Kousuke, who had returned to the Royal Capital after gathering materials that day, confirmed from a distance that a crowd had gathered in front of the Crown Branch.
The building of the Crown Branch in the Sumit Kingdom, like other branches on the Central Continent, was built outside the gate. A crowd gathered there was bound to stand out. That’s why even Kousuke, whose eyesight wasn’t as good as Kouhi’s, quickly noticed the situation.
“What could that be?” Kousuke muttered, tilting his head.
“It seems there’s a commotion. They appear to be divided into two groups and are in conflict,” Kouhi observed.
“Divided into two groups?” Kousuke’s eyes widened in confusion.
There was no need for the Crown members to create a disturbance outside the building. While space was limited, and it would be a problem if over a hundred people were involved, Kousuke didn’t think there were that many people gathered. There was a possibility they were causing trouble outside to avoid the risk of expulsion if they caused a disturbance inside. However, when Kousuke entered the building that morning to check requests, there were no signs of such an event. Of course, it was possible something happened after he left, so he couldn’t be sure.
As they got closer, Kouhi explained the situation. “It seems a group is complaining about the handling of the Teleport Gate, and Crown members are restraining them.”
“The Teleport Gate?”
“Apparently, they’re saying it’s unfair that Crown members can use it freely without paying.”
“What kind of nonsense is that?” Kousuke’s expression turned baffled at the almost baseless complaint.
In the first place, the usage fee for the Teleport Gate was collected by Razek Amamiya, and the Crown was the one paying. The payment was structured as a small deduction from adventurers’ requests, so they weren’t exactly paying nothing. For merchants, who also frequently used the Teleport Gate, there was a separate collection method. If the Crown had been in charge of everything before Razek Amamiya was established, such opinions might not have been entirely out of place. However, since Razek Amamiya was created and the management of the Teleport Gate was completely entrusted to the country, these complaints were completely misguided.
“Are they ignorant, or do they just want to pick a fight? I don’t understand,” Kousuke said.
“I agree,” Kouhi nodded at Kousuke’s words. Although the Teleport Gate in the Sumit Kingdom had been installed for quite some time, it had only been about five years since they could freely enter and exit with Razek Amamiya. However, the rules for using the Teleport Gate had been thoroughly established, so this was hardly a new issue. Not understanding why such a commotion was happening now, Kousuke and Kouhi approached the scene, heads tilted in curiosity.
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As they approached the building, Kousuke began to understand the details. Initially, adventurers not belonging to the Crown had come to complain, and staff were explaining the situation. However, as some adventurers didn’t accept the explanation and continued to complain, others joined in, turning the protesting group into a larger faction. Even then, the staff tried their best to explain, but the adventurers, who had no intention of listening from the start, resorted to what were essentially baseless accusations. Seeing the staff struggling to cope, adventurers belonging to the Crown joined the fray. The initial exchange between staff and adventurers seemed to have vanished, and it had already devolved into a conflict between adventurers.
In the Royal Capital of the Sumit Kingdom, there wasn’t a clear distinction between adventurers who belonged to the Crown and those who didn’t. However, the ability to freely bring in materials using the sales counter at the branch created a slight difference in earnings. Strictly speaking, the materials from monsters found in this area were limited, and the difference was at most an extra meal, but the grass always looks greener on the other side. The dissatisfaction that had often been expressed with phrases like “Those guys in the Crown…” had likely exploded at this point. However, from the Crown’s perspective, their complaints made no sense. If they were dissatisfied with their current treatment, they could simply join the Crown. Since they weren’t being selective about who they admitted, their complaints were nothing more than an excuse.
“I see,” Kousuke sighed after entering the building and hearing the situation from a staff member. There were other adventurers inside, and not all Crown members were participating. However, if the anti-Crown side grew in number, it was understandable from the atmosphere that they too would join in. The staff outside were equally troubled by the situation and were trying to resolve it. But it seemed that ordinary staff, like in any world, were unable to take decisive action.
“Aren’t any of the executives here?” Kousuke asked. There were actions that could be taken in situations like this, but only executives could implement them. In this branch, that would be the Branch Manager, but the staff member Kousuke was speaking to shook his head.
“No one of that caliber is here at the moment.” The fact that they didn’t specify where they went was a surprisingly professional response. Unlike societies where personal information is excessively protected, in this world, if proper education isn’t provided, it’s common for people to reveal the whereabouts of superiors.
After hearing the staff member’s response, Kousuke remembered something. “Ah, that’s right. Today is the day of the regular meeting.” He muttered the words so they wouldn’t be overheard by others, but they were clearly heard by Kouhi, who was next to him, and the staff member in front of him. The staff member, having overheard his remark, looked slightly surprised.
The regular meeting was a conference where executives of Branch Manager rank or higher gathered at headquarters. It was a meeting unique to the Crown, made possible by the existence of Teleport Gates, which allowed instantaneous travel. In this world where the usual means of transportation were wagons or ships, it was rare for high-ranking members of large organizations to gather for discussions. Ordinary adventurers would never even imagine that executives like Branch Managers held meetings every month. That’s why the staff member looked surprised. He realized that the person in front of him was an adventurer who was in a position to know about the existence of regular meetings. However, it was information that any staff member would know. The staff member didn’t ask Kousuke for anything or rely on him for help, and the conversation ended there.
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After parting ways with the staff member, Kousuke and Kouhi moved to a secluded spot.
“Are you returning to the Tower?” Kouhi asked, sensing Kousuke’s intention. Kousuke was about to use the ability of the Lily Shrine to return to the Tower.
“Yeah. Something about that commotion is bothering me. I have a feeling we need to deal with it quickly.”
“I see,” Kouhi nodded in understanding at Kousuke’s simple statement. In reality, it was just Kousuke’s intuition, but for Kouhi, his words alone were enough reason to return to the Tower, regardless of him being an Avatar. Concrete evidence was unimportant to Kouhi.
“Nana, come too,” Kousuke said as Kouhi nodded. Nana, who had been staying close by, came over. She understood that he was talking about what was about to happen. After confirming Nana had joined them, Kousuke used his ability to teleport to the Lily Shrine within Amamiya Tower. He carefully checked his surroundings before performing the act, ensuring no one could see him.
As many times as I’ve written it, the complaints from those not belonging to the Crown were clearly just excuses. Still, to insist on their way, are they trying to get better terms, or do they have another motive… That’s for next time! (I wonder if I’ll make it in time)
