Chapter 400: Eliante

It's been 10 minutes already since Steria left to report to the guild Master

"Crunch, munch, crunch" ... (Fran) t/n eating sounds, T/n2 more like cookie monster sounds

"Uhhh, maybe I just missed something but how did this place turn into a dining room?" (Master)

"Crunch, munch, crunch"...(Fran)

A woman came up to the table where Fran was having her so called "tea break". She 's someone you could call a cold beauty and had an intelligent look on her face. Her blue hair was styled into a tall hairstyle to complete her strong woman image. She looked just like a secretary in some big company.

She appeared shocked by Fran's behavior. She seemed very unhappy, no shadow of a smile could be seen on her face

She appeared to be about 20 years old? But from her features it was clear she wasn't human, so determining her age based on human standards is probably wrong. Her pupils were green and her eye sclera were black, the same features as the half insect alchemist we met in Balbor. Although, he had an antenna, this woman didn't. She probably belonged to a different race.

She clearly knew how fight and seemed like an influential person. Fran only noticed her until she got close enough because she was too focused on her food... that and she showed no hostility

- Nn? Who are you? (Fran)

"You are the Princess of Black Lightning, right? I'm the guild master." (guild master)

So she was the guild master huh? After introducing herself, she sat in a chair facing Fran and reached out of for the cookies, which Fran didn't stop.

She was watching her movement closely though. Cookies were fine, but If she ended up trying to take some curry or pancakes, Fran would see it as a threat and I'd have to calm Fran down immediately If something like this were to happen. Considering she still had little control over her skills, if she ended up using "sword God transformation" here, most likely everyone in here would die.

"Crunch, munch, crunch... my name is ..." (Fran)

"no need to talk with full mouth ". (Guild master)

"Nn." (Fran)

I did not expect such a kind tone from her. Maybe she just naturally looks scary? Having finished her food, Fran introduced herself again.

"I'm Fran, C rank adventurer." (Fran)

"I am the head of the Capital's Adventurers Guild, Eliane." (Eliane)

"Nn." (Fran)

"Actually, I was hoping that we could talk in my office." (Eliane)

The guild master is inviting us in her office to tend to us personally? She is easy-going, isn't she?

"There's no choice. At present, the guild staff is busy preparing for the auction, so there are no free hands at all. Steria, who is the only one here that's qualified to tend to you cannot go anywhere because she may need to deal with a high-ranking client. (Eliane)

Eliante said this while looking at Fran's meal.

"Even I am very short on time..." (Eliane)

"Sorry. I'll finish quickly." (Fran)

"Oh, it's okay. You don't have to rush." (Eliane)

"Munch Munch" (Fran)

Is she really that kind? Her face is really scary but I guess that's just how it is. She was now eating the cookies relaxedly, leaning on her elbows.

20 minutes passed in this relaxing and easy-going atmosphere before Eliane took Fran in her office so they could talk.

When we arrived, I was baffled. Documents were piling up everywhere, clothes were scattered about... it was a mess. Way to go about shattering the image of the "strong woman" that she has. Even moving is hard in this room. I guess it's become so normal for her that she doesn't even notice anymore but Jesus, pls at least make a path!

"I want to participate in an auction." (Fran)

"As a seller? A Buyer? Both?" (Eliane)

"I want to take part in the weapon auction." (Fran)

"I see ... I don't think you will find any better equipment than the one you are wearing now, but there are no problems with this." (Eliane)

"Also wanna buy magic stones." (Fran)

"there is no problem with that either, although, the auction for magic stones seem to be. Do you know how an auction works?" (Eliane)

"do not know." (Fran)

Eliane nodded and began telling Fran about the way auctions worked here.

First of all, there are many types of auctions, each specializing in a different kind of item. Nothing other than weapons and armor can be exhibited at an arms auction and all armor and weapons must be clearly displayed to explain the characteristics of an item to potential buyers.

It seems that this is because there are also dangerous items at the auction, such as cursed ones and others with unknown abilities. Indeed, if an demonic weapon with a dangerous ability was bought unknowingly, the entire capital might be thrown into chaos. Both sellers and buyers are closely monitored as well to prevent anyone from going wild.

With these rules in place, after going through appraisal, almost all items can be sold at the appropriate auction.

The only exception is for items brought on the day of the auction. There is a separate auction for these, they have to pass through a strict examination and if they look even slightly suspicious, an item will not auctioned. Because of this, high level artifacts as well as unknown items that are difficult to evaluate are almost impossible to see int this particular auction.

"To participate, you have to go through various procedures". (Elianne)

"Procedures?" (Fran)

"Indeed. Identity identification, criminal history, everything like that. Weapons, armor, and magic stones especially can easily be associated with crimes, although it is relatively easy for adventurers to qualify for participation. It should not be difficult for us to issue an identity card for you to participate in all auctions on behalf of the guild." (Eliane)

"possible?" (Fran)

"If something happens, then the responsibility will be on Gamudo, who wrote the letter of recommendation." (Eliane)

This means that inappropriate behavior could bring problems to Gamudo.

"Besides, even without taking into account all these recommendations from Gamudo, I would like to forge a good relationship with you." (Eliane)

As she said this, Eliante smiled slyly. It looked like she was plotting something, a mischievous grin plastered on her face.

"Haha. Don't be nervous, there are not many women among high-ranking adventurers. Not to mention someone as talented as you. Not that there aren't any women, but the adventurer's world mostly being dominated by men is a fact. Almost all guild masters are men. When I decided to become the head of the capital's guild, some folks made all sorts of protests. Up until I shut them all up, that is. (Eliane)

So she wants to make friends with women who share the same profession as her then? It's pretty natural. The vast majority of high-level adventure are indeed men. Dzyan, the Beast King, Arslars, Forud, Colbert. The guild masters we know as well as former high-level adventurers are all male too: Krimt, Gamudo, Diaz, Fermus.

Among women of high rank, I can only remember Amanda and Eliane. Mea and Kiara, if they were adventurers, would also be of such a high rank. Elsa ... let's just say she's a man.

"Because of this idiot Serudio, the number of female guild master has decreased significantly, therefore, I accept any active adventurer like you with open arms." (Eliane)

Diaz indeed talked about these female guild leaders that were accused of using seduction to get to their positions and were fired as a result. E/n it's something that happened so many chapters ago that I almost forgot about it and the original sentence didn't help me remembering that bit of information.

"If you have any problems in the capital, don't hesitate to come to me for advice." (Eliane)

"Nn, I understand." (Fran)

Although she was calculating, that's just par for the course for someone so high up in rank, there was no doubt that she was genuinely worried about Fran.

"I would not want such a promising adventurer to be troubled by any problems. The capital is full of aristocratic fools. Marquis Ashton and Baron Holmes especially, will pay for their crimes on the chopping block ..." (Eliane)

What horrible things she's uttering! She also spoke about Marquis Ashton, the house from which the fool who tried to equip me was from. It seems, he managed to annoy the whole adventurer's guild. Using "Deception Control", I found her words to be true, she really wants their heads to be put on pikes!

"Understood? Come to me If there is anything. Got it?" (Eliane)

Since how much she's amphasizing that point, she probably expects problems to arise. I'm not too happy about it but given Fran's reputation, it's not too far fetched. There has already almost been a problem and her serious tone indicates that it probably won't be the last.

As such, If something happens we really should not hesitate to rely on her.

tn/ edited