Although not necessarily required, it was customary for the Guild Master to give a speech to welcome in the new cycle at the start. Travis was not an avid speaker by any means, but he recognised that it was a good way of closing the distance between himself and the receptionist at the bottom of the chain.
"Master Vorn, sir," his newest assistant, a tall man with freckles and unruly brown hair, entered after knocking on the door. "It's now five-thirty. I was instructed to alert you."
Ah. It was time, then.
"Thank you, Alex. I will be right out. Please join the others."
Travis got up from his desk, and descended to the second floor. He walked up to the edge of the floor and looked over the handrail barrier designed to stop someone from falling right over. Below, all the guild staff members were assembled, looking up at him expectantly.
"I appreciate you all taking the time to gather," he began. "I understand we have a number of new staff members, and to all of you I bid a warm welcome from myself and our team standing with you today. Undoubtedly, you will find their presence to be a balm The work of a guild staff member is a difficult one; we do much work to ensure the smooth running of adventurers, yet it goes unappreciated.
You will find that you are a part of a supportive team that will listen to you and provide as much advice as necessary. Make sure you talk to them, should you ever find yourself overwhelmed. As part of the Evaidas Guild Branch, however, more is expected of your decorum, commitment and ability than in any other branch. The responsibility you are burdened with is great, but bear in mind that you would not be here if you had not shown that you are worthy. Stay committed, stay strong, stay supportive. And you will be part of a team that does much for all adventurers."
A healthy applause resounded in the guild. Travis nodded and waved to them all, before turning and going back to his work.
Once in his room, he sat at his desk with his three assistants sitting in the chairs across from him.
Alex was on the right, while Thomas and Susanna were in the centre and left respectively. Thomas was a rather short man with tanned skin and short black hair, borderline bald, which freed him from any duties of tidying it up. He also had grey-rimmed glasses.
Susanna was a little taller, with fair skin, bright blue eyes and black hair in a high ponytail.
All three wore the standard guild employee uniform, consisting of a long-sleeved shirt or blouse and long black pants. There was also a jacket, worn by Susanna today. The entire set, like Travis' own set, boasted golden embroideries near their rims and the Triparte Guilds' crest stitched over the left breast.
"Good morning to you three," he looked at them in turn. "I regret to inform you that today will be rather taxing. As it is the start of the new year, I expect many messengers from the various departments will arrive today. You all know what tasks can be handled yourselves, and what tasks must be passed on to me. If you are at any point unsure, or the task itself is unclear, pass it to me and I will see to it. Is there anything to mention before we start the day?"
A short scan showed three shaking heads.
"Very well then. I bid you all a good day. Please keep up your good work."