The Guild Master Whose Hobby Was Helping People Found Himself Surrounded by the Strongest, Overly Attached Members - 34

Chapter 34: The Summons

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The Guild Master’s morning started early—or to be precise, by society’s standards it was “past noon,” but for me, it was early. After waking up, I buried my face in the cat sleeping beside me, inhaled that mysterious substance that always got me high, and then got up.

Taking a few sheets of paper that had been left on the desk, I left the room.

They say people forget things after three days, but even after three days, I couldn’t forget. Yes. I still couldn’t forget the faces of the applicants that had crowded the guild…Ragnar’s beaming smile… Lisette’s efficient handling of the paperwork…. And—Ceres and Rovan, who had stayed behind.

What is going to become of my modest life as a Guild Master?

“Good morning—”

When I opened the door, there were both familiar and unfamiliar faces here and there.

“Good morning, Shin-sama. Here is today’s tea.”

“Oh, thanks.”

I took the cup from Lisette and sat down on the chair she had brought over. My sense of satisfaction was filled automatically.

“Master, good morning! It’s another fine day today!”

“Shin-san, good morning! Look, I bought a new sword!”

“Ah, that’s not fair, just you! I bought one too! …G-Good morning!”

Sera, Leon, and Iris seemed to get along well as fellow young people, often grouping together.

And at that moment, the guild door burst open. Sweat-drenched Ragnar and Ceres came in, with the old man following behind at a calm pace.

“Ohhh, Leader! You’ve graced us with your presence a full thirty minutes earlier than usual! My deepest apologies for such a sweaty welcome!”

…So he had some self awareness at least… Or maybe that amount of sweat was too much to ignore. 

“Morning. Uh… What were you two doing?”

“Training with Ceres-sama, sir!”

“Ohoho, indeed! Push-ups under the sun give me explosive energy for the day!”

As Ceres rattled on, her drill-like hair bouncing, the old man simply nodded and said.

“Exactly so.”

I see. When two muscle-brains gather, their heat doesn’t just add—it multiplies.

“Shin-sama, would you like to join us later?”

“Not today.”

Far from giving me energy for the day, I could only see my future ending in exhaustion. When I glanced around, I spotted Rovan-san sitting at the counter.

Unlike the morning racket, he quietly held a steaming cup of tea in hand, staring out the window. From his back radiated the calm of a seasoned swordsman—and an odd sort of pressure.

“Good morning, Rovan-san. You’re up early.”

“What’re you saying, boy. I’d rather be sleeping.”

What came back was a deep sigh in a rough, low voice.

“Yesterday, you’re the one who said it, weren’t you? ‘We’ve got things to do tomorrow, so gather at a reasonable time.’”

“…That’s true. By the way, what time did you get here?”

“’Bout eight.”

For me, “a reasonable time” was around two or three in the afternoon, but for him, it apparently meant early morning.

“Oi, boy. That face. You’re not thinking, ‘Isn’t he up too damn early,’ are you?”

“…Of course not.”

“Oh? Maybe I’ve gotten dull with age after all.”

“As expected of you, Sir!”

Rovan grinned, while Ragnar shouted with incomprehensible admiration. Ceres crossed her arms and said.

“Well, they do say the early bird catches the worm!”

While Iris declared.

“I’ll try my best to wake up early too!”

I had no intention of starting an early-rising competition.

“…So, there’s something important you want to talk about, right? Let’s hear it.”

All eyes focused on me. Ceres puffed out her chest, while Leon and Iris tilted their heads curiously.

“Uh… It’s nothing huge, but I wanted to explain the guild’s direction a bit.”

It was something I had learned from the recent battle. I pulled out the stack of papers I had just carried from the desk.

Ceres’s gaze turned toward the documents, Leon muttered under his breath.

“Whoa, it actually looks like an official document.” 

Hearing that, Iris chuckled softly.

“The rank system set by the Royal Capital Guild is reliable. But as Guild Master, I want to see each person’s real performance, strengths, and weaknesses. So—”

I gave the papers a little shake and called out names.

“Leon and Iris, Ceres…-san, Rovan-san. Each of you will go on a simple request with me.”

Their reactions varied immediately.

“Oh, that sounds fun!”

Leon’s eyes sparkled, and his hand immediately went to the sword at his hip. Always quick to prep his weapon.

“Wow…I’m so happy! I get to go on a request with you, Shin-san!”

Iris shyly clasped her hands in front of her chest, her cheeks turning red.

“Fufun, finally it is time for me to show the fruits of my training! And Shin-sama, please, do call me simply Ceres!”

“R-Really…? Then, Ceres, I’m counting on you.”

“Yes! Between you and I, such formality is unnecessary~!”

Ceres snapped open her fan, her drill curls swaying proudly as she stood tall. Behind her, the old man’s eyes clearly said, ‘Don’t you dare do anything.’ Like I hell would.

“Oh, so the boy wants to gauge my movements, eh? Fine. My sword’s been itching for some action anyway.”

Rovan-san gave a half-smile and tapped the hilt of the longsword resting against his chair. Alright, that was everything I needed to convey. Next—

“Lisette, Sera, Ragnar. I’m counting on you while I’m gone. You know what I mean…Right?”

All three nodded.

“Of course. While you’re away, I’ll eradicate every speck of dust in the guild. You may also leave the safety of your room to me. Especially your bed.”

“Since Lisette-san’s here, maybe I’ll go train! I’ll ask Rovan-san for advice too!”

“Leave it to me, sir! I’ll spread word of the Leader’s strength, manliness, and generosity throughout the entire city!”

Sera was fine. Lisette… I really didn’t want to, but well, I guess I could let her be too.  As for Ragnar though…

“…Ragnar, just keep working out until I get back.”

“Why!?”

Ragnar’s voice of shock shook the entire guild.

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