Chapter 542: The First Adventurer Returns

The arrival of a large mercenary company at the western gates of Kingsford attracted considerable attention that morning.

At the head of the procession rode a woman whose reputation had once been enough to make even veteran mercenaries reconsider their behavior.

Her long crimson hair stirred beneath the morning breeze, and the sword resting at her waist appeared almost ordinary compared to the oppressive presence she carried.

Valeria, the woman once feared throughout the Royal Capital as the Blood Queen, had returned to Kingsford.

Behind her traveled the members of her mercenary company, accompanied by several supply wagons and familiar figures from Evergreen. Although years had passed since the company had last operated regularly within the capital, its banners remained recognizable to some of the older guards stationed at the gates.

One of those guards stared at the approaching procession before turning toward his companion. "Isn’t that the Blood Queen’s company? I thought they left Kingsford years ago."

His companion narrowed his eyes, studying the woman riding at the front. "That’s her, all right. I’d recognize that face anywhere. My older brother served with a mercenary company that crossed paths with hers, and he still complains about it."

Valeria ignored the attention as she guided her horse through the gates.

Beside the procession, Gregor was having a considerably more enjoyable time.

The tall Adventurer, whose long green hair was tied loosely behind his back, examined the crowded streets with open fascination. Although he had heard plenty about the Royal Capital, witnessing its scale firsthand was another matter entirely.

"Now this is what I call a city!" Gregor exclaimed, turning toward his younger sister. "Lyana, look at those buildings! You could probably fit half of Evergreen inside this district alone."

Lyana, whose own long green hair fell down her back, gave her brother an exasperated glance. "You’ve been saying something similar ever since we entered Kingsford, Brother. At this rate, you’ll have compared every building in the capital to something in Evergreen before we reach Headquarters."

Gregor laughed without the slightest embarrassment. "Can you blame me? The last time Sage described his new Headquarters, I thought he was exaggerating. Now I’m starting to wonder whether he was being modest."

Vanthrice, who had been traveling alongside Valeria’s company, glanced toward the busy avenue ahead. "Knowing that man, I wouldn’t be surprised if he built something even more ridiculous while we were on the road."

Valeria’s expression remained composed, although she occasionally examined the surrounding streets with unmistakable familiarity.

Kingsford had changed since she last operated here. Several commercial districts had expanded, new buildings had appeared along the main avenues, and the number of merchants crowding the streets seemed greater than she remembered.

Nevertheless, the Royal Capital remained recognizable.

More importantly, someone she cared about was waiting somewhere within it.

"How much farther?" Valeria asked, glancing toward Vanthrice.

Vanthrice consulted the directions they had received before answering. "Not far. According to the messenger, the Guild District is beyond the northern commercial quarter."

Gregor grinned as he urged his horse forward. "Then what are we waiting for? I want to see what our esteemed Guildmaster has been doing with all that gold!"

By the time the procession reached the Guild District, even Gregor had fallen unusually quiet.

Before them stood an enormous collection of buildings arranged around broad paved avenues, with the magnificent Grand Guild Hall dominating the central square. Adventurers moved between registration offices, training facilities, workshops, lodging establishments, and various commercial buildings bearing the Guild’s insignia.

The district possessed an atmosphere entirely different from the surrounding city.

Warriors wearing armor and carrying weapons walked openly through the streets, merchants transported goods toward warehouses, and numerous employees hurried between departments.

Gregor slowly turned his head, taking everything in.

"That’s the Guild?" he asked in disbelief.

Lyana stared at the enormous Headquarters before replying with equal astonishment. "It certainly looks that way, Brother."

Vanthrice let out a low whistle. "Well, I’ll be damned. Sage actually did it."

Valeria examined the towering structure before allowing a faint smile to appear upon her lips. "Of course he did. That troublesome man has never understood the meaning of moderation."

Their arrival had already attracted the attention of several Guild employees, particularly because of the large mercenary company accompanying them.

However, the moment Gregor dismounted and presented his Adventurer Badge, the registration clerk’s expression changed.

"Gregor?" the young clerk repeated, staring at the name engraved upon the badge. "You mean the first registered Adventurer?"

Gregor straightened proudly. "The one and only! Now, would you happen to know where Sage is hiding?"

The clerk immediately sent word to the upper floors.

It wasn’t long before Boren appeared at the entrance, accompanied by several staff members.

"Welcome to Kingsford," Boren greeted them warmly, his expression brightening as he recognized the familiar faces. "Guildmaster Sage has been expecting you."

Gregor laughed and approached him. "Boren! It’s good to see you again. You’ve certainly been busy, judging by the size of this place."

Boren smiled as they exchanged greetings. "You have no idea. And I’m afraid the Guildmaster has become considerably more troublesome since arriving in the Royal Capital."

Vanthrice chuckled. "So nothing has changed, then."

Boren turned toward Valeria and inclined his head respectfully. "Lady Valeria, welcome back to Kingsford. We’ve prepared accommodations for your company, although we’ll need to coordinate with Tobias regarding your equipment and supply wagons."

Valeria nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Boren. My people can handle themselves, but I would appreciate somewhere suitable for them to settle."

"Of course," Boren assured her. "I’ll have the necessary arrangements made immediately."

Before anyone could continue, an excited voice rang out from the entrance of the Grand Guild Hall.

"Big Sister!"

Valeria turned just in time to see a small figure with crimson hair rushing toward her.

Mina practically threw herself into Valeria’s arms.

The Blood Queen, whose reputation had once terrified countless mercenaries, immediately abandoned every trace of her intimidating demeanor as she caught the girl and embraced her tightly.

