Chapter 541: A Message from Evergreen

The Adventurer Guild Headquarters in Kingsford had become so busy that Sage Alistair sometimes wondered whether the building possessed a peculiar ability to attract trouble.

Every morning brought new reports, additional requests for funding, complaints from merchants, and applications from Warriors seeking to register as Adventurers. Even the various departments that had been established to reduce his workload seemed determined to discover new reasons to send documents to his office.

Fortunately, not every report contained another problem demanding his immediate attention.

That morning, Boren arrived carrying a leather-bound folder bearing the familiar insignia of the Adventurer Guild’s original Headquarters in Evergreen.

Sage immediately set aside the financial statement he had been examining.

"Evergreen?" he asked, reaching for the folder before Boren had even placed it upon the desk.

"Yes, Guildmaster," Boren replied with a small smile. "The latest reports arrived with the morning courier. Leona has included the administrative records, while Caelista submitted a separate account of recent missions and Adventurer activity."

Sage opened the folder with considerably more enthusiasm than he had shown toward the previous documents.

It had been some time since he had personally overseen Evergreen’s daily operations. Although he continued receiving regular correspondence, the demands of establishing the Royal Capital Headquarters had prevented him from paying much attention to the smaller developments taking place there.

The first report contained the latest registration figures, completed missions, outstanding requests, and financial records.

Sage examined the numbers before nodding with satisfaction. "Not bad. They’re maintaining a steady increase in registrations."

"Leona appears to have everything under control, Guildmaster," Boren observed. "The branch has continued operating efficiently despite your extended absence."

Sage smiled faintly. "Of course she does. I wouldn’t have entrusted Evergreen to her otherwise."

He turned another page.

According to Leona’s report, the original Headquarters had continued attracting Warriors from neighboring settlements. Merchants were also becoming more accustomed to submitting escort requests through the Guild rather than negotiating separately with individual mercenary companies.

The number of ordinary citizens seeking assistance had increased as well.

Missing livestock, dangerous beasts approaching farmland, troublesome bandits, and requests for protection during journeys between settlements continued providing steady work for lower-ranked Adventurers.

Meanwhile, more experienced Warriors were accepting dangerous assignments involving powerful Magical Beasts and expeditions into the surrounding wilderness.

Sage leaned back in his chair. "It’s strange, isn’t it?"

Boren looked toward him. "What is, Guildmaster?"

Sage tapped the report thoughtfully. "When we first established the Guild in Evergreen, convincing someone to register was an accomplishment worth celebrating. Now we’re receiving reports about dozens of completed missions as though it’s the most ordinary thing in the world."

Boren chuckled softly. "The Guild has certainly come a long way."

"That’s putting it mildly," Sage replied.

His thoughts drifted toward those early days.

Back then, the Adventurer Guild had possessed little more than an unfamiliar name, a modest Headquarters, and an idea that most people had struggled to understand.

Warriors were accustomed to working independently, joining mercenary companies, or accepting employment directly from nobles and merchants.

The notion of registering with an organization that distributed missions, maintained Adventurer Ranks, and established common regulations had seemed unnecessarily complicated to many of them.

Yet gradually, those doubts had disappeared.

Gregor had become the first registered Adventurer, other Warriors had followed, and the Guild had begun establishing its reputation through completed missions and reliable rewards.

Now, the same organization operated an enormous Headquarters in the Royal Capital, controlled valuable dungeons, and attracted powerful Warriors from across Westmark.

Sage couldn’t help smiling.

"Perhaps I should visit Evergreen again sometime," he remarked. "It might be refreshing to spend a few days somewhere that doesn’t have nobles sending me invitations."

Boren gave him a doubtful look. "Considering your reputation, Guildmaster, I suspect your arrival would create considerably more excitement than you anticipate."

Sage sighed. "You could at least pretend that I might enjoy a peaceful holiday."

"I wouldn’t want to encourage unrealistic expectations, Guildmaster," Boren answered politely.

Sage shook his head before continuing through the reports.

