Chapter 606: The Price of Independence

The discovery of Conrad Falkenrath’s previous employment had complicated the Adventurer Guild’s search for its first regional administrator.

Among the candidates who had completed the written assessments and interviews, Conrad possessed some of the strongest qualifications.

His experience managing personnel, financial records, and contractual obligations made him particularly suitable for the position.

Unfortunately, his former employer was Count Leopold von Rabenfeld, one of the nobles who had actively opposed the Guild during the Royal Charter negotiations.

That morning, Boren and Lyana presented their findings to Sage inside his office.

"Guildmaster, we’ve confirmed that Conrad Falkenrath served as an administrative secretary in Count Leopold’s household for nearly six years," Boren explained, placing the employment records upon the desk. "He supervised several departments and handled financial reporting before leaving the Count’s service a few months ago."

Sage examined the documents. "Why did he leave?"

"According to his application, he resigned after disagreements concerning administrative responsibilities," Lyana answered. "However, we haven’t independently verified the circumstances."

Sage turned another page. "And how did he perform compared to the other candidates?"

Boren adjusted his glasses. "Exceptionally well, Guildmaster. His written assessment was among the highest, and his interview demonstrated a thorough understanding of financial accountability and institutional procedures."

Sage leaned back in his chair.

"Then we shouldn’t reject him simply because he once worked for Count Leopold," Sage remarked. "His former employer’s political position doesn’t automatically determine his own loyalties."

Lyana nodded thoughtfully. "That’s our assessment as well. However, someone with his background could possess continuing relationships within the Count’s household."

"Which is why we need proper safeguards," Sage replied. "Verify his references, examine the circumstances of his departure, and determine whether he has any continuing financial or contractual obligations to House Rabenfeld."

Boren recorded the instructions. "Should we suspend his application while the investigation proceeds?"

Sage shook his head. "No. Continue evaluating him alongside the other candidates. If he’s qualified and his background checks reveal nothing disqualifying, he deserves fair consideration."

Lyana smiled faintly. "Understood, Guildmaster. We’ll apply the same standards to everyone."

After leaving Sage’s office, Boren and Lyana resumed their recruitment work. Additional interviews were scheduled, and several experienced Guild employees were invited to complete the administrative assessments.

Meanwhile, Marcelline Dacre was occupied with a different matter.

The Guild’s first regional branch agreement had already been approved, but its construction plans required further coordination with the local administration. Marcelline had therefore arranged a meeting with the regional officials responsible for property documentation and commercial permissions.

Before she could depart, however, an unexpected invitation arrived from a noble household possessing considerable influence in the region.

The letter came from Baron Friedrich von Altenburg, a landowner whose estates bordered several important commercial roads near the regional capital.

According to the invitation, the Baron wished to discuss an arrangement that could benefit the Guild’s expansion.

Marcelline reviewed the letter carefully before bringing it to Boren.

"Mr. Boren, Baron Altenburg has requested a private meeting concerning the Guild’s regional development," Marcelline explained. "He claims to possess property that could support our future operations."

Boren examined the invitation. "Has he specified what kind of arrangement he’s proposing?"

"Not in writing," Marcelline replied. "However, he appears interested in discussing land acquisition and commercial cooperation."

Boren considered the matter. "You may hear his proposal, but make no commitments beyond your existing authorization. Any substantial changes to our property arrangements must be reviewed by Headquarters."

Marcelline nodded. "Understood. I’ll ensure the discussion is properly documented."

Two days later, Marcelline arrived at Baron Altenburg’s residence, accompanied by a Guild administrative clerk.

The estate was situated outside the regional capital, surrounded by carefully maintained gardens and extensive farmland. Its main residence was considerably smaller than the estates belonging to Westmark’s Great Houses, but the furnishings and household staff reflected substantial wealth.

Baron Altenburg received the delegation in his private study.

"Miss Dacre, welcome," the Baron greeted her with a pleasant smile. "I’ve heard considerable things about your Guild’s ambitions. Establishing branches throughout fifteen regions is no small undertaking."

Marcelline returned his greeting politely. "Thank you for receiving us, Baron Altenburg. Our expansion will proceed gradually, but we’re certainly interested in opportunities that could improve the services available to local residents."

The Baron gestured toward the chairs opposite his desk.

"Then perhaps I can make your work considerably easier," Altenburg suggested. "My family possesses several properties near the western trade road. One particular estate would be ideal for a Guild facility, especially if your organization intends to attract traveling Adventurers."

Marcelline examined the map he presented.

The property was well positioned near a major commercial junction, although it lay some distance from the site already secured through the regional administration.

"That is an interesting location, my lord," Marcelline acknowledged. "However, we’ve already concluded an agreement for our first branch. Any additional property would require a separate assessment."

"Naturally," Altenburg replied. "I’m not suggesting you abandon your existing arrangements. Consider this an opportunity for future development."

The Baron opened another document.

