Unlike many traditional guild masters, Travis knew what talent was and where to find them. Most were already scouted out by his predecessor, but many more were still out there. As such, he looked to other backgrounds. He gave them a choice and a chance. Many took that chance.
But it also led to some intercultural and interracial issues. While the guild was a very supportive environment, that was unfortunately not extended to everyone.
"Master Vorn sir," Alex called from behind the door, "Ms Darla Imni is here to see you."
Travis quickly smoothed out his expression. "Enter."
Darla was the exact opposite of what one would expect a young woman to be. Her hair was not long nor well-kept, her face was not gentle, her steps were not light. She had some freckles on her cheeks that she did not try to hide, she cut her hair short to chin-length and only brushed them to the extent necessary for her profession.
Being sixteen, she should have had little in the way of experience. But she soldiered in, shoulders squared and steps strong, body tense like she was prepared for a confrontation. She also possessed a pair of powerful eyes. One glance at Darla's guarded expression as she entered told him far too much.
"Sir," she greeted him with a curt nod.
"Ms Imni. Please make yourself comfortable," he invited. "This may be a long discussion."
She took a seat. A short glance showed visibly clenched jaws and hands.
"What did you want to see me about? …Sir," she quickly added.
"One second."
Susanna knocked and came in, carrying a plate with two warm teacups and some biscuits. A nod and a word of thanks, and she was quickly back out again.
"You are not the only female employee in this guild. However, it is worth noting that the majority of women have only joined after I took office here, and many of them have expressed concerns and grievances regarding sexist behaviour, particularly in harassment. I do not condone such behaviour and have done what I can to prevent such problems. I have a duty to ensure all of our employees have a safe, harassment-free workplace."
Darla was anything but dull and quickly caught on. "You want to ask me whether I've experienced anything like that?"
Travis nodded.
"I…" her stiff face scrunched up.
"Take your time."
"My… mentor. I feel he is unfair with me specifically. In the Adventurers Oversight Department, we handle adventurer promotions. My mentor supervises me and some others, all boys. But he's particularly harsh with me, always nitpicking details in my work and making some rude comments. He's a lot friendlier with the others. He tells me off about my face, calling it too serious. He also, um, he also tells me sometimes to learn how to make tea and coffee, and prepare snacks."
"To summarise; he applies a double-standard regarding your work compared to your peers, makes rude comments regarding your appearance, and enforces gender occupations?"
Darla nodded.
"Do you believe your colleagues have noticed, or have you told anyone else?"
"He only makes those comments when we're in private, so I don't think anyone else noticed. I, um, I told the officer a while back and he said he'd investigate but it's been a while now. I don't want to tell anyone else. They might think I can't handle it by myself. You're… you're the first one to ask me."
"I'm sorry that you felt you could not tell anyone about these grievances. Rest assured, I will do everything I can to resolve this. Please tell me more about this case. Is there anything else you may have noticed? Anything he does that makes you uncomfortable? I have been victim to discrimination and harassment myself and recognise that even if you feel discomforted by such actions, you may not recognise it as such."