Chapter 168
The following day, Draco awoke early, eager to head to the guild.
He had several tasks on his agenda: selling his magic stones, reporting his recent level-up to Rose, and inquiring whether the Bahamut familia qualified for a rank increase.
This rank was crucial for their ability to freely hunt the for monster Rex's.
While an increase in rank could mean more taxes and responsibilities, it also granted significant privileges.
With the preparations for the upcoming Evilus event looming, Draco needed a substantial amount of money for various projects he had in mind.
He briefly considered making and selling grimoires as a quick way to earn cash, but promptly dismissed the idea.
Revealing his ability to create grimoires to anyone outside his familia felt too risky.
After much contemplation, Draco realized that selling grimoires could expose his familia to greater dangers.
The Bahamut familia lacked the strength and influence to handle the potential fallout at this stage.
He could manage on his own, but he was acutely aware that his companions would be vulnerable, due to their current low strength.
He understood that enemies would not hesitate to exploit that weakness.
His primary concern was the possibility of his grimoires finding their way to the black market or, worse yet, to the Evilus.
There was no reason to complicate matters further and possibly increase the strength of his enemies with his creations.
For the time being, until he could confidently handle the consequences, he decided that grimoires would only be used within his familia, and strictly by core members and a select few trustworthy allies.
Draco planned to wait until his familia members levelled up.
If any of them acquired magic, that would reduce the need for grimoires within the group.
For now, he decided to focus on creating more grimoires for those who lacked magical abilities.
There wasn’t time for experimentation or hesitation; he would have ample opportunity for that once his familia was secure.
After a quick breakfast, Draco made his way to the guild.
Along the way, he remembered the party that happened during dinner the previous day, in celebration of his level-up.
Draco recalled the cute bursts of renewed fervour his familia members had, eager to put in more effort, not falling too far behind him.
However, he had cautioned them once again against haste, reminding them that accidents could easily happen when rushing.
Upon arrival at the guild, he quickly spotted Rose busily scurrying around.
A subtle smile graced her lips, indicating that something positive had occurred. Draco felt a twinge of guilt at the thought of potentially ruining her good mood.
News of his level-up was likely to add pressure and work to her already busy schedule, especially since she had just managed to settle things from the previous level-ups.
“Well, she has about two to three months before things get complicated. It shouldn’t be that bad,” Draco muttered to himself as he approached her.
“Good morning, Rose-san,” he greeted warmly.
“Draco!” Rose exclaimed, momentarily startled before regaining her composure. Her previous smile faded quickly, replaced by her professional demeanour.
“How can I help you today?” she asked, adopting a work tone.
“Wow, you switch gears really fast, even though you were clearly happy just a moment ago,” Draco said, a playful smile on his face.
“What are you talking about, customer? I am always like this,” Rose replied, gesturing to her stoic expression.
“Let me guess: you either got a pay raise or a day off. Which is it?” Draco asked, raising an eyebrow.
Rose's eyes widened slightly, revealing that he had hit the mark, but she neither confirmed nor denied it.
“How can I help you?” she reiterated, her tone firm.
Sighing, Draco decided to cut to the chase.
“A private room then; this is about familia business.” he requested.
‘What have they done this time?’ Rose wondered, already dreading the request.
Almost every-time Draco sought a private meeting to discuss familia matters, it usually involved something that added to her workload.
Nevertheless, she reluctantly led him to a small private room.
“So, what is it?” Rose asked, getting straight to the point.
“Oh come on, no small talk? Like asking how I’ve been or why I haven’t been around as often?” Draco said, feigning disappointment.
“I am quite busy, so please get to the point,” Rose replied, her patience wearing thin.
‘Ugh, I thought we were closer than this,’ Draco mused internally.
“I’ve come to report my level-up and request a familia rank increase,” he announced.
“Wh…” Rose started, but cut herself off midway, regaining her professional composure.
‘You were expecting this, Rose. Stay calm and treat this as normal,’ she reminded herself.
Draco could clearly see her displeasure with the news, but there was no way around it; it needed to be done.
“Congratulations,” Rose said, her smile seeming genuine, albeit tinged with something else.
The rarity of her genuine smiles made it difficult for Draco to discern her true feelings.
Rose was pleased to hear that the Bahamut familia was growing stronger, but it also meant they would require more attention and management.
They had a knack for performing feats that defied common sense.
‘Sigh, there goes my day off,’ Rose thought, resigned to her fate.
“What about the others?” she inquired.
“Not yet, but perhaps in two to three months’ time,” Draco replied.
“Two to three months?” Rose echoed, massaging her forehead as she contemplated the implications for the next Denatus.
‘You know what? I don’t care anymore. Let’s just get this over with,’ she decided, feeling a sense of relief at her newfound acceptance.
The remainder of the process was swift and smooth, with Draco filling out a plethora of forms while Rose informed him of the associated perks and responsibilities.
The Bahamut familia was now officially elevated to rank F as an exploration-type familia.
Although they could have been promoted to E or D rank, the remaining members were still at level 2.
Currently, the Bahamut familia only comprised of one level 4 and seven level 2 adventurers.
After completing the necessary paperwork, Draco sold his magic stones, receiving a light reprimand from Rose for taking on a green dragon by himself.
It was a valid concern; there was no clear assessment of the Bahamut familia's combat strength in the guild, meaning Rose could only offer advice based on vague assumptions regarding their official level.
Her sense of responsibility for them weighed heavily on her, especially since they were still quite young, at least in terms of age.
With his business concluded, Draco exited the guild, heading to check on his tamed monsters before making his way to the dungeon.
There was still a lot that needed to be done.