Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 153

A few days later, the deacons, gathered once again at the church, seem puzzled about why they have been called.

“Hello. We meet again,” I greet cheerfully, but they only furrow their brows and look at me. Since they are not responding, I decide to start with the good news. “Everyone, I spoke with Priest Nicolo the other day, and he is very satisfied with the results you achieved in such a short period. He has expressed his hope that you will continue to strive even harder.”

Upon hearing this, the deacons’ faces light up with joy. It seems that Priest Nicolo’s evaluation is extremely important to them.

Since we are on a roll, I decide to continue with more good news. “This is a gift from me to you. Please accept it as a commemorative token for completing the case study course.”

I signal Sara to hand over the three wooden boxes, one by one.

The deacons comment, “Hmm, a bribe, is it? As expected from someone of common origin…” 

Their praise makes me happy, so I encourage them to open the boxes right there.

Although the deacons seem somewhat hesitant to open the boxes in front of me, they eventually remove the lids with a rustling sound.

“…What is this?”

“It’s shoes. These are ‘Guardian Shoes,’ which are very popular among city adventurers. They are quite expensive, you know?” I explain, emphasizing the word “expensive.”

“Hmph. Expensive shoes, indeed. We will gratefully accept them. However, as those who serve the church, leather sandals are quite sufficient for us. Wearing such luxuries as a deacon is strictly forbidden…”

Seeing the deacons showing unexpected hesitation, I decided to share another piece of good news.

“What are you talking about? From now on, you’ll be going outside the city and actually traveling to the rural village to put your plans into action. If you don’t wear these shoes, you’ll end up stepping on sharp stones on the road and getting left behind by a pack of magic wolves, won’t you?”

With that, I enjoy the deacons’ surprised and delighted expressions for a while.

(Wow, Kenji is really laying it down with the sarcasm, haha)

◇　◇　◇　◇　◇

The rhythmical crunching of gravel underfoot.

People walking. Stepping on stones. Stones making sounds. People continue walking, and the road continues its music.

The sun is high in the sky, illuminating those who pass by.

However, there are those who do not appreciate the sun’s blessings.

“…Kenji.”

“What is it, Clement?” I reply while walking.

“Don’t you have a carriage?”

“No. Since you’re all young, you should use your own feet.”

Sara, the guardsman Kiriku, the three deacons, and I tread the gravel road leading to the rural village we arranged in advance.

Our destination is a village managed by a church, roughly the same scale as the one we studied in the case study.

I am pulling a donkey loaded with food and camping supplies, and Sara is leading a goat. Since Kiriku needs both hands free, he is leading the way with an empty load.

Though we have been out of the city for only a few hours, the deacons, despite their youth, already seem tired, perhaps due to the unfamiliar environment.

“How are your feet holding up?”

“…They feel like logs.”

“How are the soles of your feet? Do you have blisters or any pain?”

“…No, nothing like that.”

“In that case, you can walk a bit further. If you dawdle, you’ll end up having to spend the night in the wilderness, you know?”

My answer seems to shock the deacons, who are used to the safety of the city.

“Spending the night outside the walls! That’s madness!”

“Is that so? Adventurers do it all the time. Despite appearances, both Sara and I are quite capable. Even if a pack of magic wolves or goblins attacks, we can protect you just fine.” Although I kindly inform them, it doesn’t seem to ease their anxiety.

“W-will there be magic wolves? And goblins too?”

I nod and answer, “If a pack of magic wolves attacks at night, it can be a bit troublesome. It’s not a problem if you keep a proper fire going, but they try to draw you away from the fire with various tricks. They might bite at your sleeves or legs, and if they pull hard enough, a whole group of magic wolves could attack all at once… Oh, is that howling a magic wolf?”

It’s a lie. There couldn’t possibly be magic wolves or goblins near the city. However, for deacons who have never been outside the city and have no carriage, my tall tales seem to have the desired effect. Their pace quickens noticeably.

At this rate, it looks like we might avoid camping out tonight.