Chapter 18

The Wigarlus Branch of the Guild Union is located slightly away from the city center.

Despite its long history, the building is relatively new. Apparently, it was rebuilt in its current location after the current branch manager took over.

Just from this episode, it’s clear that the manager is a person of incredible ability. Someone like me would never normally be able to meet such a legendary figure.

Oh man, thinking about it is making me nervous.

I passed through the large front gate and entered a spacious courtyard. I imagine that adventurers would gather here en masse in times of crisis.

In front of me stood an impressive six-story building, befitting the guild headquarters of a major city. It was huge, but other than its size, it looked quite plain and rugged, lacking any flashy elements.

At the entrance of the building stood guards, reminiscent of those at temples or castles. They briefly moved to block our way but quickly straightened up and stepped aside upon seeing Mr. Griffo’s face.

Wow… I tried my best to walk with confidence, making sure not to be overwhelmed by the atmosphere.

Crossing the polished, pristine floor—far more impressive than that of 【Barba】—we approached the reception desk.

“I’m Griffo Moni. I’m here for my regular report. Is the branch manager in?” Griffo introduced himself with practiced ease. The receptionist gave a polite bow and checked her records.

“I will guide you. This way, please.”

She offered to personally escort us.

The branch manager’s office was on the third floor. I had expected it to be on the top floor. Maybe it’s more convenient to access from both above and below?

The guide knocked on the door.

“Come in…” a tired voice called from inside.

I tilted my head slightly. “Sounds like they’re exhausted,” Mitera whispered in my ear.

As soon as we entered the room, Griffo called out in his usual bold manner.

“Hey there, Boss! We’re here!”

…That’s definitely not how one should address their superior. Classic Griffo. The branch manager responded in a similarly weary voice.

“Ah, my friend. You seem to be in high spirits, as always. I’m envious… yawnnn…”

He let out a huge yawn.

Come on, man. We’re visitors, after all.

Slightly exasperated, we watched as Griffo offered some explanation.

“Forgive him for being a bit rude. He’s got his own reasons for it.”

“Yeah, I suppose that makes sense.”

Managing a guild branch in a big city like Wigarlus must be incredibly tough. I’m sure he faces struggles we common folk can’t even imagine.

I turned my attention back to the man in charge.

Sigurd Roneo. Branch manager of the Wigarlus Branch of the Guild Union.

He looked to be in his late thirties.

He was slim and wore glasses, giving off the appearance of a scholar rather than a guild leader.

What stood out the most were the heavy bags under his eyes, worse than even the guild master in Barba. His complexion was also sickly, almost earthy, and he seemed drained of life.

Seriously, this guy looks like he’s about to collapse. Is he okay?

We sat on the guest sofa, facing Sigurd.

“Welcome to the Guild Union. I’m Sigurd, the branch manager. Before we begin, there’s something I want to tell you since this is our first meeting.”

“Y-Yes?”

“I am extremely tired.”

…Huh?

Yeah, I could tell just by looking at you, honestly.

“I’m as tired as one can be.”

“Well, yes… judging by your appearance…”

“I’m glad you understand. So please don’t mind my demeanor… yawn… ahh…”

…What is with this guy?

Mitera seemed just as surprised as I was, clearly not expecting the branch manager to say something like that.

After another series of yawns, the branch manager finally returned to the matter at hand.

“Now then, Griffo, I’ve already received part of your report from your party members. Thank you for your hard work. It must have been quite the horde.”

“Yeah, but thanks to you, we minimized the damage. As always, your power is as useful as ever.”

Power? What power? I wondered, but Sigurd’s grim expression kept me from asking.

After a brief rundown of the results—the defeat of the monsters that had been blocking the highway—Griffo shifted the topic.

“Now, onto the main reason I’m here. Let me introduce this man. His name is Isto Rilos. We met during the recent operation.”

Sigurd nodded.

“Ah, so you found someone interesting, Griffo?”

“Yeah. Isto here managed to fend off the ‘Whale of the Earth.’ He summoned an enormous, seven-colored shield in the sky, and he did it all by himself, without harming anyone. I saw it with my own eyes, so there’s no mistake.”

“Impressive…”

“Right? We were completely helpless against the ‘Whale of the Earth’ when it went on a rampage. We’re only standing here today thanks to Isto.”

Griffo leaned forward.

“I’ve taken a real liking to this guy. I want to help him out. It seems he’s in a bit of a bind right now, isn’t that right, Isto?”

Prompted by Griffo, I straightened up and explained everything—about the orphanage, the children, and my current financial troubles.

“Could I ask for your support in running the new Elpida Orphanage? Please, I’m begging you.”

Mitera and I both bowed our heads.

There was a brief pause.

During that time, I heard another loud yawn, which irritated me a little.

Is this guy even listening to us…?

“Very well.”

“Huh?”

“We’ll support you. On behalf of the Guild Union’s Wigarlus Branch, I, Sigurd Roneo, promise to fully support both the Elpida Orphanage and you. Don’t worry about the money. Oh, and I’ll also give you a certificate of support to make it easier for you to act across different regions.”

His response was so casual that I almost thought I’d misheard. And the terms were incredibly generous.

This is huge.

“However,” Sigurd interjected, just as Mitera and I were starting to celebrate.

“In return, while managing the orphanage, you’ll also need to take on some personal requests from me. That’s the condition.”

…Looks like I’ve gotten myself into something big.