Lucius was visiting a high-end restaurant frequented by the wealthy.


    This was the place where the city''s wealthy and big merchants used to hold secret meetings and business negotiations with large transaction amounts.


    (Not at all. What in the world do you want at this busy time? I just explained to you my future business plan.)


    Lucius was called to this place by a banker, one of the investors in "The Golden Eagle".


    When Lucius entered the store, the banker who had already arrived was smoking a cigar.


    He said, "My apologies. I''ve kept you waiting.


    ''No, no, I''m enjoying myself first. Let''s move on to the business meeting, shall we?


    The banker pushed his cigar into the ashtray.


    What did he say?"


    Lucius was aghast at the cruel notice he had just been confronted with by the banker.


    The banker sat deep in his chair without moving an eyebrow and kept looking at Lucius.


    He said, "They want to withdraw their funds from the ''Golden Eagle'' at the end of this season. ...... Oh no!　Why?　Why on earth would you want to ...... at this time?"


    It''s that simple. It''s because I no longer find your business attractive."


    The banker said, puffing cigar smoke.


    Purple smoke filled the room.


    ''Oh no. ...... wait. It''s true that this month we fell behind the "Guardian of the Magic Tree". But we are still better than them in terms of overall strength. Give us another chance ......."


    Roland the Appraiser: ......"


    The banker muttered.


    Lukius''s face tensed up.


    ''The city''s only S-class appraiser and training specialist. He has trained many adventurers in the Golden Eagle. I''m sorry, but I had to look it up. I heard that he is the one who trained Jill and Dorwin. Arik and Sebasta were also trained by him. Also, since you and Roland joined the Golden Eagle, it has grown rapidly. You can say that he has made a great contribution to the company. Despite this, Roland was somehow expelled from "The Golden Eagle" the other day. By your hand, of all people. And now he is employed by the "Guardians of the Magic Tree" as a special advisor. At the same time he joined, the "Guardians of the Magical Tree" conquered two dungeons and produced an A-class adventurer. On the other hand, "Golden Eagle" stopped promoting its members and lost two dungeons to its rivals."


    You mean to say this? Roland is the one who is responsible for Gilded Eagle becoming the best guild in the city. I was just an incompetent who took advantage of Roland''s achievement.


    No, no, I don''t mean to go that far. But, appraiser Roland, wasn''t it a mistake, from a managerial point of view, to expel him?"


    ......"


    Roland was one of the driving forces behind your rise as head of the guild, a comrade, or rather, even a close friend, wasn''t he?　Why did you oust him?"


    ......"


    ''Well, if you don''t want to answer, that''s fine too. Anyway, as for me, I''m not going to continue to fund your business any longer. Now, if you''ll excuse me.


    Wait!"


    Lucius grabbed the banker''s hand as he was leaving with the receipt.


    ''I haven''t finished talking to you yet, sir.


    I have nothing to say to you. ......


    I have.


    The banker was easily intimidated by Lukius'' desperate swashbuckling.


    Would you be so kind as to sit down again?


    The banker took his seat again, unable to stop himself.


    Roland may indeed have had some minor involvement in the training of Class A adventurers," he said. But so what? No matter how many Class A adventurers and candidates he raised, Arik, Sebasta, Jill and Dorwin, they are now in my hands."


    ......"


    Yes," he said. If he wants to raise Class A adventurers, we can buy them up. In terms of financial strength, "Golden Eagle" is still better than us. If we pull out those three who played a leading role in the dungeon attack this time, we will once again have the upper hand.


    Hm. I see. That may be true. But in that case, why don''t we just pull Roland out?　What is the point of keeping Roland as a member of the Guardians of the Magical Tree?"


    No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! That makes no sense. It makes sense to let Roland stay with the "Keeper of the Magical Tree" and let the "Keeper of the Magical Tree" shoulder the cost of his upbringing.


    ......"


    If you bring him back, that alone will cost you a ridiculous amount of money," he said. Yes. That''s right. It was. After all, we expelled him because it would cost a lot of money that was not worth the results. The guild can''t be run if we just follow his demands and give him money. You don''t know that. While Jill and Dorwin were making their mark, you don''t know how much money was wasted on new adventurers who were not getting anywhere! They must be doing the same thing with the Guardians of the Magical Tree anyway."


    Hm. Is that so?"


    Yes, it is. After all, he just poured a lot of money into newcomers and picked up those who happened to be budding. It''s not profitable to do that.


    I''m not sure I''d like that. Well, if you insist, I''ll leave it to you. ......"


    Excuse me. Guild President."


    While they were talking, Dianna came over and whispered something into Lucius'' ear.


    What?　Is that true?"


    Lucius'' eyes widen in astonishment.


    Yes, I have solid information.


    What''s wrong?"


    The banker asked suspiciously.


    ''No, it''s no big deal, sir.


    Lukius smiled and flashed a smirk.


    Inwardly, however, he was completely impatient.


