I Became the Guild Leader in Exile

34 – 7# The Golden Deer (1)

The Golden Deer.

They were a powerful commercial guild that controlled the entire continent. Even Hades, who once dominated Gideon, couldn’t ignore their authority. They had their hands in everything.

Even if they were just humans.

Excerpt from “Welcome to the Guild of Exiles” Vol. 2, p. 22.

* * *

Hades’ retaliation began soon after. Overnight, all requests were cut off. It was only natural since Hades controlled and managed Gideon’s requests.

But the retaliation didn’t stop there. Gideon’s commercial guilds severed all trade and contracts with the Iron Shield. Simply put, they were rendered powerless.

Yet, they couldn’t be blamed. Hades exerted blatant pressure. How could they resist such force? Isaac called all the guild members to prepare a countermeasure.

The expressions of the guild members were far from cheerful. Their source of money was cut off, and they couldn’t spend any either. The newly established Iron Shield couldn’t withstand such regulations.

“I knew it would turn out like this.”

Sophia’s sigh broke the heavy silence. This is the power of authority. Even though Hades, who rules over Gideon, doesn’t directly intervene, he certainly has enough power to crush us.

Moreover, they had a valid reason. Trust is the most important thing for a hero. Without trust, who would entrust a hero with anything? But Isaac had lost that trust in the lion subjugation request.

The client clearly requested the lion’s subjugation. However, Isaac didn’t carry it out. Instead, he aided the lion tribe and harmed the client. Of course, there must be a reason behind it.

Heroes have stopped asking about such things a long time ago. They only cared about whether the request was successful or not. In this place where only that is considered, who would care about other people’s circumstances?

“Our master must be reflecting on his mistakes, right?”

“No regrets.”

“I thought so.”

Even so, while sighing at Isaac’s unwavering attitude, Sophia didn’t reprimand him any further. It was Isaac, after all. There must be a good reason.

“We still have some financial leeway. The problem is we can’t acquire supplies.”

Thanks to the reward received in Saren, money wasn’t an issue. The biggest problem was not being able to do anything with the money they had. Useless money was nothing more than scraps of paper.

They were currently unable to even procure food, let alone prepare school meals. Furthermore, the client who cut off the funds. In other words, the Iron Shield was completely isolated.

“And anyway, to earn money, we need to carry out requests. But even that has been cut off by Hades’ pressure.”

“…If we use another upper hand…”

“That’s difficult too. Hades Guild manages all the resources and upper hands that come into Gideon.”

“…”

“Do you understand now? Giving a foot to Hades is no different from turning Gideon into an enemy.”

There was no way to earn money, and even if there was money, there was nothing they could do. That was the power of the Hades Guild. Only then did the other guild members truly realize the strength of the Hades Guild.

“There is a way.”

However, in a situation where there was no answer, the only person to come up with an answer was Isaac. Sofia raised an eyebrow. Was there really an answer in this situation? Or could it be…

“I hope you’re not suggesting declaring war on the Hades Guild.”

“Of course not. As long as we don’t touch their family, there won’t be any such thing.”

“Then what are you planning to do?”

“We will make a deal with the Golden Stags.”

Hans and Sofia’s expressions hardened at the unexpected answer. Isaac raised an eyebrow. What? Why such a reaction? But the others, excluding them, raised their eyebrows.

“Golden Stags? What is that?”

“That is…”

“A commercial guild that is widely spread across the continent. When you consider only the influence, it is comparable to Hades.”

The unexpected answer came from Dig, of all people. But even Dig’s expression wasn’t that great. Not much of a reaction from everyone else. Thinking that way, Isaac continued.

“As Dig said, the Golden Stags can somewhat ignore the influence of Hades. It’s the Golden Stags who have the most freedom in Gideon.”

That was not an incorrect statement. In reality, the Golden Stags, except for a few restrictions, were the most free commercial guild in Gideon. But no matter how much he thought about it, it wasn’t a good choice.

“Master, the Golden Stags are ruthless individuals with no mercy or pity.”

