Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 232

So far, we work on a mindset focused on cooperation with the craftsmen. From this point forward, we need to establish concrete methods.

We need to implement a system for preparations, starting with careful attention to our immediate surroundings.

“First of all, I want everyone to be cautious about bribery from other workshops. They might make enticing offers, such as, ‘We’ll pay you good wages if you come here,’ or ‘We’ll buy your tools at a high price if you just bring them over.’

But sweet talk at this time is a lie. As I’ve said before, it’s highly likely these offers are set up by another workshop or a powerful noble from another city to sabotage you. Even if you go along with their sweet talk, you’ll be of no use once the sabotage occurs. You’ll be eliminated alongside the noble to erase any evidence of his involvement.

By ‘eliminated,’ I mean killed—with no body left to be found.”

The craftsmen tremble at my deliberate use of the strong word “killed.”

“So, I want you to be careful. If approached like that, pretend to comply with their instructions and consult with me. We have the Sword Fangs Legion and high-ranking church officials on our side. They will take appropriate measures against such threats. Trust me and consult with me.”

I emphasize our strong allies, but the craftsmen just nod silently, their faces pale.

Looking at their expressions, I know that if I cram any more information into them today, they won’t be able to process it all.

I ask them to return to work, but their efficiency doesn’t improve much.

◇　◇　◇　◇　◇

I cross my arms in the office, contemplating the risk management for this situation.

As I ponder, Sara asks worriedly,

“Hey, are you really going to be okay?”

“I can’t say it’s okay,” I reply honestly. I think discussing my thoughts will clarify things, so I explain to Sara. “There are two main ways to mitigate this kind of danger.”

“Hmm.”

“The first method is to take preventative measures to stop the danger from occurring in the first place. In this case, that means strengthening the defenses of the company, myself, the employees, and the Cardinal’s shoes.

We have the Sword Fangs Legion stationed at the company, and we’ve made the employees aware of the danger and encouraged them to consult with us. This isn’t something we can sustain long-term, but I think it should be enough until the Cardinal’s unveiling.

But honestly, when it comes to countering magic, I have no idea. I’m not Jilboa; if I get assassinated with magic, I’ll be helpless, and if the Cardinal’s shoes are secretly stolen, I won’t be able to do anything.”

“…You’re right; magic is scary.”

I nod in agreement and continue. “The second method is to take steps to reduce the damage when danger occurs. If you put all your eggs in one basket, what happens when you drop it?”

“They’ll all shatter.”

“To prevent that, prepare several baskets. In this case, we can produce many pioneer shoes for the Cardinal. Typically, items for the Cardinal are one-of-a-kind pieces, like works of art, so if they’re stolen, they can’t be replaced. Fortunately, pioneer shoes are mass-produced. We can make many of them and keep a set in the Sword Fangs Legion office, for example. This way, the other party won’t be able to steal the pioneer shoes and disrupt our operations.”

“That’s right! The shoes will be safe, the company will be fine, the employees will be fine, and the shoes will be fine. Huh? But then… What will happen to Kenji?”

“That’s the thing,” I nod with a bitter expression. “I’ve thought about it a lot, but from their perspective, assassinating me with magic would be the quickest way to sabotage us. My martial arts skills are average, and I have few bodyguards. There’s only one of me. I’m not a person of high status, so it won’t create a political issue.”

“No way…” Sara covers her mouth with both hands.