Terms?"
The banker asked back quizzically.
If you don''t agree to these conditions, we will decline the offer."
......"
The room suddenly became tense.
The banker took out a cigar and lit it.
Hm. Let''s hear it.
First of all, I would like to ask you to allow me to hold the two positions of head of the guild of the "Arsenal of Spirits" and director of the "Guardians of the Magic Tree," which I currently hold, along with the head of the guild of the "Golden Eagle. In exchange, I would be willing to accept a salary of zero at the Gilded Eagle.
I see. Well, that shouldn''t be a problem. What else?"
The only thing we ask is that you put up with the deficit for six months."
The banker became reluctant.
''Roland, that''s quintessential ....... We''re not playing around either."
''I understand. But it is also true that excessive quotas have made the "Golden Eagle" crazy. And if we try to pursue profits unnecessarily in our current state of disarray, it is inevitable that we will fall again. The reason I was expelled from the Golden Eagle in the first place was because I was blamed for poor performance."
......u......mu"
The banker nodded at one point while making a difficult face.
And now for the last condition: ......
Is there more?"
The banker looked stunned by the quirk.
''Yes, sir. I would like the right to appoint a co-president.
Co-chair?"
I am currently both an officer of the ''Arsenal of Spirits'' and the ''Keeper of the Magic Tree. I can''t cut corners on either job. There will be times when I have to be away from the Golden Eagle. I need someone who can work in my place.
And?" Who is this co-chairman?"
That has yet to be determined. But we will find out for sure.
I see. So this is what you mean. We have to endure six months of losses and the risk of bringing in someone we don''t know from nowhere to run the company.
Yes. That''s why I''m allowed to go without a salary.
The banker frowned.
(How absurd is that?)
The banker began to regret making the offer to Roland.
He thought about rescinding it now, but then he almost thought better of it.
(Let''s shake things up.)
I''m sure that''s fine. However, we, as investors, cannot remain silent after being offered such conditions. We will ask you to take a reasonable amount of risk.
Risk?"
If we haven''t turned a profit after six months, Jill Irwin. We will sell her to another guild to make up the loss. I will also charge you for the damages."
Yes, that''s fine.
Roland readily agreed.
......"
Silence fell again in the room.
（Is this guy for real?)
The banker stared intently into his eyes as if probing Roland''s stomach.
Roland, too, was impressed by the banker''s shrewdness.
(It''s not so simple as it seems. (It must have been difficult for Lukius to negotiate with him.)
The banker smoked his cigar for a while, his gaze drifting in the wrong direction as if he were thinking.
After a while, however, he pushed his cigar into the ashtray and stood up.
He said, "...... I understand what you''re trying to say. But I can''t just decide on these terms and conditions on my own. I need to get the approval of the other investors as well. I will give you my answer later after discussing it with all of them. Is that all right with you?"
Yes, that''s fine.
Now, if you''ll excuse me."
The bankers told the other investors the terms of Roland''s offer as they were.
The investors were divided in their opinions about Roland''s conditions, and for a time there was some confusion, but in the end they accepted Roland''s conditions.
Roland became the head of the "Golden Eagle" guild.
In the morning, while the streets of the adventurer''s town were filled with people going to work, Jill was running ahead of the others.
Her status has not yet recovered, so just a little running causes her whole body to scream, but she is still determined to reach her destination as quickly as possible, as fast as she can, and she keeps her footsteps ahead, even if it is just a single step.
She was running as fast as she could toward the place she was just trying to get to, as if she was going to see her boyfriend of 10 years, with innocent passion.
She ran through the streets, not caring if she almost bumped into someone on a street corner or caught her foot on a cobblestone and almost fell down.
''Whoa, what the hell?''
Be careful."
A passerby who almost collided with Jill frowned.
I''m sorry. I''m in a hurry. I''m in a hurry.
People on the street look at her curiously.
She is aiming at the "Golden Eagle" headquarters building.
She is in a hurry to hear the incredible announcement that will be made there.
(I can''t believe this is happening. I can''t believe it. But that''s why I have to go. I have to see for myself.)
When Jill arrived at the "Golden Eagle," she rushed into the auditorium without looking aside.
There, all the members of the "Golden Eagle" were already there, from the most important to the least important.
In keeping with the "Golden Hawk''s" corporate culture, they were lined up in rows by class and in an orderly fashion.
