The streets were buzzing with life by the time we returned to the Adventurers Guild. Merchants hollered about fresh bread and spices, children darted between carts, and adventurers in gleaming armor or ragged cloaks wandered through the crowd.
I stepped into the guild hall, the heavy wooden door creaking behind me. The noise inside hit like a wave—laughter, arguments, and the occasional clatter of a mug hitting the floor. The scent of ale and roasted meat hung in the air, blending with the tang of sweat and leather.
All of it stopped the moment I walked in.
Heads turned, conversations halted, and a heavy silence settled over the room. I could feel their eyes on me—some curious, some skeptical, and a few downright hostile.
"What's he doing back?" someone muttered.
"Probably here to apologize for biting off more than he could chew," another voice said, followed by a chuckle.
Gregor shot me a concerned look, but I ignored it, walking straight to the counter where the guild receptionist was busy organizing a stack of papers. She looked up as I approached, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly.
"Your Majesty," she said, her tone carefully neutral. "Back already?"
"Yes," I said, reaching into the satchel slung over my shoulder. I pulled out three bloodied troll fangs, each one the size of a dagger, and placed them on the counter with a solid thud.
The room erupted.
"What the hell?"
"He actually killed them?"
"Three trolls... on his own?"
The murmurs grew louder, a mix of disbelief and admiration rippling through the hall.
The receptionist stared at the fangs for a long moment before looking back at me. "You did this yourself?"
"Yes," I said simply.
She leaned forward, inspecting the fangs closely before nodding. "Proof confirmed. Congratulations, Your Majesty. The quest is officially complete."
She reached under the counter, pulling out a small leather pouch and handing it to me. "Five hundred gold, as promised. And... well done."
Before I could respond, a large figure stepped out from one of the nearby tables, his heavy boots thudding against the wooden floor. It was the same burly adventurer who'd mocked me the first time I came in—the one with the axe slung across his back.
"Well, well," he said, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Looks like you're full of surprises, Your Majesty."
I turned to face him, keeping my expression calm.
"Killing one troll is hard enough," he continued, his tone a mix of amusement and grudging respect. "But three? Either you're incredibly skilled or incredibly lucky."
"Maybe both," I said.
The room erupted into laughter, the tension easing slightly.
The burly man crossed his arms, his grin never fading. "Name's Darrik. B-rank adventurer. If you ever want to team up, let me know. I'd love to see what you can do firsthand."
"Noted," I said, though I doubted I'd be taking him up on the offer anytime soon.
As I turned back to the counter, another notification flashed in my vision.
Reputation Updated: Adventurers Guild (Friendly)
Title Unlocked: Monster Slayer (Minor Boost to Strength in Combat)
The title was a nice touch, but it was the shift in reputation that really caught my attention. The adventurers might not see me as one of their own, but they wouldn't dismiss me so easily anymore.
"What's next, Your Majesty?" Gregor asked as we left the guild, the pouch of gold tucked securely in my satchel.
"First," I said, "we head back to the castle. I want to check on the housing project in the western district. After that..."
I trailed off, my mind already turning to the bigger picture. The guild had its uses—information, manpower, and a network that stretched far beyond my kingdom's borders. If I played my cards right, it could become a valuable ally.
"After that," I continued, "we'll see how else the guild can help us."
Gregor nodded, though his expression was still tight with worry. "Just promise me you'll be careful, Your Majesty. These adventurers... they're not bound by loyalty to the crown. Some of them might see you as competition."
"I know," I said, glancing back at the guild. "But that's what makes them interesting."