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Now then, while the barcode warrior persistently tried to persuade, only to be curtly rebuffed by Cestlavie, it seemed the matter wasn’t progressing. Seeing this, Marina gracefully stepped out from behind the counter and approached me.

“You must be the Shrine Maiden Clara, correct? My apologies for the sudden intrusion. I am Marina Starabuck, a staff member of the Thera Maryth Adventurers’ Guild Headquarters. I have an urgent matter I wish to discuss with you. Might I trouble you for a moment of your time?”

Her polite demeanor was evident, but there was a distinct undercurrent of urgency in her tone. Tilting my head slightly, I regarded her curiously.

“Is this about the report concerning the Sidonia Grand Labyrinth from yesterday?”

“—No, though we would certainly appreciate discussing that matter in the future. However, an unforeseen and higher-priority ‘walk-in case’ has arisen, and I must ask for your assistance in addressing it first.”

The mention of a “walk-in case” prompted me to instinctively glance back at the two luxurious carriages parked in front of the guild.

“Don’t tell me—?”
“…You guessed it.”

She must have discerned the meaning behind my question from the clear weariness already visible on my face. Marina lowered her head apologetically.

“Just ignore them, Jill. These guys are just trying to shirk responsibility since someone with higher authority comes around and they can do nothing about it,” Cestlavie spat, his irritation plainly evident as he waved off the male staff member attempting to intervene.

While Adventurer Guilds—and guilds in general—claim to stand as independent and impartial organizations, free from the influence of governmental authority, noble prestige, or religious doctrine, the reality is far less idealistic. They rely on subsidies from the state, endorsements from religious institutions, and generous donations from influential nobles or wealthy merchants. Consequently, when faced with unreasonable demands from such powerful entities, they often find themselves unable to resist. The ground-level staff, in particular, frequently crumble under the pressure, embodying a certain bureaucratic frailty.

It’s hard not to sympathize with the plight of middle management in such situations. Still, having this mess shoved onto my plate as a scapegoat was far from acceptable.

“If that’s the case, this matter exceeds my personal authority. You’ll need to take it up with the upper echelons of the Church—at the very least, you’ll have to go through Lady Teressa.”

With that noncommittal reply, I turned on my heel, fully intending to leave. But before I could, the barcode-haired staff member hurried after me and held my arm.

“P-please wait! Currently, Lady Simonetta and Shrine Maiden Barbara are in the third-floor VIP room regarding a request. The matter directly involves you, Lady Clara, and we humbly request your presence as well. Of course, you would be attending in an observer capacity. Under no circumstances would you be held responsible for any outcome!”

He pleaded desperately, but such verbal promises usually end up being conveniently ignored with an, “Oh, I don’t recall saying that,” when things go south.

“Please, I beg of you! I’ll make sure it’s documented, and we’ll grant Guild Points to you and everyone involved, as well as prioritize improvements to your treatment moving forward. I implore you, please!”
“The Deputy Guild Master…”

Sweat dripped from his forehead as he bowed fervently. His desperate plea began drawing sympathetic looks from other staff and adventurers waiting nearby, creating an unspoken pressure that subtly felt like they were blaming me. Wait—this man is the Deputy Guild Master?

Sensing my hesitation and discomfort, perhaps worried about my predicament:

“Hmm. How about this? I’ll attend with you, and if necessary, I’ll take responsibility. Why not at least hear them out?”

Sir Simon interjected with a calm proposal, then, noticing the puzzled expression on the Deputy Guild Master’s face, subtly displayed the ring bearing the house crest.

“—!! Y-Your Grace…!”

The Deputy Guild Master visibly paled at the sight of Sir Simon, who responded with a knowing wink.

“How about this? Does my assurance still leave you feeling uneasy?”
“N-Not at all! This is truly divine providence! But why would someone of your stature…?”
“Ah, let’s not delve into unnecessary questions. Also, do make sure that Clara and her companions face no disadvantages whatsoever.”

While the Deputy Guild Master stammered in confusion, Sir Simon maintained an air of absolute composure.

“—Could it be that I’ve unknowingly offended someone of high status?”

Feeling a sudden pang of worry, I hesitantly turned to ask Emil, who stood by my side.

“Not in the slightest, ma’am. If I may say so, I’ve served the young master for over a decade, and I’ve never seen him enjoy himself as much as he has lately. This is all thanks to you, Lady Clara.”

He bowed deeply, hand placed over his heart with utmost respect. To be honest, we’d only shared a meal, so his gratitude left me a bit baffled.

“—Now then, everyone, I’ll guide you to the third-floor VIP suite. Lady Clara, you’ll be attending strictly as an observer. Should you find it disagreeable, you’re welcome to leave at any time. We humbly ask for your cooperation.”

Being bowed to repeatedly by someone in a superior position started to make me feel rather guilty.

“…It can’t be helped. But let me make it clear—I’ll only participate as a neutral third party, nothing more.”

Reluctantly agreeing, I noticed the Deputy Guild Master visibly relax, bowing repeatedly in gratitude.

“Thank you very much. Additionally, while our esteemed guests are present, the third floor, where the VIP suite is located, has a strict no-weapons policy for security reasons. We will temporarily store any weapons here. Would that be acceptable?”

As he spoke, several uniformed guards, likely security personnel, lined up near us.

It was a perfectly reasonable request, so I willingly retrieved the magic staff, knife, and other weapons I had stored in my Close Magic Art, handing them over to the nearest guard.

Similarly, Cestlavie handed over his sword, though with a begrudging sigh. However, as he did so, the Deputy Guild Master, cross-referencing some sort of list handed to him by Marina, said, “I’m sorry, but I must also ask you to hand over the talismans hidden in your inner pocket.”

He spoke with a remarkably casual tone, his pinpoint accuracy causing Cestlavie to narrow his eyes suspiciously. Noticing this, the Deputy Guild Master explained in a low voice, audible enough for us to hear, while glancing around cautiously.

“Actually, for safety purposes, the entrance doors are equipped with advanced magical detection devices crafted by the Superempire’s Workshop. They are designed to identify any weaponry or items with significant destructive power on the spot.”
“Huh, so such technology exists…”

Simon looked back at the entrance with great interest.

I, too, felt an inexplicable curiosity tugging at me, thinking, If I get the chance, I’d love to take that thing apart and see how it works.

Meanwhile, Cestlavie reluctantly pulled a card from his inner pocket and handed it over to the guard.

“Honestly, stop being so stubborn. Did you really think you’d be allowed in while carrying such dangerous items?” Coppelia, shaking her head dramatically as if saying Good grief…, sighed heavily.

But as soon as the guards surrounded her, they unceremoniously lifted her off the ground without giving her a chance to protest.

“And with that, we’ll hold on to this particular dangerous weapon until after your meeting,” the Deputy Guild Master announced, checking the list as he spoke.

From behind him, Coppelia shouted, “What is this!? I am a perfectly harmless automaton! This is unfair treatment—!”

Despite her protests, the sturdy men quickly restrained her with wires and carried her off through a heavy door labeled Dangerous Item Storage.

“Without me, Lady Clara will be in big trouble! She has no idea what she’s doing half the time!”

Her indignant cries echoed just before the door slammed shut. Naturally, I ignored them.

“Right this way, please.”

With that prompting from the man leading the way, we—or rather, I—took my first step onto the staircase that led straight to hell.

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