The next document came from Caelista.

Unlike Leona’s administrative summary, Caelista had included detailed observations concerning the types of missions being submitted, the distribution of Adventurer Ranks, and the difficulties encountered by experienced Warriors seeking sufficiently challenging assignments.

One particular section caught Sage’s attention.

"Gregor is still keeping himself busy, I see."

Boren glanced toward the document. "Has he been accepting dangerous missions again?"

"Apparently, he’s been alternating between his own assignments and assisting less experienced Adventurers," Sage replied. "Caelista says several newer members have benefited considerably from accompanying him on supervised expeditions."

Boren nodded approvingly. "As the first registered Adventurer, Gregor has always held a rather special position within the Guild."

Sage agreed.

Gregor had been involved since the earliest days of the organization. Although he occasionally displayed a competitive streak, particularly when Lucan was involved, he had never forgotten what it meant to be among the people who helped establish the Guild.

His experience made him particularly valuable when dealing with inexperienced Warriors.

The report also mentioned Vanthrice and Lyana, both of whom had continued participating in Evergreen’s Adventurer activities.

Sage read their updates with interest before turning to the final section.

As expected, Valeria’s name appeared several times.

"She’s still taking the most dangerous assignments available," Sage muttered.

Boren smiled knowingly. "That sounds like Lady Valeria."

Sage examined the completed mission records.

Valeria remained one of the strongest Warriors associated with the Evergreen branch. As a 6-Star Grandmaster Knight, she possessed strength far beyond that of most Adventurers operating in the surrounding territories.

Unfortunately, that strength had become something of a problem.

Evergreen simply couldn’t provide enough challenging missions for someone of her level.

Although Valeria had completed numerous assignments, many contributed relatively little toward the requirements for advancing into the highest Adventurer Ranks.

Sage frowned thoughtfully. "She’s wasting opportunities by remaining there."

"Valeria?" Boren asked.

Sage nodded. "Evergreen has developed considerably, but its available missions are still limited compared to Kingsford. Someone of Valeria’s strength should be taking assignments that actually challenge her."

He thought about Leon Drakar.

The captain of the Ardent Sun Knight Order had already achieved Platinum Adventurer Rank, becoming the first person to reach that prestigious position.

Valeria certainly possessed the combat strength required to compete with him.

What she lacked was access to sufficiently valuable assignments.

"Perhaps it’s time we did something about that," Sage murmured.

Boren waited patiently as the Guildmaster considered the matter.

After several moments, Sage closed the folder and glanced toward the large map of Westmark resting upon a nearby table.

His conversations with Lucan had made one thing abundantly clear.

Expanding the Adventurer Guild throughout all fifteen regions would require experienced people he could trust.

Money could construct buildings, purchase equipment, and hire workers, but it couldn’t immediately produce capable administrators, instructors, or veteran Adventurers familiar with the Guild’s principles.

And Sage had no intention of allowing the organization’s standards to deteriorate simply because he wanted to establish more branches.

"Boren," he said, turning toward his assistant, "how long would it take someone to travel from Evergreen to Kingsford?"

"That would depend upon their transportation and the condition of the roads, Guildmaster," Boren answered. "With a suitable carriage and favorable circumstances, the journey shouldn’t be particularly troublesome."

Sage nodded. "Good. I want you to prepare several letters."

Boren retrieved a fresh sheet of parchment. "Who are the recipients, Guildmaster?"

"Gregor, Valeria, Vanthrice, and Lyana," Sage replied. "Tell them I’d like them to visit Kingsford as soon as their current responsibilities permit."

Boren paused before writing. "All four of them?"

"Yes," Sage answered. "It’s been too long since we’ve gathered everyone together. Besides, the King’s birthday celebration is approaching, and I suspect having familiar faces around will make dealing with the nobility considerably more tolerable."

Boren’s expression suggested that he doubted Gregor’s presence would make a royal celebration any less troublesome.

Nevertheless, he continued taking notes. "Should I inform them that their attendance at the celebration has already been arranged?"

