The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild

Chapter 50 Rebuilding the Guild

“Conditions?”

The banker asked suspiciously.

“Yes, if you cannot agree to these conditions, I will have to decline the offer.”

“…”

The room suddenly became tense.

The banker took out a cigar and lit it.

“Hmm. Let’s hear them.”

“First, regarding my position, I would like to hold the Guildmaster position of the ‘Golden Hawk’ along with my current positions as Guildmaster of the ‘Arsenal of the Spirits’ and an executive of the ‘Guardian of the Magic Tree.’ In return, I am willing to forgo any salary from the ‘Golden Hawk.'”

“I see. That shouldn’t be a problem. What else?”

“I need you to endure a six-month period of running in the red.”

The banker made a grim face.

“Laurent, that’s… We aren’t doing this for fun, you know.”

“I understand. However, excessive quotas are precisely what caused the downfall of the ‘Golden Hawk.’ If we recklessly pursue profits in its current fragile state, it will inevitably collapse again. After all, my own expulsion from the ‘Golden Hawk’ was due to poor performance.”

“…Hmm…”

The banker frowned deeply but gave a reluctant nod.

“And the final condition…”

“There’s more?”

The banker looked exasperated.

“Yes. I need the right to appoint a co-representative.”

“A co-representative?”

“As it stands, I am both the Guildmaster of the ‘Arsenal of the Spirits’ and an executive of the ‘Guardian of the Magic Tree.’ I cannot neglect either role. There will be times when I must be absent from the ‘Golden Hawk.’ I need someone who can act on my behalf.”

“And? Who would this co-representative be?”

“That is yet to be determined. But I will find the right person.”

“I see. So, let me get this straight. We have to endure six months of running in the red, and we must accept the risk of having an unknown person as a co-representative. Is that correct?”

“Yes. That’s why I’m willing to forgo my salary.”

The banker scowled.

(This is preposterous.)

The banker started to regret offering the position to Laurent. He considered retracting the offer but decided to take a different approach.

(Let’s test his resolve.)

“Very well. However, given these extensive conditions, we, the investors, cannot remain passive. You will have to share the risk.”

“The risk?”

“If, after six months, the guild is not profitable, Jill Irwin will be sold to another guild to recoup our losses. Additionally, you will be held liable for damages.”

“That’s fine with me.”

Laurent agreed without hesitation.

“…”

Silence fell over the room once again.

(Is he serious?)

The banker scrutinized Laurent’s eyes, trying to gauge his true intentions. Laurent, in turn, appreciated the banker’s shrewdness.

(He’s not easy to deal with. Negotiating with him must have been challenging for Lucius as well.)

The banker puffed on his cigar, seemingly lost in thought, his gaze wandering aimlessly. After a while, he stubbed out the cigar in an ashtray and stood up.

“…I understand your position. However, I cannot make such a decision on my own. I need the consent of the other investors. I will discuss this with them and get back to you later. Is that acceptable?”

“Yes, that’s fine.”

“Then, I will take my leave.”

The banker then relayed Laurent’s conditions to the other investors. The investors’ opinions were divided, leading to some heated discussions. Eventually, they decided to accept Laurent’s conditions. Thus, Laurent was appointed as the Guildmaster of the ‘Golden Hawk.’

In the morning, as the streets of the adventurer’s town filled with people heading to work, Jill was rushing ahead. Although her status hadn’t fully recovered, causing her body to ache with even a little exertion, she was determined to reach her destination as quickly as possible. Driven by an urgent need, she pushed herself forward, as if racing to meet a long-lost lover, her pure passion guiding her.

Ignoring the people she almost bumped into or the times she nearly tripped on the cobblestones, she dashed through the streets.

“Whoa, what the…?”

“Watch it!”

Passersby, nearly colliding with her, frowned as she sped past.

“Sorry, I’m in a hurry. Please make way,” Jill said as she rushed through the crowd.

The townspeople looked at her curiously as she made her way towards the headquarters of the ‘Golden Hawk.’ She was hurrying to hear an unbelievable announcement that was about to be made there.

(I can’t believe this is happening. It’s unbelievable. But that’s why I need to go. I need to see it with my own eyes.)

