Chapter 18: The Guild Proposal

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A week had passed since the influx of income had started stabilizing the Grand Duchy. The council room buzzed with cautious optimism, but Marcus knew this was only the first step. The root of the problem still lingered—the Duchy wasn't self-sufficient. If another crisis struck, they might not be as fortunate. He had to come up with a long-term solution.

The council had gathered, seated around the large oak table. Among them was Lady Seraphine, a young woman who had inherited the title of Viscountess from her late father. She had become an indispensable member of Marcus's council with her quick wit and logical thinking. 

She was the first to speak up. "Your Grace, we've managed to temporarily stabilize the Duchy's economy, but we cannot let this distract us from the fact that we are still vulnerable. Trade alone will not sustain us. What happens if another food crisis arises? We need to ensure the Duchy can stand on its own, without relying on external help."

Marcus nodded in agreement. He had been thinking the same thing. The people needed opportunities beyond what the current system allowed. His mind wandered back to stories from his previous world—tales of adventurers, quests, and guilds that served as vital systems in fantasy worlds. A guild... that could be it.

"What if we started a guild?" Marcus suddenly suggested, drawing the attention of every person in the room.

"A guild?" Baron Alaric, an older council member, furrowed his brow. "What exactly do you mean, Your Grace?"

Marcus leaned forward, explaining carefully. "A place where citizens can take on tasks or jobs—what we might call quests—and get paid for completing them. Whether it's something simple like delivering goods, or something more dangerous like hunting monsters, people would have a way to earn a living while also contributing to the welfare of the Duchy. It would stimulate the economy, encourage self-sufficiency, and give the common folk a way to improve their lives."

There was a pause as the council processed the idea. Lady Seraphine's eyes sparked with curiosity, while some of the older nobles looked more skeptical.

Baron Alaric cleared his throat, expressing his concerns. "Your Grace, while the concept has potential, such an idea would require meticulous planning. A guild must be well-regulated, or it could spiral into chaos. And would the commoners truly be capable of managing something so complex?"

Count Eren, a more neutral figure, nodded thoughtfully. "The Baron raises valid concerns. However, if we provide proper oversight and structure, the guild could be a way to foster economic independence. We'd need experienced individuals to manage it and ensure there is clear governance."

Viscountess Seraphine spoke next, her voice steady. "I think the idea could work, Your Grace. If we establish clear rules and assign tasks that suit the varying abilities of the citizens, it would not only improve the economy but also create a sense of unity. But the administration would need to be flawless. We cannot afford corruption or mismanagement."

Marcus smiled slightly, appreciating the cautious support. "That's why we'll start small. We'll implement the guild in one region of the Duchy as a trial run, monitor its success, and refine the system as needed. It won't be without challenges, but if it works, the benefits will be immense."

Some of the younger council members, inspired by Marcus's modern approach, began to express their support. But Baron Alaric remained skeptical. "What of the risks, Your Grace? What if the guild members misuse their power, or if it attracts unwanted attention from outsiders?"

"We'll have checks and balances in place," Marcus responded confidently. "We will ensure that guild members are accountable to the Duchy's laws, and the guild itself will answer to the council. This is a way to empower our citizens without losing control."

After more debate, the council began to shift in favor of Marcus's idea. Baron Alaric, though reluctant, eventually nodded his acceptance. The vote was cast, and it was decided—a guild would be established in the Grand Duchy.

Marcus exhaled slowly, feeling a sense of accomplishment. This was the kind of forward-thinking solution the Duchy needed to survive and thrive in the long term. 

As the meeting drew to a close, and the council members dispersed, Marcus sat for a moment in the quiet of the chamber. His mind wandered to how different this world was from the one he had left behind, yet some ideas, like the concept of a guild, seemed to fit perfectly here. He couldn't talk about his past life, but he could still use the knowledge he had to build something new—something better.

With renewed determination, Marcus rose from his seat. The guild was just the beginning, and he was ready for the challenges ahead.

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