Chapter 6 – The Lord of Silun

After Oslo’s problem was resolved, I was called to the Guild office because they wanted to formally thank me.

Grace and I were shown to a back room and offered tea.

“No, I truly apologize. I thought Oslo was easy to read because he tends to prioritize self-preservation, but I never imagined his subordinates would be so clueless about the situation.”

Beryne bowed her head and personally poured the tea.

Though she works as a receptionist at the Guild, it seems she came to this town in a capacity closer to reinforcement, likely from another branch.

Reinforcement… probably due to the relationship between the lord and the Guild, and that Garrison Captain’s involvement.

“It’s fine, really. It seems you went through various channels to ensure Oslo couldn’t act recklessly.”

Forestbird and the others should be out shopping in town, busy with replenishing delayed supplies and maintaining their weapons.

“However, I’d prefer to keep my connections with my family minimal. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t bring it up too much.”

“Hmm. But in that case, weren’t you displeased earlier?”

“No, it’s not like I did it knowing full well what would happen.”

As long as they understand when I explain, I don’t see any problem.

Beryne smiled cheerfully and said,

“Of course, we’ll add an extra reward to make up for the trouble caused this time. If there’s anything else you need, we’ll do our best to accommodate within our means.”

Perhaps because the other party is a child but with the premise of noble origins, Beryne’s attitude is extremely polite. Or rather, it’s flawless. Even if she knew I’m an illegitimate child and Grace is a Dhampir, she probably wouldn’t make an issue of it.

About Grace, huh. Since we’re here, I might as well ask about means for her self-defense.

“Do you know any skilled alchemists? If not in this town, Termwills would be fine too.”

“An alchemist, is it? I’m afraid I don’t know any personally, but I believe we can arrange an introduction through the Guild over there. I’ll prepare a letter of recommendation.”

“Thank you.”

If she came as reinforcement to resolve issues with Oslo and the local lord, it’s probably because she’s competent.

Just then, a knocking sound echoed in the room.

“Beryne-san. Sorry to interrupt while you’re with guests. Do you have a moment?”

“What is it?”

“Actually…”

The Guild employee whispered something to Beryne. She closed her eyes briefly, then turned to me and said.

“…Theodore-san. The lord, Ashley-sama of Silun, wishes to meet with you.”

Seeing me unintentionally frown, Beryne gave a wry smile.

“The lord here is a bit… special. Since her father’s time, it’s true there’s been a dislike for adventurers… but I only explained it that way briefly to make the situation easier to understand.”

“But she was employing that Oslo, right? Honestly, I’m not too keen on it.”

“I’d rather not give you any preconceptions beyond this. However, I think you’ll understand once you see her.”

“Hmm…”

She is the lord after all, and she’s coming to us, so I can’t really refuse to meet.

Whether it goes smoothly depends on her approach, but having the meeting at the Guild gives us the home-field advantage.

“If it’s alright, may I join you? If I can use Theodore-san as an excuse to speak directly with Ashley-sama, it’s exactly what I hoped for. When I go to see her, I usually get turned away at the gate.”

“It’s fine with me, as long as it doesn’t cause any trouble.”

“Of course. It’s originally part of my job, so I’m well aware. If Theodore-san were to say he wants to build connections with Ashley-sama, that would be welcome in its own way. The Adventurer Guild is always seeking connections with capable individuals.”

Her words are blunt. Showing her hand like that is probably Beryne’s way of being as sincere as possible.

Understand, huh. Well, I did understand.

Because Ashley was about the same age as me.

She’s a Baroness, but she’s a fair-skinned, slender girl. Her skin has a pale, almost sickly whiteness, as if she doesn’t get much sun. Perhaps she’s physically weak. Having inherited her parent’s position at a young age, she must be having a hard time.

That said, it doesn’t justify negligence in supervision… but if you asked what about me, unlike Ashley, I don’t hold responsibility for anything, and I have no ties to this town.

So no matter what kind of person the lord is, I never thought I was in a position to complain from the start. I intended to remain indifferent and non-interfering as long as she wasn’t hostile toward us, but since she came here herself, that’s not an option. Well then. I wonder what business brought her here. I’ll decide how to respond after hearing what she has to say.

“Pleased to meet you. My name is Ashley Rodias Silun.”

“Likewise. I am Theodore Gartner.”

Since she introduced herself first, I responded in kind. Ashley bowed her head respectfully.

“It appears someone from my household has caused you trouble. I sincerely apologize. And I also wish to express my gratitude for defeating the Killer Ants.”

This attitude… is it because she’s naturally timid, or because she knows I have ties to Count Gartner’s family? It’s hard to tell which.

Beryne wanting to talk with Ashley is probably because she wants to rebuild the relationship with the lord.

