The time of the meeting passed quickly.
Almost everyone present was clear about the situation they would face in the near future, and the Guild also urged them to try not to spread the information outside.
Of course, achieving this point entirely is mostly difficult.
After all, the number of people present is objectively not small, and some are bound to spread the information.
The Adventurer’s Guild did not expect to seal off everything completely; preparing for an impending large-scale war inevitably requires many preparations in advance, and such large-scale arrangements are hard to complete silently.
Whether it’s the deployment of city defense forces or the transfer of materials and supplies, many people will be involved.
And some smart people will be able to guess the truth ahead of time by observing some changes around them.
The reminder was given to try and slow down the speed of information spreading out as much as possible.
Knowing about the looming storm of war in advance is of no benefit to ordinary civilians and would only add to their worries.
Even if they wanted to leave Cold Jade Province, it’s already too late now.
And where within the province could they find a place safer than Forest Capital Barry? Could they really drag their families into the depths of the mountains? If they did, it would only further endanger them, leaving their fate entirely in the hands of unpredictable circumstances.
At least Barry itself could rely on sturdy city walls and arrays, and it also boasted an army along with a large number of adventurers and adventure groups, making it a place with abundant strength.
After the meeting ended, some merchant representatives, church leaders, and military officials seemed to be called aside by the City Hall leaders for another private meeting.
As for the adventurers, some were busy leaving for other arrangements, while others stayed to discuss and exchange information with each other.
Gauss was originally prepared to leave the Guild building, but soon the receptionist named Bella, who had led them in, respectfully called to him.
"Lord Gauss, please wait, the Guild Master would like to see you."
The receptionist said softly.
"Oh?" Gauss raised an eyebrow, hesitated for a moment, and slightly parted his lips. "The Guild Master? Matthias Monroe?"
Even though this question seemed a bit silly, Gauss was indeed puzzled at this moment.
Today was the first time he saw the Guild Master of the Forest Capital in person; prior to this, they had no direct or indirect contact.
What would he want him for?
His combat power was admittedly impressive, but due to level limitations, there should still be others in the council chamber whose strength surpassed his.
Could it be out of concern for a promising young member of the Adventurer’s Guild? Gauss mused inwardly.
"Yes." The receptionist nodded calmly.
"Could you please lead the way?"
Gauss didn’t overthink it and decided to first go and see the situation.
"Aaliyah, you all wait here for me."
"Alright."
Since the Guild Master only invited him, he didn’t rashly bring Aaliyah and the others along.
After informing them, he followed the lead of the receptionist ahead, passed through the council chamber, went through a small door, then traversed a long corridor adorned with paintings, and entered an office.
Matthias Monroe, who had just finished the meeting, was now sitting casually on the sofa.
His height was not tall but not as solid as a dwarf, just under 1.6 meters.
This height is somewhat short for an adult male but not to a very unusual extent, considering that not everyone in this era is well-nourished.
But for a Paladin focused on physical strength, and a strong individual with a Professional Level as high as Level 15, it did seem a bit unusual.
"Guild Master."
"I have brought the person."
"Thank you for your efforts."
"Then I won’t disturb you any further."
After Bella left, the room quickly had only the two of them.
"Hello Gauss, take a seat."
"Thank you, Guild Master."
Monroe gestured slightly, and Gauss took a seat across from him without much formality.
"Pleos’ insight into people is indeed accurate."
"Is the Guild Master referring to Mr. Pleos from Flute Castle?"
"Yes, that Tiefling boy." Monroe nodded. "Like us professionals in surrounding regions, we occasionally gather to exchange insights, so we maintain contact. Some time ago, he mentioned you in his letters."
"He even asked me to look after you when you arrived in Barry."
"Moreover, even without him, I’ve heard your name mentioned often."
A trace of realization flashed across Gauss’s face.
No matter which world, the circles at the top are always small; even two people who don’t know each other can easily find a mutual acquaintance.
Pleos, being an extraordinary-level Paladin, although his strength and status were far from that of Guild Master Monroe before him, could still be considered part of the same circle.
Thinking of this, his heart couldn’t help but feel a slight warmth.
His time with Pleos had not been long, but he hadn’t expected Pleos to specifically ask Monroe to look after him. Regardless of its effect, it was still a kind gesture.
"I also received a lot of help from Mr. Pleos at Flute Castle."
"There’s no need to cover for him; the little guy has already told me. His personal commission got you targeted by the Dragon Worship Sect. If it weren’t for your substantial strength, the consequences would have been disastrous."
Monroe waved his hand.
This matter hadn’t happened long ago, so he still had a strong impression of Pleos’ letters.
He just hadn’t expected that, the genius referred to by Pleos, recently promoted to Level 6, had already advanced to Level 8, and according to intelligence, possessed extraordinary combat power equivalent to Level 12.