Everyone was facing the high stage at the back of the auditorium.
On the stage was a podium on which speeches were made.
Behind the podium hung a banner with the emblem of the "Golden Eagle," and the flag of the guild was fluttering.
These majestic decorations would undeniably enhance the authority of the person who would stand on the podium and deliver the speech.
People watched the stage with anxious or curious eyes, ready for what was to come.
Hey, that''s ......."
Someone in line shouted.
What''s wrong?"
It''s Jill. Jill Irwin is here."
People nearby all look at her at once.
Her arrival is quickly transmitted throughout the auditorium.
People reacted in a variety of ways.
Some showed surprise, others bitterness, others curiosity, and still others clear hostility.
But Jill doesn''t care much about that now.
Her eyes were single-mindedly focused on the podium.
The person standing there, I must see it with my own eyes.
And right now, the man who was about to be inaugurated as head of the guild, that is, Roland, was about to stand on that platform.
（Oh, I never thought this day would come.)
My whole body trembled with joy.
I had to cover my mouth with my hands to keep from sobbing.
To her, Roland''s figure even looked divine.
(Mr. Roland. I never thought that you would come back to "Golden Hawk" as the head of the guild. I am so glad. Now I am a knight in your service in both name and reality. ......)
Roland only gave a brief greeting and began to talk about the future management policy of the guild.
First of all," he said, "the reason for the downfall of the Golden Eagle. I believe it was because we neglected the development of each individual''s skill, status, and the quality of their equipment. The "Golden Eagle" needs to be reformed. Therefore ......"
Roland then continued his speech.
He spoke for several minutes, raising slogans such as coexistence and co-prosperity with the "Guardians of the Magic Tree" and a profit model that does not rely on dungeon crawling and equipment buying and selling.
That''s all I have to say."
There was sparse applause from the audience.
There was an indescribable atmosphere of bewilderment among the people.
They had been dreading what kind of radical restructuring was about to take place, and were unexpectedly disappointed by the moderate content of Roland''s speech, which was unfamiliar to many.
They were unsure if they could welcome Roland.
Roland looked around the hall and sighed.
(No wonder. The Golden Eagle has always been set in the ways of Lucius," Roland said. It is not easy to change the organization''s way of thinking. But I will accomplish it. (To protect Jill''s place in the world, please visit ......)
That concludes the Guild President''s speech. Thank you all for your hard work."
Dianna, who was standing by Roland''s side as if it were a matter of course, announced it with a beaming smile.
She seemed happy to be standing here.
After finishing his speech, Roland immediately went to the guild president''s office to begin his duties.
He checked various documents.
Roland looked at the financial statements and let out a sigh.
(That Lucius guy is wasting more money than expected.)
According to Roland''s estimation, the company needed 20 million gold by the end of this month.
(20 million gold by next month, or ....... For now, it''s participation in dungeon management. I''ll help "The Guardian of the Magic Tree" manage the dungeon, and then I''ll ask him to wait to pay the entrance fee to the dungeon. But that''s not enough. We need to reduce the deficit even more.)
In some cases, it''s another infusion of funds via the "Arsenal of Spirits. Huh."
Roland sighed again at the mind-boggling debt.
(I''m fine with securing sales through participation in dungeon management, but the question is whether the troops will listen to me or not.)
The units of "The Golden Eagle" were traditionally selfish and tended to pursue the interests of their own units rather than cooperate with each other.
Moreover, everyone underestimated Roland when he was previously enrolled, and that must have remained the same today.
It was hard to believe that Roland, who had once been exiled, would honestly follow orders with a "Hi, I see" just because he became the head of a guild.
He had already instructed the captains of each unit to come to the guild leader''s office, and they were to meet with him later.
Roland''s spirits were growing heavy at the thought of it.
(Well, it''s no use worrying about it, is it? Anyway, we''ll just have to listen to each of them one by one and make adjustments.)
Can I help you?"
As Roland looks on somberly, Dianna calls out to him.
What?" No, no, it''s nothing."
''Is that so? I could see there was something worrying you. ......"
Dianna then looks into Roland''s face with concern.
There is no hint of pretense in her expression.
Roland, who has become a subordinate, still has vivid memories of the cold manner in which he was treated in the past, and he is a bit nervous when he is approached by Dianna.
