I was curious to see Serafin at work, though, and I created a shadow to observe the affair in my place.
Once it was time, a worker came to get Tallow.
The guild master retrieved his documents and left with Serafin. I had the shadow stealthily tail them and sneak into the meeting room, then I borrowed its eyes and ears.
Several nobles—guild directors—sat down with Tallow. Serafin took a vacant one and joined them.
The facilitator gave Serafin a questioning look, which prompted Tallow to speak up. “I believe you all are already familiar with her, but may I introduce you to Serafin Mariad. She will be helping me, starting today.”
Serafin nodded upon being introduced.
The others didn’t hide their disdain.
“It seems you’re unable to speak to us without hiding behind the authority of a member of the party of heroes.”
Despite the cutting remark, Tallow gave the noble a cheerful smile.
“That’s right. As an upstart adventurer with no education to speak of, I’m afraid I’d drag the discussion down, but that won’t be an issue anymore.”
I didn’t like conversations where you couldn’t be frank about your opinion. These nobles had undoubtedly pushed Tallow into a corner. The odd-looking fake smile on his face was proof enough of that.
The meeting quickly headed to the main topic at hand.
“So you set up a guild in Bardenhawk… We have no issue with that, but how do you intend to recoup the costs?”
The Bardenhawk guild was the brainchild of Queen Leyte, but I guess we shouldered most of the costs that came with establishing the system. Bardenhawk had lacked the capital for the upfront price, but the nobles were right to question Tallow on how to make back the money.
“I have brought these documents for your perusal. They should explain.”
Tallow handed the sheets to the others.
“Gathering capital needs to be viewed from the long term. During that time, Bardenhawk will finish its recovery efforts and our two nations will forge a strong bond.”
One of the nobles sighed dramatically and exchanged a look with his neighbor, both of them mocking Tallow.
“We are talking about collecting the money we lost, not cozying up to another country.”
Tallow hadn’t expected this particular rebuttal—he clearly stiffened. He let his emotions show on his face too easily. That was his weakness.
“It seems we’ve strayed from the topic at hand. Please take another look at these documents,” Serafin said. The nobles cocked their heads, but obeyed. “We built a guild in Bardenhawk because it is a necessary institution. Using and adapting to that system is much easier than having lords dispatch knights and guards. There’s a lack of manpower and supplies at the moment, so adventurers are truly invaluable.”
“What’s your point?”
“The reconstruction effort demands a lot of resources. And where will Bardenhawk come by those resources?”
Hmm. That was a good point. I probably would’ve mentioned it, too.
“…”
This time, it was the nobles’ turn to go quiet.
“Bardenhawk will import supplies from its neighbor, Felind.”
Merchants from Bardenhawk would purchase goods from Felind and spend their money here.
“Knowing this, it seems trivial to discuss the small price of the broadscale quest.”
Serafin opened up the scope of the meeting with a single question. She was adept at gauging the time for moves like that.
“And transportation protection and supply guarding are common quests at the guild. Aren’t they?”
“Y-yes, they are. That’s right,” Tallow answered.
“The constant stream of those sorts of jobs keeps the guild busy. If the number increases, then it stands to reason that we will see more profit in turn.” Serafin seemed on the verge of grinning triumphantly. She was growing convinced that the aristocrats were at her mercy. “Please remember the big picture when you offer your opinions instead of focusing on the minor details… Heh-heh.”
This proved to be the deciding blow, as the rest of the meeting continued without issue. Once it finished, I dismissed the shadow and waited for Serafin and Tallow to return to the office.
“That was pretty thrilling, Roland,” said Tallow.
“If only you were smarter, this whole thing would have gone smoothly without inconveniencing anyone,” I replied.
“What? Were you listening in?”
“Just for a spell—using a spell.”
Telling him to be better in all aspects of his job was probably going too far. Instead, I turned to Serafin. “Looks like I made the right decision asking for your help.”
“Do you really think so?”
“Yes. If I said any of that, the situation would’ve soured, yet you got the nobles to quit squabbling over small stuff. People like them usually take advantage wherever they can, depending on who they are talking to.”
“So you mean that in that situation, it wasn’t what was said but who said it that mattered?”
“Yeah. That’s right.”
“You taught me that, Mr. Roland. That resorting to a bluff is a viable method of getting someone to see your way.”
I had no recollection of ever telling Serafin as much.
“Also that most people lose the forest for the trees. If they won’t take small hints, then it’s best to increase the scope of the conversation. This confuses those you’re negotiating with. I remember your advice like it was yesterday.”
“Did I really say all that?”
“Yes. You claimed you weren’t any good at it, so you trained me in the basics of how to mediate and hold a meeting.”
“I guess I did…”
I really didn’t remember doing most of that, but now that Serafin mentioned it, it seemed about right.
“Miss Almelia carries the weight of the nation on her shoulders, Miss Elvie is from a notable family in another country, and Miss Lina is much too young. As a neutral priest, I’m best suited to this role.”
“So, basically, it was Roland’s training that got you here.”
Serafin laughed. “That’s exactly right, Mr. Tallow.”
I thought she’d do well as Tallow’s adviser. Plus, she had connections with the royal family, especially Almelia, which was a great boon for a facilitator.