"Now, we can get the roof repaired and turn the building into a presentable living space," I say to no one in particular.
"We can each have our own room, and the basement can be a secret training area!"
"I want to put some flower pots around the windows, and we can have Josh make some furniture."
"Okay."
"I don't know anything about roof repair, so I think we should go to the guild and talk to Jezabel about it. I'm sure she'll have some ideas." I offer. The air is electric as we make our way to the guild. Sakura and Shinobu are ecstatic as they discuss what they want to do with the house while Josh and I follow behind. One of my favorite things about him is that he doesn't need to fill the silence; he can sit with his thoughts, which permits me to do the same.
We aren't the only ones who are excited; many of the people we pass are talking and smiling. Only a few months ago, this town was full of dreary souls, but now there's something in the air. I don't keep up with the macro management of the town, so I don't know the cause, but it's likely due to the recent growth. New opportunities mean new hope, and hope is the kindling of the soul. This same air has made its way into the guildhall. Smiles and laughs are passed around in cups of cool booze. Coins clatter through the hands of successful parties into the coffers of those selling them goods. The economic machine chugs into gear.
'Knock, knock, knock.'
Hugo raps his hand against the large, wooden double door to Jezabel's office. After a moment of silence, I hear the Guild Master's sharp voice.
"What?"
"Nick is here. He wants to talk to you."
"Tell him to go fuck himself." I chuckle and quickly think of a response.
"Do you want me to do that before or after we talk?" The sound of footsteps approaches the other side of the door, and she appears alongside a very wealthy-looking man.
"You're as busy as ever." the man says while glancing at me and then back to Jezabel.
"Mostly just because of this little shit," she says with a heated grin.
"What did I do?" I throw my hands to the sides as I proclaim my innocence. They both ignore me and finish their conversation.
"I appreciate you finding the time to speak with me today, Santiago."
"Of course. Friends should always find the time to help friends."
"Okay, let's not get ahead of ourselves." The man named Santiago chuckles at her apprehension and leaves without responding.
"Who was that?" I ask.
"Shut up." Jezabel turns back into her office and sits in her chair. "Well?"
"You told me to shut up."
"Well, unshut up, say what you need to say, and then shut up again." It's clear there's something on her mind.
"Got it." I quickly explain the situation to the annoyed guild leader.
"So, you want to set up a base here in town?"
"Yes, something like that. It's in pretty rough shape, but it'll be nice once we fix it up." I confirm her suspicions, but she doesn't answer me immediately. Instead, she stands up and walks to the window.
"You must be able to read minds or something because I don't know how you managed all that."
"What?" The conversation takes a weird turn. Jezabel runs her hand through her hair a couple of times to calm herself down.
"I was originally going to talk to you all tomorrow, but I might as well spill it now that you're all here."
"Ooh, is this a secret? I love secrets!" I shout. Jezabel glares at me with all the disappointment of a frustrated mother. "I'm sorry, it's so tense in here I had to make a joke. I can't help it; I'm broken."
Jezabel rolls her eyes, but I know I got her with that one.
"Alright, now you can tell us," I say to bring us back to the topic at hand.
She composes herself and continues.
"Fine. I already told you how I'm working with Count Richter, yes?"
"Yes." I watch Shinobu out of my peripherals to make sure she's okay.
"The goal of my plan is to extend the guild's influence into the forest. If we can get a foothold there, we can prevent the Duke from moving in. The Adventurer's Guild is an international organization with a lot of power, and once we claim the area, the Duke won't be able to make a move without risking the country's relationship with the guild. Considering a large portion of monster eradication and natural ingredient collection is handled by the guild, the kingdom can't afford to lose our services."
"So you want me to help the adventurer's guild increase their influence in the forest."
"Clearly. I was going to ask if you could work with other teams."
"By guiding them through the woods and teaching them how to hunt monsters. Which is why you asked if I could read your mind." I now have a good idea of what she's expecting of me.
"Which begs the question, why did you help that team earlier today?"
"I don't know. I felt bad. They were dividing up just a handful of coins, and they all looked super sad."
"You're kidding."
"No? What's wrong with trying to help someone out? I'm making more than enough to support myself, and I won't lose anything if more adventurers start delving deeper into the forest. What's the problem?" I notice my voice growing louder as I feel mildly offended by her question.
"I thought this was part of some scheme. I didn't realize you were so impulsive."
"What are you talking about? I almost died trying to help Shinobu, and I keep picking fights with the wrong people. I even charged a Metapardus barehanded." In hindsight, I can see how I might look insane, but it all seemed like a good idea at the time. I have to credit my decisiveness for getting me to where I am now, but it has almost gotten me killed on more than one occasion.
"I'm really regretting my decision to rely on you here," she says while covering her eyes with her hand.
"That's entirely your fault. I'm just doing my own thing. I never asked to be responsible for anything."
"And yet you keep putting yourself in such positions."
"No comment." As the person looking after an abused girl and the primary mediator for the fairies, I can't say anything in response.
"Either way, that's the current situation."
"I get it. I'll do what I can." It looks like a hassle, but I feel obligated to help. I wouldn't be here without Jezabel's help; having more people in the forest comes with its benefits.
"I haven't even told you the reward."