Head Butler of the Fallen Villainess-Chapter 104 - 25th Days (3) | The Risk and Reward

"A branch guild, you say…?" The redhead lord echoed, taking in the weight of the proposal that the guild representative had presented to her.

Anastasia took a deep breath for a moment… before stepping forward—her usual air of uncertainty shifting into something more composed… something more befitting of a noble lord.

Her gaze settled on the bespectacled woman… her sharp emerald eyes carrying a quiet authority over her second guest of honor to her domain.

"Miss Sophie, I understand the Guild's intention to build a branch in my region…" she stated, her tone steady… but scrutinizing. "However, what does its establishment entail, and what benefits does it offer for this land entrusted to me by the Crown? Would you kindly elaborate in detail?"

At this, Sophie straightened her posture, instinctively pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose as her own gaze sharpened—focused on the red-haired lord standing before her. This bespectacled woman's shift in demeanor… it was as if a switch had flipped within her—her nervousness melting away into something more… professional.

"Of course, Lady Anastasia—no… Lord Anastasia," Sophie responded—even correcting herself, lowering her head into a respectful nod before adjusting her stance.

"For starters… the establishment of this branch guild would allow for a direct line of communication between your territory and the wider Adventurer Guild network."

"A direct line…?"

"Indeed, my lord," the bespectacled woman gave a small nod, maintaining her composed demeanor toward the redhead lord. "Having a branch here would make it easier for adventurers to access guild resources and handle requests, improving their ability to do business in your region."

She took a small glance toward Anastasia, eyes carefully observing the young noblewoman… as if ensuring she had the red-haired lord's attention.

"But that's not all." Sophie's tone carried a quiet confidence now. "It would also grant the people of your region direct access to adventurer services—be it monster extermination, escort missions for traders, material procurement for local craftsmen, or even specialized tasks that require skilled individuals. In essence... it would serve as a stabilizing force, making your region more attractive for commerce, travel, and general security."

Anastasia found herself silently absorbing more and more of the explanation. She had already gotten the general idea behind this branch's usage and benefits for her land, but hearing it laid out so clearly made her realize the full extent of it...

Even so… there was something that she was still concerned about.

"I see..." she murmured, crossing her arms in contemplative thought. "While I admit that those sound… beneficial, I must ask: what are the risks of such an establishment?"

That question seemed to shift the atmosphere into high tension, bringing attention to the most pressing concern when it came to such an establishment—

Safety.

And this was especially true for the ever-dutiful knight of Lord Anastasia—Martha.

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"Indeed, as my lady has pointed out," the brunette knight interjected, stepping forward with a firm presence as she narrowed her eyes toward the guild representative, "but as the one who oversees the protection of her lordship's region, I must ask that you elaborate further, Miss Sophie…!"

Sophie's confident posture wavered for a split second under the combined scrutiny of both Lord Anastasia and her loyal knight… However, she steadied herself as quickly as the pressure settled—seeming as if she was quite used to this type of interrogation.

Taking a breath, Sophie resumed, this time with a more measured tone. "While an Adventurer Guild branch provides many benefits, there are also certain… complications that must be considered."

"Complications...?" Martha repeated, her gaze narrowing further.

Sophie nodded in confirmation... seemingly unfazed by the knight's increased scrutiny.

"First and foremost, the Guild operates independently. While we abide by local laws, we are not directly under the jurisdiction of any ruling noble. This means that while the Guild will work alongside you, it will also prioritize its own interests."

The knight frowned at this, clearly not in favor of this notion, but Sophie continued before she could speak, maintaining a composed yet firm tone that subtly pressed the tension in the air.

"There is also the matter of adventurer activity itself. While they are valuable assets, adventurers are… unpredictable. Some are honorable, but many are mercenaries who prioritize their own gain. The influx of adventurers could lead to increased disorder—brawls, disputes, and even potential crime if not properly managed."

At this, the female adventurer, Vivian, who had been listening on the sidelines with little to no interest... actually let out a small chuckle.

"She's got a point there~," she remarked with an amused smirk, arms crossed lazily. "Adventurers ain't exactly known for being the most law-abiding folk. But that's what makes 'em effective. They're willing to do jobs others wouldn't."

