Home/How to Survive in a Good Small Guild/ch 21

Chapter 21

"This is ridiculous. Embezzling through government support projects right under our noses."

Priest Charles sat before us with his legs spread wide in an obnoxious manner. I felt the urge to kick his knees shut.

"Of course, this is unacceptable. Taking money and embezzling it without our knowledge?"

Fortunately, Priest Charles seemed to agree with the former Guild Master's removal.

"Still, it's presumptuous of you to have acted without reporting to us first..."

"I apologize. The previous Guild Master tried to destroy the evidence, so we had no choice."

"No choice? You could have found another way."

Here it comes—nitpicking.

Susanna, still not used to the Temple's high-handedness, barely managed to keep her composure, while I tried to respond more composedly than her.

"Yes, you're right, Priest Charles. We'll learn from this. Thank you for your guidance."

"So, you need a new Guild Master... and you, Lavender, want to take that role?"

He looked down at me with a sneer. I felt the urge to punch his face.

"I doubt someone as incompetent as you can handle being Guild Master."

"I will do my utmost for the Temple."

"Hmm, we could also send one of our lower-ranking priests instead. At this rate, it might be better to take full ownership and manage it ourselves."

That wouldn't do... I grew anxious and racked my brain, considering the skills I could use.

Just like Sun Tzu's Art of War, I had my own "Trash Company Art of War" for surviving in a black company.

Wait a minute—Priest Charles probably wanted to be promoted to high priest himself, right...?

"Of course, I've always trusted Priest Charles's judgment. If you find me lacking, then your judgment is surely correct."

Trash Company Art of War, Skill #32: Flattery.

"But I sincerely want to work on your side, Priest Charles. Aren't you a man of great promise? I'd love to learn under your guidance."

Trash Company Art of War, Skill #19: Aligning with the right faction.

"Hmm... so you want to get on my side, is that it?"

"Haha, I'm embarrassed to say it, but isn't your support the strongest, Priest Charles? You're clearly going to be promoted steadily."

"What? Are you mocking me? There's no position above me right now..."

Trash Company Art of War, Skill #42: "The higher-ups just don't recognize your ability" activation.

"The higher-ups may not fully appreciate your talents yet, but this guild operation will be a good opportunity for you. The credit from our guild will be yours, Priest Charles."

"Hmm, fine..."

He slowly picked up his stamp.

"Well, with you, I don't have to worry about betrayal. You can't get hired anywhere else anyway, right?"

"Yes, I have nowhere to go but here."

"It's irritating that you have heretical parents, but I'll show you special leniency. Isn't this what tolerance looks like?"

"You're truly embodying the Prophet's will. It's admirable."

Finally, the stamp was slowly pressed onto the document.

Looking at my Guild Master approval document, I had to hold back tears of emotion.

"Alright, do well from now on."

"Yes, thank you."

"Oh, and if you do well as Guild Master, you know we might accept you as an intern priest, right?"

So below a lower priest was an intern priest? It really was like a modern corporation.

"Yes, that would be an honor."

Anyway, if I got promoted to intern priest, I could extract even more Temple information. My eyes sparkled.

Good. I'll build achievements as Guild Master, gain recognition from the Temple, and use that to extract information and cooperate with the Crown Prince.

Come to think of it, why hadn't the Crown Prince been in touch lately?

---

Eventually, unable to wait any longer, I decided to call the Crown Prince myself. I had the contact number Eric, his aide, had given me last time.

"Yes, this is Odrette Lavendel."

· Ah, one moment.

Eric's voice came through the receiver, then switched to the Crown Prince's.

· Yes, what is it?

Huh? The voice sounded familiar though?

Well, I'm not good at distinguishing voices. It must be my imagination.

"I'm calling to report that I've become the new Guild Master as of today."

· I see.

"Oh? Did you already know?"

· How could I?

"You sounded so calm..."

· ...I always act calm when I'm really surprised. That's truly impressive!

What was that sudden fuss about?

"Anyway, I'll work on gathering information. But you haven't been in touch lately. Are you busy..."

· ...I've been a bit busy lately. There's a lot of work.

"Ah, I see."

Well, the Crown Prince must be busy with his own duties too.

· Your Highness, this is why taking on two jobs is too much...

· Quiet, Eric.

As we hung up, I thought I heard some bickering in the background, but I didn't pay it much mind. The Crown Prince must be quite close with his aide.

---

Today was the day of my inauguration ceremony as the new Guild Master. Of course, only three people attended—me, Susanna, and Cedric—and the venue was our office.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Odrette Lavendel. As of today, I've been appointed as the new Guild Master of the Global Information Network Guild."

Susanna clapped mechanically. Cedric glanced around and followed suit.

"Thanks to all of you, I've reached this position. I truly appreciate your support. To develop this guild..."

"Yawn-"

Susanna openly yawned. Fine, then. I changed my tone instantly.

"From now on, we can buy instant coffee mix, tea bags, and snacks for the break room with guild money!"

"Wow!"

Susanna cheered with a brightened face.

"Now, instead of making awkward excuses about buying coffee with our own money when a client visits, we can offer it freely!"

"Imperial citizens' welfare seems to be improving."

Cedric nodded, apparently having sympathized with the guild's situation.

"Also, I'm raising everyone's salary by 7%!"

"Eek! You're the best, Guild Master Odrette!"

Susanna looked moved. Even with her essay income, a stable job was important.

"Also, I'll grant every guild member one monthly paid leave day—not unpaid leave!"

"It feels like justice is being restored in the Empire."

Cedric really knew how to flatter when he wanted to.

"And that's not all! I'll install partitions at everyone's desks!"

"Best!"

"Working conditions are being properly improved."

This was truly important welfare—so much so that it wouldn't look odd to list it as a benefit when hiring new members. Finally, we could escape the feeling of being watched and work comfortably behind partitions!

Amid the cheers of just two guild members, my inauguration ceremony ended safely.

As I was moving my belongings to the Guild Master's seat, Cedric asked.

"Then, Assistant Manager... I mean, Guild Master. Do you have any further plans?"

"First, I need to hire another guild member. There are complicated procedures to become a workplace with five or more employees, so it's still too early for that... but I'm planning to hire one more competent person. Preferably someone with experience."

Whether an experienced worker would actually want to join this guild was another matter.

"I also want to change the guild name, renovate the building... there's a lot to do. Until then, I'll be counting on you, Cedric."

"...Yes."

"Guild Master, why don't you say that to me too?"

"I already trust you, Susanna."

"Hoho, you're always so smooth with your words."

"Haha, shall we revisit our past?"

"No, I love this side of you, Guild Master..."

Watching the guild stumble along as always, I smiled with satisfaction.

Now that I'd fully taken control of this guild, all I had to do was change the original story's future.

I would definitely build this guild into a strong one, join forces with the Crown Prince, the original story's male lead, and survive.

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