Chapter 607: The First Branch Opens

Six weeks had passed since the Adventurer Guild secured its first regional agreement, and the western commercial district of the regional capital had undergone a remarkable transformation.

Where an empty stretch of land had once stood, a large three-story building now overlooked the busy road connecting the city’s markets to the western trade routes.

Its stone walls, reinforced wooden doors, and spacious courtyard reflected the Guild’s familiar architectural style, while a prominent sign bearing the Adventurer Guild’s emblem hung above the entrance.

The building was smaller than Kingsford Headquarters, but it possessed everything required for a functioning regional branch.

Inside, reception counters lined the entrance hall, Mission Boards occupied an adjoining chamber, and administrative offices filled much of the upper floors. Storage rooms, staff accommodations, and basic security facilities had also been completed, while additional land remained available for future development.

The construction project had experienced several difficulties, particularly concerning transportation arrangements, but Tobias Merrow’s revised supply contracts and the work of local craftsmen had eventually brought the first stage to completion.

Now, after weeks of inspections, equipment installation, and employee training, the branch was ready to open.

Sage arrived that morning accompanied by Boren, Lyana, Tobias, and Marcelline Dacre. Irene had remained in Kingsford to oversee the Guild’s financial operations, while the other department heads continued managing their respective responsibilities.

As their carriage approached the building, Sage observed the crowd gathering outside its entrance.

Several dozen Warriors stood among merchants, craftsmen, and curious residents. Some carried swords or spears, while others wore traveling cloaks and leather armor. A few had already begun examining the notices displayed near the entrance.

"Quite a turnout," Sage remarked, looking through the carriage window. "I wasn’t expecting this many people before the doors even opened."

Tobias smiled with visible satisfaction. "The regional administration announced the opening several days ago, Guildmaster. We’ve also distributed notices through local inns, merchant associations, and equipment shops."

Boren adjusted his glasses. "The registration department expects considerable interest during the first few days. We’ve assigned additional personnel to handle the initial applications."

Sage nodded approvingly. "Good. The last thing we need is people waiting for hours because we underestimated the number of visitors."

Upon arriving, the delegation was welcomed by the branch’s newly appointed administrator, Conrad Falkenrath.

Following the completion of his background investigation, Conrad had successfully passed the Guild’s final assessment.

His previous employment with Count Leopold von Rabenfeld had required additional scrutiny, but the investigation had uncovered no continuing obligations or evidence of misconduct.

Sage had approved his appointment after reviewing the findings and ensuring that the appropriate conflict-of-interest safeguards were established.

Conrad now wore the formal attire of a Guild administrator, with the Adventurer Guild’s emblem displayed upon his chest.

"Welcome, Guildmaster," Conrad greeted Sage with a respectful bow. "The branch has completed its final preparations. All departments are staffed, the registration counters are ready, and the first commissions have been reviewed for posting."

Sage returned the greeting with a smile. "Excellent work, Conrad. How are the employees settling into their positions?"

"Quite well, Guildmaster," Conrad replied. "Most have completed their training, although several are still becoming familiar with the volume of documentation required. We’ve arranged additional supervision during the opening period."

Lyana nodded approvingly. "That’s sensible. It’s better to provide assistance now than spend the next several weeks correcting avoidable mistakes."

Conrad inclined his head. "I agree, Madam Lyana. We’ve also established procedures for forwarding reports to Kingsford Headquarters without interrupting ordinary branch operations."

Sage examined the entrance hall as Conrad led them inside.

The polished reception counters were already occupied by employees preparing registration documents. Beyond them, a spacious chamber contained several large Mission Boards, each divided into sections according to the Guild’s established mission classifications.

Everything appeared orderly.

More importantly, the branch resembled a functioning Guild facility rather than an impressive building waiting to be filled.

"Have the local authorities completed their inspections?" Sage asked as they approached the administrative offices.

Conrad nodded. "Yes, Guildmaster. The construction and public safety inspections were completed yesterday. Magistrate Brenner’s office has also confirmed that our commercial registration and operating documentation are in order."

Tobias appeared relieved. "Then I can finally consider the construction phase officially completed."

Boren chuckled. "Until the next branch requires your attention."

Tobias sighed dramatically. "Please allow me to enjoy this achievement for at least one morning."

Their conversation drew a brief laugh from Lyana before Conrad continued the inspection.

The group visited the storage facilities, staff quarters, and administrative offices before returning to the entrance hall, where preparations for the opening ceremony were underway.

Magistrate Oswald Brenner arrived shortly afterward, accompanied by several regional officials and representatives of the local merchant associations.

"Guildmaster Sage, welcome to our city," Brenner greeted him warmly. "I must say, your organization has completed an impressive amount of work in a relatively short period."

Sage shook the magistrate’s hand. "Thank you, Magistrate Brenner. Your administration’s cooperation made the project considerably easier. We’re looking forward to providing useful services to the region."

