Chapter 579 The Question of Royal Protection [ 2 ]

Richard nodded approvingly.

"Nor would I advise you to," Richard answered. "A Charter should establish a lawful relationship between the Guild and the Kingdom. It shouldn’t turn your organization into another department of the royal administration."

Sage smiled slightly. "Then we’re in agreement on that point."

"Indeed," Richard replied.

The Crown Prince rose from his chair and walked toward a large map of Westmark displayed upon the wall.

Sage followed his gaze.

The map showed the Kingdom’s fifteen regions, their principal cities, important trade routes, and territorial boundaries.

Richard gestured toward several locations.

"Marrowford isn’t the only place experiencing problems that independent Adventurers could help resolve," Richard explained. "There are remote settlements struggling with monster attacks, trade routes requiring protection, and regions where local military resources are already stretched thin."

Sage stood and approached the map.

Richard pointed toward a northern region.

"Some territories have competent administrations but insufficient personnel," Richard continued. "Others possess adequate military forces but lack specialists capable of handling unusual threats. Your Guild could provide a useful alternative without requiring the Crown to maintain additional permanent forces everywhere."

Sage examined the marked settlements.

He could already imagine Guild branches operating in those regions, providing missions, accommodations, equipment, and access to the organization’s wider network of services.

The possibilities were considerable.

However, he also understood that expansion required more than simply opening buildings.

Every new branch would need experienced administrators, reliable finances, securefacilities, and cooperation with local authorities.

The Guild couldn’t establish a sustainable presence throughout Westmark without preparing the necessary infrastructure.

"A Charter could make the administrative side easier," Sage observed. "But it wouldn’t mean we could simply build branches wherever we pleased."

Richard nodded. "Correct. Local property laws, construction regulations, and legitimate territorial requirements would still apply. What the Charter could provide is a standardized process, so your applications aren’t subjected to entirely different rules in every region."

Sage appreciated that distinction.

He had no desire to obtain unlimited privileges at the expense of local authorities. Such an arrangement would create resentment andinvite challenges.

What he wanted was consistency.

"If a regional administration rejects an application, there should be a proper explanation and a way to appeal," Sage suggested.

"Exactly," Richard replied. "And the same principle should apply to disputes involving commissions or Guild facilities."

They returned to their seats and continued discussing the possibilities.

Sage raised questions concerning Adventurer membership, the Guild’s internal disciplinary procedures, and the ownership of materials obtained through missions.

Richard explained that those matters could be addressed through specific provisions, although some would require careful negotiation with existing institutions.

The question of dungeons proved particularly complicated.

"The Guild already operates numerous dungeons under established arrangements," Sage explained. "Adventurers purchase Dungeon Passes to enter and retain the materials and treasures they obtain. That’s an important part of how our organization functions."

Richard nodded. "I’m aware. Your approach has attracted considerable attention among nobles who control dungeons of their own."

Sage chuckled. "I imagine not all of that attention has been friendly."

"Not particularly," Richard admitted. "Some noble families derive substantial income from the dungeons within their territories. They may view any formal recognition of your arrangements as a threat to their interests."

Sage considered that response.

The Guild’s Dungeon Pass system was already established, and he had no intention of abandoning it. However, he also understood that a Royal Charter couldn’t simply declare every dungeon in Westmark the Guild’s property.

Existing ownership arrangements and territorial rights would need to be respected.

"Then the Charter should protect our lawful operations without granting us automatic claims over other people’s dungeons," Sage suggested. "We can negotiate access or management rights where appropriate."

Richard smiled approvingly. "That is precisely the sort of distinction thatwill make the proposal easier to defend."

Their conversation continued until the afternoon sunlight began fading beyond the study windows.

By then, Sage had developed a clearer understanding of what a Royal Charter might accomplish.

It wouldn’t eliminate every disagreement or guarantee unrestricted expansion. Nevertheless, it could establish the Guild’s legal standing throughout Westmark and provide a foundation for future growth.

More importantly, it could prevent the organization’s independence from depending upon the goodwill of individual nobles.

"There’s one thing I want to make clear, Your Royal Highness," Sage said as Richard gathered the documents. "If we pursue this Charter, the Guild must remain politically independent. I don’t want anyone interpreting it as a declaration of allegiance to your household."

Richard regarded him with a calm expression.

"I understand, Guildmaster," Richard replied. "And I wouldn’t expect otherwise. A Royal Charter would be granted under the authority of the Crown, not as a personal favor from the First Prince."

Sage nodded with satisfaction. "Then I believe it’s worth exploring."

Richard smiled. "I’m pleased to hear that. However, I should warn you that obtaining a Charter will be considerably more complicated than negotiating the Marrowford commission."

Sage raised an eyebrow. "I suspected as much."

Richard opened another folder and withdrew several documents concerning the Kingdom’s administrative institutions.

"Even if I support the proposal, I cannot simply issue such a Charter myself," Richard explained. "The final authority rests with His Majesty, and a document of this importance would require extensive review."

He placed the documents before Sage.

"The Crown’s senior advisers will examine its legal and financial implications," Richard continued. "The administrative departments will consider how it affects their responsibilities, and the nobles will naturally have opinions concerning any privileges granted to an independent organization."

Sage glanced down at the papers.

Richard’s expression grew more serious.

"And then there are the Five Great Houses," the Crown Prince added. "Auremont, Hohenberg, Valois, Falkenberg, and Lancaster. Each possesses considerable influence, and each has interests that could be affected by the Guild’s expansion."

Sage looked up.

Richard continued, "Some may support the Charter because they recognize the benefits your organization can provide. Others may oppose provisions that threaten their commercial interests, territorial authority, or political influence."

The Crown Prince paused before delivering his final warning.

"If you truly intend to obtain a Royal Charter, Guildmaster, you’ll need more than my support. You’ll have to navigate the interests of the Crown’s advisers and all Five Great Houses, and I can assure you that they won’t agree upon everything."