That Time a Shut-in for 300 Years Continued to Make Antiques , but All of It Turned out to Be Cheat-Level Magic Tools

Side Guard

I was at a loss… Ever since I joined the Doyle Commerce Guild, I had been subjected to unreasonable demands. They even interfered with the pricing of the store’s goods, insisted on limited materials, and forced me to produce large quantities even if the quality was poor.

Still, I couldn’t leave because the Doyle Commerce Guild had begun to wield immense power. It’s not wise to make enemies of a guild that even the lords favored.

But this time, it felt like they were blatantly telling me to go under. And it wasn’t just me, but my wife and daughter too… It was unbearably harsh.

“Meil, are you there?”

As I brooded in despair, a familiar voice reached me. Honestly, it was a voice I didn’t want to hear right now.

“If you’re there, you could at least respond, right?”

I really should have locked the door.

“Don’t just walk in.”

“It was open, so I came in. Besides, this is a commerce guild, right? What’s wrong with a customer entering?”

“I never considered an eyesore like you a customer.”

“That’s quite the thing to say.”

He said, chuckling bitterly. This man, someone I couldn’t face properly, had known me since childhood. He was my childhood friend. And among us was another person, a lovely girl who grew up to be very beautiful. She was my first love and now his wife.

Back then, we used to talk about who could make their shop bigger. The most enjoyable times might have been when the three of us were laughing and joking around in a tavern.

“Want a drink?”

“Are you kidding? It’s still daytime. Besides, I’m not in the mood.”

“You’re not in the mood, so drink.”

He began pouring the spirits he brought into a cup. It wasn’t cheap stuff either.

“…I heard about it. You’ve had quite the rough time.”

Hearing that, I realized. Somehow, word had gotten out that I had failed the job given by the Doyle Commerce Guild and ended up with a huge debt.

“Ha, it’s a real mess, isn’t it? You must be enjoying this, right?”

“…That’s not how I feel.”

“Hmph, I wonder about that. Remember, when I told you that the Doyle Commerce Guild invited me, you said it might be better to decline because, although they are certainly on the rise, there were many bad rumors about them. But I didn’t heed your advice.”

I was rather flattered when the already big Doyle Commerce Guild approached me. I thought if I could establish a good relationship with them, I could grow much larger than the Furenzu Commerce Guild.

I heard that the guy from Furenzu had no intention of joining Doyle, and that only made me more determined.

I thought I could finally get ahead of him. I’ve hated this man ever since that girl chose him over me.

I married a woman I met later and still love my wife, but that feeling didn’t change. That’s why I— But it all backfired in the end.

“…There are many choices in life. No one makes the right choice every time. But even if you make a mistake, you can start over. That includes you.”

“Don’t say foolish things. It’s 2500 platinum coins. There’s no way I can come up with that. My life is over.”

“What if I said I could clear that debt?”

“What?”

It was an unbelievable offer. Clear the debt, as if such foolishness could be true.

“Actually, I’m well acquainted with a magic guild you tried to trick. To be more precise, I’m on good terms with a magical tool craftsman named Edson who belongs there.”

“Edson?”

“Yeah, the young boy with a beautiful maid.”

The beautiful maid. Certainly, a beautiful maid like someone Doyle would target, and a handsome young boy had been prominent. That boy was mostly handling our conversation, so he must be Edson.

“You heard about the platinum coins from him…”

“That’s right. So, if you’re thinking of leaving Doyle Commerce Guild and starting over, I’m willing to help you out. He was also looking for a commerce guild that deals with equipment. The debt would be gone, and it would connect you to a job. It’s not a bad deal, I think.”

“Is that all you’ve got…”

I sighed. Sure, I hadn’t forgotten about the debt. But there was another pressing issue for me.

“Is there a problem?”

“Big problem. It’s impossible to leave Doyle Commerce Guild. It’s not that simple… And that includes the debt. I’m sorry for Edson, but I’ve gotten myself into a much bigger debt.”

“Hmm, can I hear more about that? Maybe I can help with that issue too.”

He insisted as he offered the drink. Really pushy. And yet, he was always meddling. Thinking back, he was like this with customers too… If a customer asked, he would go out of his way to inquire at other commerce guilds, even if it was none of his business.

Talking about it probably wouldn’t change anything. I couldn’t do anything about it. But perhaps, deep down, I wanted someone to listen.

In the end, I told this man everything—

The story captures a tense and dramatic moment, filled with personal struggle and the looming presence of a powerful commerce guild. The dialogue effectively conveys the emotional weight of the protagonist’s situation, as well as the history and dynamics between the characters. If you need any further assistance or have specific areas for me to focus on, feel free to let me know!

