Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 138

The idea of becoming a cleric was utterly unthinkable to me. It seemed impossible. Yet, I managed to keep my words in check.

However, perhaps due to my visibly puzzled expression, Nicolo began his persuasion with a serious demeanor.

“Kenji, I’m not asking you to become a cleric and dedicate your life to preaching and serving the divine path. That’s something for someone else. I am interested in your talent for calculations. You may be making unusual shoes right now, but such ventures can be left to others. If you become a cleric, your previous status will be erased. No one will point out that you are a lowly adventurer. If you choose to become a cleric, you can become a priest immediately. With your abilities, within ten years, you could also advance to bishop. Depending on your achievements, even archbishop is not out of reach. As a priest, you would never have to worry about making a living. You could live a scholarly life, pursuing the truth without being troubled by worldly matters.”

Seeing my lack of reaction, Nicolo continued. “Becoming a cleric does not mean you must abandon worldly desires. As long as you maintain moderation, you are free to enjoy food and drink. Also, is the woman behind you your wife? Even as a cleric, marriage is permitted. So you can rest assured about that.”

“Wife…” Sara fidgeted a bit behind me, but right now, that was not my main concern.

In this world, the social status of a cleric is high. If a commoner wants to rise using their intellect, this is the only path. Naturally, those who rise in the clerical hierarchy are either exceptional in fundraising for the church, charismatic in gathering followers and preaching, or those with superior intellect adept at organizational management. Of course, reaching the highest levels usually requires connections or political influence in addition to all those traits.

In essence, it would be unusual for an ordinary adventurer to refuse such an exceptional offer. Nicolo must surely be making this recommendation out of goodwill.

Nicolo is a man of logic. If that’s the case, he will not be satisfied until I provide a logical reason for my refusal.

“Master Nicolo, I have something I must do. That is to save the fledgling adventurers in this city. At first, I tried to save them as individuals. However, that proved impossible. Regardless of my efforts, the adventurers were hurt and died in their quests.

Next, I tried to save them through a business venture. Through various coincidences and luck, I achieved a certain degree of success. But that was for the cream of the crop among adventurers. I did not manage to save the fledglings.

At this point, I have come to realize. Adventurers are those who expand the world. If so, they cannot be saved unless the world is expanded and enriched. Just as is happening in this city now, the wealth lying dormant in noble estates must be invested in development, job opportunities must increase in rural areas, adventurers must be recruited, and fledgling adventurers must have more coins in their pockets. For that purpose, I am risking my life.”

Nicolo raised one eyebrow and, unusually for him, waited until I finished speaking. “Hmm. Kenji, I acknowledge that your reasoning is logical. And I also acknowledge your skills. Such achievements cannot be accomplished with mere intellect and luck. However, that is precisely why I am not convinced about your motives. Why do you care about adventurers? You have become one, but that was not your original nature. You have knowledge, wisdom, and education. Why risk your life for those who are like dust, lacking in knowledge?” He questioned with a tone that clearly indicated his dissatisfaction.

This is a question I can answer with confidence. “I am like dust. I take pride in having been an adventurer. I take pride in having companions who are adventurers. For the sake of my companions, I am doing nothing more than what I can to the best of my ability.”

Having heard my resolute answer, Nicolo murmured softly, “I see.”