"I would be willing to offer the land under exceptionally favorable terms," Altenburg continued. "A long-term lease at a nominal rate, assistance with local construction permissions, and access to several merchants who regularly supply my estates."

Marcelline studied the proposal.

The terms were undeniably attractive.

However, experience had taught her that unusually generous offers often carried conditions that were not immediately apparent.

"What would you require in return, my lord?" Marcelline asked.

Altenburg smiled. "Nothing unreasonable. Merely a degree of cooperation concerning the management of the branch."

Marcelline placed the document upon the table. "Could you explain what that cooperation would involve?"

The Baron folded his hands.

"I have a nephew who has spent several years studying administration," Altenburg explained. "He’s capable, well educated, and familiar with the region’s commercial affairs. I believe he’d make an excellent regional administrator."

Marcelline immediately understood the direction of the conversation.

"All senior administrative appointments are handled through the Guild’s established recruitment procedures," Marcelline replied. "Your nephew would be welcome to apply if he meets the qualifications."

Altenburg waved a hand dismissively. "Surely such formalities can be simplified when both parties stand to benefit. I’m offering your organization valuable property and considerable assistance. In return, I merely ask that my nephew receive the appointment."

Marcelline maintained her composed expression.

"I’m afraid that isn’t an arrangement the Guild can accept, my lord," Marcelline stated. "Our Royal Charter recognizes the Guild’s authority over its internal appointments. We cannot exchange administrative positions for favorable property agreements."

The Baron’s pleasant expression faded slightly.

"Miss Dacre, I think you’re misunderstanding my intentions," Altenburg replied. "I’m not attempting to interfere with your organization. I simply want someone familiar with local interests overseeing a facility that will operate within my family’s sphere of influence."

"Local knowledge is certainly valuable," Marcelline acknowledged. "But it doesn’t replace our recruitment standards. The Guild must appoint administrators based upon qualifications and suitability, not the influence of external patrons."

Altenburg leaned back in his chair.

"Your Guildmaster seems rather particular about these matters," the Baron remarked.

"Guildmaster Sage considers institutional independence essential," Marcelline replied. "We’re willing to cooperate with noble households, merchants, and regional authorities, but appointments remain the Guild’s responsibility."

The Baron studied her for several moments before closing the property document.

"Then perhaps your organization should reconsider how it approaches cooperation," Altenburg said coolly. "Favorable relationships with established families can make regional development considerably easier."

Marcelline inclined her head. "We appreciate that, my lord. However, cooperation must respect the responsibilities and authority of both parties."

The meeting ended shortly afterward without an agreement.

Upon returning to the regional capital, Marcelline prepared a detailed report concerning the proposal and dispatched it to Kingsford Headquarters.

When Sage received the document, Boren was already waiting to discuss the latest recruitment results.

"Another noble attempting to influence our appointments," Sage remarked, setting down Marcelline’s report. "It seems some people still believe every administrative position can be negotiated like a commercial contract."

Boren nodded. "Baron Altenburg’s property offer was generous, Guildmaster. But accepting his condition would establish a dangerous precedent."

"Exactly," Sage replied. "If we appoint one noble’s relative in exchange for land, others will expect the same treatment. Eventually, our branches would become extensions of whichever household offered the most attractive benefits."

Boren opened the latest recruitment records. "That also raises an interesting distinction concerning Conrad Falkenrath."

Sage looked toward him. "Because he previously worked for Count Leopold?"

"Yes, Guildmaster," Boren answered. "Conrad applied through our ordinary selection process and completed the same assessments as everyone else. Baron Altenburg, on the other hand, wants to bypass those procedures entirely."

Sage nodded approvingly. "And that’s precisely why we should judge applicants individually. Connections aren’t automatically disqualifying, but neither should they guarantee appointments."

Boren continued his report, explaining that Conrad’s references had confirmed much of his professional experience. However, the investigation into his departure from House Rabenfeld remained incomplete.

"Continue the checks," Sage instructed. "And make sure every regional administrator signs appropriate declarations concerning conflicts of interest, outside financial obligations, and confidential Guild information."

Boren recorded the instruction. "I’ll incorporate those requirements into the appointment procedures."

Meanwhile, Baron Altenburg sat inside his study, examining the rejected proposal.

His steward stood nearby, awaiting instructions.

"My lord, should I prepare a revised offer without the appointment condition?" the steward asked cautiously.

Altenburg’s expression hardened.

"No," the Baron replied, closing the document. "If the Adventurer Guild believes it can establish itself here without the cooperation of influential families, then let it discover how difficult that can become."

The steward hesitated. "Shall I inform our commercial associates?"

Altenburg looked toward the window overlooking his estate.

"Not yet," the Baron answered coldly. "For now, withdraw the offer. But remember this refusal. Sooner or later, the Guild will learn that independence comes at a price."

And with that, another influential noble quietly joined the growing number of people who resented the Adventurer Guild’s refusal to surrender control over its own affairs.