Chapter 601: The Fifteen Territories

The following morning, Sage returned to the administrative conference room, where a large map of Westmark had been spread across the central table.

Fifteen regions were outlined in different colors, with major cities, trade routes, rivers, forests, and known dungeon locations marked using information gathered from the Guild’s records and Crown Prince Richard’s preliminary reports.

Boren, Lyana, Tobias, Irene, Garran, Cassian, and Lucan were already present when Sage arrived. Iris and Rowan had also joined the meeting, bringing additional information concerning monster habitats and travel conditions.

"Let’s begin," Sage said as he took his seat. "Yesterday, we established what our branches will require. Today, I want to determine where establishing them would make the greatest difference."

Boren adjusted his glasses and unfolded a document. "Guildmaster, we’ve organized the fifteen regions into four preliminary categories based on their economic conditions, population distribution, security concerns, and administrative accessibility. These classifications are for planning purposes only."

Sage examined the chart. "Good. Let’s start with the commercial regions."

Garran pointed toward several territories connected by major roads. "These regions contain some of Westmark’s busiest markets and transportation routes. Merchants regularly move goods between their cities, which creates demand for escort missions, caravan protection, and investigations into attacks along commercial roads."

Tobias studied the same locations. "They also possess established transportation networks, Guildmaster. Construction materials should be easier to obtain, and several cities already have craftsmen capable of handling substantial building projects."

Irene turned a page in her financial report. "That reduces our initial expenses. A branch established near a major commercial route could also generate revenue through registration services, commissions, accommodation, and other facilities."

Sage nodded thoughtfully. "Then those regions deserve serious consideration. However, I don’t want us choosing locations based solely on commercial potential."

Garran moved his finger toward the northern portion of the map. "That’s where the frontier regions become important, Guildmaster. Several northern districts experience recurring monster activity, and some settlements depend heavily upon local militias or traveling Warriors for protection."

Rowan leaned forward to examine the marked routes. "The northern roads are also more difficult to navigate during certain seasons. A branch located near an important junction could help Adventurers reach settlements that currently receive limited assistance."

Cassian folded his arms. "But frontier branches would require stronger security arrangements. We can’t assume local authorities have enough personnel to respond quickly if a Guild facility comes under attack."

Leon, who had joined the meeting to provide his assessment of combat requirements, nodded. "And we’ll need experienced Adventurers willing to operate in those territories. Opening a branch won’t magically produce qualified Warriors."

Sage considered their observations. "Then any frontier project must include a recruitment assessment. If there aren’t enough capable Adventurers available, we’ll need to determine whether experienced members would be interested in relocating."

Lyana made a note. "We should offer clear information about regional mission opportunities before asking anyone to transfer. Adventurers are independent members, so we can’t simply assign them to whichever branch needs people."

"Exactly," Sage replied. "We can encourage them through opportunities, not force them to move."

The discussion shifted toward the agricultural regions, where smaller towns and farming communities formed the backbone of the local economy.

Iris opened a collection of reports. "Several agricultural territories experience seasonal monster attacks, particularly around forests and less populated roads. These incidents don’t always require high-ranking Adventurers, but they can seriously disrupt farming and transportation."

Garran nodded. "That suggests smaller branches might be sufficient in some locations. We could focus on local commissions rather than immediately constructing large facilities."

Tobias examined his construction models. "A smaller branch would also require fewer employees and less expensive infrastructure. We could expand it later if demand increases."

Sage looked toward Irene. "Would those locations be financially sustainable?"

"Some might be," Irene answered. "But we’d need to examine the local economy carefully. A region with limited commercial activity may struggle to support a large permanent staff. We should avoid establishing facilities whose expenses consistently exceed their revenue without a clear justification."

Boren added a note beside the agricultural regions. "Perhaps those locations should be considered for later phases, once nearby branches can provide administrative support."

Sage nodded. "That makes sense. We don’t have to establish a full branch in every town to make Guild services accessible."

The final category contained territories with difficult terrain, scattered settlements, or limited information.

Rowan studied the western portion of the map. "Some of these regions have extensive forests and mountainous routes. Traveling between settlements can take considerably longer than the distances suggest."

Tobias frowned. "That would complicate construction and supply deliveries. We’d need reliable local partners before attempting anything substantial."

Iris examined the dungeon markings. "Several territories also contain known dungeons, although the available information concerning their activity and ownership is incomplete."

Sage turned toward Lucan. "We’ll need to verify those details before discussing any dungeon agreements. The Charter protects lawful operations, but it doesn’t give us ownership over dungeons simply because they’re located near a future branch."

