The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild - Chapter 34

Chapter 34   A Discussion on the Future of Dungeon Management

“Here you go.”

Ranju served tea to Jill.

“Oh, thank you. You needn’t have.”

“……”

Jill was shown into the reception room of the workshop.

Laurent, seeing Jill for the first time in a while, was unsure how to greet her.

Why had she, who was supposed to belong to the “Golden Hawl,” come to the “Spirit Workshop”?

(Could she be a spy? No, there’s no reason for them to go to such lengths to snoop on us now. In that case, did she really come here by chance?)

“I’ll make sure no one comes in for a while, so you two can talk at your leisure.”

With that, Ranju considerately left the reception room.

Laurent and Jill were now alone in the room.

Laurent decided to probe for information.

(If things go well, I might be able to learn something about the “Golden Hawk’s” inner workings.)

“It’s been a while, Jill.”

Jill trembled as if frightened by something.

“How’s the ‘Golden Hawk’ doing these days?”

“It’s… in a terrible state.”

Jill began talking about the current situation of the “Golden Hawk” all too easily.

Despite pressing issues, everyone was only thinking about self-preservation and promotion, and suspicion was spreading.

(As I thought, the ‘Golden Hawk’ is in considerable turmoil right now.)

Confirming that his prediction was correct, Laurent reaffirmed that now was indeed the time to act.

“Laurent…”

Jill suddenly spoke in a desperate voice.

She knelt on the floor, looking up at Laurent.

“I haven’t visited you until now, not because I’ve forgotten the kindness you showed me, but because… I was so busy. Please, I want you to understand that. Anyway, I’m really sorry!”

Jill put her hands on the floor, looking as if she was about to prostrate herself to beg for forgiveness.

This startled Laurent.

“Hey, Jill. It’s okay. You don’t need to go that far.”

“But…”

“Just knowing you haven’t forgotten about me is enough to make me feel relieved.”

“Laurent…”

“Please, sit down in the chair. I should be the one apologizing. I left the guild without saying anything to you. I was too caught up in my own issues.”

“Laurent…”

Jill looked at Laurent with tears in her eyes.

“Come on. Can you tell me a bit more about what’s going on with the ‘Golden Hawk’ now?”

“Alright.”

Prompted by Laurent, Jill sat back down and began talking about the inner workings of the ‘Golden Hawk’.

Most of Jill’s story was complaints about Lucius.

First, she criticized Lucius for unjustly expelling Laurent, and then she described the various problems that had arisen within the guild since Laurent’s departure. She also argued that Lucius himself was becoming a detriment.

“It’s awful. Even when we delved into the ‘Mines Dungeon’ before…”

Jill continued to badmouth Lucius relentlessly.

(It seems Lucius is really floundering. That’s expected. Otherwise, the once-dominant ‘Golden Hawk’ wouldn’t be collapsing so suddenly.)

“And there’s so much more to complain about regarding Lucius. Oh, I’m sorry. We’ve finally reunited, and all I’m doing is complaining.”

“No, it’s fine. I was curious about what’s happening with the ‘Golden Hawk’.”

Jill felt relieved by Laurent’s response.

He was as kind and considerate as ever, prioritizing listening to her concerns.

His eyes were filled with kindness, and being gazed at by him made her feel like she could easily depend on him.

Jill felt frustrated.

Even though she finally got to see Laurent, all she could do was complain about the guild.

In truth, she wanted to hug him immediately and show her affection.

If that wasn’t possible, she at least wanted him to mentor her as he used to.

Finally unable to contain herself, she spoke up.

“Um, Laurent, if it’s alright, could you train me?”

“What!? You want me to train you?”

“Yes. Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of PR work, and honestly, I’m getting out of shape…”

“Hmm, indeed…”

Jill Irwin

Strength Power: 60-100

Endurance Toughness: 70-120

Agility: 70-100

Stamina: 150-200

(Her basic stats are all at a high level, nearly reaching the maximum of 100, but each stat has a 30-50 point variance. Even though she’s been on hiatus from adventuring, this is pretty bad.)

For reference, the stat standards are: 50 is average, 70-80 is excellent, 90-100 is exceptionally excellent, 30-40 is low, and 10-20 is very low.

“I know it’s a lot to ask. But, I can’t be satisfied with anyone’s training except yours, Laurent…”

“Jill…”

Laurent had always felt a lingering attachment to Jill.

Although she now belonged to a guild that was practically an enemy, she was once his pupil, someone he had rigorously trained.

She possessed the potential to become his greatest masterpiece.

He wanted to train her into an S-class adventurer.

“I’ll do anything I can. So please, can you somehow agree to this?”

Jill bowed her head while sitting.

“I want to help you as much as I can, but…”

“Then…”

Jill’s eyes sparkled with hope.

“I’m currently a member of the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree.’ Training you, who belongs to the ‘Golden Hawk,’ would disadvantage my guild. I can’t do that.”

