Chapter 594: The Noble Opposition

Count Leopold’s proposal reached the Royal Administrative Council the following morning, accompanied by a petition bearing the signatures of several dungeon-owning nobles.

Although the document had originally been introduced during the negotiations concerning dungeon rights, its implications extended far beyond the Adventurer Guild’s commercial arrangements.

The proposal recommended establishing a maximum number of dungeons that any independent organization could operate within Westmark.

Once that limit had been reached, additional dungeon management agreements would require special authorization from the Crown.

For the Adventurer Guild, which already controlled more than fifty dungeons, the restriction threatened to halt further expansion almost immediately.

Sage received a copy shortly after breakfast.

He was seated in his office with Boren and Lucan when Irene Valcrest arrived carrying the financial assessment she had prepared overnight.

"Guildmaster, I’ve examined the proposed restriction," Irene reported as she placed several documents upon his desk. "If the Crown adopts the limit suggested by Count Leopold’s coalition, our existing dungeon network would already exceed the proposed allowance."

Sage raised an eyebrow. "So they’re proposing a limit lower than the number we currently operate?"

Irene nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, Guildmaster. The document includes a transitional provision allowing existing operations to continue temporarily, but future renewals and additional agreements would require special approval."

Boren adjusted his glasses.

"That would make our long-term planning extremely difficult," Boren observed. "We couldn’t reliably determine whether a dungeon management agreement would remain valid after its next review."

Lucan examined the petition.

"There’s another problem," Lucan remarked. "The proposal applies specifically to independent organizations. Noble households operating dungeons through their estates wouldn’t necessarily fall under the same restrictions."

Sage leaned back in his chair. "Then it’s not really a general dungeon regulation, is it?"

Irene shook her head. "Not as currently written, Guildmaster."

Sage considered the matter for several moments before closing the document.

He had expected the dungeon-owning nobles to defend their commercial interests, but this proposal was unusually direct.

Rather than establishing common safety standards or licensing requirements, it would restrict the Guild’s growth while leaving many established noble arrangements untouched.

"Prepare a comparison of the proposed limit against our current operations," Sage instructed Irene. "I want the figures ready before the next consultation. Boren, review the administrative consequences. Lucan, inform House Auremont that we intend to challenge the restriction."

Lucan nodded. "I’ll contact Grandfather immediately, Guildmaster."

By midday, the dispute had reached representatives of all Five Great Houses.

The Royal Administrative Council arranged an additional consultation after several influential nobles requested an opportunity to examine the proposal before it proceeded any further.

Crown Prince Richard attended alongside Minister Aldous Pembroke and senior legal officials. House Valois was represented by Lord Charles Valois, House Hohenberg by Lord Dietrich Hohenberg, and House Falkenberg by Lady Beatrice Falkenberg.

House Lancaster sent Lord Geoffrey Lancaster and Lord Percival Harcourt, while Duke Roland Auremont attended personally, accompanied by Lord Benedict.

Sage entered the chamber with Lucan and Boren, finding the atmosphere noticeably more tense than during previous negotiations.

Richard opened the proceedings after everyone had taken their seats.

"We’re here to examine the proposed numerical restriction upon dungeon operations," Richard stated. "The question before us is whether such a limit serves a legitimate public interest and, if so, whether the proposed arrangement is consistent with Westmark’s existing laws."

Count Leopold, who had been invited to explain the coalition’s position, rose from his chair.

"Your Royal Highness, our concern is the growing concentration of dungeon resources under a single institution," Leopold began. "The Adventurer Guild already controls an extensive network, and its commercial arrangements allow it to attract increasing numbers of Warriors. Without appropriate restrictions, smaller dungeon owners may find themselves unable to compete."

Charles Valois studied the proposal before responding.

"Count Leopold, competition alone isn’t sufficient justification for limiting an organization’s lawful activities," Charles remarked. "If the Guild attracts more Adventurers because its access conditions are preferable, restricting its expansion may simply reduce commercial opportunities."

