While the members of the 2nd Unit were celebrating their compromise with Roland, Miguel, Aina, Oscar, and others who had been ordered by Roland to change their equipment and training were gathered at a table in the corner, sipping their drinks uncomfortably.


    Yo. Are you guys drinking?"


    One of the second unit leaders calls out to Miguel and the others.


    Uh, yes."


    I have just received new instructions from Captain Ist. The 2nd Unit will continue to negotiate with the guild leaders until the 22nd. You are to continue to disregard the orders from the Guild Captain.


    Haa......"


    Miguel and the others looked down, not knowing what to say.


    What''s the matter with you guys, you''re so disheartened? Listen to me. You haven''t done anything wrong. All you have to do is stand tall. Miguel. If the guild leader asks you to do something, don''t do it. If the guild leader catches your eye and does something to you, talk to me. I will protect you and the others with the prestige of the 2nd Guild."


    ...... yes."


    The executive man said just that and went back toward where the istos were.


    Miguel and the others sigh.


    Miguel and the others sigh. We got ourselves into a big mess.


    I really wish you would stop involving us, the people at the end of the line, in the power struggles of the upper management.


    They all look depressed.


    This kind of thing was an everyday occurrence at the Gilded Eagle.


    Even they had their own concerns about the fact that they were neglecting their training as adventurers and were only looking up to their superiors, but they could not change the situation for the sake of their own safety.


    What are we doing?


    I don''t have a choice. In the Gilded Eagle, the end member has no right to speak his mind.


    Anyway, if you make a bad move now, you never know where the bull''s-eye will come flying in. Let''s be as nice as possible to everyone and keep a low profile.


    Yeah, I guess so.


    That''s the best I can do."


    While Ist and the others were having a drink at the bar, Roland was calling Claria to the guild president''s office.


    "You wanted to see me, guild leader?


    Claria, thank you for coming. I have a little favor to ask you.


    Roland invited Claria into the room, and once she was inside, she looked out into the hallway and scurried around.


    Dianna had already gone home, but just to be sure, she made sure she was not overheard before returning to her seat.


    Claria saw the gesture and it hit her.


    She was about to be handed a top-secret mission.


    Is there something you wouldn''t feel comfortable telling anyone else?"


    I''m not sure. To be honest, I wasn''t sure if I should be asking you to do this. ......"


    Whatever you need.


    Claria leaned forward and said.


    I would be happy to do whatever I can to help the guild leader.


    I understand. But this is a top-secret mission. You must never tell anyone about it. No one other than me must be aware of it. In particular, I want you to be very careful that Dianna doesn''t find out. ......


    To Ms. Dianna?　Understood. I will be careful."


    When Roland confirmed that Claria understood the gravity of the mission, he began to speak, choosing his words carefully.


    ''Is this an internal reconnaissance ...... of the Second Corps?''


    Yeah, I''ve been noticing some strange things going on in Unit 2 lately.


    What do you mean when you say "......"?


    You are too aggressive in your negotiations. It''s as if they know our financial situation and are trying to get us to the very edge of what they want. Maybe someone behind the scenes is leaking our information to the public. ......


    I see. And what is it that you want me to look into?　Is this about the leaker?"


    That''s one thing. But before that, I want you to find out about the true purpose of the second unit (Dianna is the inside man, anyway. (The inside man is Dianna, anyway, so there''s no problem with letting her go.


    True purpose?


    I don''t think it''s their goal to ruin my plans with their bumbling. In fact, they''ve compromised when I''ve offered concessions. I think their goal is probably to improve my position in some way, but for some reason, they have not said so. It could be an increase in pay, better treatment, or a contract renewal. ...... I get the idea that they are competing with Arik Corps for some reason, but I think they are still hiding their real goal anyway. Do they dare to say it or not? Either way, I can''t waste any more time and money on bellyaching. Somehow find out what they want from me and what they are hiding."


    I will do it. I will try. But ......"


    Yes?


    Can I do such a difficult job?"


    Roland scowled for a moment and then laughed uncontrollably.


    ''Ha-ha-ha. Don''t worry. You will be able to accomplish your mission without any problems.


    Now it was Claria''s turn to be a bit of a jerk.


    Claria''s skills


    Secret Agreement: B to A


    Information Retrieval: B to A


    (Claria, you too are unaware of your talents.)


