Chapter 584: The Duke’s Conditions

Three days after their first meeting at the Auremont residence, Sage returned to the estate accompanied by Lucan and Boren.

This time, they carried a preliminary document prepared by the Guild’s senior administrators, outlining the rights, responsibilities, and legal protections they hoped to obtain through a Royal Charter.

The document wasn’t a completed Charter. It was a working proposal intended to establish the Guild’s position before formal legal negotiations began.

Boren and Lyana had spent considerable time reviewing the organization’s existing regulations, while Irene Valcrest had prepared a summary of its financial procedures and commercial activities.

Sage had also insisted that the proposal clearly distinguish between the Guild’s independence and any claim to immunity from Westmark’s laws.

Upon arriving at the Auremont residence, they were escorted into the same private sitting room where their previous discussion had taken place.

Duke Roland was seated beside the fireplace, examining several documents through a pair of reading spectacles. Lord Benedict occupied a chair opposite him, while Lady Eleanor stood near the window, reviewing a collection of correspondence.

"Guildmaster Sage, you’ve returned sooner than I expected," Roland greeted him as he removed his spectacles. "I trust that means you’ve brought something worth examining."

Sage smiled as he approached the table. "I hope so, Your Grace. Our administrators have prepared a preliminary proposal. It’s far from perfect, but it should give us something concrete to discuss."

Boren placed the documents before the Duke, arranging several copies for the other participants.

Benedict opened the first page and began examining the provisions, while Eleanor returned to her seat.

Roland read silently for several minutes before setting the document down.

"An ambitious proposal," Roland observed. "You seek recognition as an independent institution, standardized procedures for operating across Westmark’s fifteen regions, protection for your internal administration, and formal recognition of your existing mission and dungeon arrangements."

Sage nodded. "Those are the main objectives, Your Grace."

"Then we should discuss what House Auremont would require before supporting such a Charter," Roland replied.

The Duke leaned forward, resting his hands upon his cane.

"Understand something, Guildmaster. My willingness to help your organization doesn’t mean I intend to approve every privilege you request. House Auremont has responsibilities to the Crown, the Kingdom, and the territories under its administration."

Sage met his gaze calmly. "I wouldn’t expect otherwise, Your Grace. If the Charter can’t withstand reasonable scrutiny, it won’t provide the protection we’re seeking."

Roland nodded approvingly before turning to the first marked section.

"Then we’ll begin with financial accountability," Roland stated. "Your Guild operates commercial facilities, collects membership-related fees, receives payments for missions, and earns substantial income from Dungeon Passes. An organization handling that much money must maintain reliable records."

Boren adjusted his glasses. "We already maintain departmental accounts, Your Grace. Our Finance Department records revenue, operational expenses, employee payments, and income from Guild-controlled dungeons."

"That’s a good beginning," Benedict replied as he examined Irene’s financial summary. "However, a Royal Charter would give the Guild recognized standing throughout the Kingdom. The Crown will likely require periodic financial declarations and procedures for investigating suspected fraud."

Sage considered the suggestion.

"I have no objection to financial reporting," Sage answered. "But I’d prefer requirements comparable to those imposed upon other recognized institutions. We shouldn’t be expected to disclose every private commercial agreement simply because we’re an Adventurer Guild."

Eleanor nodded thoughtfully. "A reasonable distinction. The authorities need sufficient information to verify taxation and investigate unlawful activity, but that doesn’t necessarily entitle them to unrestricted access to confidential business arrangements."

Roland tapped the document.

"Then we establish reporting obligations, lawful audit procedures, and protections for confidential information," Roland concluded. "The exact standards can be determined during the legal review."

The discussion moved to the second condition.

"Territorial laws," Roland announced. "Your proposal requests standardized procedures for opening branches. I support that objective, but recognition by the Crown cannot give your Guild permission to disregard local property rights, construction regulations, or legitimate administrative requirements."

Sage nodded immediately. "Agreed. We’ve never intended to build on another person’s land without permission or ignore regulations governing our facilities."

Benedict examined the relevant clause. "The difficulty lies in distinguishing legitimate territorial requirements from restrictions introduced solely to obstruct the Guild."

"Which is why we need an appeal procedure," Lucan suggested. "If a regional administration rejects an application, it should provide a written explanation identifying the relevant law or regulation."

Roland considered the suggestion before nodding. "That would be acceptable, provided the appeal doesn’t automatically overturn lawful decisions. Territorial authorities must retain the ability to enforce legitimate requirements."

Sage smiled faintly. "That’s all we’re asking, Your Grace. We don’t expect every application to succeed. We simply want decisions based upon actual regulations rather than personal hostility."

The Duke appeared satisfied with the answer.

Their discussion continued through several provisions concerning public safety, the handling of dangerous materials, and the responsibilities of Guild branches operating within populated settlements.

Boren explained that Headquarters already maintained administrative procedures for responding to complaints, while Sage emphasized that the Guild would cooperate with lawful investigations involving its members.

Eventually, Eleanor raised a more delicate issue.

"There’s also the question of corruption," Eleanor remarked as she examined the section concerning Guild administration. "An organization possessing considerable wealth and influence will inevitably attract individuals seeking personal advantage."

Sage nodded. "That’s true."

Eleanor continued, "Suppose a Guild administrator accepts payment to manipulate mission classifications, conceal misconduct, or provide preferential access to restricted services. What safeguards would prevent those abuses?"

Boren opened another folder.

"Our departments maintain records of mission postings, reward payments, and administrative decisions," Boren explained. "Complaints can be reviewed by senior administrators, and personnel found guilty of misconduct may face dismissal or other disciplinary measures."

