Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 178

After leaving the inn, we manage to return safely to the Second District without being surrounded by Gooljin’s subordinates.

“Once we’ve reached this point, it should be alright,” I say.

Swiberry, with a sharp look, asks, “Was that okay?”

By “that,” he is referring to assigning Gooljin the role of coordinating the distribution.

“I don’t really get it, but wouldn’t it be troublesome if he forms a gang with the people he’s gathered?”

Gooljin is hardly the type to be described as submissive. Swiberry might be concerned that this could lead to future trouble.

“I actually want him to form factions,” I explain.

Swiberry looks puzzled, so I continue, “Caravan merchants between cities should form larger factions. If it remains just us growing too strong, then our manufacturing will become too dominant without a corresponding strength in distribution. This imbalance could hinder the healthy development of the industry.”

Swiberry still seems unconvinced. “I don’t quite get it, but isn’t it easier to get people to listen to you if your opponent is smaller?”

This is indeed a very mercenary and adventurer-like response.

“Here’s the thing: this isn’t a fight between me and Gooljin. The real enemies are the kingdom’s systems, the merchants’ privileges in the city, the unpredictable weather, and the threats of monsters—things we can’t see directly. Therefore, both of us need to become bigger and stronger. I want Gooljin to experience the challenges I face and find enjoyment in overcoming them,” I say with a smile.

Swiberry grimaces. “I recall that I once invited you to join the Sword Fangs Legion as vice-captain.”

“Ah, that happened,” I say.

“Now, I think it was a huge mistake,” Swiberry replies.

“Indeed, the skills were lacking,” I laugh.

Swiberry is serious. “You’re not someone who should settle for being a vice-captain in a mercenary group. I can’t quite put it into words, being uneducated like me, but recently you seem to have the same aura as the captain.”

“Stop it, is there anyone who can stand alongside Jilboa?” I say, slightly uncomfortable with the praise.

I feel it is dangerous to continue this topic for too long, so I decide to change the subject. “Speaking of which, how’s your situation? I heard you’re running the Sword Fangs Legion’s reserve unit.”

My switch in topic is somewhat awkward, but Swiberry doesn’t seem interested in pressing further and goes along with it.

“It’s quite a struggle. It’s completely different from working under the captain. Being at the top of even a small group is tough. Plus, the financial calculations are a real challenge. Fortunately, I’m borrowing some merchants from my wife’s family, so that part is easier.”

“Your wife, huh? You’re fully settled down now,” I comment.

“Hey, you were the one who told me to get married. You loudly advertised the daughter of the merchant family in the captain’s office, and as a result, there was a flood of proposals afterward. It was quite a hassle.”

“What? Are you bragging?”

“No, I’m not. The Captain has been getting a flood of marriage proposals for a while now. The ones that come to me are just the leftovers. But more importantly, what about that red-haired girl, Sara? Will you marry her?”

“Well, when the time comes, I will. But right now, I can’t even walk around without fearing for my life. It’ll be difficult to discuss such matters until I feel a bit safer,” I answer as usual.

Swiberry snorts. “Hmph, I wonder. Will the day ever come when you can truly feel safe? Just like we adventurers can’t escape our daily battles with monsters, you might never escape conflicts with the country’s rules and old ways as long as you keep doing business. You’ll need to find a way to come to terms with it and face it head-on.”

At those words, I find myself staring at my palm.

I have kept telling myself that I would deal with it when I can return to a safe daily life, but perhaps this state of constant vigilance has become my new norm.

Finding a way to come to terms with it. Perhaps that’s what I need to do.

As I walk towards the company office, I continue to ponder Swiberry’s advice.