    Roland always felt endeared when he saw people who were unaware of their talents.


    (When I first appraised your skills, I wondered whether I should really raise you or not. ......, but I have no doubts anymore. Even if your skills turn against me, I will not regret a single thing. I will develop the skills that are lost. That''s what I''m supposed to do, that''s what Lily taught me.)


    You can take a break from work related to the ''Arsenal of Spirits'' and the ''Guardian of the Magical Tree'' for a while, so you can focus on this case anyway."


    Yes, sir.


    Claria, and also, ......


    Yes?"


    You don''t have to call me "guild leader. Just ''Mr. Roland'' from now on."


    I''m not sure. Mr. Roland."


    Claria said happily.


    After that, Roland quietly went about his chores.


    He spent his time concentrating only on the chores that he could control, leaving both the bargaining with the second unit and the management of the "dungeon in the magical world" behind.


    Meanwhile, Gilbert''s maneuvering activities continued.


    His agitation extended to the Arik Corps, and even at the end of the Arik Corps, there were now people who agreed that Roland''s orders should be ignored and that Roland should be removed from his position as guild leader.


    In this climate, Roland was also receiving reproachful glances from Arik and Dorwin for his simpering attitude.


    What are we going to do about the management of the "Dungeon of the Demon World"?


    How would he deal with the second unit, which still had no intention of contributing personnel?


    However, Roland silently ignored these questions and continued to endure patiently, waiting for a report from Claria.


    If he made a poor move, there was a risk that his move using Claria would be exposed.


    Since receiving Roland''s order, Claria seemed to have been casually contacting members of Unit 2 and extracting information of interest.


    The members of Unit 2 had not been active in any significant way recently, and their popularity had waned, so when they were approached by a young girl for the first time in a long while, they readily accepted her invitation.


    They were easily exposed to the inner workings of the company, with Claria simply accompanying them to drinks and cajoling them.


    In fact, they were so proud to talk about it.


    ...... so it looks like we''ll have to wait a little longer for the S-Class Monster Defeat Squad."


    At the "Arsenal of Spirits," Roland said apologetically to Jill.


    ''...... I see.''


    Sorry. I''m sorry. I''ve been trying to improve the "Breaking Hammer" and it seems to be going well.


    ''No, something like that. Mr. Roland, please put your own work before mine. The guild leader''s job is very demanding."


    I''m not sure. Thank you."


    (Mr. Roland, I hope you''re okay.)


    Jill worriedly listens to Roland''s expression.


    Her mind drifted back to the conversation they had had in the waiting room.


    They had said that Roland was isolated among the "Golden Eagle" executives.


    (I''d like to help Roland somehow, but even I don''t know much about management. ......)


    In the end, Gilles was committed to quietly performing the duties handed down to him by Loran.


    Instead, she spent her free time roaming the halls of the Golden Eagle, keeping an eye out for anyone who might have heard an unsavory rumor about Roland.


    As soon as he found such a person, he would shut him down without question and ask him about the ringleaders of the rumors.


    (I don''t know who or what is trying to bring down Mr. Roland, but if I find him, I don''t need to wait for an order. I''ll beat them to a pulp and drag them to Mr. Roland''s front door!)


    However, even after going around crushing the disgruntled elements in this way, it was difficult to reach the ringleaders who were spreading the rumors.


    It seemed that those who were trying to bring Roland down were quite clever.


    Finally, on the 21st, Claria brought back the information Roland wanted.


    "Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Roland.


    Claria. So how did it go?　Did you get any good information?"


    Yes, sir. We have probed several members of the 2nd Unit, and they have been very forthcoming about the purpose of the recent disturbances.


    I see. Well, let''s hear it now. What are the results of your investigation?


    Yes, sir. It seems that the people of Unit 2 are afraid that Arik''s team will be assigned the "Mine Dungeon" in the next term''s dungeon attack.


    The ''mining dungeon''?"　Why on earth would you do that ...... again?"


    After saying that much, Roland huffed.


    (Come to think of it, they were obsessed with "mining dungeons" at the meeting too.)


    They seem to think that the guild leaders'' focus on ''dungeons in the magical world'' is temporary, and that in the end it is the ''mine dungeon'' personnel who are most favored." They were also dissatisfied with the fact that Arik''s team was more privileged than theirs, even before Mr. Roland became the guild leader. During the Lukius era, it was Unit 2 that was originally in charge of the "Dungeon of Mines," but Arik Corps replaced them in that role, and they seem to hold that against them as well.


