Lord Percival Harcourt's proposal had barely reached the desks of the Royal Administrative Council before copies began circulating among the senior officials responsible for regional security.
Its language appeared reasonable at first glance. Independent organizations accepting Crown-sponsored commissions would be required to cooperate with an appointed noble representative, provide regular reports, and remain accountable for their conduct.
However, the most important provisions were buried deeper within the document.
The appointed representative would possess authority to approve personnel assignments, alter operational instructions, and suspend missions at their discretion.
For the Adventurer Guild, accepting those conditions would effectively mean surrendering control of its Adventurers whenever the Crown commissioned an assignment.
Sage had no intention of allowing that.
"Absolutely not," Sage declared after finishing the proposal, placing the document upon his desk.
