DanKatsu Volume 3, Chapter 2

Chapter 2: <Eden>’s Eighth Member and Reliable Butler

"Auction?"

"Yeah. We’re planning to attend one tomorrow. The item we’ll be putting up is that <Large Magic Gem – Topaz> we looted from the <Lesser Wolf Forest Dungeon> the other day. So no dungeon runs tomorrow. I figured, if you’re interested, we could all go together. What do you say?"

"Sounds good. It’d be a good experience for me too, so I’ll join."

Just as I was about to immediately start working on getting Lulu—the viscount’s daughter—to fulfill the conditions for the【Lolita Hero】 job manifestation, I remembered tomorrow’s plans and decided to let everyone know.

Lana tilted her head with a question mark over her face. Guess she doesn’t know what an auction is. Well, she hasn’t even started her academy classes yet, so it makes sense. Not that she couldn’t just read her student handbook—it’s all written in there.

Sierra, on the other hand, was all for it. With her interest piqued, Lana, Hanna, and Lulu all decided to tag along too.

Ester wasn’t present, so I asked Lana to relay the message. As for Kalua and Rika, I’d prefer they stay focused on dungeon diving for now—we don’t need to roll up to an auction with a small army anyway.

"Celestan, your first job. Can I count on you?"

"Yes, please leave it to me."

Ah, so this is where a butler comes in handy. I just tried saying it, but apparently that was the right call.

I handed Celestan the <Item Bag (Capacity: Small)> that contained our auction item. From here on, he’d take care of things.

Well, this being his first assignment, I was looking forward to seeing how he’d handle himself. If he struggled, I could always step in and teach him.

"But in that case, wouldn’t it be better to have Celestan join Eden right away?"

Now that I think about it, if I’m going to entrust him with the guild’s work, it feels odd for Celestan not to be an official member of <Eden>.

I had been planning to let him join once <Eden> reached rank E, same as the other four, but it seems like it’d be better to get Celestan’s membership settled today.

"I agree. Let’s head to the <Guild Registration Office> first," Sierra said.

So we decided to go right away. Lulu tagged along too, though I made sure to tell her, "Formal membership comes after <Eden> reaches E-rank."

"Aye! That’s fine! Lulu isn’t even a 【Lolita Hero】 yet. So it depends on how hard I work, right?"

"…That’s not quite right. But it’s cute, so whatever."

The little girl struck a spirited pose, completely missing the point. But since it was cute, I couldn’t help nodding along.

"Hey! Zephyrus, correct her properly!" 

Lana shot back.

Ehh…

"Zephyrus-kun, don’t you dare lay a hand on her, okay?" 

Hanna added, giving me that look again.

…Come on, seriously? What do you take me for?

Sure, it’s not like I dislike lolis, but still.

I figured saying that aloud would only add fuel to the fire, so I straightened up and gave her the most serious response I could muster.

With that, we entered the <Guild Registration Office>, the place that handles membership changes. It hadn’t been long since we’d last been here, but somehow it felt like forever.

The last time was when Rika joined, right?

"Registration complete. Congratulations on your membership in the F-rank guild, <Eden>."

"Thank you very much."

With that, Celestan was officially <Eden>’s eighth member.

"Welcome to <Eden>, Celestan. We’re glad to have you."

"Do your best—we’re going to be an S-rank guild someday!"

"Lord Zephyrus, Lady Lana, everyone—thank you again for this honor. I will devote myself wholeheartedly to the guild."

Celestan bowed gracefully, smiling with composed elegance.

The 【Butler】 job is strong. I’ll be counting on him.

"What are your plans now? The sun is nearly set. Shall we disband for today?"

"Nope. It’s marathon time."

"Marathon, sir?"

Celestan asked while looking puzzled. Lulu, too, tilted her head in confusion.

Fuhaha. That’s for later.

Since Celestan’s 【Butler】 was still only level 2—below the <Beginner Dungeon> requirement—and Lulu didn’t even have a job yet, there was only one thing to do.

"Alright, let’s start the Slime Pop Marathon!"

By now, it had become Eden’s new-member initiation ritual, and today would be no different.

"Ah, Zephyrus-kun. Mind if I join in too?" Hanna asked.

"Don't you already grind slimes every day, Hanna!?"

…Maybe I should’ve left Hanna behind. Why does she even want to join the Slime Pop Marathon?

As I seriously debated this, Sierra stepped in with a sharp halt.

"Wait, Zephyrus. Lulu isn’t officially a member yet, so save that for after she joins."

"Ah, you’re right. We haven’t even told Miss Kacheria yet, so letting just Lulu-chan go ahead doesn’t feel fair."

…Eh? Seriously?