Leopold turned toward him.

"House Valois possesses considerable commercial interests, Lord Charles. Surely you understand the danger of allowing one institution to dominate an important market."

Charles nodded.

"I understand the danger of genuine market domination," Charles replied. "But this proposal doesn’t establish that the Guild has engaged in unlawful conduct or prevented others from operating their dungeons. It merely limits the number of facilities the Guild may manage."

He placed the document upon the table.

"Furthermore, dungeon exploration supplies merchants with monster materials, valuable minerals, and other resources. Artificial restrictions could reduce that supply and increase prices throughout the Kingdom."

Several commercial officials nodded in agreement.

Leopold appeared dissatisfied, but before he could respond, Dietrich Hohenberg spoke.

"House Hohenberg has another concern," Dietrich stated, his expression stern. "Dungeons aren’t merely commercial properties. They also attract dangerous creatures and require capable Warriors to explore and manage them."

Richard turned toward him.

"Please elaborate, Lord Dietrich."

Dietrich gestured toward the map of Westmark displayed upon the wall.

"In the northern territories, monster suppression is a constant responsibility," Dietrich explained. "Experienced Adventurers provide valuable assistance by exploring dangerous areas and reducing threats before they spread toward settlements. If the Guild establishes facilities that attract qualified Warriors to those regions, that could strengthen local security."

Harcourt leaned forward.

"Surely that doesn’t mean the Guild should be permitted unlimited expansion, Lord Dietrich."

Dietrich regarded him evenly.

"No, Lord Harcourt. It means restrictions should be based upon actual security concerns rather than an arbitrary number. If a particular dungeon presents a danger, regulate that dungeon. If an operator violates safety requirements, investigate the violation. But I see little military benefit in preventing a capable organization from managing another dungeon merely because it already operates fifty."

Sage listened without interrupting.

The arguments were developing along the lines Richard had anticipated. Each Great House was evaluating the proposal according to its own interests rather than simply supporting or opposing the Guild.

Lady Beatrice Falkenberg opened her administrative report.

"House Falkenberg has examined the proposed limit from a regulatory perspective," Beatrice announced. "Unfortunately, we haven’t found a clear explanation for how the recommended number was determined."

Pembroke looked toward Leopold.

"Count Leopold, does your coalition possess an assessment establishing that this particular limit is necessary for administrative or public safety reasons?"

Leopold hesitated briefly.

"The figure represents what we consider a reasonable balance between independent operations and territorial interests," Leopold answered.

Beatrice frowned slightly.

"But what administrative burden is created by the fifty-first dungeon that doesn’t exist with the fiftieth?" Beatrice asked. "And why would the same restriction apply to an organization managing small, relatively harmless dungeons and one managing several exceptionally dangerous facilities?"

Leopold’s expression tightened.

"Those details could be addressed through supplementary regulations."

"Then the justification should precede the restriction," Beatrice replied. "Otherwise, regional administrators would be enforcing a limit without understanding what problem it’s intended to prevent."

Geoffrey Lancaster finally entered the discussion.

"While I appreciate these objections, the broader concerns shouldn’t be dismissed," Geoffrey stated. "The Guild’s influence extends beyond dungeon revenues. It controls access to valuable resources, attracts powerful Warriors, and maintains facilities throughout the Kingdom. Such an institution requires safeguards against excessive concentration of authority."

Sage looked toward him.

"Lord Geoffrey, we’ve already agreed to lawful inspections, financial obligations, territorial authorization, and compliance with property regulations," Sage replied. "What additional problem would a numerical limit solve?"

Geoffrey folded his hands.

"Those safeguards address individual operations, Guildmaster," Geoffrey answered. "They don’t necessarily address the consequences of one institution accumulating influence across numerous regions."

Benedict Auremont leaned forward.

"Then perhaps House Lancaster should propose a general framework for examining excessive concentration of economic power," Benedict suggested. "Such a framework could apply to all relevant institutions rather than singling out the Adventurer Guild."