Lucan nodded. "I’ll include ownership verification and territorial authorization in our regional inquiries, Guildmaster."

As the administrators continued comparing their findings, a clearer picture of Westmark began emerging. Some regions possessed strong commercial economies but relatively limited monster threats. Others had dangerous wilderness areas where Adventurer services could prove valuable, although operating expenses would be considerably higher.

There were also territories where existing dungeon owners exercised substantial influence over local commerce.

Irene pointed toward one such region. "Guildmaster, this territory has several established dungeon operations, but most appear to be controlled by noble households. We should be cautious about assuming those owners will welcome competition."

Sage examined the report. "Then we won’t begin by challenging their dungeon businesses. Our initial priority is establishing lawful Guild services. Dungeon agreements can be considered separately when suitable opportunities arise."

Lucan nodded approvingly. "That approach may also make negotiations easier. Regional authorities could be more receptive if they understand that opening a branch doesn’t automatically threaten existing property arrangements."

After nearly two hours of discussion, Sage requested a consolidated assessment.

Boren arranged the reports into three groups, separating regions suitable for immediate negotiations from those requiring further investigation and those presenting substantial administrative difficulties.

"Guildmaster, based on the available information, I’d recommend a phased expansion strategy," Boren proposed. "We begin with a small number of locations where commercial demand, security needs, and administrative cooperation make successful operations more likely."

Sage looked around the table. "Does anyone see a problem with that approach?"

Irene shook her head. "Financially, it’s the safest option. We can evaluate the performance of our first branches before committing additional resources."

Tobias nodded. "It would also allow our construction teams to gain experience with the regional building models before we attempt more complicated projects."

Garran considered the map. "And once the first branches begin operating, their mission records should help us identify where additional services are needed."

Sage picked up his pen and marked the three preliminary planning groups. "Then that’s our approach. We’ll begin negotiations in the most promising regions, prepare construction only after the necessary agreements are secured, and expand further as our resources allow."

Boren recorded the decision before presenting another document. "There’s one additional proposal I’d like you to consider, Guildmaster. As our regional network grows, Kingsford Headquarters will need a dedicated office to coordinate branch administration."

Sage raised an eyebrow. "A separate regional administration office?"

"Yes, Guildmaster," Boren replied. "It would handle reports from regional administrators, monitor compliance with Guild procedures, coordinate staffing requests, and ensure that important matters reach the appropriate departments. Without a central coordinating office, every branch could end up sending unrelated requests directly to you or the senior staff."

Lyana nodded. "It would also make training and administrative inspections easier. We could maintain standardized records and identify problems before they become serious."

Sage considered the proposal. "I like it. But I don’t want another department that simply creates paperwork for everyone else."

Boren smiled faintly. "Neither do I, Guildmaster. The objective is to reduce unnecessary administrative work, not increase it."

"Then prepare a staffing proposal," Sage instructed. "For now, the office can operate under your supervision until we determine what permanent structure it needs."

Boren nodded and added the assignment to his notes.

The meeting was approaching its conclusion when a knock sounded at the door. Marcelline Dacre entered carrying several sealed letters.

"Guildmaster, these arrived from the regional correspondence office," Marcelline reported as she approached the table. "They were marked for Lord Lucan’s attention."

Lucan accepted the letters and examined their seals. His expression changed slightly as he opened the first two.

"These are responses to our preliminary inquiries," Lucan explained. "Two regional administrations have confirmed that they’re prepared to receive Guild representatives and begin discussing potential branch agreements."

Sage smiled. "That’s encouraging. We can begin arranging the necessary meetings."

Lucan opened the final letter, reading its contents more slowly.

"There’s another response, Guildmaster," Lucan said, his expression becoming serious. "It comes from the same territory that issued yesterday’s warning."

Sage looked toward him. "What have they said this time?"

Lucan placed the letter upon the table. "They’ve formally refused to receive any Guild representatives. Their administration states that no meeting concerning branch establishment will be permitted, and they won’t consider further correspondence on the matter."

Cassian frowned. "They’re refusing negotiations before we’ve even submitted an application?"

"Apparently so," Lucan replied. "And once again, they’ve provided no specific legal explanation."

Sage examined the letter before turning toward the marked territory on the map.

Two regions were prepared to welcome negotiations, while another had closed its doors without offering a reason.

"Very well," Sage said calmly, setting the letter aside. "Proceed with the two willing administrations. As for this territory, I want to know who’s responsible for that decision and what they’re trying to protect."

The Guild’s expansion across Westmark had barely begun, yet its first political obstacle was already taking shape.