    I''m afraid that''s all we have to talk about for now. Now, if you''ll excuse me, I have some business to attend to."


    Rukius got up from his seat and left the restaurant with a sneak peek.


    After we get to a place where the bankers can''t hear us, we discuss what Dianna and I have been overhearing.


    ''I ask you again, is what you just said true?　I can''t believe Sebasta skipped town after a violent incident. ......"


    Yes, the police have come to the guild. They want to interview you."


    (Tch. Sebasta''s a b*tc*. He''s got us in a bad spot.)


    As soon as Lucius returned to the headquarters of the "Golden Eagle," he had to make a statement to all concerned.


    Sebasta and the Golden Eagle had terminated their contractual relationship and no longer had anything to do with each other.


    Therefore, the Golden Eagle had nothing to do with the violence.


    Lucius was forced to work for several days to put out the fire of the incident.


    (Ee-ee........ They''re always getting in my way. I''m going to have to ...... do whatever it takes to get them out of my way.)


    In the lobby of the headquarters of the "Guardian of the Magical Tree," members were hanging out, waiting for each other.


    They were all standing around in the lobby talking and glancing restlessly at the entrance, checking out the visitors.


    Finally, the person they were looking for arrived.


    It was Roland.


    Oh, it''s Mr. Roland.


    Mr. Roland. Good morning."


    Roland was suddenly surrounded by guild members.


    Mr. Roland. Please appraise my skills as well.


    Mr. Roland. I have some advice for you.


    Everyone was trying to connect with Roland here and there.


    If they could get him on their side, they would be on their way to becoming A-class adventurers.


    Wait a minute. I have to go to work first. ......


    They did not back down when Roland said so.


    ''Please. I''m sure we can find you some good skills."


    Is it true that you are creating a new unit?　If so, please include me. I''m sure I''ll be useful!


    I''m sorry. I have a meeting. I''ll get back to you later about the skill appraisals and training plans for each of you.


    Roland somehow managed to wave them off with that remark.


    Monica, Shakuma, and Yuffine watched from a corner of the lobby.


    You''re very popular, Mr. Roland."


    Yuffine said, crossing her arms.


    Of course," Yuffine said, crossing her arms. In fact, it is thanks to you that we have been promoted.


    Shakuma said proudly.


    Shakuma said proudly, "Yes, I''ve learned a lot from you in terms of troop operations. I will have to ask you to continue to guide me.


    Haaaaah."


    Monica let out a grand sigh next to them.


    ''What''s wrong Monica?''


    Euphine looks at Monica curiously.


    Nothing," she said. Nothing.


    She said this with a depressed and unfaithful look on her face.


    I don''t know.　I hope so. ......"


    Oh, it''s already late. I have to do the PR work the guild is asking me to do."


    Shakuma said, looking at the clock on the wall.


    ''Oh, I was also told to do an interview with a newspaper or something today. Monica, what about you?"


    I''m also going to have an artist paint a picture for me: ......"


    Well, then, I guess the three of us will have to split up. See you at lunch.


    I''m not sure. Yes."


    Monica nodded and left them.


    What''s wrong with that girl?"


    Well?"


    Monica''s sinking point was none other than the fact that it happened yesterday.


    Roland and Lilianne had come to work at the guild together.


    Their homes were supposed to be in different directions.


    They called each other "Lily" and "Roland" and seemed to be on good terms with each other.


    Seeing this, Monica completely understood what had happened between them.


    She realized that the faint feeling that had been growing inside her was over before it had even begun.


    (That''s right. Lillianne is beautiful. She''s smart. If she''s as good as Roland-san, she''s sure to be courted by many beautiful women. Ha.)


    She felt more than just a boss toward Roland, who was both kind and strict toward her.


    (I thought he was the one. But he wasn''t. ......)


    She would secretly shed tears where no one was watching.


    Although he had recovered from the night, the problem was that Roland would continue to be his own boss.


    He would endlessly flicker in front of me what I could not have.


    Nothing was more painful than that.


    The thought of it made her feel disgustingly melancholy.


    (Haaaaah.... Maybe I should quit being an adventurer.)


    In the training room of the "Guardian of the Magic Tree," Roland was checking the skills and stats of Monica and the other three.


    Good. Each one of you has acquired the right equipment. I''m going to give you a ''skills evaluation. Relax, relax.


    When Roland said this, the three closed their eyes and relaxed from their bodies.


    Roland activates "Skill Appraisal" and "Status Appraisal.


    YUFINE.


    Wide Area Healing Magic" S → S


    Single-person recovery magic" A to A


    (Skills not dulled. The status shows that he is fully motivated. It seems his ambition is not false.)


    Good. Yuffine. It''s okay."


    Yes, sir. Thank you very much. How was it? My skills and stats."


    I''m in perfect shape. At this rate, I may have to up the training load a bit."


    Yes, sir. I look forward to working with you.


    (Okay. At least it''s a successful appeal.)


    Euphine is gut-punched to be able to show Roland a good point.