The cold woman and the subordinate woman, it was almost as if he wondered if they were really the same person.
No, I''m fine. What about Arik?
He''s already here. He is waiting in the waiting room.
I see. Let him through then.
Yes, sir.
Dianna bowed and reverently stepped back.
Arik. The head of the guild wants to see you. Come in.
Oh."
Alik, approached by Dianna, passed through the door of the stately guild president''s office with a somber look on his face.
He had always had a hard time entering the guild president''s office, but today he was even more anxious than ever.
In fact, he doubted he would get away with anything.
It was a mystery how Roland had been chosen as the guild leader, but it was clear that either the "Guardian of the Magic Tree" or his investors'' wishes would be reflected in the decision.
It was clear that his unit would either be weakened or restructured.
(After such a complete defeat, he could not be blameless. But at least the treatment of his subordinates must be protected somehow.)
When Arik passed through the heavy door of the guild leader''s office, he saw Roland sitting behind the head guild leader''s desk, which was also very heavy.
Arik stood in front of Roland with mixed feelings.
It''s been a long time," he said. It''s been a long time, Arik.
Roland smiled cheerfully.
''Not since we explored the dungeon together when you were still in B class?
Yeah, I never thought I''d see you again like this.
Well, don''t be so sure. Have a seat."
Roland pointed to a visitor''s space in front of the guild president''s desk, a low desk and sofa furnished there.
Roland himself left the guild president''s seat and sat down opposite Arik.
Arik was a little surprised by Roland''s unexpectedly gracious manner.
Such a low profile would not have been possible when Lukius was the guild leader.
"So, first of all, I''d like to talk to you about the future of Arik''s unit. ......
(You''re here.)
Arik braced himself.
I think I''m going to keep Arik Corps as it is now."
Arik could not believe his ears.
What?"
The Arik Corps is the only Class A unit in existence. We want them to continue to work as the backbone of the Golden Eagle."
''But are you going to be okay? Management situation ......"
Of course we are suffering. That is the most important issue at hand. But I still want to keep Arik Corps alive somehow.
Loran ......"
For now, it''s about dungeon management. The "Keeper of the Magical Tree" is also in need of a unit that can develop a large scale ore deposit. Will you help us?
Yes, of course. I will do whatever it takes to protect my men.
(You haven''t changed, Alik.)
Roland felt nostalgic when he came in contact with Arik.
He had always had a strong sense of responsibility, and Roland respected that about Arik.
However, it was not entirely unconditional.
Mm? What is it?"
I need your help with my idea of reform."
Reform ......." Is that what you said in your speech? What are you going to do about it?"
As I said in my speech, the stance of profiting from the operation of the "mining dungeons" and the manufacture of weapons through the alchemy guilds is now in the hands of the "Guardians of the Magic Tree". I don''t think it is possible for the Golden Eagle to compete with the Guardians of the Magical Tree in this regard."
I guess that''s what ...... would do after all."
We need to find new sources of revenue as soon as possible. So I think I will start by managing ''Dungeon of the Demon''s Realm.
The "Dungeons of the Magical Realm"?
Yes, the "Mine Dungeon" produces ore for alchemy, and the "Forest Dungeon" produces materials for potions, but there are still many items in the "Dungeon of the Demon World" that remain unknown as to how they can be utilized.
That''s what you''re trying to focus on.
Yes," he said. We urgently need to train adventurers with high skills in "Item Appraisal" and "Observation.
U......mm."
Arik nodded, but was unable to explain.
Would it really be possible to find items that would earn that much in the "dungeons of the magical world"?
It was hard to believe.
Well, at any rate, I need you to prepare to take a unit to the ''Dungeon of the Demon World'' by tomorrow, can you do that for me?
I understand. Let''s work something out."
That was the end of my meeting with Arik that day.
(For the time being, I guess it''s safe to say that we''ve got his cooperation, right?)
Roland recalls the look on Arik''s face as he walked away.
（He still didn''t seem convinced.)
Roland felt the need to dispel the concerns of the members.
Dianna."
Yes."
Post this text on every bulletin board in the building."
The document that Roland gave to Dianna stated that any and all adventurers of the "Golden Eagle" would not be released from their contracts until the end of the current contract period.
Dianna looked at it and frowned.
''...... are you sure? I promise you this."
