Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 141

It would be problematic to continue letting Nicolo lead the negotiations. If I keep getting swept along, I might end up as a cleric, standing at the forefront of negotiations with the nobles as Nicolo’s subordinate.

“I have a proposal for you, Master Nicolo. All the merits of the project will belong to your faction, and you will be able to monopolize the know-how.”

“Oh?” Nicolo seemed slightly interested.

“First, I have no intention of monopolizing the business know-how myself. I am willing to share methods with you or someone you choose. How you use the results after that, I will leave to you.”

“I see.” Nicolo closed his eyes, likely considering the potential strengthening of his faction and its influence. “And what compensation do you seek? What do you desire?”

“The church’s blessing for adventurers. I want to grant at least God’s blessing to those who go on adventures and those who die in quests.”

“Hm. Specifically?”

“I would like the church near the Adventurers’ Guild to provide medical convenience to adventurers and grant blessings to those setting out on adventures. Also, I request the establishment of a common graveyard for adventurers within church-owned land.”

Nicolo seemed surprised by this declaration. “That benefits the adventurers, but how does it benefit you?”

I smiled at Nicolo. “Master Nicolo, merely learning the know-how does not ensure the success of the business. It’s clear from the difficulties the nobles are facing. Don’t you need capable former adventurers, who can be hired without the cost of ensuring their social status?”

At this, Nicolo, who had maintained a stern expression, finally burst into laughter.

“Ha ha ha. It seems hiring such a person would be quite costly.”

“No, no. That person will work diligently for you. Besides, even if it costs a bit more, you can recover the expense many times over.”

“Indeed, many times over,” Nicolo said, calming down his laughter.

“Kenji, are you truly not intending to become a cleric?”

I had no hesitation regarding this. Looking directly into Nicolo’s eyes, I answered proudly. “Yes. I wish to live as one of the common folk, as an adventurer, alongside my companions.”

Upon hearing this, Nicolo seemed to finally give up. “Hm, what a pity. If you ever change your mind, come to me anytime.”

With that, he wrote something on a piece of parchment and handed it to me along with a nearby metal medal.

“I will submit your proposal for discussion within the church. The opposing factions will likely cause a stir, but once things calm down, we will send someone to you. It should not take more than a month. Prepare and wait.”

With that, the lengthy meeting seemed to come to an end.

Suddenly, Nicolo, who had been sitting at the desk writing, stood up and approached me. He was surprisingly tall, with his gaze slightly above mine.

Nicolo took a small leather pouch from his pocket, scooped up a pinch of what looked like silver powder, and pointed his finger at me while murmuring something under his breath. At the same time, my body felt a sudden heat.

“Kenji!” Sara cried out in alarm.

I wasn’t panicked because I recognized the sensation, but I was still surprised.

“Kenji, this should heal your leg. It would be unseemly for someone claiming to be an adventurer to limp around.”

“Master Nicolo…” This treatment was something I had given up on due to its high cost when my leg was injured. It must be a very high-level spell.

“It was quite enjoyable discussing things today. This is a small token of thanks. I will contact you again. You may leave now.”

With that, Nicolo returned to his desk and resumed his writing, not looking up again.

We were then guided out by another cleric, leaving the cathedral and heading towards the gate of the first district. It had been a truly tough negotiation. That bastard Jilboa must have anticipated this and dumped it all on me. I have to make sure to complain later; I won’t be satisfied otherwise.

“Huh? What, we’re just going home like this? What about the cardinal? What about the nobles? I spent so much on this outfit!”

Anne, who had been enthusiastic about catching a sponsor for the theater troupe today, was the only one raising a voice that resembled a scream. But I was too exhausted to deal with her.

It seemed like soothing her later would be quite a challenge.