Upon reaching the ‘Golden Hawk,’ Jill dashed straight into the auditorium without hesitation. The room was already filled with both senior and junior members of the guild, all neatly lined up according to class, facing the raised stage at the back of the hall.

On the stage, a lectern was set up for the forthcoming speech. Behind it hung a banner emblazoned with the emblem of the ‘Golden Hawk,’ with the guild’s flag fluttering beside it. These solemn decorations were designed to elevate the authority of the person about to give the speech.

The attendees watched the stage with a mix of anxiety and curiosity, preparing themselves for what was about to happen.

“Hey, look over there…”

Someone in the line spoke up.

“What is it?”

“It’s Jill. Jill Irwin is here.”

People nearby quickly turned their attention to her, and soon the entire auditorium was abuzz with her arrival. Reactions varied: some were surprised, others showed bitter expressions, some looked at her with curiosity, while others displayed open hostility.

However, Jill paid them little mind. Her eyes were fixed intently on the stage, where the person she needed to see was about to appear. The man standing there, about to become the new guildmaster, was none other than Laurent.

(I can’t believe this day has come.)

Jill’s entire body trembled with joy. She had to cover her mouth with both hands to stifle her sobs. To her, Laurent looked almost divine.

(Laurent, I never imagined you would return to the ‘Golden Hawk’ as guildmaster. I’m so glad. Now, I can truly serve you as your knight…)

Laurent gave a brief greeting and then began to talk about the future management policies of the guild.

“First, the reason for the decline of the ‘Golden Hawk’. I believe it stems from neglecting the development of individual skills, stats, and the quality of equipment. ‘Golden Hawk’ needs reform. Therefore…”

Laurent continued his speech, discussing the coexistence and mutual prosperity with the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ and proposing a revenue model that did not rely solely on dungeon conquests and underpriced equipment sales. He spoke for several minutes.

“That’s all from me.”

A smattering of applause broke out in the hall. A feeling of indescribable confusion hung in the air. The members had been bracing themselves for radical layoffs but were taken aback by the surprisingly moderate content of Laurent’s speech. For many, his ideas were unfamiliar.

They didn’t know whether to welcome Laurent or not. Laurent looked around the hall and sighed.

(It’s understandable. The ‘Golden Hawk’ has been entrenched in Lucius’ methods for so long. Changing the mindset of the organization won’t be easy. But I will make it happen, to protect Jill’s place…)

“This concludes the inaugural speech by our new guildmaster. Thank you all for your attention.”

Deanna, standing confidently beside Laurent, announced cheerfully. She seemed overjoyed to be there.

After finishing his inaugural speech, Laurent immediately began his duties in the guildmaster’s office. He started by reviewing various documents. Seeing the financial statements, he couldn’t help but sigh.

(Lucius wasted more money than I anticipated.)

According to Laurent’s calculations, the guild needed an income of 20 million gold by the end of the month.

(20 million gold by next month… For now, I’ll have to participate in dungeon management. I’ll help with the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ dungeon management and negotiate a delay on the entry fees. But that alone won’t be enough. I need to reduce the deficit further.)

“In the worst case, we might need another capital injection through the ‘Arsenal of the Spirits’. Sigh.”

Laurent sighed again at the daunting prospect of the debt.

(Ensuring revenue through dungeon management is one thing, but the real issue is whether the individual units will listen to me.)

The various units of the ‘Golden Hawk’ had a tradition of being self-serving, often prioritizing their own profit over cooperation. Moreover, when Laurent was previously a member, everyone underestimated him, and that attitude likely hadn’t changed. Just because Laurent was now guildmaster didn’t mean they would suddenly follow his orders obediently.

Laurent had already instructed the unit leaders to come to the guildmaster’s office for individual meetings. The thought of these meetings weighed heavily on his mind.

(Well, worrying won’t help. I’ll just have to talk to each one and make adjustments.)

“Is something the matter?”

As Laurent was lost in thought, Deanna spoke to him.

“Huh? Oh, no, it’s nothing.”

“Are you sure? You seemed to be worried about something…”

Deanna looked at him with concern. There was no trace of pretense in her expression.

