Chapter 265: Generous Hearts

Boren stood for a moment after inviting the five representatives to take their seats. His smile was steady and polite, but inside, his thoughts churned with unease. Noble houses rarely sent five envoys together for trivial matters.

Their coordinated presence signaled a shared interest, something significant was at play. House Solmere, House Drovan, House Lunehart, House Talbrek, and Lord Pellian’s estate each wielded considerable power in their territories and were meticulous about their reputations.

For them to come together meant they were either testing the Guild or plotting to control it. And when nobles spoke of “good news,” it typically favored them first and everyone else second, a truth Boren understood all too well from his dealings with both merchants and aristocrats.

The five envoys settled into their seats slowly, smoothing their sleeves and adjusting their postures as if entering an exclusive salon rather than the lounge of an Adventurer Guild.

Lyana sat beside Boren, her expression composed as she discreetly observed each envoy through her glasses without interrupting or smiling excessively; she simply watched.

Boren clasped his hands loosely in front of him and inclined his head slightly. “So,” he said calmly, “what is the good news that has prompted such esteemed Lords to send their trusted representatives to this humble establishment?”

Cedric Varrow of House Solmere offered a faint smile. “Vice Guildmaster,” he replied smoothly, “you are far too modest. The Adventurer Guild is anything but humble these days.”

Darian Pell nodded in agreement. “Indeed,” he added. “Your organization has experienced rapid growth.”

Marcus Drell leaned back slightly in his chair. “People are certainly talking about it.”

Elira tilted her head slightly with a smile. “Especially among the nobility.”

Roland Marris folded his hands calmly. “Your Guild can no longer be overlooked.”

Boren let out a small, polite chuckle. “We’re merely providing services to the people,” he responded lightly. “There’s nothing extraordinary about that.”

Cedric’s smile remained unchanged as he repeated, “Providing services.”

He seemed to savor the words before continuing, “Clearing trade routes, eliminating bandit groups, stabilizing regions long plagued by unrest, that’s quite extraordinary for you, Vice Guildmaster.”

Lyana interjected softly this time, “It is indeed the Guild’s duty to maintain order wherever possible.”

Elira nodded faintly in agreement. “A noble duty.”

A brief silence fell over the group as subtle glances passed between the five representatives; it was clear they had rehearsed this conversation before arriving at the Guild.

Boren chose not to prolong the moment any further. “You mentioned good news,” he said calmly. “May we hear it directly?”

Cedric leaned forward slightly with renewed focus. “Of course.”

Cedric leaned forward slightly. “Of course.” He clasped his hands together, his tone sincere yet carefully structured.

“Our Lords,” he began, “were deeply concerned to hear about the unfortunate incident that occurred here some time ago.”

Darian nodded solemnly. “That is the attack on the Guild. I heard that, you guys survived heavy casualties.”

Elira lowered her gaze slightly. “And the injury to your Guildmaster.”

Roland sighed quietly. “A truly tragic event.”

Lyana’s expression remained unchanged, while Boren maintained a polite smile.

Cedric continued, “We learned that many Adventurers lost their lives and that your Guildmaster was severely injured and remains in a coma. It was… unsettling news.”

Boren nodded once. “It was an unfortunate incident,” he said calmly. “But the Guild has recovered.”

“Remarkably so,” Cedric replied. “But recovery doesn’t erase loss.”

Marcus agreed with a nod. “Rebuilding requires resources.Compensation. Support. Stability.”

Roland chimed in, “Especially when leadership is… temporarily absent.”

There it was, a subtle reminder that Sage was still in a coma and that the Guild was operating without its true head.

Lyana tightened her grip on the edge of the table but kept her face composed.

Cedric cleared his throat lightly. “Our Lords,” he said smoothly, “were moved by the Guild’s perseverance. They believe that such a strong and promising organization should not suffer due to one unfortunate event.”

Boren tilted his head slightly. “That is kind of them.”

Darian nodded approvingly. “Very kind indeed. You see our Lords have generous hearts. They believe in supporting stability.”

Roland concluded, “Therefore, they have decided to offer financial assistance to the Adventurer Guild.”

Boren’s eyes remained steady; Lyana stayed silent.

Cedric continued as if delivering good news: “A significant sum,” he said calmly, “to assist with rebuilding efforts, compensation for fallen Adventurers, and to ensure ongoing growth.”

Boren leaned back slightly in his chair; his smile remained but felt colder beneath the surface.

“That is… generous,” he replied slowly.

Cedric glanced at Boren smiled widely. “Yes..it’s truly generous of our Lords. This offer can ease the pressure the Guild is currently facing and elevate the Vice Guildmaster stress.”

Roland folded his hands thoughtfully. “After all, we all desire stability in this region.”

Boren exchanged a brief glance with Lyana; their eyes met for just a moment.

Neither spoke aloud, but their understanding was clear: this wasn’t charity, it felt more like control.

Returning his focus to Cedric, Boren asked calmly, “May I inquire what amount our Lords are prepared to offer?”

Cedric didn’t hesitate: “Two million gold coins from each house.”

Even Boren’s calm demeanor wavered slightly at the mention of that figure. Ten million gold coins in total. Lyana’s eyes flickered for a moment, betraying her surprise.

Darian offered a faint smile. “It’s a gesture of sincerity and a foundation for a corporation,” he remarked.

Lyana glanced at the five people standing in front of her, their smug smiles and air of arrogance making her blood boil. She couldn’t help but clench her fists tightly, wishing she could just leap forward and punch those insufferable jerks right in the face.

Boren leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. “That is indeed a substantial sum,” he said evenly, acknowledging their generosity.

Cedric’s smile broadened just a bit. “We’re glad you see it that way.”

Boren tilted his head slightly, curiosity evident in his expression. “And what do you expect in return?”

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