Chapter 88

Edgar realized something as he went about his daily tasks at the branch of the "Blazing Dragon."

He realized that by commuting to the branch every day, he was drifting away from the headquarters of the "Blazing Dragon."

If this continued, the opportunities to advise the guild leader Medes or attend important meetings at the headquarters would drastically decrease.

(Shit. This is almost like being exiled.)

Conversely, if someone slandered him to Medes, his current position would be in jeopardy.

There were many enemies within the guild, starting with Lisetta.

(No way. If this continues, even if I manage to crush the "Spirit Workshop" and claim credit, I'll be ousted from my current position.)

Edgar hastily gathered his staff.

"Everyone, listen up. I'm leaving the branch today and returning to headquarters. I have a mission there that I absolutely must undertake. Lina, I'm entrusting everything to you. Investigate the internal affairs of the 'Spirit Workshop,' steal their customers, meet the sales targets, supervise and train the staff, and manage the workshop. Do all of it. Submit a report to headquarters by the weekend. I'm counting on you."

With that, Edgar left for the headquarters of the "Blazing Dragon."

At this point, the "Dragon Knight's Hut" had already suffered a devastating blow from Monica, but he was still unaware of it.

Lina, entrusted with the branch by Edgar, was at a loss.

(What should I do? I have no idea how to run a branch.)

She was still struggling to handle her own job and had never supervised subordinates.

At the "Blazing Dragon" branch, the store often opened without enough products on display, and adventurers who came in ended up leaving without buying anything.

(If this continues, I'll be scolded by Edgar. What should I do... Ah, I know!)

Lina remembered Dylan, a man who had visited the store recently.

He was in charge of wholesale for the "Spirit Workshop" and had said to come to him if she had any problems.

Lina, in a surprising move, rushed to the "Spirit Workshop" and sought help from Roland.

Roland was entertaining the young girl from the enemy guild in the cafeteria.

When Dylan said, "I'll pay for this," Lina ordered two meals and started eating voraciously.

Roland and Dylan watched her with serious faces.

"Sorry, munch munch. I've been so busy, gobble gobble. I haven't eaten anything since morning, gulp gulp."

"It's okay. Don't worry, take your time. Want a second helping?"

"Then, I'll take you up on that. Excuse me, can I have another one, please?"

(Still eating?)

Dylan was a bit exasperated by her appetite.

"Munch munch, gulp. Phew. Thank you for the meal. Um, so, what was it again?"

Finally, after finishing her meal, Lina said:

"You said you were having trouble running the branch and wanted help, right?"

"Ah, yes. Edgar, who was in charge of the branch, returned to the headquarters of the 'Blazing Dragon,' and I was entrusted with the position. But I'm completely lost."

"I see."

"I've been told to steal customers from the 'Spirit Workshop' and ensure sales. What should I do?"

(You're asking us this...)

Dylan inwardly facepalmed.

"Got it. In essence, you want to divert our customers to your side. Is that right?"

"Yes, that's it."

"Hey, Roland?"

"Got it. How about we entrust the refining of 'Earthcraft' to you? It's a request from an adventurer guild we have a partnership with. There's a lot of it, and we were just looking for a guild to help with the refining. Can you take it on?"

"That would be perfect. I'd be happy to take it on."

(What the...?)

"Got it. Let's have a meeting this afternoon, then."

"Sure. Thank you."

(Will this be okay...?)

Dylan watched the situation with anxiety.

"Thank you so much. This way, I won't be scolded by Edgar. Thank you."

"No problem. Is there anything else you need help with or any other problems?"

"Also, I've been told to investigate the internal affairs of the 'Spirit Workshop.' If there's anything you can share, it would be very helpful. And if you could teach me how to supervise and train the branch staff, that would be great."

"Got it."

(This girl has no reservations at all.)

Dylan was impressed despite his initial skepticism.

Roland handed Lina a list of the number of employees and their skills at the "Spirit Workshop," which he had fabricated on the spot.

"Is this okay?"

"Yes, thank you."

Lina took the skill list Roland had written.

"Thank you. I can write a report to Edgar by copying this."

"No problem. It's a small favor."

(You're really taking this lightly. Are you treating her like a kid?)

"Also, about supervising the staff. I'll help you with that later. I'm an appraiser. By appraising the staff's skills and stats, I can assign tasks appropriately. Depending on the situation, I might be able to delegate more work to them."

"Wow. Thank you so much."

"Then, prepare for the transaction this afternoon and come back here, okay?"

"Sure. I'll bring the estimate, contract, and order forms."

