The question King Edmund had posed before the assembled nobility was one Sage had anticipated, although hearing it directly from the monarch made its significance considerably greater.
For several moments, he considered his response while hundreds of guests waited in silence.
"Your Majesty, I believe the Guild's responsibilities extend to everyone who depends upon its services," Sage answered respectfully. "We serve Adventurers by providing legitimate opportunities, and we serve communities by helping them address dangers they cannot easily overcome. Since we're operating within Westmark, contributing to the Kingdom's prosperity is naturally part of that responsibility."
King Edmund regarded him thoughtfully. "An interesting distinction, Guildmaster. You haven't pledged your organization exclusively to the Crown, yet you haven't denied its responsibilities toward the Kingdom either."