Benedict considered the explanation. "Those procedures should be formally documented. The Charter needn’t dictate every internal disciplinary rule, but it should establish the Guild’s obligation to investigate corruption and cooperate with lawful prosecution."

Sage agreed.

"That’s reasonable," Sage replied. "If someone abuses their position, I have no intention of protecting them simply because they work for the Guild."

Roland studied him carefully.

"Then we come to the most important question," the Duke said. "The limits of Guild authority."

The atmosphere became noticeably more serious.

Roland placed a finger upon the section requesting protection for the Guild’s internal administration.

"Your proposal states that appointments, personnel management, and mission administration shall remain under the Guild’s exclusive authority," Roland observed. "I understand your reasoning, but the wording is broad. We must ensure it doesn’t prevent lawful intervention when the Guild violates its obligations."

Sage leaned forward.

"I’m willing to clarify the wording, Your Grace," Sage answered. "But the principle itself isn’t negotiable. Nobles cannot be given the authority to appoint Guild officials, remove administrators, or decide which Adventurers receive particular missions."

Benedict raised his eyebrows slightly.

"Even when a mission is commissioned by a territorial authority?" Benedict asked.

Sage shook his head.

"A client can establish the mission’s lawful objectives, requirements, compensation, and reporting conditions," Sage explained. "But once the Guild accepts the commission, qualified Adventurers should be able to apply through our established Mission Boards. Our administrators handle classification and verification. The client shouldn’t be allowed to appoint Guild personnel or interfere with the selection process."

Eleanor regarded him thoughtfully.

"What if the mission involves restricted information or sensitive locations?" Eleanor asked.

"Then those restrictions should be included in the commission before it’s posted," Sage replied. "We can establish appropriate qualifications and confidentiality requirements. But that still doesn’t justify allowing a noble to control the Guild’s internal appointments."

Roland remained silent for several moments.

The Duke had encountered many organizations that demanded independence while attempting to escape accountability. Sage’s position, however, was more specific.

He wasn’t rejecting oversight of unlawful conduct. He was rejecting external control over the Guild’s administration.

"Then perhaps the clause should distinguish between operational independence and legal accountability," Roland suggested. "The Guild retains authority over its personnel and ordinary mission procedures, while remaining subject to lawful investigations, contractual obligations, and judicial decisions."

Sage nodded. "I can accept that."

Benedict made a note in the margin.

"That would also address some of the concerns raised during the Marrowford dispute," Benedict observed. "The Crown could review whether a commission was properly authorized without assuming direct control over the Adventurers completing it."

Roland nodded before turning to another section.

"The Guild must also recognize that its authority doesn’t extend beyond its lawful operations," Roland continued. "Your Adventurers cannot claim the right to enforce royal laws, command territorial troops, or enter restricted properties merely because they’re registered with your organization."

"Agreed," Sage replied. "We’re building an Adventurer Guild, not a replacement government."

Eleanor smiled at the remark.

"An important distinction," Eleanor observed. "Particularly given how some nobles have begun describing the Guild."

Sage sighed quietly.

"I’ve heard the rumors."

Roland regarded him steadily.

"Then understand why these conditions matter," Roland explained. "If House Auremont supports your Charter, we’ll be expected to defend its provisions before other Great Houses and the Crown’s advisers. I won’t place my family’s reputation behind arrangements that cannot be justified."

Sage inclined his head respectfully.

"And I wouldn’t ask you to, Your Grace."

The negotiations continued for another hour as Benedict recorded proposed revisions. Several clauses were clarified, others were marked for legal examination, and a few were set aside until specialists could determine how they interacted with existing laws.

By the time the discussion concluded, the preliminary proposal had acquired numerous annotations.

Roland examined the revised outline with an expression of cautious satisfaction.

"There’s still considerable work ahead," Roland remarked. "But I believe we have enough agreement to proceed."

Sage looked toward him.

"Does that mean House Auremont will support the Charter?" Sage asked.

Roland nodded slowly.

"House Auremont will support its formal consideration and sponsor the legal review we discussed," Roland answered. "Our final endorsement will depend upon the completed provisions, but I see no reason to oppose a lawful framework that preserves the Guild’s independence while establishing proper accountability."

Sage smiled with genuine appreciation.

"Thank you, Your Grace. That means a great deal."

Roland raised one hand.

"Don’t thank me too quickly, Guildmaster," the Duke cautioned. "The conditions we’ve discussed are only the beginning. Other families will have their own concerns, and not all of them will be satisfied by reasonable explanations."

Benedict closed his notebook. "We should begin preparing the revised document immediately. The sooner the legal review starts, the better."

Roland nodded before directing his attention toward the section concerning Dungeon Passes and loot ownership.

"There’s one matter you should prepare for particularly carefully," Roland warned. "House Lancaster has considerable influence within the administrative departments, and several nobles associated with its political circle possess valuable dungeon interests."

Sage followed the Duke’s gaze toward the document.

Roland continued, "Your Guild allows Adventurers to retain the treasures they obtain from its dungeons in exchange for purchasing entry passes. That arrangement is attractive to Adventurers, but it differs considerably from the tribute systems maintained by many noble dungeon owners."

Sage’s expression grew thoughtful.

Roland tapped the dungeon provisions with his cane.

"I expect House Lancaster will challenge this section more aggressively than any other," the Duke concluded. "And when they do, Guildmaster, you’ll need to demonstrate why the Crown should formally recognize a system that threatens some of the Kingdom’s most profitable noble privileges."