Harcourt frowned.

"That would require a considerably broader legislative review."

"Precisely," Benedict replied. "Which is why inserting an arbitrary restriction into this Charter may not be the appropriate solution."

The exchange drew several quiet conversations around the table.

Richard was preparing to restore order when Duke Roland Auremont raised his hand.

Despite his advanced age, the elderly Duke commanded immediate attention. His silver hair was neatly combed, and his walking cane rested beside his chair.

"Gentlemen, Lady Beatrice, I believe we’re beginning to confuse two separate questions," Roland remarked in a calm voice. "The first is whether the Adventurer Guild should receive lawful recognition. The second is whether Westmark requires broader regulations concerning dungeon ownership and resource concentration."

The chamber gradually fell silent.

Roland continued, "Those questions may be related, but they aren’t identical. We should be careful about using one institution’s Charter to settle commercial disagreements that affect the entire Kingdom."

Geoffrey regarded him thoughtfully.

"House Auremont supports the Guild’s independence, Duke Roland. Surely you recognize that its growing influence presents legitimate concerns."

"Of course I do, Lord Geoffrey," Roland answered. "But recognizing a concern doesn’t mean accepting every proposed remedy. If the Kingdom needs stronger dungeon regulations, let the appropriate authorities examine that question properly."

Roland turned toward Sage.

"Likewise, Guildmaster, legal recognition shouldn’t be interpreted as permission for the Guild to disregard legitimate territorial interests."

Sage inclined his head.

"I agree, Your Grace. We’ve never requested that authority."

Roland nodded before addressing Richard.

"Your Royal Highness, I suggest separating the numerical restriction from the Charter’s existing dungeon provisions. The Guild’s lawful operations can be examined under the standards we’ve already discussed, while any broader proposal concerning dungeon concentration receives its own review."

Richard considered the recommendation.

"That would prevent the Charter negotiations from becoming a dispute over the Kingdom’s entire dungeon economy," Richard observed.

Pembroke nodded.

"It would also allow the legal advisers to evaluate the numerical restriction without delaying every unrelated provision."

Leopold appeared reluctant, but Countess Helena von Drachenfels, seated among the dungeon-owning representatives, spoke before he could object.

"I believe that would be a reasonable approach," Helena stated. "Dungeon owners have legitimate interests to protect, but those interests should be examined under consistent laws."

The consultation continued for another hour before Pembroke announced that the proposed numerical limit would be recorded as a disputed recommendation rather than incorporated into the Charter’s working draft.

The dungeon-owning nobles retained the right to submit further arguments, but no numerical restriction had been accepted.

As the representatives departed, Sage approached Duke Roland.

"Thank you for intervening, Your Grace," Sage remarked. "That discussion was becoming unnecessarily complicated."

Roland adjusted his grip upon his cane.

"Don’t thank me yet, Guildmaster," Roland replied. "The disagreement hasn’t disappeared. We’ve merely prevented it from becoming an open quarrel between the Great Houses."

Sage nodded.

"I understand."

Roland regarded him seriously.

"Then prepare yourself. His Majesty will have to decide which arguments deserve consideration, and the King won’t be interested in hearing everyone repeat the same objections."

Later that evening, Richard received a sealed message from the King’s private secretary.

After reading its contents, he immediately summoned Minister Pembroke.

"His Majesty has reached a decision concerning the next stage of the Charter negotiations," Richard announced as Pembroke entered his study.

Pembroke bowed.

"What are His Majesty’s instructions, Your Royal Highness?"

Richard placed the letter upon his desk.

"The King has summoned the principal negotiators to the Royal Palace," Richard replied. "He intends to conduct a final examination of the proposed Charter personally, including the unresolved objections concerning the Guild’s dungeon rights."

Pembroke’s expression became serious.

"Then the matter has reached His Majesty."

Richard nodded as he looked toward the completed documents.

"Yes. And this time, the decision won’t rest with the advisory council."