Chapter 538: The King’s Sixtieth Birthday

Several days had passed since the death of Roderick Halbrecht, and the Adventurer Guild had already returned to its usual bustling atmosphere.

The confrontation between the commander of the Black Banner Mercenary Company and Leon Drakar had attracted considerable attention throughout the Royal Capital.

For several days, taverns, marketplaces, and noble households had been filled with discussions about the incident, particularly the overwhelming strength displayed by the captain of the Ardent Sun Knight Order.

However, while the citizens of Kingsford continued discussing the confrontation, the Adventurer Guild had more pressing matters to attend to.

The damaged section of the western road had been repaired, the merchants whose stalls had suffered during the disturbance had received compensation, and the warehouse damaged during the fighting was undergoing its final repairs.

More importantly, the number of Warriors seeking to register as Adventurers had increased considerably.

Inside the Grand Guild Hall, long queues stretched before the registration counters.

Some applicants were experienced mercenaries seeking new opportunities, while others were independent Warriors who had recently arrived in the Royal Capital after hearing about the Guild’s growing reputation.

The collapse of Iron Fang had also contributed to the influx.

With their former company dissolved, several mercenaries had begun seeking employment elsewhere. Some had approached the Adventurer Guild, hoping to register and take advantage of its extensive mission system.

Naturally, the Guild wasn’t accepting everyone without examination.

Cassian Rook’s security personnel were conducting background investigations on applicants with questionable histories, while Garran Holt’s department ensured that newly registered Adventurers understood the Guild’s regulations.

For Sage Alistair, however, the increased popularity had created an entirely different problem.

Paperwork.

An enormous amount of paperwork.

"Another thirty-seven applications for additional registration clerks?" Sage muttered, examining the documents spread across his desk. "Didn’t we approve twenty new positions just last week?"

He was sitting inside his office on the upper floor of the Guild Headquarters, surrounded by several stacks of reports that appeared to multiply whenever he looked away.

The morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows, illuminating the spacious chamber and the enormous map of the surrounding territories hanging upon one wall.

Unfortunately, the pleasant weather did little to improve his mood.

Sage picked up another document.

This one concerned the Grand Adventurer Hotel.

Selene Arkwright was requesting approval to expand the number of available rooms after reporting that the establishment had maintained almost full occupancy for several consecutive weeks.

Sage sighed before reaching for his quill.

"At this rate, we’ll need another hotel before winter."

He signed the document and placed it upon the approved pile.

The next report came from Maura Bellamy.

Apparently, the Dining Quarter had experienced such an increase in customers that several kitchens were struggling to maintain their usual supply of fresh ingredients.

Sage rubbed his forehead. "More rooms, more food, more clerks. I wonder if anyone remembers that I’m supposed to be running an Adventurer Guild rather than an entire city."

A knock sounded against the door.

"Come in," Sage called, grateful for the interruption.

The door opened, and Boren entered carrying a thick leather folder beneath one arm.

Sage’s relief immediately disappeared.

"Please tell me those aren’t more reports," he said, eyeing the folder suspiciously.

Boren glanced at the documents covering the desk before answering with his usual composure. "Only a few, Guildmaster. Tobias has submitted the latest supply arrangements for Greyfen, and Irene requires your approval for several additional expenditures."

Sage leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling. "Wonderful. Perhaps I should start charging everyone a gold coin whenever they enter this office."

Boren considered the suggestion for a moment. "Given the number of people requesting your attention, Guildmaster, that might become one of our more profitable sources of income."

Sage lowered his gaze toward him. "You’re enjoying this far too much."

"Only a little, Guildmaster," Boren replied, placing the folder upon the desk.

Despite his complaints, Sage reached for the reports.

The Guild’s rapid expansion was something he had worked tirelessly to achieve. More Adventurers meant more completed missions, greater commercial activity, and increasing influence throughout the Kingdom.

He certainly wasn’t going to complain about success.

Well, not seriously.

After reviewing Tobias’s report, Sage approved the requested transportation arrangements and turned toward Boren.

"How are the repairs progressing?"

"The western warehouse should be fully operational tomorrow," Boren answered. "The merchants affected by the confrontation have received their compensation, and Cassian reports that the city authorities have completed their initial investigation into the surviving Black Banner mercenaries."

Sage nodded with satisfaction. "And the registration numbers?"

Boren opened another document. "We’ve recorded a substantial increase over the past several days. Garran believes the number will continue rising, particularly now that several former Iron Fang members are seeking alternative employment."

"Make certain their backgrounds are examined properly," Sage instructed. "I have no intention of allowing people with a history of attacking innocent merchants to hide behind an Adventurer Badge."

"Those instructions have already been passed along, Guildmaster," Boren assured him.

Sage was about to return to his paperwork when he noticed that Boren hadn’t moved.

Instead, the older man remained standing before the desk with an unusually thoughtful expression.

"Is there something else?" Sage asked.

"As a matter of fact, Guildmaster, there is."

Boren reached inside his coat and withdrew an envelope.

Unlike the ordinary correspondence Sage received every day, this envelope was made from thick ivory parchment. Its edges were decorated with delicate golden patterns, and a large crimson wax seal secured the folded flap.

At the center of the seal was an unfamiliar royal emblem.

Sage raised an eyebrow. "What’s this? Another noble complaining about our Dungeon Pass prices?"

Boren shook his head. "No, Guildmaster. This arrived earlier this morning, delivered by a messenger from the Royal Palace."

Sage’s expression changed slightly.

"The Royal Palace?"

"Indeed."

Boren placed the envelope carefully upon the desk.

Sage examined the seal before picking it up.

The craftsmanship was exquisite, and the parchment itself appeared considerably more expensive than the ordinary letters exchanged between noble households.

