Chapter 19: Building the Guild

(Marcus's PoV)

The sound of hammers striking nails and the shuffling of workers filled the air as Marcus stood on the outskirts of the soon-to-be-established guild hall. It was an impressive structure already, with its high stone walls and wooden beams giving it the feel of a fortress in the heart of the capital. His idea was taking shape, and in just a few short weeks, it would be ready.

He wasn't alone in this endeavor, though. Recruiting administrators was the next step, and for that, he needed trusted people with both the skill and the loyalty to oversee the guild's operations.

As Marcus surveyed the progress, a familiar voice broke the silence.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing, big brother?" Ellie's teasing voice reached him as she appeared by his side, her red hair fluttering in the wind. She grinned up at him, eyes glinting with playful mischief.

He sighed. "Of course I do, Ellie. Or at least, I hope I do."

Ellie giggled and poked his arm. "You always act so serious these days. I remember when you couldn't even decide what to eat for breakfast without asking me."

Marcus chuckled, shaking his head. "That was a long time ago, Ellie."

"Not *that* long." Her tone softened as she studied his face. "You've changed a lot since... everything happened. I miss how things used to be, but I'm proud of you, you know? You're doing all this for us. For the people."

Her words warmed him more than he'd admit, but before he could respond, he spotted the approach of three new figures—his new guild administrators.

The first to step forward was **Alistair**, a tall, middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair. He carried himself with an air of quiet confidence, and his sharp green eyes indicated his experience. Alistair had been recommended by Viscountess Seraphine for his background in trade and diplomacy. He was an **Arcanist**, capable of manipulating small amounts of elemental energy for practical purposes, like communication or administration magic. His power wasn't flashy, but it was vital for organizing the complex structure of the guild.

"Your Grace," Alistair greeted with a deep bow. "The guild hall is progressing on schedule. We'll have the final details of recruitment ready for your approval by tomorrow."

"Good work, Alistair," Marcus replied. "The success of this guild will rely heavily on proper management, and I'm counting on you."

Alistair nodded with a respectful smile, stepping aside as the next administrator approached.

This one was **Selene**, a young woman no older than twenty-five with long black hair and striking violet eyes. She had come from the frontier and was known for her strict, no-nonsense attitude. Selene was a **Sentinel**, her power focusing on defense and protection. She could create barriers and enhance the physical capabilities of those under her command. She was perfect for overseeing the guild's security and ensuring that the members followed the rules.

"Selene, how are the preparations for the guild's enforcement division?" Marcus asked.

"All going according to plan, Your Grace," she responded crisply. "I've already identified several candidates with Sentinel abilities who will serve as guild enforcers. We'll maintain order, no matter what."

Her confidence reassured Marcus. The guild would need to maintain a balance of discipline and fairness, and Selene's firm approach would ensure that.

Lastly, **Gavin** stepped forward. He was a slightly eccentric man with wild auburn hair and a mischievous grin. A **Conjurer** by trade, Gavin had a knack for summoning creatures—small, helpful spirits and constructs that could assist with labor or provide protection. His magic was versatile, and Marcus had chosen him to oversee the more hands-on tasks of the guild, such as monster hunting and resource gathering quests.

"Your Grace, this guild of yours is going to be a marvel," Gavin said with a theatrical wave of his hand. "I've already started gathering interest from adventurers and common folk alike. Once the doors are open, we'll have them lined up around the block!"

Marcus chuckled at Gavin's enthusiasm. "Let's hope so. We'll need everyone we can get if this is going to work."

With his administrators in place, the guild was starting to feel like a reality. Each of them brought a unique power and perspective to the table, and Marcus was confident that with their help, the guild would flourish.

Ellie, who had been watching the interactions closely, suddenly piped up, "I bet I could run the guild better than any of them."

Marcus laughed and ruffled her hair. "You're already running the household, Ellie. Give someone else a chance."

She stuck out her tongue playfully. "Maybe, but don't come crying to me when Gavin accidentally summons a chicken instead of a guard dog."

Gavin, overhearing, feigned a dramatic gasp. "I'll have you know, young lady, that my conjuring is a fine art!"

Ellie giggled, and even Selene cracked a rare smile. Marcus couldn't help but feel lighter in that moment. Amidst all the seriousness of running the Duchy, his little sister's banter was a reminder of the simpler times.

As the day wore on and the sun began to set, Marcus stood back to watch the last beams of light reflect off the nearly completed guild hall. It was a symbol of change, not just for him, but for the entire Duchy. A new beginning.

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In this chapter, I've introduced the new side characters and their powers, while keeping Ellie's playful banter and affection for her brother. What do you think of the dynamic between the characters?