"Mina!" Valeria exclaimed, her expression softening into genuine happiness. "Look at you! Have you been eating properly? And why do you look taller already?"

Mina giggled as she wrapped her arms around her adopted older sister. "Of course I’ve been eating properly! Uncle Sage keeps feeding me all kinds of delicious things. And I’ve gotten much stronger too!"

Valeria pulled back slightly to examine her face. "Stronger, huh? Then you’ll have to show me what you’ve learned."

Mina puffed out her chest proudly. "I’m already a 4-Star Master Knight! Even Uncle Sage says I’m amazing!"

Valeria’s eyes widened slightly before her expression filled with pride.

"Four Stars already?" she murmured, brushing a stray lock of hair away from Mina’s face. "You’ve been working hard."

Mina beamed at the praise.

Vanthrice approached with a broad grin. "What about me, little monster? Are you going to pretend you haven’t seen me?"

Mina turned toward him and laughed. " Vanthrice! You’re here too!"

Vanthrice chuckled as she hurried over to greet him, while Gregor and Lyana watched the reunion with amused expressions.

A moment later, Sage appeared at the entrance.

"Well, well," Sage remarked, surveying the gathering. "Look who finally decided to visit my humble establishment."

Gregor slowly turned toward him before gesturing dramatically at the enormous Guild Hall. "Humble? Sage, if this is your idea of humble, I’d hate to see what you consider extravagant!"

Sage smiled innocently. "I was thinking of adding another wing, actually."

Lyana laughed while Vanthrice shook his head in disbelief.

Valeria, however, narrowed her eyes as Mina returned to her side.

"You," Valeria said, fixing Sage with a familiar glare. "Have you been treating my little sister properly?"

Sage placed a hand against his chest, looking deeply offended. "Valeria, I’m wounded. Mina receives the finest treatment available anywhere in Westmark."

Mina immediately nodded in agreement. "It’s true, Big Sister! Uncle Sage even gives me extra desserts whenever Boren isn’t looking."

Boren’s expression changed.

"Guildmaster," he said slowly, turning toward Sage, "I believe we discussed the matter of excessive sweets."

Sage coughed awkwardly. "Now, Boren, surely this isn’t the appropriate time to discuss such trivial matters."

Valeria’s glare intensified.

Gregor burst into laughter.

For several minutes, the entrance to the Grand Guild Hall was filled with familiar voices, laughter, and the sort of disorder that had once been common in Evergreen.

Watching them, Sage couldn’t help feeling a quiet satisfaction.

It had been far too long since so many of the people who helped establish the Guild had gathered together.

And judging by the expressions on their faces, the feeling was mutual.

After arranging for Valeria’s mercenaries to be escorted toward their accommodations, Sage invited the others inside for a tour of Headquarters.

Gregor was particularly fascinated by the registration counters.

He watched dozens of Warriors presenting identification documents, receiving Adventurer Badges, and consulting the enormous mission boards.

"Just how many Adventurers do you have now?" Gregor asked, staring at the crowded hall.

Sage smiled. "Enough that I stopped counting them personally a long time ago."

Lucan, who had arrived after hearing about the visitors, approached with an amused expression. "And yet, despite all those Adventurers, the first one still hasn’t managed to become Platinum."

Gregor turned sharply toward him.

"Lucan! You arrogant bastard! Is that how you welcome an old friend?"

Lucan laughed as they clasped forearms. "Of course, Gregor. I’ve been waiting months for an opportunity to remind you that being first doesn’t necessarily mean being the best."

Gregor grinned fiercely. "Keep talking. I’ll reach Platinum before you know it."

"We’ll see about that," Lucan replied, looking thoroughly entertained.

While the two continued their familiar argument, Valeria had wandered toward the mission boards.

Her eyes moved across the numerous assignments displayed there, particularly those marked for high-ranking Adventurers.

Dangerous Magical Beasts, unexplored territories, dungeon expeditions, and requests requiring experienced Warriors filled entire sections.

These were precisely the opportunities she had struggled to find in Evergreen.

Vanthrice joined her, studying the assignments with growing interest.

"Quite a difference, isn’t it?" Vanthrice remarked. "We could spend months here and still have plenty of work."

Valeria nodded slowly. "Evergreen has been peaceful for too long. This is more like it."

Sage watched them from a short distance away.

Gregor possessed experience that could help train and guide newly registered Adventurers. Vanthrice and Lyana understood the Guild’s procedures, while Valeria commanded an experienced mercenary company and possessed the strength of a Grandmaster Knight.

With national expansion approaching, having them nearby could prove invaluable.

But for now, Sage was content to let them enjoy their reunion.

Valeria’s attention suddenly settled upon a prominent notice displayed near the high-ranking mission counters.

It announced the Guild’s first Platinum Adventurer.

Leon Drakar.

Captain of the Ardent Sun Knight Order.

Valeria stopped reading.

"Leon?" she murmured, her eyes narrowing with recognition.

Vanthrice followed her gaze. "You know him?"

Valeria’s lips curved into a faint smile. "Of course I do. We crossed paths several times when my company operated in Kingsford."

She studied the notice again, her interest visibly increasing.

"So that man became the first Platinum Adventurer."

Behind her, Sage approached with an amused expression. "You sound surprised. Leon worked rather hard for that promotion."

Valeria turned toward him, the competitive glint in her eyes unmistakable.

"Guildmaster," she asked, resting one hand upon her sword, "how many high-ranking missions do I need to complete before I can become Platinum?"

Sage’s smile widened.

It seemed the Blood Queen had found another reason to remain in Kingsford.