Brenner glanced toward the gathering crowd. "Our merchants certainly seem enthusiastic. Several have already contacted my office asking when they can begin submitting commissions."

"They won’t have to wait much longer," Sage replied.

The opening ceremony began shortly afterward.

A small platform had been arranged near the main entrance, allowing the assembled residents to hear the announcements.

Magistrate Brenner delivered a brief address welcoming the Guild and expressing his administration’s hope that its presence would improve commercial security and provide additional opportunities for local Warriors.

When Sage stepped forward, the crowd gradually fell silent.

"Thank you all for coming," Sage began, looking across the gathered residents. "The Adventurer Guild was established to provide Warriors with opportunities to undertake meaningful work while helping communities address dangers and difficulties they cannot always resolve alone."

He gestured toward the building behind him.

"This branch will allow residents and merchants to submit commissions, while qualified Adventurers can register, examine available missions, and accept work suited to their capabilities," Sage continued. "Our goal is to provide reliable services, fair procedures, and opportunities for cooperation."

Sage paused briefly before concluding.

"Today marks another important step in the Guild’s development. We look forward to working with the people of this region, and I hope this branch will become a place where Adventurers and those who need their assistance can find opportunities."

Applause followed his remarks.

After the formal opening, the doors were opened to the public.

Within minutes, Warriors began approaching the registration counters, where Guild employees explained membership requirements and guided applicants through the necessary procedures.

One broad-shouldered swordsman examined the registration documents with obvious interest.

"So, if I register here, I’ll be able to accept missions in Kingsford too?" the swordsman asked the receptionist.

The young employee nodded politely. "Yes, sir. Your Guild membership is recognized across our branches. However, individual missions may have rank or qualification requirements that you’ll need to satisfy."

The swordsman grinned. "That’s convenient. I’ve been considering traveling to Kingsford, but I didn’t want to make the journey just to register."

Nearby, two merchants approached the commission counter carrying documents concerning repeated attacks against caravans traveling along a western road.

"Can we submit an escort commission for a shipment leaving next week?" one merchant asked, placing his papers upon the counter.

The Guild employee examined the documents. "Certainly, sir. We’ll need the proposed route, departure schedule, cargo details, and the compensation you’re offering. Once the commission has been reviewed and classified, it can be posted for qualified Adventurers."

Throughout the morning, similar conversations unfolded across the entrance hall.

Some visitors came to register, others wanted information about mission procedures, and several merchants submitted preliminary commission requests.

Conrad moved between the departments, answering questions and resolving minor administrative difficulties without requiring assistance from Sage or the visiting senior staff.

By midday, the first approved regional commissions had appeared upon the Mission Boards.

A group of local Warriors gathered around one notice concerning monster activity near a farming settlement, while another party examined an escort commission offered by a merchant traveling toward the western markets.

Garran’s department had already established the procedures for reviewing regional commissions, allowing the local mission administrators to perform their responsibilities under the Guild’s existing standards.

Watching from the upper-floor balcony, Sage felt a quiet sense of satisfaction.

The branch was functioning.

Not because he personally supervised every registration or approved every commission, but because the employees understood their responsibilities and possessed the authority to perform them.

Boren approached him carrying the first operational summary.

"Guildmaster, Conrad reports that the registration counters are handling the visitors without serious difficulties," Boren explained. "The commission department has also begun processing additional requests."

Sage accepted the report. "Good. That’s exactly what I wanted to see. A regional branch shouldn’t become helpless whenever someone from Kingsford isn’t standing nearby."

Boren nodded. "Conrad appears to understand that responsibility. He’s already resolving ordinary matters independently while documenting anything requiring Headquarters approval."

"Then we’ve made a promising start," Sage replied.

The celebrations continued throughout the afternoon, but by evening, Sage and the senior administrators were preparing to return to Kingsford.

Conrad accompanied them to the entrance.

"Guildmaster, thank you for placing your confidence in me," Conrad said respectfully. "I’ll ensure the branch operates according to the standards you’ve established."

Sage regarded him with an encouraging smile. "You earned the appointment through your qualifications, Conrad. Now concentrate on doing your job well. If problems arise, address what you can and report what you cannot."

Conrad nodded firmly. "Understood, Guildmaster."

As Sage’s carriage departed, the newly opened branch remained busy with Adventurers examining missions and employees attending to the final visitors of the day.

The Guild’s first regional expansion project had become a reality.

Over the following days, news of the successful opening spread through merchant networks and regional administrative offices across Westmark.

Reports described the registration activity, the commissions submitted by local merchants, and the potential economic benefits of attracting Adventurers to a regional capital.

In territories where officials had previously expressed uncertainty about the Guild’s expansion, those reports prompted renewed discussions.

Several administrations began reconsidering whether delaying cooperation was truly in their interests.

And before the week had ended, new letters requesting information about establishing Guild branches were already making their way toward Kingsford Headquarters.