Lina left the "Spirit Workshop" satisfied and returned to the branch.

"Wow. She was quite straightforward."

"Yeah."

"She was so casual, it was a bit worrying."

"Seems like the 'Blazing Dragon' isn't actively attacking us with clear hostility. They're just doing it reluctantly because someone told them to. In any case, this way, we can openly gather information on the enemy. We can focus on running our workshop."

"Roland, can I talk to you for a moment?"

Saki approached Roland with a pot.

"Saki, what's up?"

"An adventurer wants to be appraised by you."

"Got it. I'll be right there. See you, Dylan."

"Ah. Well, well. The 'Spirit Workshop' is really picking up. While the enemy is doing things ineffectively."

The adventurers who came for Roland's appraisal were a pair of male and female mages.

[Will Wombat's Skills]

'Blast Wind Magic': C → A

[Lana Wombat's Skills]

'Crust Magic': C → A

(An attack mage and a support mage with A-class potential...)

"Originally, we were supposed to join the 'Crescent Knights' in slaying the 'Huge Fire Dragon.'"

The calm mage, Will, said.

"But we couldn't meet their participation requirements. That's when we heard about you. There's an appraiser who can create appropriate equipment and give advice to improve skills. We were just thinking about reassessing our abilities and improving our skills."

"Big brother, is it really okay to consult with someone like this? Wouldn't it be better to consult with a major guild like the 'Blazing Dragon'?"

"No, Lana. Don't say that. Roland is taking the time to give us advice. It would be rude."

"Yes, big brother..."

Lana blushed and looked up at him.

Her gaze was a bit too passionate for a sister looking at her brother.

"I understand your situation. I'll prepare equipment to enhance your skills. Also, if you don't mind, I can introduce you to a guild that can be your partners."

"Really? You can do that here?"

"Yes, we have clients in guilds with strong shield bearers and archers. They should need your skills."

"That's great. Our mage skills don't function without a front-line shield bearer."

Roland officially took on the job from the two mages and immediately approached Aina.

"C-class mage equipment?"

"Yes. Monica's vacation is about to end, and she'll be returning to the adventurer's town. To defend against the 'Blazing Dragon's' attacks, 'Dawn's Shield' and 'Pegasus Arrow' need to fill the gap in firepower and defense. Will and Lana are perfect for that role."

"I see. Let me see... C-class 'Blast Wind Magic' and 'Crust Magic'... Is that all?"

"Yes. Both Will and Lana have A-class potential. With the right equipment, their skills will naturally improve."

"I see."

"By the way, Aina, can I entrust the entire equipment production to you?"

"To me?"

"Yes. The A-class archer equipment you made recently was excellent. You've also been taking care of the other workers recently. I don't think anyone would object to you being in charge. If you're okay with it, I'd like to entrust it to you. What do you think?"

"Of course. I'd be honored. I'd be happy to take it on."

"Thank you. I'll also try to improve your treatment as soon as possible."

"Yes."

(Complimented by Roland. Alright, I'll do my best.)

Aina entered the meeting room with more enthusiasm than usual.

"Combining Aiz's agility and Rody's 'Product Design' should speed up production."

Aina said at the meeting.

"From the last time we made A-class arrows, I think it's impossible to make the perfect product from the start. So, Aiz will make a prototype first, and Rody will create the design based on that. This should reduce the number of failures."

"I see."

"Yes, I think it's a good idea."

Aiz and Rody agreed.

"Wait a minute."

Wayne interrupted.

"Are you really going to have three people work on C-class equipment? Isn't that too much labor cost?"

"It's fine. We'll improve production speed by working together."

"There's no need to go that far for C-class equipment. I used to do it alone at the 'Blazing Dragon.'"

"Our guild makes things with the intention of being used for a long time, even if it takes more time and effort."

"I can make it cheaper. Don't you lack cost awareness?"

"No, I've done the calculations."

"No, you haven't."

Aina frowned.

(What's his problem? Always butting in.)

(Way back when, Aina made stronger weapons than Edgar. Since joining here, I've been losing to Aina all the time. If I don't win at least in words, I'll be fired.)

"Besides, this guild is too lenient with adventurers. At the 'Blazing Dragon,' we were stricter with adventurers."

"Sure, sure. I get that you were great at the big guild. But we have our own way of doing things here."

"Are you going to keep doing things your way forever?"

Wayne stood up and slammed the table.

The meeting room was filled with a tense atmosphere.

"Wayne, Aina is in charge this time. Don't interfere too much."