''Oh, I know from my meeting with Arik that the members are more concerned about their treatment than I thought they would be. I''d like to take this opportunity to make it clear that we will not be terminating their contracts."
......Yes, sir."
Dianna immediately set about making arrangements.
Roland did not notice that she had a disgruntled look on her face as she did so.
Well," Dianna said. Next I have to meet with Jill.
In contrast to Arik, who entered with a stern expression, Jill entered the room with a big smile on her face.
She looked as if she was happy to be serving Roland.
She was so happy to be serving Roland that she was almost overcome with joy. I was very moved by your speech.
Thank you."
Just by seeing her smile, Roland felt his previous heavy mood ease.
After all, she had an aura that colored the place just by being there.
''Now, to get right to the point: ......
Roland regained his composure and began interviewing Jill.
The financial situation of the Gilded Eagle remains unpredictable.
Yes."
As an S-class adventurer, you need to be the breadwinner.
Yes, sir. Yes. Please give me any orders you want. I will overcome any ordeal in fire or water for you, Mr. Roland.
Roland chuckled.
I understand. Well then, for the time being, ......."
Roland went on to discuss the work he wanted Jill to take on in the future.
An S-Class Monster Task Force?
Defeating an S-class monster can be as profitable as conquering a single dungeon. However, you never know where S-class monsters will appear. You may have to go outside the city to make money. To do so, we need to create a special unit that is different from the existing units. I want you to be the captain of that unit."
Yes, sir. I will do my best to assist Mr. Roland''s reforms, even if it is only in a small way.
Unlike Arik, Jill fully believed in Roland''s reforms.
From her point of view, there was no need to doubt Roland.
She was confident that Roland''s reforms would be successful. I''m counting on you.
Yes, sir.
Good. That''s all I have to say. I''ll send you instructions on how to organize your unit.
Yes, sir. Is there anything else I can help you with? If there is anything I can do, please contact me at ......."
Jill, leave it at that.
Dianna interjected from the side.
I know you''re on good terms with the guild leader, but he''s a busy man, too, and he can''t be stuck with you alone all the time," Dianna said. Isn''t that right? I will follow up and let you know if there are any instructions. Now back off."
Jill glanced at Dianna, miffed.
(Maybe you''re right, but why do I have to listen to you?)
Jill would have liked to have had more face time with Roland, but she had no choice but to leave the guild president''s office.
Dorwin was the next to be summoned to the guild president''s office.
Dorwin was the next to be summoned to the guild president''s office.
I''m glad you''re here. Please, sit down."
Yes, sir.
I called you here for nothing else. I wanted you to be the captain of the new unit we are creating.
I''m the captain of a new unit?
Yeah, a unit dedicated to dungeon management.
I specialize in dungeon management. ......
Yeah. The gap between the strength of the troops and the "Guardians of the Magic Tree" is now widening. It will be difficult to close this gap overnight. So from now on, I thought it would be necessary for ''Golden Hawk'' to make a difference through dungeon management."
I see.
For starters, the first thing we need to do is to find new items that will generate a new source of revenue in the ''dungeons of the magical world. Alik has already agreed to help us manage the dungeon. You and Alik will go to the ''Dungeon of the Demon Realm'' to assist him.
Yes, sir.
And also..."
And?"
"I''d also like you to continue your business partnership with ''The Arsenal of Spirits'' ....... Can you do that for me?"
Yes, of course.
Dorwin turned to Roland with his biggest smile of the day.
He completely loved the way he worked in the "Arsenal of the Spirits.
After leaving the guild leader''s room, Jill went to Dorwin''s workroom to complain.
''Dianna, what''s with that guy? She acts as if she''s been in Mr. Roland''s inner circle from the beginning! He''s the one who started it all... ......"
(Huh. Here comes the noisy one back again.)
"You hear me, Dorwin? Hey, Dorwin!
Jill grabs Dorwin by the shoulders and shakes him.
She shook Dorwin''s shoulder. I''m working on something.
(Well, not so bad, huh?)
Although it had only been a day, the atmosphere at the "Golden Eagle" was changing.
The notice that Roland had put up had taken effect.
The members, now that they knew they would not be fired immediately, were all relieved and began to work on their duties and training.
The atmosphere in the guild, which had been awkward, eased.
Dorwin''s cheeks were smiling as he felt that his daily life was returning to normal.
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