Moreover, from Beryne’s perspective, the current situation—where the Garrison’s credibility has collapsed, the person in charge is absent, and there’s confusion—is a golden opportunity. The massive ant outbreak and the subsequent cleanup. The Adventurer Guild has the know-how for that. And creating employment for adventurers is a job for Beryne and Ashley.

In that sense, it’s probably not my role to handle the aftercare for the ants this time. Unless only I can do it. And if there’s a reason I can accept for doing it, then it might be okay, but this time, that’s likely not the case.

It’s part of the ecosystem’s workings, including the monsters that appear and the humans who exterminate them, and the structure of supply and demand in society.

Within BFO, there was even a Quest about how exterminating too many Graywolves led to an increase in Goblins causing trouble. Back then, I could laugh about it, but now it’s not so simple. Even Killer Ants are monsters that are fairly common everywhere. That’s why I chose Termwills, where the supply never runs out.

“I accept your apology.”

Considering my family situation, I don’t particularly want to actively build connections with nobles, so I won’t set any conditions. Sometimes forgiving unconditionally without saying anything carries more weight, but this isn’t one of those cases. I’m already getting various things from Beryne.

Instead, or rather, to lightly balance the overall debt between the two of them, I think I’ll provide some light covering fire for Beryne.

“However, I was merely present by chance. Even though I’m an illegitimate child of the Gartner House, I think it would be better to repair your relationship with the Guild rather than build one with me.”

“Repair, you say?”

Ashley tilted her head. That… was somewhat the answer I expected.

“I heard that Beryne here tried to meet with you several times.”

“…I didn’t know. Such a story never reached me.”

I glanced briefly at Grace, who was quietly waiting; she nodded with her eyes only.

In short, it’s the same as my messages not reaching my father.

It’s probably not about Ashley as a lord, but rather a problem with the people around her.

“Is it the same as what Oslo did this time?”

“I don’t know the internal affairs of this town, so I can’t say. If you’ll pardon my asking, what was your relationship with Oslo?”

“He was a vassal. From my father’s time…”

Ashley said with a pained expression.

Well, did she trust him? That probably connects to why Oslo was so complacent.

“What did they say about adventurers?”

“Um…”

Ashley’s eyes darted toward Beryne.

“Please, don’t mind me and speak freely. I can imagine, and in a way, I think it’s correct. It’s also the Guild’s management responsibility.”

“Y-yes. Well, that they’re failed thieves or down-and-outs… My father and the butler… excuse me, a man named Kennel, and Oslo too… they all said the same thing…”

It’s true there are such types among them, and there are those who look at adventurers that way.

Or perhaps she had a bad personal experience. If her father was like that, then this Kennel probably shares the same values.

That’s why it was left to Oslo… if he had been proper, things might have gone smoothly, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen.

But from what’s happened so far, I can see some positive aspects. Firstly, it seems this Kennel is surprisingly decent.

At the very least, he and Oslo aren’t united. If they were the same type and colluding, Oslo wouldn’t have needed to fear exposure.

Also, it seems Ashley received a relatively solid education. From her responses earlier, she’s intelligent and has good sense. He’s likely handling education and practical affairs to support Ashley.

With practical matters concentrated on Kennel, he didn’t have the capacity to monitor Oslo as well, perhaps?

“Would it be possible to speak with this Kennel?”

It seems Beryne has set Kennel as her secondary target. If Ashley is the main keep, then Kennel is the castle wall.

I can picture a stubborn, conservative, overprotective personality, but witnessing Oslo’s failure firsthand should make him reconsider things, shouldn’t it?

“Kennel is currently away. He’s on business in the neighboring town.”

Given the circumstances, that’s probably why Ashley panicked and came out here.

“Is that so. Well then, Ashley-sama. Though I am unworthy, may I take this opportunity to explain the significance of the Guild to you?”

“Please do.”

It’s probably what you’d call a presentation. At Beryne’s words, Ashley nodded with a serious expression.

“Well, just don’t get too easily swayed. Keeping a moderate distance and using each other is about the right attitude.”

“Hmm. Theodore-san, you say some rather pointed things.”

At the exchange between me and Beryne, Ashley gave a wry smile.

Then Beryne turned to face Ashley, nodded, and began to speak.

“But indeed, Theodore-san is correct. You should see with your own eyes, think for yourself, and then judge. There are things you can’t understand through hearsay alone. After all, I can’t claim to never have ulterior motives. It would be meaningless if it ended with a treacherous minister taking over.”

“Yes, that’s true.”

When confronted with conflicting values, one can’t help but think.

“Then, may I ask both of you for a little more time? I’ll have someone gather the materials. Theodore-san. I’ll prepare your reward and the letter right away.”

With that, Beryne left with a smile. She’s good at steering conversations and seems pleased with how things are progressing.