Master Of None

Quickly entering the meeting room Clara had the party lay the required items on the table and filled out a paper attached to a clipboard.

”Perfect, quality appears to be high in each one, it seems you all take great care in finding the best.” Clara was impressed seeing that there were almost no damages nor growth deformities in the flowers. This was often an issue when young parties went to gather due to inexperience.

”Now that it’s been accepted I will have someone else come to collect them since we have something else we must do, please follow me to the top floor.” Clara left the paper with the stems and went towards the stairs.

”Wait on the top floor?” Gil was confused, wasn’t the top floor for the guild masters office?

Clara didn’t turn around and proceeded upwards the party on her heels. Soon they reached a spacious area with a few desks with various people filling out paperwork. At the end of the room was a wood door with finishing from every entire tier plaque. There were even platinum markings.

Clara knocked on the door and slowly opened it. ”This is the omnipotent party as requested by the guild master!” The introduction was a surprise but even more shocking were the two men in the room.

An old man who appeared frail with long white hair and a long white beard was seated behind a large desk. His body feigned weakness but his eyes said that he could crush them. Next to him was a very muscular tall man wearing silver and gold armor. He had a few scars covering the left side of his face making him more intimidating. His hair was a brown color and his face was showing an aloof personality.

”Ah yes, young walker, Su, Gil, Remey, and you’re Midnight I take it? Come in come in we have been waiting for you.” The old man seemed to have already met them knowing their names and whose appearance belonged to them. ”I’m sure you’re wondering why we’ve walked you here but first things first, I am Ibis. You may know me better as the white Ibis due to my past adventures. To my right is Barry comically known as the berserk Barry. I would not recommend putting him in a bad mood.” Ibis chuckled at his joke.

”Old man I told you not to call me that, I know your memory fades in your age but try to remember, you may even write a note.” Barry retorted while Ibis smiled devilishly.

”Oh don’t worry I won’t beat you down in front of the young heroes here. Naturally, that is why we called you.” Ibis flawlessly transitioned back to the party at hand ” I know you requested assistance in protection and the second Clara became your manager we sent that protection out. We here at the guild like to protect a bright future. So in that matter, we’ve decided to introduce you to the castle, well specifically you will be meeting the king. The title you received makes you very wanted commodities all over the continent so I hope you understand forging a relationship with the government to a stronger degree will allow more protection. Not to mention whether you like it or not royalty will become involved. The only question is will you tread that path alone or accept the guild’s ability to introduce you and back you?” He had laid out many things that sounded scary to the party. They had never imagined meeting a king in their lifetime.

”If we were to go about this alone I fear my friends and I would be swallowed by greed and torn apart. But can the guild prevent this?” Su was the one to speak up, beating Walker to the punch. But she spoke about the feelings of the whole party.

”You know we have many powerful adventures with many systems. We have the strength to protect and back you making up for the lack of noble blood. Not to mention the adventurers guild had been called in to military matters many times in our history making us well respected. Any who would dare to go against us, even the king could breed unrest.”Barry’s deep voice surprised them, not expecting him to sound so bold.

”Now a few rules. Do not accept anything from other nobles; they only will try to bend you to their will as political gambits. The king will most likely do the same however you can accept his offers. Unlike the nobles, he already has the power and will use his offerings as a way to boost your standing and most likely shore up his foundation with the people. Those people who are happy seeing a hero let alone five rise from among them will plead to the king. This means you will all represent the people and must act as such. I do not expect perfection however as you well know your actions are observed by all.” Ibis had become very serious.

It was clear that nobles were not necessarily trustworthy but that made sense they had too much money and a lot of power. The idea of representing the people greatly appealed to the party since they had come from different areas of the lower tier of the kingdom. Gil saw this as an opportunity to shore up the foundation of the fields. Su was just happy to have her new party protected. Remey was thinking of possible expansions for the orphanage. Walker was imagining a new home filled with everything his family could possibly need. Midnight well she was thinking about food...not a surprise.

Walker took a step forward ”we would like the adventurers guild to back us. Please sir if you could introduce us to the king before they come knocking at our doors we would greatly appreciate it.” He knew he didn’t ask permission to speak for the whole party but looking side to side he saw them nodding in unison with determined faces.

”Ha! Good good we’ll leave now; Barry and I are coming to, Clara you shall be in charge while we are gone. We have an audience with the king in an hour. I scheduled it once Clara notified me you would be returning.” Ibis was a sly man knowing the party would have to accept his proposals.