    But in light of our overall competence and track record, ......


    Yes, so they were eager to outperform Arik''s squadron in overall strength, even if it meant window dressing their skills and stats. ......


    In other words, they don''t like the fact that Arik''s team is going to be favored over theirs in the next term''s dungeon attack. Is that what you mean?"


    Yes, it would seem so.


    Roland put his hand on his forehead and sagged.


    (It''s all about territoriality after all, isn''t it? (Is it territoriality after all? ) If we compete with each other over something like that, even making false declarations, and as a result, the unit''s strength declines, it''s a complete disaster, isn''t it?


    Have you found out anything about the inside man who is leaking our information?"


    I''m sorry. We have been trying to find out about that as well, but you have been very reluctant to talk to us. ...... However, the person who is instigating them, that person seems to be different from Ms. Dianna. I tried to probe him by mentioning Ms. Dianna''s name, but he didn''t seem to be acting in any suspicious manner."


    ...... I see."


    (It is not Dianna who is directly connected to the second unit: ....... So is there someone else instigating the second unit?)


    Thank you, Claria. I know exactly what the second unit is thinking. I''ll take care of the rest over here. You can go back to your normal duties.


    Later, Roland called the istos back to the guild director''s office.


    They stood in front of Roland, their strong faces all tense, as if they would not tolerate or compromise in any way.


    What on earth can I do for you, guild leader?


    I have something I need you guys to help me with."


    Cooperation?


    Yeah, I want you to develop ''The Dungeon of the Demon World'' with the Arik Corps."


    Guild President. As I have said many times, we are under the Arik Corps ......"


    Instead!"


    Roland interrupted Isto to interject.


    ''You guys, I''m going to give the second unit the unit''s largest budget for the next fiscal year.


    Ist stopped talking with a jerk of his face.


    I want you guys to take on the ''mining dungeon'' next term," Ist said. If you are able to conquer the ''mine dungeon,'' I will allow you to call yourselves the ''Golden Eagle'' first squad.


    When Roland finished this much, the room fell silent and a scene ensued.


    (No?　(This is the last minute compromise I can make right now. ......)


    Guild Captain ......"


    Ist, the unit leader, broke the silence and opened his mouth in a stern tone.


    Hm?"


    We, the Second Corps, pledge our allegiance to you."


    Ist said with a smirk.


    The members of the Second Corps take a saluting posture toward Roland.


    ''Well, then, I''d like to discuss dungeon management with you at .......''


    Of course, I will cooperate fully with you.


    (These guys are from ....... Are you sure?　(Are you sure you want to be in charge of the "Mining Dungeon" next term, which means that you will be fighting against Loran''s unit (my unit) of the "Guardians of the Magic Tree"?)


    Roland observed the istos, but they had a big smile on their faces, unclouded at all.


    There was no sign of anxiety about fighting with Roland''s team.


    (Now that Sebasta is gone, I don''t think it''s possible for you guys to beat Roland''s squad (my squad) with your abilities. ...... Really, are you sure?)


    However, since they have agreed to do so, there is no point in interrupting any further.


    Roland told Arik about the second unit''s cooperation in managing the "Dungeon of the Magic World" and about being in charge of the "Dungeon of the Mine" next term.


    Then Arik''s face clouded over in frustration.


    He said, "I know you''re focusing on the ''Dungeon of the Demon World,'' ......, but we''ve been in charge of the ''Dungeon of the Mines'' all along. You don''t have to care so much about the second unit ......."


    Apparently, he too was expecting to be in charge of "Dungeon in the Mines" next term.


    He whined and complained for a while.


    But when Roland told him that the "dungeons of the magical world" could be a more promising resource than the "dungeons of the mines" in the future, and that he was also trying to protect the employment of the "golden eagles," or rather the Arik Corps, he finally agreed, albeit reluctantly.


    Even Arik seemed to have an obsession with this kind of veneer warfare.


    (Even after all that, he still couldn''t get through to me that I was putting "The Dungeon of the Demon World" on the line? (Not even to the executives.)


    Roland was disappointed to find that his ideas had not penetrated the guild at all.


    (Huh. People from "The Golden Eagle" are ......, really ......)


