The Corrupt Guildmaster, Altering the Fate of the Original Story’s Female Rival
After that, the soldiers of Sarandia-sama, Count of this territory, raided Raltos’s mansion and discovered the basement. There they found his account ledger.
Only the expenditure entries had been falsified. It was probably altered in preparation for tax collection, but ironically, this became evidence against him. It clearly showed Raltos’s arrogance—he thought no one would ever conduct a house search.
More than that, his subordinates and clients testified to his crimes, making his downfall inevitable.
In the original story, Raltos got away without any comeuppance, but how will it be this time? What punishment will he receive? That will depend on the Count’s judgment… but in any case, there is no chance for him to recover. Well, it hardly matters to me now.
………
After several days of investigation and trial, I was summoned. Together with Emidia and Fiel, I headed to the mansion of Count Baltharus Sarandia.
When we entered the same conference room where we had cornered Raltos, Count Sarandia was seated at the far end of the table. He folded his hands before his face and lowered his eyes.
“The reason I called you here is none other than concerning Lizette-dono.”
Lizette twitched and let out a sigh.
“I know. You’re gonna tell me you’re here to arrest me, right?”
“… You have my gratitude for exposing Raltos’s crimes, Lizette-dono. But I must apologize. If the citizens of this city learn who you are, they will surely rebel. I cannot protect you.”
Well, that’s only natural. She had been working as an assassin. And… she was the one who carried out the kidnapping of the lord’s daughter. Ordinarily, she would be detained immediately and thrown in jail. But she wasn’t. Her current situation was already an act of mercy from the Count.
“… My apologies.”
The Count bowed his head. This man is truly softhearted. Or perhaps he can’t help but feel sympathy because Lizette is around the same age as his daughter.
“I get it, but… I hate this. I finally got free from Raltos…”
Clenching her hands in frustration, Lizette looked at me with eyes full of mingled hope and fear. She must believe what I told her—that I would protect her.
This is my chance. The city of Delta stands at the center of the Western Five Great Guilds. Because of that, once Raltos has fallen, another administrator will certainly be stationed here.
And being able to create a connection with the lord of a city where a Guild Administrator resides—and gaining the original story’s rival character—is an opportunity I am witnessing right now.
As long as an assassin resides in the city, Count Sarandia must deal with it. But the fact that the true culprit behind the kidnapping was found is thanks to her… yet if he does nothing, the citizens will demand action. That is why the Count is troubled over what to do with Lizette.
This is where we can step in and benefit.
“Count Sarandia. I have a proposal.”
“Hm? What is it, Zilkein-dono?”
“I would like to take custody of Lizette in our Luminage Guild.”
“What!? It would be a relief for me, but… will the lord of Luminage accept that?”
“No need to worry. He and I are on good terms. If it’s my decision, he will accept it.”
The guild’s income has increased, and I pay more taxes than anyone in that city. Even the lord wouldn’t dare complain.
“I see… in that case… but what will you do with her? Forgive me, but in my position, I must ask.”
“Nothing special. I’ll make her an adventurer.”
“An adventurer!?”
“Yes. I’ve already discussed it with her. With her skills, she’ll make an excellent adventurer.”
I glanced at Emidia. She nodded and presented the proposal exactly as we had planned beforehand. She had prepared the documents after Lizette’s attack—documents meant to remove the Count’s fears.
“Count Sarandia-sama, here.”
The Count accepted the papers and read through them. After finishing, he let out a surprised voice.
“A memorandum regarding the transfer of custody…? This is…”
The proposal the Count read stated the following:
—Lord Baltharus Sarandia hereby detains the assassin Lizette, with whom Raltos Stad had contracted. As punishment for the incident, she is officially banished from the city of Delta. To prevent harm to other cities, her custody is transferred to the Luminage Guild, which happened to be visiting the city. For the next two years, on the final day of each month, the Luminage Guild will report Lizette’s status to Count Baltharus Sarandia.
“I already knew this is what it would come to when I called her as a witness. I wanted her to be able to testify without fear… that’s what led to this solution.”
Presenting it now is merely to gain a favor from the Count—but he doesn’t seem to have noticed.
“The reports will be sent in writing. Is that acceptable?”
“Such efficiency… Zilkein-dono, you truly see many steps ahead. I am honestly impressed.”
A guild also serves as a place to reintegrate criminals into society. If criminals are left unattended, crime rates will only increase. The system was built to prevent that… I simply used that system for this case.
The Count can now punish Lizette by officially banishing her. Lizette can live away from the underworld under our care. A perfect solution for both sides.
“With that document and the two years of reports, you will not be held responsible by the royalty or guild leadership regarding this matter.”
“Even my own protection… Zilkein-dono, your kindness… I shall never forget it.”
Kindness? This is nothing more than securing a useful connection. I will make full use of you, Count.
“Well then, we’ll take our leave. Count, please request the Guild Headquarters to send the next administrator soon. The adventurers are waiting for quest postings.”
“Of course. For your sake, Zilkein-dono, I’ll summon the next administrator immediately. As for the funds Raltos embezzled from your guild, I’ll have them sent within the next couple of days.”
“Your consideration is appreciated.”
◇◇◇
We left the mansion and met up with Fiel, who had been waiting outside. We got into the carriage and began the trip home.
“Thanks, Zilkein. For doing all that for me.”
After we left the city of Delta and traveled for a while, Lizette, who had been silent until now, finally whispered. In the original story, she walked a path of carnage. She must be bewildered by being treated so differently.
She doesn’t need any shallow comforting words. That would only make her distrust me. That’s why I’ll say this plainly.
“This is a contract. As an adventurer.”
“Hah, that’s fine by me. Just make sure you teach me everything I need to know.”
Lizette grinned broadly. Looks like my response was correct.
… Hm?
I felt a gaze and looked to the side. Emidia and Fiel were grinning at me.
“What is it, you two? Do I have something on my face?”
“No? Ehehe~ Isn’t that right, Fiel-san?”
“Yeah, it’s just as you said, Emidia-dono!”
What’s with those creepy smiles? Did Emidia put some nonsense in Fiel’s head again?
The two began whispering among themselves.
(See? Just like I told you. Zilkein-dono is embarrassed and hiding it behind talk of contracts…)
(Back in the Knights Order, my subordinates used a word for that. That’s what they call a tsundere!)
They whispered, glanced at me, then grinned again. What are they doing…?
“Zilkein.”
In the rattling carriage, with Emidia and Fiel’s chatter in the background, Lizette called to me, so I turned toward her.
“From now on, I’m counting on you! I’m sticking with you for life!!”
She wore a gentle smile. A smile you’d never expect from an assassin, one that belonged completely to a young girl.
What do you think about this chapter?