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Side Doyle

“Chairman, Guard-sama has arrived.”

“Guard? What does he want?”

“He mentioned something about a payment issue… and he’s brought two others with him, a boy and a woman dressed as a maid.”

What? A maid and a boy? That sounds familiar… Wait, it must be that brat and the sexy maid who infuriated me!

But why are they here for a payment issue?

Maybe he panicked and arranged something with the magic guild to fabricate a debt.

But why that brat? I thought Alecto and the maid would suffice.

Hmph, the kid is insufferably arrogant, but if not for that, he would appeal to certain nobles with his looks. Selling him off might fetch a good sum.

However, Guard might think this settles his debt, but that’s a separate matter. Even if he pulls this off, it won’t change my opinion of him. Incompetence is trash. I never forgive a man who disappoints me even once.

I allowed them to enter, and soon the room admitted all three.

Indeed, it was the brat and the maid.

“Hmph, seems like you’ve managed something. Then, let’s put a collar on you and take you to the slave guild. Of course, the maid will become my personal maid, hahaha.”

“What? What are you talking about, you pathetic man? Even worse than Alecto.”

“What! You there, Guard, can’t you even discipline these people beforehand?”

“…You seem to be under some misunderstanding, but I am here to discuss the payment and future matters.”

What? What is this guy talking about?

“So, you came to hand these two over to me?”

“We are not objects. Besides, I only serve my master. I would never be by the side of a filthy beast like you.”

“You dare say that to me, the head of the Doyle Commerce Guild!”

“Regardless. I cannot comply with the unfair payment demanded this time. Moreover, I will be leaving this guild as of today.”

I couldn’t believe my ears. Leaving our guild?

“Ha, ha, what a funny joke. Do you understand what you’re saying? Then, pay up 2500 platinum coins right now, hey, what are you putting down there!”

“This is Judge-kun that I made.”

Judge-kun? This brat put a strange doll on my desk, dressed like a judge.

“You can’t mean this thing is a substitute for the debt?”

“Well, it’s not entirely incorrect.”

“Don’t mess with me! Guard! He’s mocking me forever! If you can’t pay 2500 platinum coins right now, you know what will happen!”

“Why should I pay?”

“What?”

“Judging shall commence.”

“Why does this man owe you 2500 platinum coins?”

What, what is this brat on about suddenly?

“That’s none of your concern!”

“No, I’d like to know as well. I really don’t understand why I should owe 2500 platinum coins.”

“You smeared mud on my face! You failed the job I gave you! That’s why you need to pay me 2500 platinum coins!”

“But I haven’t heard of any obligation to pay 2500 platinum coins over this matter, nor have there been any written agreements.”

“Fool! You are a member of the Doyle Commerce Guild! If I decide so, that’s how it is!”

“That claim is invalid. Such an unfair demand is not recognized. Therefore, the debt of 2500 platinum coins is void. Judgment is made. The unfounded claims of Doyle Commerce Guild are dismissed. Any further actions regarding this will be subject to punishment. Furthermore, such an unfair claim justifies Guard Commerce Guild’s withdrawal from the Doyle Commerce Guild. Therefore, the withdrawal of Guard Commerce Guild from the Doyle Commerce Guild is recognized.”

“So, that’s it. We’re done here.”

“What, what are you saying, you fool?”

I didn’t understand. This doll was spouting nonsense…

“Don’t you get it? Judge-kun just made the ruling. Your claim is deemed unfair, and no payment is required. It’s also justified to leave such a corrupt guild.”

“Don’t mess with me! Can such a thing even be acknowledged! Do you understand what it means to defy me!”

If he tries to leave now, I’ll kidnap his daughter and wife right away, and strip his commerce guild of its rights!

“That’s right! It’s easy for me to take everything from you! The rights to your store, your daughter, and your wife!”

“Oh, his daughter has already resigned and left. It’s too late to do anything once something happens.”

“Fool! What a reckless thing to do! You can’t just quit without my permission!”

“But you were planning to sell his daughter and wife as slaves, weren’t you?”

“Of course! It’s a natural right if he can’t pay his debt!”

“That demand is not recognized. No method of debt collection will be acknowledged.”

“Judge-kun says so. The judgment has been made; it’s better to accept it graciously.”

“What is this doll! Don’t mess with me! I don’t care what you say, if he can’t pay the debt!”

“Any objections are not recognized. Final warning.”

“Shut up, you damn doll!”