Now that I think about it, maybe it would be unfair.

If we made sure everyone joined the guild at the same time, then of course we’d need to keep things fair when it comes to getting their jobs too. That makes sense.

But still—come on, it’s 【Lolita Hero】 we’re talking about! For real!?

I shot them a pleading look, but Sierra and Hanna only shook their heads. Cold.

For the first time, my Slime Pop Marathon declaration had failed.

.

.

.

"Lord Zephyrus, may I have a moment?"

"Mm? What is it, Celestan?"

The next morning, while I was waiting at the guild with the others as usual, Celestan approached me. Looked like he had something to say.

"The truth is, after reviewing how the guild has been managed and our activities so far, I believe it would be wise to improve our methods of financial management."

Oof. Right on target, Celestan.

That straightforward butler attitude of his—honestly, I don’t dislike it.

Jokes aside… financial management, huh.

To be honest, it’s one of the things I’ve been struggling with myself.

Back in the <DanKatsu> game, all the rewards a guild earned just went straight into the players’ pockets.

The money and materials earned by combat jobs in dungeons, the items and gear mass-produced by production jobs, and the profits from selling them—everything belonged to the individual players.

But in reality, things are different.

I can’t exactly hoard everyone’s rewards or claim all the crafts as mine.

So what I’ve been doing up until now is just splitting everything evenly.

All dungeon earnings, split evenly—though with some exceptions. Then members could donate part of their share to the guild if they wanted.

But honestly, that’s just a stopgap.

It’s basically the same split method we used in parties. That worked fine for a party, but for a full guild, we’ve got expenses now—an actual guild budget. Which means this "donate-if-you-want" system isn’t sustainable.

I always meant to change it, but between priorities and how fun dungeons were, I kept putting it off.

And honestly, even I—the so-called walking database of <DanKatsu>—don’t know everything.

Real life is a whole different game. I don’t know the most efficient system to use.

And now Celestan’s gone and called me out on it.

"If you’ll allow, would you entrust this matter to me?"

"Hm? What do you mean?"

"I have prepared several proposals for potential methods of management."

He handed me some papers with a calm smile, like it was nothing.

…Wait. For real? You already prepared something?

I accepted the documents and skimmed them.

Whoa—seriously? He really did it.

From simple methods to full-scale accounting involving hiring staff, several plans were neatly written out.

None of which would have ever crossed my mind. Back in the game, the concept of a treasurer didn’t even exist. This butler… he’s seriously competent. Wait—did he make this in just one day?

When I looked up at him, baffled, Celestan simply smiled, as if smiling was second nature to him.

I see now. I don’t have to do everything myself—things I don’t know, I can leave to the experts. That’s something I finally, truly understood.

"You’ve impressed me, Celestan. You put this together in just one day? Incredible"

"It is an honor, sir."

Seriously, I was blown away by his capability.

It makes sense, though—S-rank guilds handle billions of Miru. Of course, they’d need accounting.

Who would’ve thought a game guild would need a treasurer? Real life really is something else.

"Alright, decision made! <Eden> may only be an F-rank guild right now, but we’re going to be S-rank one day. We’ll move forward with Celestan’s plan."

I chose the option of hiring someone to handle the finances.

Honestly, I don’t understand money management at all—so best to leave it to the professionals.

"Understood. So, when should we hire someone?"

"Once we hit D-rank. Until then, we’ll handle things ourselves. But it’s fine if I leave it to you for now, right, Celestan?"

One of his proposals had included a plan where he’d personally manage the funds.

Right now, <Eden> is still just an F-rank guild. There’s no way we can afford to hire an accountant yet.

Realistically, both in terms of money and members, waiting until D-rank makes the most sense.

Until then, Celestan would help with balancing things out—and hopefully teach me along the way.

"Understood. Please leave it to me. Regarding financial operations, I believe the method outlined in the third document would be best."

"This one?"

I pulled out the paper he indicated and began to read.

"Combat jobs contribute fifty percent of total income to the guild. The remaining half is split evenly within the party. Unsold drops go into guild storage and may be loaned out to members. If someone wants to keep something for personal use, they may purchase it from the guild instead—though this requires prior discussion with the other members…"

The document was full of rules and guidelines—too long to go through in detail now.

But in short, it boiled down to: half of all drop income goes to the guild, the rest gets split.

Anything meant for guild-wide use is bought with guild funds, not personal ones.

There were also entire sections on exceptions, caveats, and special cases. How many exceptions did he write in here, anyway?

Ah, and there’s a section for crafters too—things about usage rights for collected materials, production quotas, and so on. Honestly, it looked pretty complicated. I’d need more time to really grasp it all.

