Chapter 8

"――What's all the commotion about? I heard Lord Gilne's name."

It seemed that the loud voice of the long-haired man had caught the attention of Lady Nierra, who appeared in the dining hall. The other guild members knelt and bowed their heads.

"U-Uh! I, I..."

My face turned pale and I began to tremble. No one would believe me if I said the cup broke on its own in my hand.

"Hmm, it seems you've broken Lord Gilne's personal item. This is quite serious."

I thought I saw Lady Nierra's lips curl slightly into a smile.

"Hey! What's going on here! It's Gilne! Let me through!"

At that moment, Lord Gilne, dressed in fine clothes and carrying a handbag, appeared in the dining hall to greet me. The guild members, faced with this unbelievable situation, bowed so low it was almost a prostration.

"Ah, Lord Gilne. It seems Tim has broken your teacup."

"What!?! Tim, are you hurt!? Did you cut your finger!?"

Lord Gilne hurried over to me in a panic.

"U-Uh...! Lord Gilne, I'm sorry!"

"It's fine as long as you're not hurt. Still, how did Tim manage to break my cup...?"

"――No, Lord Gilne. This is a serious matter."

As if on cue, the other executives gathered around. The guild members, stunned by the unusual scene, stood frozen, holding their breath.

The executives began to speak one after another.

"Lord Gilne, have you forgotten the absolute rule of this guild?"

"Guild Rule No. 12: 'Anyone who takes or damages items managed by the guild leader shall be expelled.'"

Following Lady Nierra and Lady Natalia, Lady Minaz and Lady Deidra also spoke up.

"Aye, breaking the iron-clad rule is absolutely not allowed! It could lead to the collapse of the guild!"

"According to this rule, Tim Cynthia must be expelled from the guild!"

The executives looked at me with the same eyes as the adventurers who usually bully me.