Volume 2 Chapter 11 The Villainous Guildmaster is Celebrated by the Guild Members Upon Return
In the Royal Capital, I've completed the quest to train the Lawrence Hero Party.
Heading back to our hometown, I'm nestled in a carriage bound for the Guild of the Heavenly Gem.
'Good day, Guildmaster,'
comes a voice from the other end of the communication magic device──it's Katrina, the receptionist.
"Katrina. How's everything on your end?"
She's not just a receptionist; she's a manager who coordinates the staff and knows the ins and outs of the guild's operations better than anyone.
'Business as usual here at the guild. We've followed your instructions, and Yui-Yui has been working hard.'
While I was in the Royal Capital, I not only trained Lawrence and the others but also managed the guild remotely with the help of a communication magic device.
The tasks that couldn't be handled remotely, I entrusted to my apprentice, Yui.
'Being able to work even when you're not at the office──truly befitting a guildmaster. But... have you taken any breaks? You seem to be working a bit too hard.'
"I appreciate the concern, but there's no need to worry."
'I see... Of course, if it's you, Guildmaster, I'm sure you're managing your health just fine.'
Katrina laughs elegantly.
'By the way, when can we expect your arrival?'
"Sometime around dusk in 2 days."
I have plans to stop at an inn along the way.
'...Yes, Yui-Yui. He'll be here around dusk in 2 days. Yes, let's make a reservation for dinner...'
"What's up, Katrina? Who are you talking to?"
'Oh, NOTHING♡ Just a little SOMETHING♡'
"Alright then."
'Guildmaster, once you arrive in town, could you please come to the guild?'
"Why?"
'Because I'd love to see your lively face as soon as possible... Is that okay?'
Katrina asks with a concerned tone.
'That's too much to ask, isn't it? I'm sorry, you must be exhausted. I shouldn't be so selfish.'
"What are you JUMPING to conclusions about?"
'Eh?'
"I guess I should check in with the Town Mayor; let's see what the Guild has to say."
'R-Really? Is that ALRIGHT?'
"Don't get the wrong idea. The Guild's been closed for far too long, so I bet there's a mountain of documents piling up. I just want to clear it all away quickly."
'W-WELL THEN! I'll be waiting! ...Yui-Yui says, "OKAY!"... YAY! I'll get started right away!'
I cut off the Communication Magic Item with a sigh.
"Good grief."
"As expected of you, Master; so kind-hearted."
Sitting across from me was Frederica, the Silver-Haired maid.
She was smiling happily, her dog ears twitching.
"A true boss who never wastes the goodwill of their subordinates."
"What are you talking about?"
"Hehe... The day after tomorrow is going to be one grand celebration, isn't it?"
* * *
Two days later, in the evening.
When I stepped into the Guild of the Gem of Heavenly Gifts...
"""WELCOME BACK, GUILDMASTER!"""
The Guild Hall was buzzing with Guild Members, all there to greet me.
The staff and Adventurers had gathered right at the entrance.
"Welcome back, Guildmaster!" "I MISSED YOU, MR. ACT!" "Guildmaster! GREAT JOB today!"
Everyone waved at me with beaming smiles.
"Sir Act!"
A petite girl suddenly jumped into my arms.
"I MISSED YOU SO MUCH, SIR ACT!"
"Yui. You did well holding down the fort."
"THANK YOU! I WORKED REALLY HARD FOR YOU, SIR ACT!"
I gently patted Yui's head, appreciating her efforts.
Even with my support, she really managed the Guild well.
"Welcome back, Guildmaster."
"Katrina."
Katrina, the head receptionist, parting the crowd with a bright smile, approached me.
"What's all this about?"
"I apologize. Everyone wanted to celebrate your return, so I thought it was a bit presumptuous, but I went ahead and prepared a feast."
"Welcome back, Guildmaster!"
Upon closer inspection, both the staff and the Guild Members were all present and accounted for.
Even those not on duty were here; such diligent folks.
"Honestly, have you lot finished your work properly for today?"
"OF COURSE WE HAVE! WE WORKED SUPER HARD FOR YOU, GUILDMASTER!"
"GUILDMASTER, LET'S HAVE A DRINK TOGETHER!"
"WE WORKED REALLY HARD ON THE COOKING, SO PLEASE EAT UP!"
Both the Guild Members and the staff were looking at me with expectant eyes.
"Drop your luggage in the Room, and be back in 30 minutes. Prepare yourselves and wait."
"""YES, SIR!"""
Ignoring the cheering Guild Members, I made my way to the second floor, to my (the Guildmaster's) Room.
"Oh my, Master, is everything alright?"
Frederica asked with a mischievous giggle.
"Surely, Master, you didn't come here just to tidy up a mountain of work?"
"Work will get done. And I will join the feast."
"As generous as always, Master."
"Don't get the wrong idea. If I don't show up, it might dampen the spirits of the Guild Members. Plus, I don't want their carefully prepared meal to go to waste."
"Hehe. Let's keep it that way."
* * *
The feast continued until late into the night.
The Guild Members were snoring in the Guild Hall.
"......"
I sat on the steps leading to the second floor, sipping my drink while watching them.
"Sir Act."
Katrina called out to me as she climbed the stairs.
"As expected, Sir Act, you have a strong tolerance for drink."
"Well, there are plenty of occasions for drinking in my line of work."
She was slightly blushing.
She sat down next to me, her shoulder pressing close.
"I've put quite a burden on you. I'm sorry."
"Please don't worry about it. Compared to the favor I've received from you... it's a trivial matter."
This one was a former duke's daughter; after a series of troubles with foolish nobles trying to take her away, she now belongs to my Guild.
Thump, Katrina laid her head on my shoulder.
"Just...the days I couldn't see you were so lonely, so painful."
Katrina turns her lips into a pout.
"Why didn't you contact me more?"
"I suppose we did have regular contact..."
"I don't want to talk about work."
"Then what business do you have with me?"
"...I don't know. That's right."
Katrina stands up and sticks out her tongue playfully.
"Go tell the Guild Members downstairs to get some blankets. We don't want them catching a cold."
"Understood."
"And you, what are you going to do today? If you're going home, I'll see you out."
"I think I'll stay in the guest quarters tonight,♡ Thanks for your concern, Guildmaster."
I hand Katrina an empty glass and head down the stairs.
"Also, please bring me the bill for tonight's feast tomorrow."
She gives me a surprised look.
"No, today's feast was for Guildmaster, wasn't it? We all chipped in."
"That's not necessary. It's a necessary expense."
I reach the entrance.
Katrina smiles gracefully.
"Such a considerate Guildmaster, throwing a big feast and then deducting it as expenses!"
Katrina chuckles.
"Thanks for all the preparations you made for me. I owe you one."
"No, it's nothing. ...Guildmaster"
With a cheeky grin, Katrina flashes me a smile like blooming flowers.
"WELCOME BACK, OUR GREATEST GUILDMASTER!"
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