CH 57.3

With his rough shell gone, Duggam sat down and would not stand up. Litty was at a loss for words at the sight of his dejected appearance.

Then Aida came and sat down in front of Duggam.

“Branch Manager, please don’t say such a thing. What is wrong with you?” (Aida)

“Aida… You already have the ability to acquire the title. It is my own weakness that prevented me from giving it to you.” (Duggam)

“I am already?!” (Aida)

“Well, well, I came here to greet you, and ask you to drop your overflowing energy, but you don’t seem that energetic today, huh?”

Leaning against the entrance of the dojo was Baider, captain of the Royal Knights of the Amphisbaena Corps.

Baider came up with a few of his subordinates in tow, with their dirty shoes on.

“Wait! Take off your shoes!” (Duggam)

“Oops, excuse me.” (Baider)

As if he had made a mistake, Baider took off his shoes and put them aside. Myan growled at his appearance.

Litty hugged Myan and soothed her, but her threats did not cease.

“Myaaan!” (Myan)

“Myan!” (Litty)

“You’ve reduced the number of guild members yet again. As expected of Branch Manager Duggam, who was feared as a warrior demon… How marvelous.” (Baider)

Litty knew it was sarcasm. However, Duggam did not show any emotion, so Litty stayed silent.

Duggam finally stood up and moved into close range of Baider.

“What do you want?” (Duggam)

“Well, I simply came to see how things are going. I just wanted to ensure guilds are doing their job, you know.” (Baider)

“I’m in the middle of training, go away.” (Duggam)

“After several years of not producing any titleholders, the number of apprentices is dwindling. Who does this guild even serve at this point?” (Baider)

“It’s none of your business.” (Duggam)

“Well, no.” (Baider)

Baider paced back and forth, languidly. He struck a provocative pose with his tall figure and turned again to Duggam.

“However, a certain person belonging to the Adventurers’ Guild headquarters told me that the Adventurers’ Guild has established its roots in our country, but it must also show results, you see? In other words, a guild that doesn’t show results is worthless, right?” (Baider)

“We pay our taxes on time. What do you want?” (Duggam)

“I’m going to be direct with you. We are here to request for this guild to be removed, you see.” (Baider)

“I refuse.” (Duggam)

“You failed to have any successful titleholder adventurer. What results can you present if we were to report to the higher-ups?” (Baider)

Baider clicked his tongue, a gesture reminiscent of a snake, which disgusted Aida and the others, and even though Baider didn’t finish, Litty could guess his intention.

“What if I still refuse to entertain your request?” (Duggam)

“Are you certain that you really want to refuse? You know, you will be losing a fair amount of benefits.” (Baider)

“I refuse. Do whatever you want. Anyway, I don’t trust you. I am not ignorant of the dark rumors swirling around you.” (Duggam)

“I guess you would believe the rootless gossip, wouldn’t you? Well, that can’t be helped, I did indulge you and yet, you still refused…” (Baider)

Baider’s group drew their weapons at once, with Duggam bracing himself and the apprentices shrinking back in fear.

Litty was frantically trying to figure out what to do in this situation. For her part, she didn’t want a fight without proper understanding of the situation.