More importantly, the seal belonged to the ruling dynasty of Westmark.

House Alden.

Sage had lived in the Kingdom long enough to understand the significance of that name.

The Kingdom of Westmark was one of the established human kingdoms on the continent, possessing extensive territories, prosperous cities, powerful noble families, and a long history of military conflicts and political alliances.

Its capital, Kingsford, was the Kingdom’s greatest center of royal administration, commerce, and aristocratic influence.

And above its numerous Dukes, Counts, Viscounts, and Barons stood House Alden, the dynasty that had ruled Westmark for generations.

Sage turned the envelope over.

"Well, this is unexpected."

Boren inclined his head. "I thought you might find it interesting, Guildmaster."

Sage broke the wax seal and unfolded the letter.

The message was written in elegant script, with the royal insignia reproduced at the top of the parchment.

He began reading.

The letter formally invited Sage Alistair, founder and Guildmaster of the Adventurer Guild, to attend the celebration commemorating the sixtieth birthday of His Majesty, the reigning King of Westmark.

The festivities would take place at the Royal Palace in Kingsford, with distinguished guests expected from across the Kingdom and beyond.

Sage read the letter twice before lowering it.

"The King’s birthday?"

"His sixtieth birthday, Guildmaster," Boren confirmed. "A particularly important occasion."

Sage glanced at the invitation again.

"Important enough that they’re inviting me?"

Boren gave him a measured look. "Guildmaster, you are the founder of an organization that has attracted thousands of Warriors, established control over numerous dungeons, and become one of the most discussed institutions in Kingsford. I would be considerably more surprised if the Royal Household continued ignoring you."

Sage considered that explanation.

He had always known that the Guild’s growing influence would eventually attract attention from the highest levels of the Kingdom.

Still, receiving an invitation directly from the Royal Palace was something different from dealing with merchants, regional nobles, and mercenary commanders.

"Tell me about this celebration," Sage said, placing the letter upon his desk.

Boren clasped his hands behind his back.

"His Majesty’s birthday is among the most prestigious occasions in Westmark’s royal calendar. The five Great Noble Houses traditionally send representatives, along with prominent Dukes, military commanders, senior royal officials, and distinguished members of the Kingdom’s merchant community."

Sage listened attentively.

"Foreign dignitaries are also expected," Boren continued. "Ambassadors from neighboring kingdoms, representatives of influential commercial organizations, and high-ranking members of several religious institutions usually attend such celebrations."

"That sounds like an extraordinary number of important people gathered beneath one roof," Sage observed.

"Precisely, Guildmaster. For many nobles, the celebration is as much a political occasion as it is a royal ceremony. Alliances are discussed, introductions are arranged, and ambitious individuals spend considerable effort securing the attention of influential guests."

Sage gave a quiet chuckle.

"So everyone attends to congratulate the King while secretly trying to improve their own circumstances."

Boren’s lips curved faintly. "That would be a rather uncharitable description, Guildmaster."

"Would it be inaccurate?"

"Not particularly."

Sage laughed before returning his attention to the invitation.

The five Great Noble Houses were especially interesting.

Although Westmark possessed numerous noble families, those five occupied a position of exceptional influence through their vast hereditary territories, military strength, and political connections.

House Auremont was one of them.

Considering Lucan’s background, Sage suspected his troublesome companion would have plenty to say about the celebration.

He would certainly need to speak with him before attending.

Unfortunately, another thought soon occurred to Sage.

He glanced at the mountain of documents occupying his desk.

"How long does this celebration last?"

"The principal festivities are expected to continue for three days," Boren replied.

Sage stared at him.

"Three days?"

"Yes, Guildmaster."

"Three entire days?"

Boren nodded patiently. "That is correct."

Sage slowly looked toward the unfinished reports.

Then he looked back at Boren.

"Do you have any idea how much paperwork will accumulate if I spend three days attending royal celebrations?"

Boren followed his gaze toward the desk.

"Considering the Guild’s current rate of expansion, Guildmaster, I imagine the amount will be substantial."

"That’s supposed to reassure me?"

"I wasn’t aware reassurance was required."

Sage pressed a hand against his forehead.

He could already imagine returning from the Royal Palace to discover enough documents waiting for him to fill an entire storeroom.

Perhaps founding the world’s first Adventurer Guild had been a mistake.

Perhaps he should have opened a quiet tavern somewhere instead.

Then again, knowing his luck, the tavern would probably become the most popular establishment in the Kingdom, and he would end up drowning in paperwork anyway.

Sage sighed.

"Fine. We’ll make the necessary arrangements. But I want the department heads handling everything they can without involving me."

"Of course, Guildmaster," Boren replied.

Sage picked up the invitation again, intending to examine the formal requirements for attendance.

However, as he unfolded the final section of the parchment, his eyes settled upon several lines written beneath the main invitation.

His expression gradually changed.

"Boren."

"Yes, Guildmaster?"

Sage raised the letter slightly.

"Did you read the entire invitation?"

Boren shook his head. "The envelope was addressed personally to you, Guildmaster. I examined the seal to verify its authenticity, but I did not open it."

Sage looked back at the parchment.

Below the formal invitation was an additional message, written in the same elegant script and bearing the authorization of the Royal Household.

It requested that Sage Alistair make himself available for a private audience with a designated representative of House Alden during the birthday celebrations.

No explanation accompanied the request.

Neither the representative’s identity nor the purpose of the meeting was disclosed.

Sage remained silent for several moments.

Then he placed the invitation upon his desk and leaned back in his chair.

"Well," he murmured, a thoughtful smile gradually appearing upon his face, "it seems His Majesty’s birthday isn’t the only reason they want me at the Royal Palace."