When Roland said this, Wayne grumbled and sat back down sulkily.

"Seriously, what's up with Wayne?"

Aina complained to Roland in the hallway.

"Always opposing what I say, talking about the 'Blazing Dragon.'"

"He's still influenced by his time at the 'Blazing Dragon.' It's understandable. Once you form a certain mindset, it's hard to change."

"But... this is the 'Spirit Workshop.' I wish he would follow our way of doing things."

(Aina is still struggling with Wayne.)

"Got it. Aina, you can ignore Wayne for now."

"Huh?"

"I'll take direct command of him."

Lina submitted her report to Edgar.

"Here are the skills of the employees at the 'Spirit Workshop.'"

"Hmm. You did a good job investigating."

"Yes. I discreetly probed each employee coming out of the 'Spirit Workshop's' workshop and gathered information gradually."

"The sales are also solid. Good job. Pat, how about you? Is your work done?"

"Just a little more time, please."

"Seriously. Don't be so slow. Lina has finished her work properly. As a craftsman, you should finish quickly by moving your hands and feet."

"...Sorry."

"Pat, prepare to receive the 'Dragon Knight's Hut.' They should be returning soon. Have people and a place ready to immediately collect and repair their equipment. Go on, hurry up!"

Pat left the room.

Edgar turned back to Lina.

"Seriously, what's with slowpokes. Anyway, Lina, you haven't shown this report to the guild leader yet, right?"

"...No, of course not."

"Good. I'll make sure to hand this report to the guild leader. I'll also report on your contributions this time. You can continue your branch duties and surveillance of the 'Spirit Workshop' with peace of mind."

"...Yes."

Lina had a hunch.

Edgar wouldn't report her work accurately.

He intended to take credit for her achievements.

He would report to the guild leader as if the information and sales she gathered were his own.

However, she decided to turn a blind eye.

It wasn't wise to make an enemy of Edgar in this workshop.

If she did, her work would become difficult immediately.

(Let Edgar take the credit. For now, I'll act as a harmless, ordinary, and obedient subordinate, avoid provoking him, and escape the trouble. There's no need to worry. His reign won't last long. He's taken on so much work and made enemies everywhere. He'll either break down from the strain or be ousted by someone. I'll wait for his downfall with Pat. It's okay. With Pat, I can endure any hardship and misfortune.)

While they were talking, voices and footsteps could be heard from the adventurer's entrance.

"Ah, the 'Dragon Knight's Hut' is back. I'll go check on them. They must have taken down 'Dawn's Shield' and 'Pegasus Arrow' and dealt a blow to the 'Spirit Workshop,' right?"

However, Edgar was shocked when he saw the returning adventurers.

(What the...? Their B-class equipment is in tatters.)

"Wow. You must have had a tough time. Your equipment is in shambles."

"So...?"

Edgar tried to speak as calmly as possible to hide his anxiety.

"Did you take down 'Dawn's Shield' and 'Pegasus Arrow'?"

"No, we... didn't."

The adventurers of the 'Dragon Knight's Hut' started to explain the situation hesitantly.

Edgar was speechless after hearing their story.

"What? So... you lost, even after using up so much equipment? After we provided you with the equipment and even planned the strategy?"

"Well, that's..."

"We're ashamed."

(What the hell is going on?)

Pat shuddered at the sight of the damaged equipment.

(No doubt about it. The enemy has an A-class archer. Not only that, this archer's bow skills have evolved!)

Edgar regained his composure.

(No time to complain. I can't afford another failure. I need to succeed this time. Fortunately, I have a backup plan.)

"Lina, how's the 'Spirit Workshop'?"

"Yes. As of today, the adventurers haven't returned yet."

"Good. Then, we'll launch another attack before they return. This time, we'll use support magic. We'll have a support mage cast 'Defense Boost' on B-class armor. This should prevent their weapons from piercing our armor, no matter how poorly aimed!"

Edgar quickly remade the equipment for the 'Blazing Dragon.'

The additional budget he received was almost depleted.

"Alright, go again with a support mage. This time, you must succeed. If you fail again, I won't forgive you!"

The 'Dragon Knight's Hut' set out again, this time with new equipment and a support mage, heading to the mine where 'Dawn's Shield' and 'Pegasus Arrow' were believed to be.

Fortunately, they managed to ambush and engage them in battle.

They cast 'Defense Boost' on the B-class armored warriors and were ready for battle.

However, once again, Monica's bow skills easily pierced through the supposedly high-defense armor, forcing them to retreat.