"Not yet," Sage replied. "The Royal Palace will have its own requirements concerning guests. We’ll confirm those arrangements first. For now, I simply want them here."

He paused before adding, "And mention that there are opportunities in Kingsford they might find interesting."

Boren looked up. "Opportunities relating to the Guild’s expansion?"

"Among other things," Sage answered with a smile.

Gregor’s experience could prove invaluable when establishing new branches and guiding inexperienced Adventurers.

Vanthrice and Lyana were familiar with the Guild’s procedures and had already demonstrated their reliability through their activities in Evergreen.

As for Valeria, Kingsford offered something Evergreen couldn’t provide in sufficient quantities.

Powerful opponents.

High-ranking missions.

And a realistic opportunity to advance toward Platinum Adventurer Rank.

Sage had no intention of forcing any of them into positions they didn’t want, but he suspected they would find the coming developments difficult to resist.

"One more thing," he added. "Send Leona a separate letter explaining the situation. I don’t want her thinking I’m stealing half her experienced Adventurers without warning."

Boren chuckled. "A wise precaution, Guildmaster."

Sage smiled innocently. "I’ve always been considerate."

Boren wisely declined to comment.

By midday, the letters had been prepared, sealed, and entrusted to a courier traveling toward Evergreen.

Several days later, the correspondence arrived at the original Adventurer Guild Headquarters.

Leona was reviewing administrative records when the courier delivered the sealed packet. After confirming its origin, she opened the letter addressed to her and quickly examined its contents.

Caelista, who had been arranging mission documents nearby, noticed the familiar signature.

"A letter from Guildmaster Sage?" she asked, looking up with interest.

Leona nodded. "He’s requesting that Gregor, Valeria, Vanthrice, and Lyana travel to Kingsford."

Caelista blinked in surprise. "All four of them? Has something happened at the Royal Capital Headquarters?"

"Nothing alarming, apparently," Leona replied, examining the letter again. "He mentions the King’s birthday celebration and says there are opportunities he wishes to discuss with them personally."

Caelista considered that explanation. "Well, Gregor will certainly be pleased. He’s been asking about Kingsford’s high-ranking missions for some time."

Leona smiled faintly. "And I imagine Valeria will be even more interested."

That prediction proved correct.

Later that afternoon, Valeria received her letter after returning from an expedition.

She stood near the Guild’s mission counters, her expression as composed as ever, while she broke the seal and unfolded the parchment.

The message was characteristically straightforward.

Sage wanted her to visit Kingsford, where the Guild’s continued development had created opportunities unavailable in Evergreen.

Valeria read the letter once.

Then she examined it again, paying particular attention to the mention of high-ranking missions.

Caelista approached her with a curious expression. "Well? Are you going?"

Valeria folded the parchment carefully before slipping it into her coat.

"Yes," she answered without hesitation.

Caelista smiled. "I thought you might. The Guildmaster mentioned that Kingsford has been attracting some exceptionally powerful Adventurers."

Valeria’s eyes narrowed slightly with interest.

"How powerful?"

Caelista considered the question before replying, "Well, Leon Drakar has already become the first Platinum Adventurer. And from what I’ve heard, the missions available near the Royal Capital are considerably more dangerous than anything we’ve been receiving here."

For the first time since opening the letter, Valeria’s expression changed.

A faint smile appeared upon her lips. "Platinum, huh?"

She glanced toward the distant road leading out of Evergreen.

For months, she had been searching for assignments worthy of her strength. Now, it appeared that the opportunities she had been waiting for were finally within reach.

Valeria turned back toward Caelista. "Tell Leona I’ll be leaving for Kingsford as soon as my preparations are complete."

Caelista nodded, although she couldn’t help noticing the unmistakable anticipation in the Grandmaster Knight’s eyes.

Valeria rested one hand upon the sword at her waist.

If Leon Drakar had already reached Platinum Adventurer Rank, then she saw no reason why she should remain behind.

And judging by Sage’s invitation, Kingsford was about to become a considerably more interesting place.