Celestan, seriously—when did you even prepare this? Yesterday? Did you put this together after we disbanded? Just what kind of paperwork processing power do you have? I’m pretty sure the 【Butler】 job doesn’t come with that kind of skill…

Still, from what I skimmed, nothing seemed off.

Basically, it meant that all those things I’d been casually paying for out of pocket until now could actually come from the guild budget. In fact, the rules even forbade members from using their own purchases for guild activities—though, naturally, with exceptions for certain things, like plushies (including Mochikko).

As I was reading further, the guild doors swung open.

"Morning, Zephyrus!"

"Good morning, Sir Zephyrus, Celestan."

Lana, Ester, and Sierra walked in together.

Celestan and I greeted them back.

"Morning, you three."

"Good morning, Princess Lana, Lady Ester, Lady Sierra."

"Morning. What were you two talking about?" 

Sierra asked, walking closer.

"Ah, Celestan and I were just discussing how to manage <Eden>’s operations."

I showed her the document and explained.

"I see. That makes sense. The way we’ve been doing things worked fine when it was just us as a fixed party, but considering the future, it would be better to change."

"Accounting? You’re planning to hire someone?" 

Sierra nodded in understanding, and Lana tilted her head curiously, so I replied.

"That’s for later. Once we reach D-rank, we’ll consider hiring staff. For now, with our small numbers and limited budget, we’ll have to manage on our own."

"In that case, let me help as well. This seems like too much for Celestan alone."

Sierra flipped through the papers, nodded once, and made the suggestion.

"Your consideration is most appreciated, Lady Sierra," Celestan replied gracefully.

In the end, after some discussion, we decided to adopt Celestan’s plan. Celestan would take charge of financial management, with Sierra acting as support.

Man, I’m really glad we managed to recruit such a capable butler.

Just as that matter was settled, the guild door opened again—this time, Kalua entered.

"Mornin’."

"Lady Kalua, perfect timing. May I trouble you for a moment?"

"…Mm? Who’s this?"

Kalua and Rika usually meet up here in the mornings before heading to the dungeon.

But today, Celestan spoke to her directly. Come to think of it—weren’t these two meeting for the first time? And how does Celestan already know Kalua’s name?

…Well, he’s Celestan. I’ll just roll with it and handle the introductions.

"Kalua, let me introduce you. This is Celestan, <Eden>’s eighth member."

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Kalua. I am Celestan, a 【Butler】 by profession. I look forward to working with you."

He bowed with elegant grace. Damn, that was smooth. Stylish, even.

"Mm. Kalua. 【Star Cat】. Nice to meet you," she answered flatly.

Pretty curt, huh.

But Celestan didn’t seem the least bit bothered as he continued the conversation.

"By the way, Lady Kalua, there’s something I’d like to ask you. Would that be alright?"

"What?"

"Yes. It concerns the tribute money you received from Lord Zephyrus when you joined the guild <Eden>."

"Tribute money?"

At Celestan’s words, I couldn’t help but blur out in confusion.

Tribute money? Isn’t that just the contract fee?

Back in the <DanKatsu> days, you needed to pay a contract fee to hire a "Catfolk". It was also known as a scout’s fee.

The "Catfolk" are mercenaries, so the setting was that you had to pay a fee to secure three years of service in the guild.

Of course, that wasn’t officially confirmed info—it was more of a theory among players. Still, most agreed it was probably correct.

Wait, don’t tell me it’s actually something else?

"…I see. Then allow me to explain from the beginning."

Seeing me and Kalua both tilting our heads in confusion, Celestan began patiently explaining. I felt a bit guilty about making him spell it all out.

But what he said was completely new—even things I’d never heard of in the game.

"<Beast King Gartaiga>?"

"Yes. An A-rank guild. The mercenary guild <Beast King Gartaiga>, composed entirely of "Catfolk", are you familiar with them, Lady Kalua?"

"Mm. I… maybe heard of them? I think?"

Kalua gave a vague, noncommittal answer. Which is it?

But—so it wasn’t a contract fee, but tribute money. And there’s this A-rank guild, <Beast King Gartaiga>…

I think I see where this is going.

"Lord Zephyrus seems to have guessed, but I’ll continue. Normally, "Catfolk" are expected—no, virtually required—to join <Beast King Gartaiga>. It is said this is for the sake of learning the mercenary trade."

So basically, if I put his words together, Kalua was supposed to join <Beast King Gartaiga>.

Most "Catfolk" work as mercenaries, since all of their jobs are combat-related. Many of them double as scouts, which makes them extremely useful.

And apparently, <Beast King Gartaiga> was where they sent them first to learn the ropes.

