Chapter 565: A Faith Without Borders

The discussion surrounding the Guild’s independence had left Sage with plenty to consider.

Although the banquet continued without interruption, he now understood that several influential nobles were already examining ways to complicate the Guild’s expansion throughout Westmark.

Fortunately, not every conversation that evening involved political restrictions.

Sage was standing beside Lucan near the refreshments when a familiar voice called out from behind them.

"Guildmaster! There you are! I’ve been searching everywhere for you."

Sage turned and found Garen Holtweiss approaching with a broad smile. The merchant wore an expensive dark green coat, and his usually cheerful expression carried an unmistakable excitement.

"Garen, I was beginning to think you’d abandoned us for the royal kitchens," Sage greeted him with a chuckle. "Have you been enjoying the banquet?"

Garen laughed before adjusting his coat. "Very much, Guildmaster. Although I haven’t had nearly enough time to enjoy the food. I’ve spent most of the evening arranging the meeting I mentioned earlier."

Lucan immediately understood. "Your contact from the Merchant Faith has arrived?"

Garen nodded enthusiastically. "Indeed, Lord Lucan. And he’s agreed to meet the Guildmaster tonight. He’s particularly interested in learning more about the Guild’s dungeon operations."

Sage raised an eyebrow. "Then I suppose we’d better not keep him waiting."

Garen led them through the banquet hall toward a quieter reception area where several merchants and distinguished foreign guests were gathered. Unlike the nobles surrounding the royal platform, these individuals wore clothing reflecting different kingdoms and trading traditions.

Near one of the tall windows stood an elderly gentleman dressed in a finely tailored charcoal robe. Silver embroidery decorated his cuffs, while a modest golden emblem hung from a chain around his neck.

His neatly trimmed silver beard and calm brown eyes gave him the appearance of a scholar rather than a wealthy merchant.

Garen approached respectfully before making the introductions.

"Master Matthias, allow me to introduce Guildmaster Sage, founder of the Adventurer Guild, and Lord Lucan Auremont, one of his companions. Guildmaster, this is Master Matthias Vermeer, a senior representative of the Merchant Faith."

Matthias inclined his head courteously. "Guildmaster Sage, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Master Holtweiss has spoken about your organization with considerable enthusiasm."

Sage returned the greeting. "The pleasure is mine, Master Vermeer. Garen mentioned that your organization maintains commercial connections across several kingdoms."

Matthias smiled faintly. "Several would be a considerable understatement, Guildmaster. But perhaps we should find somewhere comfortable to discuss that."

They settled around a small table overlooking the illuminated palace gardens. A servant brought refreshments before withdrawing, leaving the four men to converse without interruption.

Matthias examined Sage with quiet interest.

"Before we discuss business, Guildmaster, may I ask what you understand about the Merchant Faith?"

Sage considered the question before answering. "Garen explained that your organization maintains commercial relationships across national borders. You recognize merchant companies that meet certain standards, and your members cooperate through established networks of trust."

Matthias nodded approvingly. "A reasonable understanding. Although the Merchant Faith is often mistaken for a conventional merchant association, our traditions are considerably older and more extensive."

Lucan leaned forward slightly. "I’ve encountered merchants carrying your emblem during my travels. They were generally regarded as reliable trading partners, even in territories where foreign companies faced considerable suspicion."

Matthias acknowledged the observation with a pleased expression. "That reputation is our most valuable possession, Lord Lucan. A recognized merchant may travel thousands of miles from home and still find companies willing to conduct business with him because they trust the standards represented by our emblem."

Sage glanced toward the golden symbol hanging from Matthias’s neck.

"And how does a merchant company earn that recognition?" Sage asked.

Matthias folded his hands upon the table before explaining. "Through examination, Guildmaster. We review a company’s financial records, commercial practices, contractual obligations, and treatment of its partners. Recognition isn’t purchased through donations or granted merely because someone possesses considerable wealth."

Garen nodded eagerly. "That’s one reason recognized companies are respected, Guildmaster. Their reputation has been examined rather than simply advertised."

Matthias continued with a measured expression. "Companies must maintain accurate accounts, honor legitimate agreements, and avoid fraudulent dealings. Serious violations can result in suspension or permanent loss of recognition."

Sage regarded him thoughtfully. "That sounds like a considerable responsibility for an organization operating across multiple kingdoms."

"It is," Matthias acknowledged. "But commerce cannot flourish without trust. A merchant transporting valuable goods across unfamiliar territories must depend upon contracts, accurate measurements, and reliable information. Without those things, every transaction becomes a gamble."

Lucan smiled slightly. "And I imagine the Faith has considerable influence over companies that depend upon its recognition."

Matthias didn’t deny it. "Naturally, Lord Lucan. Recognition carries benefits, but it also carries obligations. Our members understand that dishonest conduct damages more than their individual reputations."

