Chapter 564: The Price of Independence

Duke Robert Lancaster’s question drew considerable attention from the surrounding guests.

Several conversations gradually fell silent as nobles turned toward the gathering, curious to hear how the Guildmaster would respond to such a direct challenge.

Sage remained composed, although he understood the significance of the question. Robert hadn’t accused the Guild of wrongdoing. Instead, he had raised a concern that many nobles undoubtedly shared, particularly those whose families possessed valuable dungeons.

"Your Grace, I believe there’s an important distinction between controlling a dungeon and owning the territory surrounding it," Sage answered respectfully. "The Guild operates its dungeons through established agreements and lawful permissions. We haven’t claimed authority over the lands belonging to the Crown or its nobles."

Robert regarded him thoughtfully before responding. "An understandable distinction, Guildmaster. Nevertheless, controlling access to valuable resources can provide influence comparable to territorial ownership. Surely you recognize why that might concern certain members of the aristocracy."

Sage inclined his head. "Certainly, Your Grace. Any organization managing valuable resources should expect questions about its operations. However, I believe those questions should concern whether we’re conducting our activities lawfully, rather than whether our independence is inherently undesirable."

Lord Geoffrey Lancaster stepped forward, his expression courteous but calculating. "Guildmaster, nobody is suggesting that your organization has violated the law. The concern is whether existing regulations are sufficient for an institution growing as rapidly as yours."

A few nobles nodded in agreement, including several gentlemen Sage recognized from the gatherings surrounding House Lancaster earlier that evening.

Duke Roland Auremont rested one hand upon his walking cane before entering the discussion. "An interesting concern, Geoffrey. But Westmark already possesses laws governing property, commerce, and territorial administration. If the Guild complies with those laws, I would be cautious about introducing additional restrictions merely because its business model is unfamiliar."

Robert smiled politely at his fellow duke. "Roland, you misunderstand me. I have no desire to obstruct legitimate enterprise. I’m simply suggesting that institutions possessing extraordinary resources may require extraordinary oversight."

Sage listened carefully. The exchange was revealing something he had suspected since arriving in Kingsford. Certain nobles weren’t necessarily opposed to the Guild’s existence. They were concerned about what its continued growth might mean for their own authority.

Duke Philippe Valois, who had been observing the conversation nearby, approached with his sister Marguerite and son Charles.

"Extraordinary oversight can become extraordinarily expensive," Philippe remarked with an easy smile. "Particularly when merchants must navigate additional permissions every time they wish to conduct business."

Robert turned toward him. "Surely House Valois appreciates the importance of protecting valuable resources, Philippe."

Philippe chuckled. "Naturally. But I also appreciate the importance of allowing profitable enterprises to operate efficiently. The Guild has brought considerable commercial activity into Kingsford, and numerous merchants have benefited from it."

Charles nodded before adding, "Our trading houses have already noticed increased demand for transportation, storage, and equipment. Adventurers purchase supplies regularly, and the materials they recover create opportunities for merchants who previously struggled to obtain such goods."

Geoffrey regarded him with mild interest. "And I imagine House Valois would welcome the opportunity to manage a larger portion of that trade."

Charles smiled without embarrassment. "We certainly wouldn’t object to profitable business, Lord Geoffrey. But profitability doesn’t automatically require exclusive privileges."

Sage almost laughed at the remark, remembering Charles’s earlier attempt to negotiate precisely such privileges. Apparently, the young noble understood the value of competition when discussing it before an audience.

The discussion soon attracted Duke Albrecht Hohenberg and Lord Dietrich, both of whom had been speaking with several military officers.

Albrecht examined the gathering before addressing Robert. "I hear we’re discussing whether the Guild requires additional supervision. Has someone discovered a problem with its dungeon operations?"

Robert shook his head. "Nothing of that nature, Albrecht. We’re considering whether an independent institution should possess unrestricted authority over resources of considerable strategic importance."

Albrecht frowned slightly. "Unrestricted authority? That seems an exaggeration. The Guild operates within Westmark, and its members remain subject to the Kingdom’s laws. If they violate those laws, the appropriate authorities can intervene."

Dietrich nodded in agreement. "From a military perspective, the Guild’s activities have actually reduced certain burdens upon territorial forces. Warriors exploring dangerous regions and eliminating monsters allow local garrisons to concentrate upon their assigned responsibilities."

Geoffrey considered his words before replying. "That may be true, Lord Dietrich, but military usefulness doesn’t resolve the question of accountability."

Sage recognized that the discussion was gradually becoming circular. Rather than allowing it to continue indefinitely, he decided to address the underlying concern directly.

"Your Graces, my lords, perhaps I can clarify something," Sage began, drawing their attention. "The Guild doesn’t consider independence a privilege that places us above the law. It means our internal administration, membership standards, and mission assignments aren’t controlled by individual noble households."

He allowed his words to settle before continuing.

"We respect territorial authorities, pay our obligations, and cooperate with lawful institutions. But if every noble family could dictate which Adventurers receive missions, which merchants purchase dungeon materials, or which employees manage our branches, the Guild would cease functioning as a neutral organization."