    (Okay, now for Monica''s skills and stats: ...... Monica?)


    Roland''s face turns grim.


    ''What''s wrong, Monica?　Your status is showing some irregularities."


    Monica freaks out.


    Ugh, I''m sorry."


    A disturbed status is a sign of physical and mental illness," he said. Hawkeye'' is a skill that can severely deplete one''s physical strength. You know better than anyone the importance of taking care of your physical condition."


    Yes. ......


    Are you having ...... any troubles?"


    Roland looked into Monica''s face with concern.


    Monica stared at Roland, stumped for words.


    It was an expression that could be interpreted as a complaint or a request for help.


    Monica?


    No, it''s nothing. I''ll take care of myself."


    Monica hid her expression by keeping her face down.


    ?" ...... I see. That''s fine then. I''ll go train today then."


    Roland looked anxiously at Monica as she trained.


    (She doesn''t seem to be in good shape after all. I wonder what''s wrong. She''s the kind of girl who usually asks for advice right away. I wonder if she''s okay.)


    Monica felt self-loathing as she sensed that Roland was watching her.


    (Ugh. Roland-san was angry with me. I can''t take it anymore.)


    After handing down the assignment to the three, Roland attended a management meeting of "The Guardian of the Magic Tree.


    Since he had become an executive, he showed up at these meetings and participated in important decisions within the guild.


    ''Now, I would like to discuss the establishment of a new unit. Following the first unit led by Lilianne and the second unit led by Roland, we have received a proposal to establish a third unit. If you have any suggestions for the captain and the organization of the unit, please let me know."


    For now, I think Monica should be the captain of the third unit," he said. She''s already a class A. I don''t think anyone would object if I entrusted her to head the unit."


    The fat guild leader said, wiping the sweat from his balding forehead.


    Wait a minute. It''s still too early to entrust her with the command of the troops."


    Roland objected.


    She may be a Class A student, but she''s still a rookie. It is easy to get carried away and lose your footing, especially at this time of year when you have just become a Class A student. Already they are showing signs of mental slackness, conceit, and disorder. As for Monica, Shakuma, and Yuffine, I don''t think we should hold them responsible for the unit just yet. I think it is better to keep them in my unit.


    I agree. Then let''s put a hold on the captain of the new unit. Then let''s move on to the next item on the agenda.


    As soon as Lillianne heard Roland''s opinion, she moved on to the next item on the agenda.


    It was as if Liliane had said that hearing only Roland''s opinion was enough.


    The next item on the agenda was the acquisition of new recruits.


    ''You''re going to hold off on setting up a new unit, aren''t you? Maybe we don''t need to get new recruits for a while."


    The guild president said.


    ''No, let''s take new recruits.''


    Roland said.


    As I mentioned earlier, Monica and the other three show the characteristic slackness seen in those who have moved up a significant amount in class. There is no need to put pressure on them, but they do need to tighten up. We need to acquire new archers, support mages, and healers with talent comparable to theirs to show them that the competition is not over yet and that there are plenty of threats to their position.


    I agree. Then, Mr. Roland. May I leave the interviewing and hiring of new recruits to you?


    Lilianne said in a slightly indulgent tone.


    Yes, of course. Yes, of course.


    Roland replied with a fresh smile.


    (Ugh. Lilianne. You''ve just reinforced Roland''s authority.)


    The guild president looked as if he was biting a bitter bug.


    After that, Roland and Lilianne''s opinions were taken into account in all major agenda items.


    The guild president''s proposals were all rejected.


    (d*mn. This is no position for me, the guild leader. If only Wirik had won against Roland, none of this would have happened!)


    Monica was surrounded by painters in a room at the "Guardian of the Magic Tree" headquarters.


    They were all people who had offered to paint Monica''s picture even if they had to pay for it (by contract, her portrait belonged to the guild).


    If they could paint her well, they were sure to become the most fashionable painters of the day.


    The more successful and famous she became, the more valuable their paintings would be.


    Monica was completely stiffened by the campus and the painters.


    Monica was completely stiffened by the campus and the painters. Are you nervous?


    One of the painters called out to him.


    Monica laughed, as if she were troubled.


    Yes, I''ve never experienced anything like this before.


    There is no need for you to be nervous. We want to see you as you normally are. Please just relax and be at ease.


    Huh.


    （I don''t know if I''m supposed to act like a normal person.)


    While Monica was looking troubled, someone came thudding into the room.


    It was the head of the guild.


    Monica, may I have a word with you?"


    The guild president?　What the hell is going on?"


    There''s a visitor here who wants to see you. I''m sorry, but you''ll have to deal with him."


    The guild president pulls Monica''s hand and tries to take her halfway.


    He said, "Hey. I''m still in the middle of painting.


    The guild leader took the bewildered and puzzled Monica away from the painters'' protests.


    Monica arrives at the parlor and rolls her eyes at the figure waiting there.


    There was Lucius.


    <>