Chapter 549: The Faith of Merchants

Garen Holtweiss’s explanation of the Merchant Faith had left Sage Alistair with considerably more questions than answers.

An organization whose influence extended across kingdoms, empires, and entire continents was already remarkable. The fact that its members regarded commerce as something sacred made it even more unusual.

Sage leaned forward, examining the documents spread across his desk, while Boren studied one of the unfamiliar seals.

"Let me make sure I understand something, Garen," Sage said thoughtfully. "You’re telling me there’s an organization powerful enough to influence trade across several continents, yet it doesn’t belong to any particular kingdom?"

Garen nodded with evident satisfaction. "That’s correct, Guildmaster. The Merchant Faith has no single homeland. Its members come from different nations, cultures, and races, but they recognize a common set of commercial principles."

Sage raised an eyebrow. "And nobody has tried claiming ownership of it?"

"Many rulers have attempted to secure greater influence over its activities," Garen replied. "But the Faith isn’t an organization that can simply be inherited through a royal bloodline or controlled by conquering a particular city."

Boren looked up from the document. "Then who governs it? Surely an organization of that scale requires some form of administration."

"Naturally," Garen answered. "Individual commercial institutions maintain their own administrators, representatives, and established procedures. However, there is no single monarch or supreme ruler commanding every member across the world."

Sage considered that explanation. "So it’s more like a network of independent organizations that recognize the same standards?"

"An excellent description, Guildmaster," Garen replied. "A merchant company operating in Westmark might have little direct connection to one established in a distant empire. Nevertheless, if both possess recognized membership, they can conduct business through institutions that follow the Faith’s established practices."

Boren nodded thoughtfully. "That would make commercial transactions between unfamiliar parties considerably easier."

"Precisely," Garen answered. "Trust is one of the most valuable things a merchant can possess, particularly when dealing with people from distant territories."

Sage glanced toward the Guild District beyond his window.

The Adventurer Guild had encountered similar difficulties during its early development. Warriors initially hesitated to accept unfamiliar mission arrangements because they didn’t know whether clients would honor their agreements.

Establishing clear procedures and reliable records had helped resolve that problem.

"How does someone join?" Sage asked. "Could an ordinary merchant simply declare himself a follower and begin using the Faith’s name?"

Garen shook his head immediately. "Absolutely not, Guildmaster. Anyone may respect its teachings, but recognized commercial membership is another matter entirely."

He withdrew another document from his folder.

"Only established, legitimate merchant companies that satisfy the Faith’s standards can obtain recognized membership. Applicants must demonstrate that they conduct genuine commercial activities, maintain reliable records, and possess a satisfactory reputation."

Boren examined the document with interest. "Do they investigate applicants?"

"Thoroughly," Garen replied. "A company claiming substantial commercial experience must be capable of proving it. Its financial obligations, trading history, business practices, and relationships with customers may all be examined."

Sage chuckled. "I imagine that eliminates quite a few merchants who enjoy exaggerating their achievements."

Garen laughed. "More than you might expect, Guildmaster. Some companies spend years establishing themselves before becoming eligible to apply."

"And what happens after they’re accepted?" Sage asked.

"They gain access to recognized commercial relationships and services," Garen explained. "However, membership doesn’t mean they can behave however they please. A company that repeatedly violates agreements or engages in fraudulent practices risks losing its recognition."

Boren nodded approvingly. "So membership carries responsibilities as well as privileges."

"Exactly," Garen answered. "The Faith’s reputation depends upon its members maintaining acceptable standards. Without that confidence, its commercial network would be considerably less valuable."

Sage folded his arms thoughtfully.

He could understand the appeal.

An Adventurer who sold valuable materials to an unfamiliar merchant often had little way of knowing whether the offered price was reasonable. Likewise, merchants purchasing rare dungeon resources faced the possibility of receiving damaged, counterfeit, or incorrectly identified goods.

An established institution capable of examining those resources and providing reliable valuations could benefit both parties.

"Which brings us to those processing halls you mentioned," Sage remarked.

Garen’s expression brightened. "Indeed, Guildmaster. They’re among the Faith’s most important commercial institutions."

He unfolded a document containing an illustration of an enormous building divided into several sections.

"Processing halls serve as commercial centers where merchants, Adventurers, hunters, craftsmen, and other suppliers can bring valuable goods for examination and sale."

Sage studied the illustration.

The building contained reception counters, examination chambers, storage facilities, workshops, and several areas apparently intended for handling unusually large materials.

"That’s quite an operation," Sage observed.

"And this is merely an example of a major regional facility," Garen replied. "Smaller processing halls exist as well, depending upon local demand."

Boren pointed toward one of the illustrated chambers. "What happens when someone brings in materials from a dungeon?"

"First, the goods are registered and examined," Garen explained. "Qualified personnel determine their condition, authenticity, and commercial value. Depending upon the materials involved, specialists may also assess how they should be preserved, processed, or transported."

Sage nodded. "And then the owner receives an offer?"

"Precisely, Guildmaster," Garen answered. "The processing hall may purchase the materials directly or facilitate a transaction with an interested merchant. Certain goods are processed before being resold, while others are transported to locations where demand is greater."

He pointed toward another section of the illustration. "Monster hides, bones, claws, Mana Crystals, medicinal plants, rare ores, and unusual dungeon treasures all require different handling. Some can be sold immediately, while others become considerably more valuable after proper processing."

Boren examined the document carefully.

"That would require a substantial number of specialists."

"It does," Garen confirmed. "Experienced appraisers, craftsmen, warehouse administrators, transport coordinators, and merchants all contribute to the operation."