Though she was now his subordinate, Laurent couldn’t help but feel uneasy, remembering how cold she had been to him before. However, her current demeanor was genuinely pleasant. It was hard for him to believe that the cold Deanna and this supportive one were the same person.

“No, really, I’m fine. By the way, where’s Alric?”

“He’s already here, waiting in the antechamber.”

“Good. Please send him in.”

“Understood.”

Deanna bowed respectfully and exited the room.

“Alric, the Guildmaster is ready to see you. Please go in.”

“Alright.”

Called by Deanna, Alric stepped through the heavy doors of the Guildmaster’s office with a somber expression. He always felt uneasy entering this room, but today the feeling was even more pronounced. It was unlikely he would escape without consequences. He didn’t know how Laurent had been chosen as Guildmaster, but it was clear that either the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ or the investors had influenced the decision. His unit would likely face downsizing or restructuring.

(Given our complete defeat, there’s no way we’ll get off without punishment. But I must at least protect my subordinates’ positions.)

As Alric entered the imposing Guildmaster’s office, he saw Laurent sitting behind the equally imposing desk. He stood before Laurent, feeling a mix of emotions.

“It’s been a while, Alric,” Laurent greeted with a warm smile. “Since we last explored a dungeon together when you were still B-class, right?”

“Yes, I never thought we’d meet again under these circumstances.”

“Please, don’t be so formal. Have a seat.”

Laurent gestured to the low table and sofa in the guest area in front of the Guildmaster’s desk. He himself left the Guildmaster’s seat to sit opposite Alric. Alric was slightly taken aback by Laurent’s unexpectedly courteous demeanor. Such humility was unheard of when Lucius was Guildmaster.

“So, about the future of Alric’s unit…”

(Here it comes.)

Alric braced himself.

“I intend to keep Alric’s unit as it is.”

Alric couldn’t believe his ears.

“What did you say?”

“Alric’s unit is the only remaining A-class team. I want you to continue serving as the backbone of the ‘Golden Hawk’ guild.”

“But, is that feasible? The financial situation…”

“Of course, it’s challenging. That’s the most pressing issue right now. But even so, I want to ensure the survival of Alric’s unit.”

“Laurent…”

“For now, it’s about dungeon management. The ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ need a team capable of developing large-scale mining sites. Can I count on your cooperation?”

“Absolutely. I’ll do anything to protect my subordinates.”

(Alric hasn’t changed.)

Dealing with Alric made Laurent feel nostalgic. Alric had always been a man with an exceptionally strong sense of responsibility, and Laurent had always respected that about him.

“However, it’s not entirely unconditional.”

“Hm? What do you mean?”

“I want your cooperation with my reforms.”

“Reforms… The ones you mentioned in your speech? What exactly are you planning to do?”

“As I said in the speech, the strategy of gaining profits through the management of the ‘Mining Dungeon’ and weapon manufacturing via the Alchemist Guild has now passed into the hands of the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree.’ I think it’s impossible for the ‘Golden Hawk’ to compete against the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ in this area.”

“…So, it has come to that, after all.”

“We need to find a new source of revenue as soon as possible. Therefore, I plan to start with the management of the ‘Demonic Realm Dungeon.'”

“The ‘Demonic Realm Dungeon’?”

“Yes. The ‘Mining Dungeon’ yields alchemical ores, and the ‘Forest Dungeon’ provides ingredients for potions, but the ‘Demonic Realm Dungeon’ is full of items whose uses are still largely unknown.”

“So, you want to focus on that.”

“Exactly. We urgently need to train adventurers with high levels of the ‘Item Appraisal’ skill and the ‘Observation’ stat.”

“Hmm.”

Alric nodded, though he wasn’t entirely convinced. Could the ‘Demonic Realm Dungeon’ really yield items valuable enough to generate significant income? It was hard to believe.

“Well, in any case, I need you to prepare your unit to head to the ‘Demonic Realm Dungeon’ by tomorrow. Can I count on you?”

“Understood. I’ll manage it somehow.”

The meeting with Alric ended there for the day.

(For now, I guess it’s safe to say I’ve secured his cooperation?)

Laurent recalled the expression on Alric’s face as he left.

(It doesn’t seem like he’s fully convinced yet.)

Laurent felt the need to alleviate the members’ anxieties.

“Deanna.”

