第９７７堀：どこでも同じものと違うもの (Part1)
### Chapter 977: The Same and the Different Everywhere
**Side: Agil**
"Whoa. So this is the Adventurer's Guild of the Zurable Empire, huh?"
I stood in the middle of the Adventurer's Guild, which sat prominently in the Imperial Capital of the Zurable Empire, and muttered those words. Even though I was on a completely different continent, the scene inside shared the same fundamental structure as the Adventurer's Guild in Weed.
Here, too, simple requests were posted on a bulletin board, and the flow seemed to be to take those requests to the counter. I suppose when you consider the workflow of adventurers accepting jobs and the guild receptionists processing them, this counter setup is the optimal solution. It’s the same reason you find tables and chairs in every country.
Hmm. I really made the right choice by following Yuki. Even in things I thought I was accustomed to, there are new discoveries to be made.
"That said, the scale is completely different. Man, this place is significantly larger."
Indeed, this Adventurer's Guild was five times the size of the one in Weed. And the one in Weed is already quite large, so it was surprising to see something even more massive. As I was admiring the sheer size of the place, a voice came from behind me.
"I am unaware of the size of the Adventurer's Guild in Weed, but this Adventurer's Guild in the Zurable Imperial Capital is known as the Headquarters, and it serves as the central hub for all the Adventurer's Guilds across this entire continent," Shau-dono explained.
"Oh? So this is the hub for the whole continent? Wait, isn't that a huge deal?"
"It is. It means that through the Adventurer's Guild, one could potentially obtain information from all over the continent," Yuki, my pride and joy of a husband, chimed in.
He’s right. If the headquarters for a guild with branches and offices across the entire continent is here, they should be able to gather information to their heart's content.
Actually, Shau-dono and I are about the same age. Yet, the difference in our height and build... it makes me feel a certain way. No, it’s just that I’m one-sidedly small. Damn it, it’s frustrating. But it’s fine! I have Yuki, so I’m the real winner here!
Setting that aside, Shau-dono gave a bitter smile at Yuki’s comment for some reason.
"Unfortunately, it doesn't work quite like that. The Adventurer's Guild is fundamentally independent from the state. Furthermore, it is as if there is a headquarters in every country. The reason such a large headquarters exists here is..."
"Ah, I see. It’s simply because the Zurable Empire possesses such vast territory, right?"
"Exactly. Because our country is large, such a massive headquarters has been established."
Since the territory they govern is vast, the scope of their management grows accordingly. That makes sense. But, I had one lingering question.
"But what happens when an adventurer from the Zurable Empire goes to work in the territories of the Old Imperial Faction? If the guilds are independent for each country, does that mean their achievements here become meaningless elsewhere?"
"That is correct. Sometimes they become completely meaningless, and other times they are recognized. It depends on how much interaction that country has with the Adventurer's Guild here."
Ugh, how troublesome. So, unless there’s a relationship between the guilds, your past achievements are effectively wiped clean.
"That’s a complicated way of doing things."
"I agree. However, the Adventurer's Guilds themselves are currently competing over which headquarters should be the 'true' one..."
Ah, that explains it. There isn't a central authority like the Grand Master of the Rogali Continent here. It’s probably closer to the Mercenary Guilds of the If Continent, where my home country is. The name is the same, but the substance is quite different.
"I see. So it’s a question of whether a true headquarters will be established in the future. The guilds are fighting each other for that position, aren't they?"
"That is correct. Though, it feels strongly like they are taking advantage of the conflict between our Zurable Empire and the Old Imperial Faction."
"Well, that’s common enough. It’s natural for an organization that sided with the victors of a war to gain momentum. It’s not just the countries; the guilds and merchants are also fighting for their own survival," Yuki added.
"Indeed."
"I see. But even so, it’s not like there’s zero connection between them, right?"
When I asked that, Shau-dono smiled brightly and said...
"Let’s just say that is a 'se-cret.' It is not something to be discussed in a place like this."
"Fair enough."
If they didn't maintain the facade that the guilds were in opposition, the government would have to exclude the Adventurer's Guilds for counter-intelligence reasons. But if they were excluded, the country would be in trouble, as there would be no one to handle the tasks that the government couldn't reach. Thus, it’s an open secret. Well, if they committed an overt act of hostility, they’d be crushed, but I suppose that’s just part of the political bargaining.
While we were talking, we passed the reception counter and were led into a grand room on the third floor. Sitting at a desk in the back was a remarkably sturdy, middle-aged man.
"That’s quite a large group. And you’ve even brought cute children along. So, Shau, since when did you start accepting orphans?"
Ignoring Labyris and Aslin, the man stared directly at me as he said that, which made me want to question him.
"No, no. I have done no such thing. Well, as a state project, we do accept orphans, yes."
"Who asked about state operations? Good grief. So, are these the people from Weed I’ve been hearing rumors about?"
"Yes, that is correct. You know perfectly well who we are. I’d like you to praise me for playing along with your strange introduction, Guild Master."
"Hmph, still as sharp-tongued as ever."
It seems this man, who wouldn't be out of place being called an old man, is the head of the Zurable Empire's Adventurer's Guild. The Guild Master shifted his gaze from Shau back to us.
"Now, please forgive my appearance. I am Vait, the Guild Master who oversees the Adventurer's Guild of the Zurable Empire."
He stood up and bowed as he spoke.
"Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule. My name is Yuki, from the country of Weed."
With a smooth response, Yuki returned the bow properly.
"I see. Then, following Shau’s lead, I shall address you as Yuki-sama. I understand you have come here seeking information regarding monsters?"
"Yes. We are unfamiliar with the situation here, so I thought it best to gather information regarding such dangers. After all, we are also responsible for the defense of Aurelia Port."
"I see. It may be rude to say so, but I am relieved to see you are a proper statesman. It is quite impressive for someone so young."
"Not at all. This is nothing. Compared to Shau-dono, I still have much to learn."
"You are too modest."
The two of them continued to converse with such ease.