"First order of business, we need to change the guild's name! The traveling silver coin merchant guild is too long and sounds way too boring. Let's name it the grey merchant guild."
There it was, the manifestation of our lack of creativity. After her Majesty had received the title of grey queen we had made grey a prefix we could add in front of anything we had to name.
"Then this will become a branch guild of the main one?"
"For logistic reasons, it will indeed have to become a branch. But since I'm here it's technically equivalent to the HQ."
"While we are at it, should we build another branch in the realm where Red and Rose are so we can set up trade?"
"Let's do that once we are done implementing all the changes I want for the guild and you helped boost me to C-rank. I decided to buy the orphanage where Isetta came from to directly replenish our employees from there. I'd like for you to select two of the older orphans and teach them how to make potions. They're all waiting in the gathering room below. Also, we need a steady stream of goods to sell."
"The potion training I can do. However, getting you a steady stream of goods is beyond my current capacity unless I make them all myself."
"That's fine then, we might be able to get goods from Red and Rose. For now, I'll search for suitable quests at the adventurers' guild."
"Then I'll look for any talented potioneers and alchemists among the orphans. Although... make sure you only choose quests that don't take longer than a day to complete. An army from Galli has crossed the borders and laid siege to some cities. We should be prepared to take action or we'll risk losing the tax exemption we just got."
"Galli? This may be troublesome indeed."
Saying that Aurelia left her office with a pensive expression.
Now, only Arahnia and I remained in the office. Arahnia seemed like she wanted to ask something but she looked hesitant to say it. I watched her struggle with herself for a few seconds before she finally gathered enough courage to speak.
"Lord Abel, what did you mean a Galli army crossed the border? Is there going to be a war?"
"Afraid so. Our auction did succeed to somewhat restore the power balance between the countries but it would seem Galli had been planning this invasion for quite a while. Not to worry though, we won't be affected for the time being and the price of certain goods might even rise."
"But how do you know that? The border is so far away!"
"Firstly, your perception is wrong. The border with the Galli kingdom is only about a day's march away. Secondly, at the moment my mind is extended over most of the kingdom so I know of almost anything unusual that happens."
"Most of the kingdom! How does that even make sense? As if your fighting ability and teleportation magic weren't already enough!"
"Come on, your not half bad yourself, a mage proficient in the element of darkness supported by a natural affinity of your species. You did a good job trying to hide it but you should put more practice into suppressing your magic power."
"You could tell?"
Arahnia seemed incredibly astonished that I knew of her powers. Darkness users were usually seen as evil or dangerous but that was just a stigma. To calm her down a little I summoned forth some darkness and had it drift around the room.
"I too am rather familiar with the element of darkness. If you want I could teach you a thing or two."
"Really? Oh, I mean it would be an honor but I don't think now's a good time."
"Then we'll do it another time. Now if you'll excuse me I have to go train some potioneers."
I too left the office letting Arahnia do whatever she had to do. The orphans were indeed all assembled in the gathering room looking at me with expectant gazes.
"So, how much did Aurelia tell you?"
The kids started to grow round and the teenagers just looked at each other. After a few moments, Isetta stepped forward.
"Lady Aurelia bought the entire orphanage and said we should wait here for you. Is it true that you'll teach some of them how to make potions?!!"
"Yes, but why are you so excited?"
"Don't you know? Even an inferior health potion sells for 10 silver coins while its ingredients only cost 1 silver coin. Anyone who can make potions is highly respected and it's one of the most well-paying careers!"
"I think you forgot about the failure rate involved. Until you can make intermediate health potions you won't earn much. Anyway, I'm sorry but I won't accept anyone below 13. Making potions involves heat and dangerous substances, it could even result in an explosion. Isetta, please take all the younger ones back to the orphanage for now."
Isetta just nodded and gathered up the children leading them outside. Finally, the room quieted down a bit. Now a group of about 20 teenagers remained.
"Who is the oldest one among you all?"
An ordinary-looking black-haired girl stepped up. She hadn't particularly stuck out from the group and seemed pretty timid.
"I-I-I'm seventeen."
"Good, you'll be the group's representative for now. It will be your job to answer any question for the whole group. Now, follow me."
I led the whole group into a large hall in the storage cellar. The entire hall was made of stone so any explosions won't cause any troubles. I let twenty-one stone tables rise from the ground and told the students to each stand behind one.
"I'll now be demonstrating how to make a simple herbal infusion. It has some slight healing properties but nothing close to a potion. All you need to do is copy me."
I stood behind the last stone table and began.