Home/How to Survive in a Good Small Guild/ch 71

Chapter 71

"Whew, this is actually my first time applying for this kind of project..."

Since it was work I'd never handled in my previous life either, I fell into thought. As I stared at the documents, Cedric spoke beside me.

"Don't worry. This kind of project is my specialty."

"I'm counting on you, Cedric."

"Yes, yes!"

"That's definitely Stockholm Syndrome."

"Same idea."

As expected, Cedric was more devoted to our guild than Susanna or Morian. When I looked at him with emotion, Cedric's face flushed.

"Alright, so..."

I carefully read through the project.

<Recruitment of Guilds for National Public Safety Cooperation>

· The nation seeks to establish a cooperative framework with private guilds to strengthen public safety and is therefore recruiting public safety cooperation guilds as follows.

The project's purpose concerned national public safety, and our guild met the recruitment criteria...

· Selection Process

  1st round: Document screening – 10 guilds selected from applicants

  2nd round: Interview and comprehensive evaluation – In-person screening for first-round passers; final 3 guilds selected

· Support for Selected Guilds

  · Government investment and operational subsidies

  · Partial access to public safety-related information

  · Priority participation opportunities in national projects and commissions

  · Recognition as official cooperative partners with government and local administrative agencies

  · Support details may be adjusted after agreement signing

If selected for this project, we'd not only receive subsidies but also gain access to national information needed for the project. Plus, cooperation opportunities—it was a great opportunity for our information guild.

"What kind of project could we do? Let's start the meeting!"

At my call to start the meeting, the seated guild members raised their voices.

"Since we're an information guild, how about collecting and organizing data on dangerous areas?"

"Data collection is a good idea. Going further, I think it's important for us to proactively prevent crime."

"Then how about compiling information reported to the guards?"

"Good. We'll gather that information and create a system that provides early warnings of danger signals."

As expected of Cedric! Whenever Susanna or Morian came up with ideas, he systematically organized them.

"So we'll create a system that compiles reports on missing persons, pickpocketing, theft, etc., and provides early alerts."

"How are we going to create a system?"

"Based on statistics, I think..."

At Cedric's words, I immediately thought of the Star Tower. They surely had statistics experts there.

"How about including the Star Tower as a partner in our application? I'll go into the Star Tower and persuade them."

I declared confidently.

"After all, I'm a Master of Cactus Spine Avoidance Studies."

"Yes, as long as you establish a good cooperative relationship, there shouldn't be any problems."

"If we say we're partnering with the Star Tower, we'll probably get bonus points."

"Exactly. That corresponds to bonus points... or so I think."

We immediately prepared the application.

I went in and out of the Star Tower meeting with statistics experts, Susanna allocated the budget, and Cedric handled the document writing.

"It's complete. This is a very standard document."

After a few days, we had prepared enough to apply for the project.

The document Cedric wrote read as follows:

· Early Detection of Public Risk Project

This guild believes that most public safety threats originate from overlooking 'minor warning signs before incidents occur.'

This project aims to detect risk signals early before crimes occur and relay them to the national response system.

By utilizing the field accessibility and information interpretation capabilities unique to private guilds, this guild applies for this project to contribute to securing public safety by screening early risk signals that the state may miss.

The document Cedric had written was flawless.

From the project definition and objectives to detailed project content, the guild's strengths and differentiation, cooperation methods with the magic tower and government, and even expected outcomes...

It was truly the kind of document the government would hold up as a model.

"Guild Master, how did you write this so perfectly?"

When I asked in admiration, he averted his gaze and answered.

"W-well, I did it a few times at my previous company."

"Oh, was it a bigger company than I thought? Applying for projects like this."

"Yes, well..."

No matter how I thought about it, Cedric's previous company was really strange. I'd have to look into it sometime.

Anyway, as we were admiring our perfect application, Morian spoke up.

"There's one thing that's a bit lacking."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"I think we just need to add one word to the project title."

And Morian changed the project name as follows:

· Early Detection of Public Risk Project

  -> First Signal Early Detection of Public Risk Project

"Oh! That one word made it so much better! Using foreign loanwords the government likes, pretending to be sophisticated while feeling tacky!"

"Exactly. I also think that's the government's mood."

"...The government pretends to be sophisticated but is actually tacky?"

"Haha, isn't that right, Cedric?"

"Y-yes..."

With a gloomy face, Cedric handed me the documents.

"Anyway, please sign them, Guild Master..."

"Yes!"

---

And so we submitted the documents, and about a week passed.

During that time, we'd become much more famous through the Lady of Kaliad matter, and we were busy with the influx of work.

Just when we were in dire need of government cooperation, the first-round document results were announced.

The results were to be posted in front of the Guild Administration, so we went to the building on time. There were many other guild members there to check the results as well.

Soon, a staff member came out and posted the paper. And naturally...

"We passed!"

On the list, 'Arclight Guild' proudly held its place.

We had passed the first-round screening.

Now we just needed to pass the second-round interview, right? Then we'd need to practice presentations and prepare new materials.

As I was thinking about presentation methods, Cedric spoke with a serious expression.

"However, passing the second round might be difficult."

"Why?"

"They said only three guilds would be selected. That means they'll likely want to pick three guilds from non-overlapping fields."

"Ah, right. Those four are mercenary guilds. The competition among mercenary guilds will be fierce."

"Yes, but since mercenary guilds play an important role in public safety, at least one will definitely be selected."

"And one is a merchant guild, two are artisan guilds, and one is an academic guild."

"It's likely they'll pick one from among those specialized fields as well. In my view, the academic guild seems likely."

There were only two information guilds, including us.

"Surely they'll pick one information guild too, right? Our documents were perfect, and it's 2 to 1, so the competition ratio seems low... Ah."

My voice trailed off as I confirmed the other guild's name.

· Shadow Lion Guild

The Shadow Lion Guild was quite a well-known guild. Though our guild had risen rapidly recently, the Shadow Lion Guild was a long-established one.

It was known for having few members but being capable and handling work in a sophisticated manner.

"That's right. The Shadow Lion Guild is there."

"Yes, and from what I've researched, the Shadow Lion Guild has been selected for this kind of project before. They have connections with government officials."

"Hmm..."

"It's fine. I'll still prepare the materials well..."

Noticing my deflated mood, Cedric said that, but my mind was elsewhere.

'The Shadow Lion Guild... I've heard of it.'

Not in this world, but I think I heard about it in the original story. Why did it appear in the original?

As I racked my brain, I finally recalled the Shadow Lion Guild's scenes.

'Ah, in the original story, after I go to prison, it's the new guild that becomes Cedrian's ally!'

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