I, the “Clock User”, Was Kicked Out of the Craftsmen’s Guild for Being Incompetent, but at the Dungeon’s Depths, I Awakened My True Power – Even Though I Was Told to Return Because They Couldn’t Handle the Work, It’s Too Late Now, and I Will Live Freely as an SSS-class Adventurer V10C23

  Translated by Hamster


---

### Volume 10: Reunion 

** 23: Olivia's Wish**


"...You want me to be the Guild Master?"


Cyclo couldn't help but ask in return.


Olivia nodded in response.


"Yes. We need someone like you who can approach work with passion more than anything else right now."


"That's..."


Cyclo was at a loss for words, not understanding the basis for Olivia's statement. Olivia continued speaking to such a Cyclo.


"---This country is currently stagnant. It has grown because everyone can use skills, but that growth wasn't sought after or achieved by individuals. Everyone has grown by following the skills, wielding power as they're shown, and being carried along by the flow."


Cyclo could understand Olivia's words. Indeed, there were more than a few craftsmen in the Artisans' Guild who had the skill but lacked motivation.


"But that's not enough. Essentially, we're still using the same plow on the same field in the same way as our grandparents did. That's why this country has stagnated, unable to hope for further growth."


Cyclo thought that perhaps because of her position as queen consort, Olivia had insights and perspectives that were unique to her. And this might be why she made her initial request.


"Therefore, I want to entrust this to you. You, who understand that true growth requires will. I want you to guide all craftsmen further than they are now. Not just to use skills, but to convey the importance of having passion and interest in the results they create."


Finally, Cyclo understood the meaning behind Olivia's request. And indeed, it seemed like a necessary measure for the Heinburg Kingdom, which had relied on skills, or rather, on the Skill Selection Cult, for its development.


However, Cyclo couldn't agree to it.


"I'm sorry, Lady Olivia. I cannot fulfill that wish."


Cyclo firmly declined.


"I have things I want to do. There are things I can't do while working as the master of the Artisans' Guild in the capital."


Cyclo shook his head.


"Moreover, not everyone relies entirely on skills. I think perhaps now is just a bit suffocating to show the results of their efforts."


As he spoke, Cyclo thought. At least, most of the craftsmen he knew had pride in their work and a desire for improvement.


That their achievements weren't visible was, in Cyclo's view, due to the overspecialization caused by the division of labor based on job skills, placing those with job skills at the top, leading to an excessively segmented industry.


For instance, as a clockmaker, Cyclo had few opportunities to learn from other types of work. He keenly felt the loss of such opportunities for growth as a clockmaker.


Conversely, even if Cyclo had new ideas, they were not shared with other craftsmen. Though each was a small matter, the accumulation led to a disconnect among craftsmen, something Cyclo now understood after listening to Olivia.


"However... it seems that your wish and mine are not so far apart. So, depending on the situation, I wouldn't mind cooperating within the scope I can help."


Cyclo's wish—to change a world where people's ways of life are unjustly distorted by skills—partially overlapped with Olivia's concern that skill holders' growth was being hindered by the laws set by the country.


Therefore, Cyclo indicated that he might cooperate with Olivia, depending on the circumstances.


Understanding that showing the possibility of cooperation was a sign of sincerity, Olivia responded.


"...I see. That's your current stance, Cyclo."


"Yes."


"---Understood. Thank you, Cyclo. Even the possibility of cooperation is more than enough."


Saying this, she smiled kindly despite her request being refused.

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