Everyone there would be other "Catfolk" mercenaries. No doubt she would’ve had plenty to learn.

Wait—seriously?! That kind of setting existed?! I had no idea!

I leaned forward, completely drawn in. I couldn’t afford to miss a single word.

""Catfolk" are known for their unity. Even members of different groups sometimes fight together. They’re taught that from childhood within <Beast King Gartaiga>. Now, here’s the main point, Lady Kalua. If a "Catfolk" joins another guild, one must first gain <Beast King Gartaiga>’s approval. Likely, your clan should have sent word to them. The money Lord Zephyrus paid—the so-called tribute money—was meant to secure that approval, to ‘scout you away.’ However, <Beast King Gartaiga> has contacted us, saying they have received neither the formal word nor the money…"

"…?"

Kalua tilted her head sideways.

Cold sweat trickled down my cheek.

In other words, Kalua’s group should’ve sent notice to <Beast King Gartaiga> along the lines of, "Please take care of our Kalua." And in turn, <Beast King Gartaiga> would’ve replied, "Leave it to us."

But in reality, she ended up joining another guild.

That means I effectively stole away a valuable race member who was originally slated to join them.

Even if <Beast King Gartaiga> is meant to be a training ground, they wouldn’t let such a powerful "Race" as the "Catfolk" go to waste. She was definitely counted as part of their fighting strength.

So now, <Beast King Gartaiga> has had its prestige as a mercenary guild undermined. The "tribute money" I paid—that five million miru—was supposed to smooth things over.

…Seriously? I never once heard anything like this in the game!

Wait, hold on.

Sure, Kalua is a "Catfolk" mercenary, but if I think about it in real terms—she’s the only one among <Eden>’s members I had to actually pay Miru to scout.

It’s like with the guild’s budget management—there are clear differences between how Miru worked in the game and how it works here in reality.

In-game terms, paying for just Kalua wasn’t an issue. But in real life? It feels unfair. Like I’ve treated her differently from everyone else.

Could it be that this whole new system was created in real <DanKatsu> specifically to patch over that sort of inconsistency? Or am I just overthinking it?

Maybe it’s just an unpublished bit of background lore.

Either way…

Without realizing it, I’d ended up snatching away someone who was supposed to belong to an A-rank guild.

Not good.

Well—I’m not the one at fault. If Celestan is right, as long as I pay, the matter is settled. And I did pay. So I followed the rules.

The real problem is…

"Mm, what?"

"It’s not just ‘what,’ you know."

Why didn’t this girl know? Kalua had spent the contract money that was supposed to go to <Beast King Gartaiga> on equipment instead, tilting her head in confusion.

Yeah. She probably just didn’t remember. Kalua, you really need to work on your memory a bit, okay?

Let me tell you how it turned out.

Together with Celestan and me, Kalua went to meet the liaison from the A-rank guild <Beast King Gartaiga>.

"Geez! You idiot, Kalua! Stupid! Numbskull! Blockhead! You big dummy!"

"Mufufu. Doesn’t hurt."

The liaison girl turned out to be a third-year from the same order as Kalua, and someone she already knew. Her name was Mimina-chan. She was a small girl, much like Kalua. Not sisters, though.

The moment she heard the reason, Mimina-chan pounced on Kalua, hurling insults while unleashing a flurry of little punches. But thanks to her job’s blessings, Kalua didn’t feel a thing. Her HP absorbs impacts under a certain threshold, after all.

"Honestly… This time, because it’s Kalua, I’ll wait it out. But from now on, be more careful, okay? This year, the Beast King’s son is in the senior class. If you make him mad, who knows what might happen… well, maybe nothing at all."

So maybe nothing happens after all, huh.

Still, the fact that they excused it because it was Kalua says a lot about how she’s treated in her order.

In the end, the five million miru Kalua had spent were to be repaid with her own earnings. Since she hadn’t used much yet, she should be able to save that amount fairly quickly.

Kalua had tears in her eyes, going my money…—but it wasn’t hers to begin with.

By the way, her guild share was set just a bit lower than the others. But she’d still get loans and access to guild equipment, so it didn’t make much difference.

As for her buyout fee, it was settled smoothly at five million miru. Honestly, if they had demanded a 【Starcat】 for ten-million-plus buyout, we’d have had to say goodbye to Kalua, so this was a relief. The only awkward part was that their reasoning was basically, In fact, thanks for taking Kalua off our hands.

Anyway, with things wrapped up, Mimina-chan went on her way.

"Celestan, you really saved us there."

"I’m honored, sir."

"Kalua, reflect on what you’ve done."

"I’m sorry…"

Phew. At least it looks like things are going to end peacefully.

Previous Chapter - TOC - Next Chapter