Hearing this, Jill’s shoulders slumped in disappointment.

“I see… I guess that’s how it is.”

(Should I try to transfer her to the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’? No, that’s impossible. The ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ are already struggling financially, and there’s no way we can afford the transfer fee. What should I do… Ah, I’ve got it.)

“Jill, would you be able to speak at a seminar?”

“A seminar…?”

Jill asked, looking puzzled.

“Yes. The ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ have been asked by the ‘Spirit Workshop’ to manage the ‘Mines Dungeon.’ However, it’s a bit too much for the ‘Spirit Workshop’ to handle alone. So, we’re planning to hold a seminar for the city’s alchemy guilds to seek their cooperation in managing the dungeon. You see, both I and the ‘Spirit Workshop’ are still quite young, and we need some solid backing. Having a famous person like you support us would be a great help…”

“I’ll do it!”

Jill responded immediately.

She knew nothing about the ongoing conflict between the ‘Golden Hawk’ and the ‘Spirit Workshop’ over the city’s alchemy guilds.

“Are you sure?”

“All I have to do is speak on stage, right? If that’s all it takes to receive your guidance again, it’s a small price to pay.”

“I see. Thank you. Then I’ll talk to the guild and get their approval.”

“Yes, please do.”

Jill left the ‘Spirit Workshop’ in high spirits, her recent gloom lifted completely.

Just the prospect of receiving Laurent’s guidance again made her feel like her life was filled with hope.

(I feel a bit guilty, like I’m deceiving her.)

Laurent watched Jill leave, feeling a slight pang of guilt.

“I see. So you’re asking Jill to cooperate.”

“Yes, my conversation with her confirmed it. It seems the ‘Golden Hawk’ is indeed in disarray.”

Laurent was discussing this privately with Lilianne.

“If she participates in the seminar hosted by the ‘Spirit Workshop,’ it will demonstrate that we are resolving our conflict with the ‘Golden Hawk.’ This will encourage the alchemy guilds, who are hesitant due to fear of the ‘Golden Hawk,’ to join the dungeon management led by the ‘Spirit Workshop.'”

“So, in exchange for her speaking at the seminar, you will train her?”

“Yes. While training her would technically strengthen the ‘Golden Hawk,’ it will significantly increase our chances of gaining the support of the city’s alchemy guilds. It’s a gamble, but one worth taking.”

“Are you sure about this?”

“Judging from her tone, she seems quite dissatisfied with Lucius. So, I don’t think there’s much risk of her betraying us.”

“No, I wasn’t asking if Jill would betray us. I was asking if you are okay with this, Laurent.”

“What?”

“She was your former pupil, right? Even if it’s temporary, by having her cooperate in this way, she’ll likely face a tough position within the ‘Golden Hawk.’ Are you okay with that?”

Laurent closed his eyes tightly, wrestling with his emotions.

“Using her in this way is indeed painful. But now, I am a member of the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree.’ If it’s necessary to bring down the ‘Golden Hawk,’ I have no choice.”

Hearing this, Lilianne smiled, seemingly reassured.

“I’m relieved to hear that. If you’re willing to go that far for us, I have nothing more to say. Act as you see fit. We’ll follow your lead.”

The two of them continued to discuss the seminar in detail before parting ways.

“Laurent, wait.”

Laurent, who had just finished his meeting with Lilianne, was walking down the hallway when he heard a voice behind him.

It was the guild master, Ramon.

“Hey, wait, Laurent. I’m calling you. Why aren’t you stopping? Hey, Laurent.”

Despite being called, Laurent continued to walk quickly.

Since the incident involving the attempted recruitment of Monica and the others, the relationship between Laurent and the guild master had grown cold.

Laurent was furious that Ramon had tried to sell Monica and the others without his consent, and Ramon was bitter about Laurent interfering in the transfer negotiations.

The two had become colleagues who proceeded with their work independently, without cooperation.

Even when their responsibilities overlapped, they would ignore each other as if it were only natural.

“Hey, I said wait.”

Ramon grabbed Laurent’s shoulder.

Reluctantly, Laurent matched Ramon’s pace.

“Laurent, about the matter of Monica and the others’ transfer. Could you persuade them to reconsider the move?”

“I’ve already declined that request. And if it’s that kind of discussion, why don’t you just approach them directly, ignoring me as you did before?”

Laurent’s tone was sharp.

“Of course, I tried that. But they wouldn’t listen to me.”

Ramon had attempted to persuade Monica and the others to transfer to the ‘Golden Hawk’ again. However, when he approached Monica, she quickly said, “I’m sorry. Laurent advised us not to engage in such talks. Please discuss it with Laurent,” and hurried away.

Shaqma and Euphene responded similarly.

“They seem to be hesitant out of consideration for you. So, you should persuade them as well.”