Sage found the philosophy interesting.

Unlike noble families whose authority originated from inherited territories, the Merchant Faith appeared to derive much of its influence from commercial relationships and a reputation cultivated across generations.

"Does the Faith answer to any particular kingdom?" Sage asked.

Matthias shook his head. "No, Guildmaster. We maintain establishments in numerous countries, but we possess no homeland and acknowledge no single monarch as our master. Naturally, our representatives obey the laws of the territories where they operate."

Garen added enthusiastically, "That’s what allows merchants from rival kingdoms to continue trading through recognized companies, even when political relations become difficult."

Matthias nodded. "Precisely. We don’t pretend that politics never affects commerce, but our purpose is to maintain trustworthy relationships wherever lawful trade remains possible."

Sage couldn’t help noticing the similarity between that philosophy and his own ambitions for the Adventurer Guild.

Both organizations depended upon maintaining credibility among people whose political interests might differ considerably.

Matthias eventually turned the conversation toward the subject that had prompted their meeting.

"Guildmaster, I’ve received several reports concerning the quantities of monster materials entering Kingsford through your Headquarters," Matthias began. "Mana Crystals, hides, bones, medicinal ingredients, and various resources recovered from dungeons. The figures are quite remarkable for an organization established so recently."

Sage smiled modestly. "Our Adventurers have certainly been busy, Master Vermeer. The opening of our S-Rank Dungeon near Greyfen has also attracted considerable interest."

Matthias nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. But what interests me most is your method of handling the materials they recover."

Sage understood where the conversation was heading.

"Adventurers retain ownership of their loot," Sage explained. "They purchase Dungeon Passes for access to Guild-controlled dungeons, but whatever they recover belongs to them unless specific mission conditions state otherwise."

Matthias raised his eyebrows. "And the Guild doesn’t require them to sell those materials through its own establishments?"

"No, Master Vermeer," Sage answered. "We provide facilities and commercial services, but Adventurers are free to choose their buyers. Some sell directly to merchants, others use Guild services, and some keep materials for their own purposes."

Matthias regarded him with growing interest.

"An unusual arrangement. Most dungeon operators I’ve encountered demand a substantial portion of recovered resources, sometimes leaving the Warriors responsible for obtaining them with remarkably little."

Sage nodded. "That’s one reason our arrangement has attracted so many Adventurers. We earn revenue from access and services rather than claiming ownership of everything they find."

Garen smiled proudly. "And because Adventurers retain their materials, merchants have more opportunities to purchase them. I’ve personally benefited from that arrangement."

Matthias chuckled. "I’m certain you have, Holtweiss. Your recent correspondence has been unusually enthusiastic."

The merchant laughed without embarrassment.

Matthias then returned his attention to Sage.

"Guildmaster, the Merchant Faith operates processing halls capable of examining, grading, purchasing, storing, and transporting considerable quantities of valuable materials. Our recognized companies also maintain commercial connections beyond Westmark."

Sage immediately recognized the possibilities.

Monster materials that were common in one region might command significantly higher prices elsewhere. Reliable processing and transportation could benefit Adventurers while attracting additional merchants to the Guild’s growing network.

"Those services could be valuable to our members," Sage acknowledged. "Particularly if they allow Adventurers to receive fair prices without needing to arrange transportation themselves."

Matthias smiled approvingly. "And your Guild could provide a dependable source of materials for recognized companies. There appears to be considerable potential for cooperation."

Lucan nodded thoughtfully. "Especially once additional Guild branches begin operating throughout the Kingdom."

"Precisely, Lord Lucan," Matthias replied. "However, I should clarify something before we proceed further."

His expression became noticeably more serious.

"The Merchant Faith doesn’t establish formal partnerships merely because an organization appears profitable. We examine prospective partners carefully, regardless of their reputation or political connections."

Sage nodded without hesitation. "I wouldn’t expect otherwise, Master Vermeer. A partnership built upon trust should involve proper examination from both sides."

Matthias appeared pleased by the response.

"Then we understand one another, Guildmaster. I’d also expect you to examine our facilities and commercial arrangements before agreeing to anything."

Sage chuckled. "Naturally. I’m interested in cooperation, not signing contracts before I’ve read them."

Garen laughed, while Lucan smiled knowingly.

Matthias reached into his robe and withdrew a small cream-colored envelope bearing the Merchant Faith’s golden emblem.

"Then allow me to extend a formal invitation, Guildmaster," Matthias said, placing the envelope upon the table. "Visit our principal processing hall here in Kingsford after the banquet. I’ll arrange for you to examine our operations personally."

Sage accepted the envelope with interest.

Matthias regarded him with a measured smile before adding, "And once you’ve seen what we’re capable of handling, we can begin discussing what a partnership between the Merchant Faith and the Adventurer Guild might truly accomplish."