“To be honest, I’m not particularly fond of them either. Those trash…”

“I know that too.”

Isaac was sure of Hans and Sofia’s reaction. He knew that their past was connected to the Empire and the Golden Stags. But, sorry to them, they had no better options right now.

“I know what you’re worried about. But it’s okay.”

Trust me.

—

The head of a giant deer made of gold was stuck to the wall, as if it were a mounted trophy. However, even such a giant gold figure seemed cute compared to the palace-like building in front of them.

The building was about four stories high. Apart from the architectural style, it had a similar feeling to a modern department store. Most of the guild members were staring blankly, mesmerized by the unfamiliar splendor.

And at the entrance, an old man dressed neatly in a tuxedo was waiting for them. Hans clicked his tongue at the sight. Cunning bastards, they already knew we were coming.

“Is it Master Isaac Silverthorne, the Shield of Steel?”

“That’s correct.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Gerz from the Golden Stag.”

“Is the owner of the Golden Stag inside?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Gerz nodded gracefully and turned his back with an elegant gesture. He then opened the firmly closed golden door, revealing a light that surpassed the splendor outside.

Literally, everything was golden—stairs, walls, ceilings, even the smallest ornament. And at its center lay a red carpet. Isaac clicked his tongue. It was on par with a palace, if not better.

“Welcome to my palace, Isaac Silverthorn.”

Descending the stairs made of gold was a confident stride. Her radiant golden hair shimmered more beautifully than any ornament adorning her body. Her blue eyes moved.

“Who are you?”

“I’m sorry for the delayed introduction. My name is Tayte. I oversee the Golden Stag Gideon’s Hub.”

“We’ve come to make a deal.”

Despite the allure of her beauty, Isaac disregarded it lightly and went straight to the point. It was rude, but Tayte didn’t mind. She was rather impressed.

“So, diving right into business, I see?”

“No need to drag things out unnecessarily.”

“I like the straightforwardness.”

Gideon was filled with minions wearing the mask of heroes, especially bolstered by a significant guild. It was natural. Those who used politics to benefit Hades were here.

Dealing only with cunning individuals who concealed and veiled even the essence of their intentions, encountering someone so upfront was refreshing. It was bound to be impressive.

“So, what is it that you want?”

“Supplies.”

“Food, equipment, and other miscellaneous items available in Gideon. Is that correct?”

“Yes.”

“That shouldn’t be too difficult.”

Certainly, openly opposing Hades was almost the same, but Hades also owed a significant debt to the Golden Stag. It was likely to end with a superficial show of dominance.

‘Especially if I consider her plan.’

Tayte contemplated, looking at the man in front of her. Was this the man who triumphed over the witch Veronica? If so, he would be very close to her objectives.

‘Shall I test him a little?’

“No cost involved?”

“We don’t need money. We take what we need.”

“In that case, what do you want?”

“Well, how about that girl over there?”

Tayte smiled, pointing to the girl behind. Sasha, with her pink hair, unknowingly hid behind Diego, who was right beside her, as pointed out by Tayte.

This was her trial. If she didn’t make the deal, everyone would wither away. But to survive, she couldn’t sell out her family. Yes, this was reality.

There’s no gain without sacrifice. So, what choice would the guildmaster, who seemingly valued family so much, make? Surprisingly, the answer came quickly. Isaac cut to the chase.

“That’s impossible.”

“In that case, let’s consider the deal null and void.”

Was he just a fool who couldn’t see the reality? Tyth was instantly disinterested. Idealists who didn’t compromise with reality would eventually perish. So, there was no need to even bother.

“Instead, I can offer something else.”

“I don’t need anything else. What I want is that child.”

“You’ll regret it.”

Did he still not understand his position? The foolishness of not even knowing who’s the superior and who’s the subordinate. But that thought disappeared like an illusion the moment Isaac raised his sword.

“What is this…?”

A force pressing down on her entire body. The pressure was unbearable even for Tyth, who had dealt with countless human figures and transactions.

“…What else can you offer?”

Isaac answered as if it were obvious.

“Your lives.”