“Yes?”

“Please post this notice on every bulletin board in the building.”

The document Laurent handed to Deanna stated that all adventurers in the ‘Golden Hawk’ would not have their contracts terminated until the current contract period ended.

Deanna frowned as she read it.

“…Are you sure it’s alright to promise something like this?”

“Yes. From my meeting with Alric, I realized that the members are more anxious about their job security than I had anticipated. I think it’s important to make it clear that we won’t be terminating any contracts.”

“…Understood.”

Deanna began making the necessary arrangements immediately. Laurent did not notice the displeased expression on her face as she went about her task.

“Alright. Next, I need to meet with Jill.”

In stark contrast to Alric’s stern demeanor, Jill entered the room beaming with a broad smile. She seemed overjoyed to be serving Laurent.

“Laurent, congratulations on your appointment as Guild Master. Your speech was truly inspiring.”

“Thank you.”

Just seeing her smile lifted Laurent’s heavy mood. Her presence alone had the power to brighten the atmosphere.

“Jill, I’m glad to see you. I need your help with something important.”

“Now, let’s get straight to the point,” Laurent said, refocusing as he began his meeting with Jill.

“The financial situation of the ‘Golden Hawk’ is still precarious.”

“Yes.”

“As an S-class adventurer, I need you to become our top earner.”

“Yes, please give me any orders you have. For your sake, Laurent-san, I’ll overcome any trial, no matter how difficult.”

Laurent chuckled.

“Understood. Well then, first things first…”

Laurent proceeded to discuss the tasks he wanted Jill to tackle going forward.

“A specialized unit for S-class monster extermination?”

“Yes, the revenue from exterminating S-class monsters is comparable to clearing an entire dungeon. However, since S-class monsters can appear anywhere, we may need to venture outside the city. Therefore, we need to create a dedicated unit separate from existing ones. I want you to lead that unit.”

“Yes. I’ll do my best to assist you in your reforms, no matter how insignificant my efforts may be.”

Unlike Alric, Jill wholeheartedly believed in Laurent’s reforms. To her, there was no need to doubt Laurent.

“Yeah. I’m counting on you.”

“Yes!”

“All right. That’s all for now. I’ll provide further instructions on unit formation later.”

“Yes. Um, is there anything else I can help with? If there’s anything, please don’t hesitate to ask…”

“Jill, that’ll be all for now,” Deanna interjected from the side.

“I know you’re close to the Guild Master, but even the Guild Master is busy. You can’t keep bothering him forever. Right? If there are any instructions, I’ll convey them later from my side. Step aside.”

Jill glared at Deanna, feeling irked.

(Well, she may have a point, but why does it have to be you telling me?)

Reluctantly, Jill left the Guild Master’s room, wishing she could have spent more time with Laurent.

Next to be summoned to the Guild Master’s room was Daevin.

“Daevin, thank you for coming.”

“Of course. Please, go ahead.”

“I called you here for a reason. I want you to be the leader of a new unit we’re creating.”

“Me, the leader of a new unit?”

“Yes, a unit specializing in dungeon management.”

“Dungeon management…”

“Yes. The gap between us and the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ has widened considerably in terms of strength. Bridging that gap overnight will be difficult. So, I believe that in the future, the ‘Golden Hawk’ needs to create a difference through dungeon management.”

“I see.”

“To start with, we need to excavate new revenue sources from the ‘Demon Realm Dungeon.’ I’ve already obtained cooperation from Alric for dungeon management. I want you to support Alric in the ‘Demon Realm Dungeon.'”

“Understood.”

“Also, about that…”

“About what?”

“I want you to continue our business partnership with the ‘Arsenal of the Spirits.’ Can I count on you?”

“Yes, of course.”

Daevin beamed his brightest smile at Laurent.

He had grown quite fond of working at the ‘Arsenal of the Spirits’

After leaving the Guild Master’s room, Jill went to Daevin’s workspace and vented her frustrations.

“What’s with Deanna? Acting like she’s been Laurent’s right-hand person from the beginning! It’s all because of her…”

(Oh great, the noisy one’s back again.)

“Are you listening, Daevin? Hey, Daevin!”

Jill grabbed Daevin’s shoulder and shook him.