A heavy silence followed… before Martha's gaze slowly, deliberately, turned toward the female adventurer.

A glare—a deep, soul-piercing glare.

Because out of all the adventurers she could think of… Vivian had to be the single most troublesome one to have wreaked havoc in Lady Anastasia's region.

And now, she of all people had the audacity to comment on adventurers being 'unpredictable' and 'not the most law-abiding folk'—as if she weren't the biggest offender of them all…

Martha's eye twitched, trying her best not to lash out in front of an important guest.

Vivian, on the other hand, felt that glare burning into the side of her face… and slowly turned to meet it with a mischievous smile.

"Oho~? What is it?" she asked, feigning innocence. "Is there something wrong, oh Miss Knight?"

Martha clicked her tongue in annoyance... before shaking her head in exasperation as she returned her attention back to the discussion.

"Miss Sophie, I apologize for… the 'interruption,' but regarding what you have just spoken of, I cannot ignore those risks," she stated firmly, reaffirming her stance on the matter. "If too many of those 'troublesome' adventurers were to flood into Lady Anastasia's domain, maintaining order would become more difficult. And if the Guild becomes too influential, people may start looking to them for leadership instead of Lady Anastasia."

At that, the knight's fellow aide, Bella, shifted uneasily, concern flickering across her face. "…T-That doesn't sound good for Her Grace…" she murmured, casting a worried glance toward Lady Anastasia.

The redhead noblewoman, however, remained silent, her expression hardened as she weighed the risks of inviting such adventurer activity into her land.

"It's a valid concern, yes," the guild representative nodded, already expecting such a reaction… and she was prepared to deliver even more dire details. "Additionally, while the Guild would bring in business, it also takes a portion of the profits through quest commissions. This means that while trade may increase, some of the wealth generated will ultimately flow back to the Guild rather than remain within your region, my lord."

All this information added another layer of tension, not just concerning the safety risks to the region, but also raising concerns about its economic growth. It weighed heavily on Anastasia as she contemplated the potential balance of risk and reward...

Sebas, who had been silent so far, finally spoke up.

"My lady, I understand quite well that you are concerned about these risks... however, I had already considered all of them when I made the request."

His words drew everyone's attention, and Anastasia turned to him, blinking. "So, you were already aware of these downsides?"

The butler nodded lightly, a reassuring smile on his face.

"Of course, my lady. I've strived to support you... even before I made that vow to you," his voice calm, but with quiet certainty, reminding Anastasia of his vow to help in her endeavor, "...with that said, I believe the benefits far outweigh the risks—especially for a region like this."

He turned to face Anastasia fully, his expression composed yet unwavering.

"The land here is harsh, and the presence of monsters is a constant threat. Even if we build up the village and lodge house, we cannot expect prosperity if the danger remains unchecked," Sebas continued, his tone steady. "A Guild branch would naturally attract capable adventurers who can mitigate these threats while also bringing in much-needed economic activity."

"...Wouldn't you and Martha be enough to handle all those monsters?" Anastasia asked; reminded of what Sebas was capable of as an S-Rank adventurer himself. Even Martha was also quite capable to boot.

Sebas couldn't help but let out a small chuckle, a melancholic smile tugging at his lips.

"I would, and I believe Miss Knight would also be able to handle them, given more training. But... there will be times when neither I nor Miss Knight will be available for the occasion..."

He paused... looking at her with a knowing glance.

"Which is why I personally think you should have the means to utilize all resources available to you—whether it be those working directly under your household... or adventurers working under your leadership."

"Sebas…"

Anastasia was starting to understand his intention. He had thought about improving her region in his own way... and had also planned for her growth as a lord and a leader.

Which was why... she needed to be more decisive.

The redhead lord then turned to the waiting Guild Representative with a firm stance. "Miss Sophie," Anastasia addressed her, her voice now carrying a newfound steadiness. "I will need to think this over carefully. However, I do admit that the idea is… intriguing."

"Of course, Lord Anastasia," Sophie gave a small, relieved nod, "I will be here to answer any further questions you may have."