Sage considered the implications.

At present, Adventurers frequently sold their loot to merchants operating around the Guild District. Although many offered reasonable prices, the available buyers couldn’t always handle particularly unusual resources.

A processing hall connected to an international commercial network could solve that problem.

"Suppose an Adventurer discovers something extremely valuable in Greyfen," Sage said. "Something the local merchants can’t afford to purchase. What happens then?"

Garen smiled approvingly. "An excellent question, Guildmaster. Depending upon the item, the Faith’s commercial connections may allow the processing hall to identify buyers elsewhere. A rare material with little demand in Westmark might be highly desirable in another kingdom."

Sage’s interest increased. "So the Adventurer wouldn’t necessarily have to travel halfway across the continent to find someone willing to purchase it."

"Exactly," Garen replied. "Of course, transportation, handling, and other commercial expenses must be considered, but access to distant markets can make an enormous difference."

Boren glanced toward Sage. "That could significantly improve the opportunities available to our Adventurers, Guildmaster."

Sage nodded slowly.

The Guild’s policy of allowing Adventurers to retain all the loot they obtained had already made its dungeons attractive. However, possessing valuable materials meant little if an Adventurer couldn’t find a reliable buyer.

A partnership with the Merchant Faith could help address that difficulty without requiring the Guild to purchase every item itself.

"Would Adventurers be required to sell through these halls?" Sage asked.

Garen shook his head. "Not at all, Guildmaster. The Faith conducts commerce. It doesn’t possess an automatic claim over someone’s property simply because that person recovered it from a dungeon."

"Good," Sage replied firmly. "Our Adventurers decide what to do with their own loot. Any arrangement we establish must preserve that freedom."

Garen nodded. "And I see no reason why it shouldn’t."

For several moments, Sage examined the documents in silence.

Then another question occurred to him. "If the Faith possesses this much influence, why haven’t the kingdoms and empires tried restricting its activities?"

Garen’s expression became more serious.

"Some have, Guildmaster. But interfering with an established commercial network can produce consequences that rulers don’t always anticipate."

Boren leaned forward slightly. "Such as?"

"Imagine a kingdom whose merchants depend upon recognized trading relationships to import essential materials, obtain commercial financing, and sell goods abroad," Garen explained. "Now imagine those relationships becoming unreliable because the government has decided to antagonize the institutions supporting them."

Sage understood immediately. "Trade would become more difficult."

"Considerably more difficult," Garen agreed. "Merchants might demand greater assurances, financing could become harder to obtain, and foreign companies might become reluctant to conduct business."

Boren frowned thoughtfully. "And if those disruptions continued, ordinary businesses could suffer even if they had nothing to do with the original dispute."

"Precisely," Garen answered. "The Faith doesn’t need to command an army to possess influence. Its reputation and commercial relationships are valuable enough that losing access to them can create serious economic difficulties."

Sage leaned back in his chair.

That was a different kind of power from the military strength possessed by Westmark’s Great Noble Houses.

A Duke might command thousands of soldiers, but an organization trusted by merchants across numerous nations could influence the movement of wealth and essential goods without drawing a sword.

"Sounds like an organization I’d rather cooperate with than offend," Sage remarked.

Garen laughed. "A sensible conclusion, Guildmaster. Although the Faith isn’t interested in making enemies unnecessarily. Prosperous trade benefits its members far more than pointless disputes."

Boren looked toward the documents. "Then why has it taken an interest in our Guild now?"

Garen turned toward him. "Because the Adventurer Guild is creating an increasingly important source of valuable resources. Greyfen has already attracted attention, and rumors of the Guild’s plans to expand throughout Westmark are beginning to circulate."

Sage raised an eyebrow. "News travels quickly."

"Particularly when merchants believe there’s gold to be earned," Garen replied cheerfully.

Sage chuckled.

He was beginning to see why Garen considered this proposal so important.

If the Merchant Faith established processing facilities near Guild Headquarters, Adventurers could gain access to reliable buyers while the Faith benefited from a steady supply of valuable resources.

Both organizations could prosper without sacrificing their independence.

"All right, Garen," Sage said, tapping the folder. "You’ve convinced me that this organization is worth learning more about. But I assume you didn’t come here merely to give us a lesson in commercial philosophy."

Garen’s expression became unusually pleased.

"Of course not, Guildmaster. I came because an opportunity has presented itself."

Sage glanced toward him with renewed curiosity. "What kind of opportunity?"

Garen carefully returned the documents to his folder. "As it happens, a senior representative of the Merchant Faith is currently traveling to Kingsford."

Boren looked surprised. "To establish a processing hall?"

"Not specifically," Garen replied. "Although I imagine commercial opportunities will certainly be discussed during the visit."

Sage narrowed his eyes slightly. "Then why is this representative coming to the Royal Capital?"

Garen smiled. "Because, Guildmaster, the Merchant Faith has received an invitation to attend His Majesty’s sixtieth birthday celebration."

Sage slowly leaned forward.

Garen continued with unmistakable satisfaction.

"And the person attending isn’t an ordinary merchant. It’s a senior representative with sufficient standing to discuss substantial commercial arrangements on behalf of the Faith."

He paused before delivering the final piece of news.

"Which means, Guildmaster, you may have an opportunity to meet someone capable of connecting the Adventurer Guild to one of the greatest commercial networks in the world."

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Author’s Note: Special shoutout to Gerold from our Discord community for suggesting the idea of the Merchant Faith! The concept was inspired by his suggestion, and I decided to incorporate it into the world of the Adventurer Guild.