“But of course, Nejil-sama! It’s an honor for someone like me to be invited by someone of your stature.” [Matthew]
The man who spoke to Matthew is Zest Nejil. He is one of the nine members responsible for electing the guild masters of the tamer guild. Moreover, on top of the influence his position entails, he is also the person who recommended Matthew after receiving a bribe.
When Matthew saw him, he quickly humbled himself, and accompanied him with the people he had in tow to a high-class bar.
Matthew and Zest’s cronies enjoyed the luxurious food and wine, currying favor with Zest as they did. When more food and wine arrived, the conversation switched up a bit as Zest spoke to Matthew.
“Oh, right. Matthew, there’s something I’ve been wanting to speak to you about.” [Zest]
“It’s only something I’ve recently been made aware of, but I’ve heard there’s an excellent demon slave practitioner at your guild.” [Zest]
“But that shouldn’t be possible. Dissolving the filth is possible, but the clothes would also dissolve.” [Another Guildmaster]
A guildmaster who was listening from the side as he drank said that.
“Certainly, it would normally be impossible, but if it’s his slimes, then it’s possible.” [Matthew]
“How is he training them?” [Guildmaster 2]
“O-Of course!” [Matthew]
It was because Zest wanted to know how the slimes could reap a profit that he called Matthew here.
Matthew understood that, so he decided to try and trick Zest and the others as he spoke of Ryouma’s laundromat as if he was well-informed, twisting the story to suit his own conveniences.
“Actually, the slimes he’s using is a new variant. His slimes have a special trait that can dissolve the filth off clothes without dissolving the clothes along with it.”
“It’s not because of some sort of training?” [Guild Master 2]
“If what you’re saying is true, then why aren’t there any rumors?” [Guild Master 4]
The people in the room stared harder at Matthew.
“Actually, that slave demon practitioner is still only a child, and since he’s a bit of a problem child, I’m actually at a loss at what to do with him.” [Matthew]
“Ever since that boy has registered, he hasn’t done a single job. And under the protection of someone who discovered the slime, he kept the information, and monopolized it. Then he used the slime to make a killing with his laundromat. With all the profit he’s made, he just plays around nowadays.
I’ve sent him teachers (Ruffians) to help him change his lifestyle, but my feelings couldn’t reach him at all. And instead he hired body guards with the money he has made to send away all of the men I’ve sent to him.” [Matthew]
“Aren’t you just being lazy?” [Guildmaster 2]
Matthew was showered with criticism, but Zest only put a stop to it as he spoke.
“…I think I understand the situation. There are all sorts of people in the world. And amongst these, there are many that can’t be reached no matter how much effort one puts. I suppose that boy is like that. Still… being a guildmaster this isn’t something that can be ignored… Looks like you’ve walked into a disaster, huh, Matthew?" [Zest]
If one were to put it in simple words, the man known as Zest is actually a cheapskate. He’s the sort of man who would accommodate someone bribing him, but will refuse to do anything when he can’t make a profit.
Zest actually never cared from the start whether a slave demon practitioner was good or bad, all he really wanted to know was a way to make money. But at the same time, although he’s objective was indeed money, it still can’t be denied that Zest is one of the few people in the tamer guild that has begun to see slimes in a new light.
Matthew and all the people around Zest are all aware of Zest’s attachment to money. It is, after all, the very reason why they were able to benefit from him so easily. Such a person couldn’t possibly give up on information that could possibly become a money-bearing tree. Because of that, everyone but Zest couldn’t help but be uneasy, waiting for the next words to come out of Zest’s mouth.
Surprisingly, however, the words to come out of Zest’s mouth next was completely different from what they were expecting.
“By the way, Matthew. A new town is being built at Gimuru, right? You must be busy.” [Zest]
“Huh… In any case, I’m grateful for the help, but what kind of people will you be sending?” [Matthew]
“What? Are you dissatisfied?” [Zest]
Matthew would definitely be grateful for extra help, but of course, that’s only true when the people he’ll be receiving are decent. It’s only a given after all that Matthew wouldn’t be willing to accept something that he knows to be a problem. Unfortunately, though, Matthew doesn’t really have a choice. If he is to go further in his career, he can’t go against someone as influential as Zest directly.
“N-No, not at all… Only, isn’t it a waste to use such exceptional people for nothing but transport?” [Matthew]
All alone by himself, Matthew began to think of a plan on how to break out of this predicament he had been thrust in. But to his dismay, the day passed with no good news…
TL Note: The exact number of guild masters actually wasn't mentioned, so those anon guildmasters were just randomly given a number in order to distinguish their dialogue from the two main speakers.