The Local Guild

Count Dion continued his meal while nursing some alcohol. Bit by bit, the intoxication seemed to be setting in.

“Does the actual subjugation start tomorrow?” Count Dion asked.

“Yes, that is the plan.”

The sun had already set, and it was getting dark. Vim intended to introduce himself to the local guild branch tomorrow before starting the subjugation mission.

“In that case, you should stay here tonight. I have more than enough spare rooms anyway.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. It’s more fun having more people around for a change.”

Vim and his companion had planned to find a random inn to stay at. To be honest, this offer was incredibly welcome.

“Then, I humbly accept your offer.”

“Good. I’ll have a room prepared for you.”

Count Dion called out to one of his servants.

“Thank you very much.”

After finishing their meal, Vim and Hana were shown to their quarters. It was a beautiful room, clearly meant for guests, featuring a canopy bed. Vim lay down on the bed immediately. As he closed his eyes, drowsiness washed over him, and he soon let go of his consciousness.

The next morning, he woke up while the air was still crisp and early. He left the room and headed down the stairs, where he found Hana.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning!”

When they entered the living room together, Count Dion was already awake.

“Good morning to you both. Did you sleep well?” the Count asked in a gentle voice.

“Yes, thanks to you, I was able to get plenty of rest.”

“That’s good to hear. When you get to be my age, you tend to wake up early regardless of your will.”

With a self-deprecating smile, he took a sip from a mug of tea.

“To the Guild next?”

“Yes. I thought I should first pay my respects to the branch manager here.”

“The Guild is straight down the road to the left of the mansion. It’s a large building, so you’ll recognize it immediately.”

The Count explained the location of the Guild.

“Thank you. That helps a lot.”

Since it was Vim’s first time in this town, he appreciated the directions.

“Of course. Take care out there.”

“We will.”

With that, Vim and Hana left the Count’s estate and headed for the Guild. After walking for a few minutes as the Count had described, they arrived at the Baron Guild Branch. The two of them stepped inside.

The interior was overflowing with adventurers. As expected, it was smaller in scale than the headquarters in the Royal Capital, but the general atmosphere was much the same. Vim lined up at the least crowded window of the general reception desk.

“I’d like to meet the branch manager,” Vim said, presenting his S-rank guild card from his pocket.

The receptionist’s eyes widened the moment she saw it. An S-rank guild card wasn’t exactly something one saw every day.

“I-I will go check immediately!” the receptionist said before rushing away.

After waiting for a few minutes, she returned.

“The Guild Master says he will see you. I will show you the way.”

She placed an “Away from Desk” sign down and stepped out from behind the counter to lead Vim and Hana.

“It’s right here.”

They were shown into the branch manager’s office at the back of the building. Inside, a relatively young man wearing glasses was standing.

“We’ve been expecting you. I am Camilla, the manager of this guild branch.”

“I’m Vim.”

“I am Hana.”

Vim and his companion shook hands with Camilla.

“Please, have a seat for now.”

“Thank you.”

At the manager’s urging, they sat on the sofa in the center of the room. Manager Camilla adjusted his glasses with his middle finger and took a seat on the opposite sofa.