Published: September 9, 2025
Satou here. Why does income per unit time decrease the more you get promoted? Well, it goes without saying that a small raise combined with a much larger increase in workload is the cause.
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"I'm terribly sorry."
The receptionist behind the counter apologized with genuine regret.
I came today to receive my Bronze Badge—
"But actually, the guild master has put a stop to the promotion process."
—Apparently, there's an interference, and the promotion procedure is currently suspended.
"What? You absolutely have to protest this!"
"I'm truly sorry. This is an exceptional situation. I will inform the guild master that Baron Pendragon lodged a complaint…"
I understand Arisa's dissatisfaction, but pressing this woman won't help.
"Regardless of whether the promotion certificate is approved or rejected, when will we know the result? Until then, can I keep this provisional certificate?"
"Y-yes. Please keep the Provisional Bronze Badge as it is. It should only take a few days at most, so if you could stop by the guild about five days later, that would be helpful."
I see, I hadn’t registered any contact information with the guild.
I calmed Arisa down despite her ongoing grumbling and left the guild. As I passed by, a guild employee woman in her thirties got off the regular stagecoach that had just arrived and hurriedly called out to me.
"Excuse me, are you Baron Pendragon?"
"Yes, speaking. Is there something you need?"
"I’m Ushana, the secretary. I’m here on behalf of the guild master. Apologies for the sudden request, but could you come with me to the West Guild?"
Behind her, Arisa quietly made a small fist pump, whispering, "The template’s here." Since I was only planning to buy a dummy house today, I didn’t mind dealing with the guild master. I agreed and went along with her to the West Guild.
â—‡
Right in front of me came a long staff.
It was as sharp as a spear, thrust straight into my face as I opened the door. I lightly swatted aside the attack, dodging it. The opponent switched hands and swung again over her shoulder. Is this what they call staff technique?
I continued to parry all the attacks from this ever-changing long staff.
What is she trying to do?
The unreasonable onslaught was stopped by the words of secretary Ushana.
"Guild Master! If you continue this behavior, Sevelkea-sama will have to scold you."
"Tch, it was just getting interesting. Hey, Satou?"
Yes, the one attacking me earlier with the long staff was the guild master herself. And at 87 years old, it wasn’t like I could retaliate. She’s a level 52 mage with fire and light magic skills. For someone so mischievous, she should probably take a dose of the chief shrine maiden of Tenion’s wisdom.
I’m the only one here; Arisa and the others are downstairs touring the Guild Hall.
"Regrettably, I don’t have the hobby of being pleased by a surprise attack."
"What? Aren’t you a battle maniac who stayed overnight in the labyrinth on your first day and collected over 100 demon cores?"
How rude. The monsters I defeated probably numbered about 20 to 30 at most.
"I was just watching; it was my companions who fought."
"Hmph, who would believe such nonsense? Even if it’s true, you probably didn't fight because it was just trash mobs, right?"
She was probably guessing, but she came pretty close to the truth.
Sensing I was about to bluff my way out, the guild master spoke first.
"Besides, that sword is one made by Old Dohal, isn’t it? That old man wouldn’t let just anyone carry a sword he crafted. If you want to hide it, at least wrap the true seal with some cloth."
In the Duke’s Capital, no one noticed the true seal, so I hadn’t bothered to hide it. I thought true-seal weapons were rare since the Elf Village had many of them, but apparently not.
"Old Dohal and I are drinking buddies."
I certainly couldn’t say I forged the sword with Old Dohal.
At the mention of "drinking buddies," the guild master’s eyes lit up like a carnivore spotting prey.
"Oh? Then let’s be drinking friends too."