Volume 1 Chapter 19-2 The Villainous Guildmaster, A Former Noblewoman Seeking Help After Her Engagement is Broken Off
"You... you brat...! Do you realize what it means to lay hands on my subordinates!?"
"Right back at you."
My voice was cold. Unshaken.
"Do you know what it means to raise your hand against my men?"
I stepped out from behind the counter and made my way toward Zaltchim. Each step echoed like a hammer striking iron, heavy and deliberate.
"The Guild Association is an independent organization that doesn't belong to any nation."
My voice was low, each word sharpened to a point.
"Therefore, we can't interfere... even if the other party is a noble."
"Th-therefore, what...!?"
His voice cracked as he spat the words, his pride and panic warring behind his eyes.
He glared at me.
So, I glared right back. My gaze didn't waver. It bore straight through him.
"Hmph...!"
His breath hitched. Then—
Thud.
Zaltchim's knees buckled and he slumped to the ground.
"Wow... Guildmaster, you didn't back down even an inch against a noble."
"As expected of our reliable master!"
I swept my gaze over the Guild members. Their eyes gleamed with admiration, but they held their discipline.
"If I report this incident to the Association," I said calmly, "your reckless actions could bring disgrace to the Guild Association."
"Guh...! Are you threatening me, you brat!?"
His teeth gnashed as he forced himself back up, trembling.
"That's right."
I took a step closer, and his body tensed.
"Get lost before I change my mind."
Shaking, Zaltchim got to his feet, his hands balled into trembling fists. His glare burned with frustration, but he knew better than to make another move.
"...Remember this, you fools. Making me angry will have consequences."
Rousing his unconscious subordinates, Zaltchim turned and left without another word.
"Guildmaster, as expected! You sent a noble packing without breaking a sweat!"
"You all held your ground well, too."
These guys... they didn't draw their weapons. Even when they had the chance.
"Of course we did!"
"No matter how strong we become, we don't resort to meaningless violence against steadfast humans!"
"That's the Guildmaster's teaching!"
It seems they're properly adhering to the code I taught them.
Sheesh...
Such sticklers for the rules.
Hold up.
Katrina returned to the Guild Hall with a downcast expression.
"I'm very sorry for the trouble..."
"You're not someone I'd worry about. Get back to work."
"Yes..."
Yui glanced at Katrina, worry clouding her bright eyes. Then she turned to me.
"Sir Act... that person earlier... he's Ms. Katrina's fiancé, right?"
"Yeah. He was."
I crossed my arms.
"The guy got his engagement canceled and was thrown out of his house."
"Why would such a person...?"
"Well, it's likely that the woman who married him in Katrina's place finally realized what a loser he was."
I exhaled.
"And now he's come crawling back."
I'd seen plenty of his kind before.
"I just hope she gives up on this."
* * *
Later, in my (Guildmaster's) room.
"I-it's a disaster, Sir Act! Katrina hasn't shown up for work!"
Yui burst into the room, breathless and flustered.
"I know. I found this."
"!? A resignation letter...?"
I held up the torn envelope.
The letter inside was crumpled but legible.
It stated she was leaving the Guild... because she was engaged to Zaltchim, a noble from the Empire.
"...This is just ridiculous."
I ran a thumb over the torn paper, frowning.
"She broke off the engagement on her own... and now she's going back? How selfish can he be..."
Yui's gaze snapped to mine. Her voice rose sharply.
"This has to be a lie! She was definitely forced to write this!"
"That might be true."
"That might be true!? Is that really okay!? What if Katrina ends up quitting!?"
"Once a resignation letter is submitted, there's no stopping it."
I looked away.
"I'm of the mindset you don't chase after those who want to leave."
"That's just...!"
At that moment, the Communication Magic Item crackled to life.
Katrina's voice slipped through, heavy and strained.
'...Guildmaster.'
"Katrina, what's wrong?"
'...No.'
"Guildmaster! Let me talk to her!"
Before I could react, Yui snatched the magic item from my hand.
"Katrina! Please tell us the truth! You don't want to go back to that guy, do you!?"
A heavy silence followed.
Then, Katrina's voice came again, soft and resigned.
'...I have no choice. That man doesn't understand common sense. If this continues... it will cause trouble for everyone in the Guild. Including you, Guildmaster.'
"Even so... is this really okay!? Is this truly what you want!?"
"Yui. That's enough."
I took the magic item back and spoke quietly.
"Anyway, take care, Katrina."
'...Yes. I'm sorry for the trouble.'
The magic item went silent as I turned it off and slipped it into my pocket.
"Yui, I'm heading out. Keep an eye on the place for a bit."
"Heading out...? Where to?"
I stood, resignation letter in hand.
"Just a little ways. To the Empire."
"! So you are going to see Ms. Katrina!? To bring her back!? But they say you shouldn't chase someone who's leaving..."
"Don't jump to conclusions."
I glanced at the letter.
"I haven't even handed in my resignation yet."
"Huh...?"
"I found this in the room this morning. A resignation's invalid unless the person submits it themselves."
I slipped the letter into my coat.
"Katrina seems unaware of that. I'm just going to return this to that foolish nobleman as incomplete paperwork."
Yui stared for a moment... then broke into a bright, beaming smile.
"As expected! Sir Act is kind-hearted! You're the best Guildmaster!"
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)