Duke Wilhelm Falkenberg, who had joined the gathering with Duchess Helena, nodded thoughtfully. "There’s administrative merit in that argument. An institution operating across several territories would encounter serious difficulties if each local authority attempted to impose entirely different internal procedures."

Robert turned toward him. "Surely you’re not suggesting that territorial lords should surrender their lawful authority, Wilhelm."

Wilhelm adjusted his spectacles before answering. "Not at all, Robert. I’m suggesting that territorial authority and organizational administration are separate matters. A merchant company doesn’t become the property of every lord whose roads its caravans travel."

Several guests murmured in agreement, although others appeared unconvinced.

One elderly count stepped forward from the surrounding audience. His family controlled several profitable dungeons in the western territories, and his expression suggested that he found the discussion increasingly uncomfortable.

"Guildmaster, your dungeon arrangements are particularly concerning," the count declared. "Allowing Warriors to retain everything they recover may sound generous, but it undermines the established arrangements through which territorial owners receive their rightful compensation."

Sage regarded him calmly. "My lord, the Guild charges for Dungeon Passes. Those fees provide our revenue, while Adventurers retain the materials they recover. Other dungeon operators are free to maintain different arrangements where the law permits them."

The count frowned. "And what happens when Warriors refuse to enter privately managed dungeons because your organization offers more attractive conditions?"

Sage answered without hesitation. "Then those operators may need to reconsider what they’re offering, my lord. Adventurers are free to decide which opportunities suit them best."

A ripple of restrained laughter passed through several younger nobles, although the count looked distinctly displeased.

Lady Marguerite Valois entered the conversation with a composed expression. "From a commercial perspective, Guild dungeons have created an interesting development. Warriors who retain their earnings possess greater purchasing power, and the materials they sell circulate through the wider market."

The count turned toward her sharply. "Naturally, merchants would favor arrangements that increase the quantity of materials available for purchase."

Marguerite inclined her head gracefully. "Naturally, my lord. Just as dungeon owners favor arrangements that preserve their existing revenues. We all have interests worth acknowledging."

Sage appreciated her response. Rather than pretending that commercial interests didn’t exist, Marguerite had openly recognized that different groups benefited from different arrangements.

Duke Roland cleared his throat, drawing the gathering’s attention.

"Perhaps we’re approaching this matter from the wrong direction," Roland observed. "The Guild has established a lawful enterprise that provides employment, encourages commerce, and assists with dangerous assignments. If certain individuals believe existing laws require revision, they’re entitled to raise those concerns through the appropriate institutions."

Robert studied him carefully. "And House Auremont would oppose such revisions?"

Roland smiled faintly. "House Auremont would examine their contents before deciding anything, Robert. I wouldn’t support legislation merely because it promises to benefit a friend, nor would I support restrictions designed solely to inconvenience a successful organization."

Lord Benedict nodded approvingly beside his father. "A reasonable position. Any proposed regulation should address a demonstrable problem rather than hypothetical dangers."

Robert accepted the response with a courteous inclination of his head, although Sage suspected he wasn’t entirely satisfied.

The conversation gradually dispersed as servants announced another musical performance. Several nobles returned to their companions, while others continued discussing the Guild in smaller groups.

Sage finally released a quiet breath.

"Well, Lucan, that was considerably more entertaining than I expected," Sage remarked as they stepped away from the gathering.

Lucan chuckled. "Guildmaster, you’ve just witnessed five Great Houses reveal their interests without anyone formally declaring a position. I’d call that a productive evening."

Sage glanced toward the nobles still conversing nearby. "Your grandfather handled that carefully. He defended us without promising House Auremont’s unconditional support."

Lucan nodded. "Exactly. Grandfather understands that openly challenging Lancaster would create unnecessary hostility. He’s protecting the relationship while leaving room for future negotiations."

As they approached the refreshments, Sage noticed several familiar figures gathered near one of the marble pillars. Lord Geoffrey Lancaster stood among them, speaking quietly with two counts and a senior court official.

Their voices were low, but Sage’s enhanced hearing allowed him to distinguish portions of the conversation.

Geoffrey maintained a thoughtful expression as he addressed the others. "Existing operations may be difficult to challenge, but future branches are another matter. Regional permissions, dungeon access agreements, and commercial licenses all provide opportunities for closer examination."

One of the counts nodded. "If expansion requires additional approvals, the Guild will have little choice but to negotiate with the appropriate authorities."

The court official glanced toward the banquet hall before answering. "A proposal concerning regional licensing could be introduced without directly targeting the Guild. Properly presented, it would appear to be a reasonable administrative reform."

Sage continued walking without revealing that he’d overheard them, but his expression gradually became serious.

He had expected powerful nobles to dislike the Guild’s independence.

What he hadn’t expected was to discover that some were already discussing how to restrict its expansion before the banquet had even ended.

And judging by their conversation, they weren’t planning to accomplish it through open confrontation.

They intended to use the Kingdom’s own laws.