martha seem capable enough. Do they really need protection? Wait, is my current level of relationships enough to be targeted?

Marie-san is just a business partner, and Mel and the inn are mostly seen as customers… Well, whatever. If I ever have someone important in the future, I’ll have to ask for protection. Oh, if Gina becomes my disciple, I can ask for protection then. Yeah, asking for protection wouldn’t be in vain.

“Oh, like I said before, having too many people to protect would be difficult, but I promise to send skilled individuals from our side. And if we feel it’s necessary, we’ll promise to provide protection as well,” the Grandmaster said.

…I guess that’s acceptable.

“Understood. In that case, please take care of it,” I replied.

“Got it, understood. Now, onto the discussion. We want to increase the number of adventurers going beyond the 50th floor. Is there anything you wish from the adventurer’s guild as compensation?” the Grandmaster asked.

“No, as I mentioned to the Guild Master earlier, I have no intentions of changing the conditions,” I said, looking at the Guild Master, who seems to have diminished next to the Grandmaster like air, probably trying to avoid getting hit.

“But you know, there are many parties I want you to take with you. Can’t we somehow work something out?” the Grandmaster asked.

“I don’t mean to sound disrespectful, but I’ve already made significant concessions from the conditions I proposed. I asked that the adventurer’s guild doesn’t request anything from me at all, completely prevent external negotiations, and halt any interference in the surrounding area. I understand it’s challenging, so I made those concessions. However, if we start changing the wording, it might give the impression that everything can be negotiated, so I cannot yield on that,” I explained.

“No, it’s not about yielding or not. It’s that we are willing to offer a reward in return for increasing the number of adventurers,” the Grandmaster clarified.

“I have no requests for the adventurer’s guild. The benefits of going beyond the 50th floor are enormous, but can the adventurer’s guild come up with an equally attractive proposal as compensation?” I asked.

Strictly speaking, there will be around ten more people, but if I casually increase the number of people, the value of medicinal herbs could plummet in no time.

“Oh, really? Money isn’t enough, huh?” the Grandmaster asked.

“No, it’s not,” I replied.

Just from selling one-fifth of the collected magical grass and omnipotent herbs, I made two billion in profit. I have no idea how much money they would need to offer to make it worthwhile.

“How about status or honor?” the Grandmaster suggested.

“It’s too troublesome,” I said.

“How about women?” he asked.

“…It’s impossible due to my position,” I replied.

I felt a bit dizzy, but I noticed Silphy’s gaze. And I have no idea what to say to Sara, Bell, and the others, so it’s impossible.

“Seems like you’re interested. I have to say, the receptionists at the adventurer’s guild are all beauties. How about forming a party with them? It’ll be fun,” the Grandmaster suggested.

The other adventurers around us, who had been quietly listening to our conversation, began to buzz. It seems like they can relate to the idea.

I glanced at Silphy.

“You’re a boy too, Yuta, so it should be fine, right? Just make sure not to have a negative influence on Bell, Sara, and the others,” she said.

…She’s so understanding. Normally, in this kind of situation, people would give you scornful looks. But being told it’s okay makes it awkward to decline.

“It does sound fun, but forming a party like that wouldn’t be appropriate for my goal of surpassing further floors,” I explained.

“I see. Still not convinced, huh? Alright, how about I introduce you to ten people? But if you come up with a good reward, please consider taking them. I’ll ask if they’re interested once I have something appealing,” the Grandmaster proposed.

He already had ten people in mind.

“It’s bothersome to be asked repeatedly, so let’s make it once a year,” I said.

I don’t want to be pestered with ideas every time.

“Once a year? That’s tough,” he remarked.

“I don’t mind being asked, but just think carefully before doing so,” I said.

The Grandmaster nodded while scratching his head. If things go well, we’ll have more people capable of going beyond the 50th floor. My background investigation and strategy meetings might begin.

“I have one more thing to say. It’s fine if you investigate me, but please don’t trouble my acquaintances. And if anything happens, don’t think a feeble retaliation with plants will be the end of it. It won’t be so lukewarm,” I warned.

“Ah, yes, I understand. The document should be ready soon, and I’ll introduce you to the adventurers,” the Grandmaster replied.

He seems really eager to conduct the investigation. Is it going to be alright?

“Understood.”

With the negotiation mostly finished, now we just need to confirm the document and the adventurers I want to take with me. It shouldn’t take much longer to wrap everything up.