“I refuse. They are at a critical time right now. They don’t need to be troubled by such matters.”

“Laurent, I understand your point. But the guild also has financial concerns. Without money, the organization can’t function.”

“Financial matters are not my jurisdiction. Besides, we conquered a dungeon and produced A-class adventurers. Funding should be manageable.”

“Even so, the revenue from Monica and the others’ image rights won’t come until next month. And we can’t manage the dungeon operations without the ‘Golden Hawk’s’ help.”

“That’s none of my business.”

With that, Laurent shook off Ramon and walked away.

(Damn that young upstart. He’s getting cocky just because he had some success. Ugh, my stomach…)

Ramon clutched his stomach. Lately, he’d been suffering from stress-induced stomach pains.

The day of the alchemy guild seminar hosted by the ‘Spirit Workshop’ had arrived.

Its title was ‘A Discussion on the Future of Dungeon Management.’

Laurent had added a note to the distributed pamphlets stating, “There will be a significant announcement regarding this term’s dungeon management.”

The alchemy guild members interpreted this ‘significant announcement’ as an indication that some agreement had been reached between the ‘Golden Hawk’ and the ‘Spirit Workshop,’ and that this seminar would explain it.

As a result, almost all the major alchemy guilds in town attended.

The seminar was held in the auditorium of a facility owned by the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree.’

Laurent took the stage to give his speech.

(Whew. I’m definitely nervous.)

Laurent, unaccustomed to standing in front of an audience, felt a bit tense as he began to speak.

“Uh, everyone, first of all, thank you for taking the time to gather for this seminar. It’s a fine day today…”

The members of the alchemy guilds listened attentively to Laurent’s speech, but it was frustratingly vague. He spoke about how the ‘Spirit Workshop’ aimed to become not just a guild affiliated with the Guardians of the Magic Tree, but also a leader among the town’s alchemy guilds. He mentioned that alchemy guilds should feel free to create weapons without worrying about adventurer guilds. His speech remained abstract and unconvincing, filling the room with an air of impatience.

Everyone anxiously waited, wondering when the significant announcement would come.

After making them wait as long as possible, Laurent finally brought Jill onto the stage.

“Now, everyone, I’d like to introduce my friend and former colleague, Jill Irwin, to talk about the future of dungeon management.”

Laurent stepped aside as Jill took the stage.

The appearance of a senior member of the ‘Golden Hawk’ caused a stir in the audience. Many saw her as the representative of the ‘Golden Hawk’ at this seminar.

“Hello, everyone. I’m Jill Irwin, a senior member of the ‘Golden Hawk.’ I am deeply grateful to my esteemed friend Laurent for giving me this opportunity to speak here. It’s an unexpected pleasure for someone as inexperienced as myself to address you all.”

Many in the audience were visibly surprised. It was unusual for the ‘Golden Hawk’ to be so humble in a public setting towards alchemy guilds.

Jill began by expressing her happiness at the deepening cooperation between the ‘Golden Hawk’ and the Guardians of the Magic Tree. She also congratulated the ‘Spirit Workshop’ on its development and the Guardians of the Magic Tree on their successful dungeon conquest.

She clearly stated that it would be wonderful if the town’s alchemy guilds could participate in the dungeon management led by the ‘Spirit Workshop.’

The members of the alchemy guilds interpreted Jill’s words as an acknowledgment by the ‘Golden Hawk’ of the dungeon management initiative led by the Guardians of the Magic Tree. Some even saw this as the end of the ‘Golden Hawk’s’ era of dominance and the beginning of a new era led by the Guardians of the Magic Tree.

“That concludes my speech,” Jill said, bowing before stepping down from the stage.

“Thank you, Jill. Next, we will hear from Lilianne of the Guardians of the Magic Tree,” Laurent announced.

Lilianne stepped onto the stage with a warm smile.

“Hello, everyone. I am Lilianne, a senior member of the Guardians of the Magic Tree. Today, I am here to share our thoughts on dungeon management, a topic that is always on your minds.”

“As you all know, the Guardians of the Magic Tree and the Spirit Workshop are guilds that have formed a capital partnership. We have always supported each other. In this dungeon management endeavor, the Guardians of the Magic Tree will fully entrust and support the Spirit Workshop and the alchemy guilds that choose to collaborate with them. Therefore, any guild that signs a contract with the Spirit Workshop today will receive a discounted entrance fee to the dungeon. We hope you will take this opportunity to enter into a contract.”

The audience erupted in cheers.

The idea of discounted entrance fees to the dungeon was unheard of under the oppressive rule of the Golden Hawk. People eagerly lined up to sign contracts with the Spirit Workshop.

Only the alchemy guild of Zens quietly left the venue without signing a contract, avoiding attention.

In this way, the management of the Mine Dungeon was set to proceed under the leadership of the Spirit Workshop, sidelining the Golden Hawk.