The Guild Director-General.

His Majesty continued speaking.

“Next, Hana Sharon.”

“Yes!”

“Your efforts this time are highly commended. I hereby bestow upon you the title of A-Rank adventurer, and declare the total annulment of your slave status!”

His Majesty spoke with a deep, booming voice that resounded throughout the entire room.

“Th-Thank you very much! I humbly accept!”

Hana had held adventurer credentials, but her official status was that of a slave.

However, in this very moment, she was able to cast off those chains—and with the powerful backing of the King himself.

There was no one present in this audience chamber who could possibly object.

“And finally, Vim Abel.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Vim caught a brief smirk on the King’s face.

Whenever His Majesty made a face like that, he was usually up to no good.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have bothered gathering the kingdom’s high-ranking officials here in the audience chamber.

“I offer my deepest gratitude for saving our nation from the dire crisis threatening it. Your deeds deserve the highest praise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Vim Abel, as of today, I hereby appoint you as the Director-General of the Leoria Kingdom Adventurers’ Guild!”

“I… humbly accept…” Vim said, a look like he’d swallowed a bitter bug crossing his face.

If anyone could actually refuse an offer under these circumstances, Vim would gladly call them a true hero and give them a round of applause.

Guild Director-General was a position above even the Guildmaster.

A Guildmaster was merely the head of the royal capital’s central branch.

A Director-General, on the other hand, held the authority to command every guild in the entire nation—the top official overseeing all guilds across the country.

Vim had heard that the Director-General position had remained vacant for a long time.

That made complete sense: to stand at the top of all adventurers, one needed unquestionable strength to match. It wasn’t a seat just anyone could sit in.

“The three proclamations above are declared by my authority as the King of Leoria! This concludes the audience!”

With His Majesty’s declaration, the audience came to an end, and people exited the chamber in order of rank.

The moment Vim and his group left the audience chamber, they were promptly caught by a royal attendant.

“His Majesty wishes to meet with you privately. Right this way.”

“Of course he does…”

As was always the case, Vim hadn’t been told a single word in advance.

Since everything had been pushed onto him without his consent, he certainly had a few things he wanted to say as well.

“Your Majesty, I have brought Lord Vim and his companions.”

“Come in.”

Stepping into the reception room, they found the King and Princess Erin waiting for them.

“Congratulations on your appointment as Guild Director-General!”

“Congratulations!”

Both spoke with bright smiles on their faces.

“I wasn’t told anything about this, though.”

“Well, that’s because I didn’t tell you. Think of it as a little surprise.”

“I don’t need a surprise like that. It’s bad for my heart.”

“Now, don’t make such a face. Have a seat.”

“Pardon us, then.”

Vim and his group sat on the sofa opposite the King.

“Well then, allow me to explain how all this came to be.”