    Roland sighed deeply.


    After that, the second unit was as cooperative as a lie.


    The problems related to the development of "The Dungeon of the Demon World," the training policy, cooperation with Arik Corps, and these pending issues were resolved in a snap.


    Roland''s reforms began to take off.


    From then on, time passed in the blink of an eye.


    The power struggle seemed to be over, and the members of the "Golden Eagle" were relieved to be able to train and work on their own.


    Roland, too, had his worries resolved, and he devoted himself to the management of the guild.


    Dungeon management, training of troops, and management of the "Arsenal of Spirits" proceeded without any particular problems.


    When the dungeon management was reaching its climax, Roland called a man into the guild leader''s office.


    The man entered the room with a sleepy look on his face mixed with a yawn.


    He looked sleepy with a yawn. What in the world?　This dungeon management is coming to a close. I''m busy making the final push.


    You''re Gilbert?


    Yes, I''m Gilbert, a low-ranking member of the corps. And?　What in the world does a guild leader want with me at this busy time? If it''s nothing important, can we talk later?


    I''ve been looking into it," he said. The skill and status window dressing that was rampant in Units 2 and 3. I heard you were the one who ordered it.


    When Roland said this, Gilbert''s sleepy face quickly pulled back and became straight-faced.


    He stared at Dianna in the corner of the room.


    Dianna quickly looked away.


    (Tsk, he''s tipped us off.)


    Gilbert turns to Roland as if to rejoin the proceedings and smiles wryly.


    Yes, I do," he said. The window dressing of skills and status started during the time of Sebasta''s former captain. It was I, Gilbert, who initiated it.


    Roland appraised Gilbert''s skills.


    [Gilbert''s skills


    Spearmanship: B


    Agitation: A


    Training: A


    Skill Appraisal: A


    ("Training A" and "Skill Appraisal A". This guy has all these skills and more at ....... This guy could have trained adventurers without any skill window dressing. ......)


    What in the world do you think you''re doing? Doing this. How much trouble have you caused the guild? ......"


    I certainly window-dressed my skills and stats," he said. But what''s wrong with that?　I''m just letting those who will never see the light of day enjoy the springtime of this world for a while. In fact, while many adventurers suffered under the tyranny of Lukius, the skill-powdered ones renewed their contracts and stayed put. Kukk. I mean, I saved them, you know."


    "You can do something stupid at ....... Do you really think that''s going to work forever?"


    Hey, Roland. Think about it. You''ve experienced it firsthand. In this guild, loudness and pretense are valued more than actual workmanship. It doesn''t matter if there''s no substance or if there''s a lot of pretense mixed in. I used to advise people to develop their skills.　And yet, the people in this guild are all ....... All of them are only thinking about short-term profit and the pretense of a reputation. I am disgusted. Roland, you saw it too, didn''t you?　The attitude of these people. They don''t even take offense when questioned about their skill and status window dressing. It''s not worth it for them to sincerely strive for the development of the guild. It''s ridiculous.


    Gilbert showed a shrug.


    Then he suddenly gave Roland a friendly smile.


    ''Hey, Roland, you were once an outcast, you know what I''m talking about, don''t you?　It''s all rotten, this guild."


    But that''s only until today. Now that I am the head of the guild, I will not tolerate such corruption any longer!　Gilbert, you are banished from the Gilded Eagle."


    Gilbert twisted his lips into a grin and laughed.


    I see. That''s good too. From now on, I''ll be watching you closely from outside the guild. I''ll be watching you rot away like Lucius in The Golden Eagle.


    I''ll never be like Lucius.


    I don''t know about that.　Roland, you have already made the same blunder as Lucius. You have already made the same mistake as Lukius, favoring the wrongdoers of the 2nd Unit over Arik''s sincere efforts. You are getting used to the taste of power without even knowing it. Red with red."


    Is that all you have to say?　No amount of sophistry on your part will overturn the decision.


    Roland pointed to the exit door.


    Get out of this guild immediately. Forever!"


    Gilbert sniffed, "Hmph," and put his hand on the exit doorknob.


    I was just about to help you out. He''s an idiot, you know. I''ll tell you something, Roland. Don''t think you''ve solved everything by banishing me. The Gilded Eagle will come back to haunt you. At best, you should be careful not to strangle yourself.


    With these words, Gilbert left the guild president''s office.


    <>