Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 234

For now, I decide to postpone reaching out to the folks in Leather Street until the next morning. That night, I install makeshift rattles in various places in the workshop and strengthen security by having the new guards from the Sword Fang Brigade keep watch at the entrance.

I tell Sara it will be fine, but I am probably just as tense.

As I lie wide awake and unable to sleep, Sara, who is supposed to be resting beside me, speaks up. “Can’t you sleep?”

There is no point in hiding it, so I reply, “Yes.”

“It’s fine. Everyone will do their best for Kenji.”

Then she gently wraps her right hand around mine and holds it.

In theory, it would be more accurate for the organization to work hard for the business and system I created rather than for me personally. Still, it makes me happy that there are people like Sara who are putting in effort for me.

“Yeah, that’s right,” I say, returning her grip.

She squeezes my hand in response. Sara’s hand feels much softer now, likely because she hasn’t been on any quests recently.

As I feel the softness of her touch, my tension eases, and I manage to sleep soundly until morning.

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The next morning, I go around the various workshops lined up in Leather Street and secure agreements to be notified if any suspicious, well-dressed, thin men show up. I decide to offer a small reward if the reports turn out to be true, so they will likely do their best to find him.

Similarly, I inform the company’s craftsmen about the possibility of suspicious magic being used. Perhaps my explanation the previous day about the dangers of making the Cardinal’s shoes has a significant impact, as the craftsmen promise to be more cautious.

In particular, we place sticks about the height of a person around the workshop to ensure proper response if the makeshift rattles go off.

If the rattle sounds, they should look in that direction. If no one is there, they are to swing the stick around and notify the guards from the Sword Fangs Legion if they feel any resistance.

It may seem ridiculous, but we also exercise and train together.

When the rattle sounds, they pick up the sticks and swing them around, then shout a warning. Everyone participates in this sequence of actions. If they don’t physically move their bodies, they won’t be able to act reflexively when something happens.

The training also helps instill a sense of security among the craftsmen. While we can’t be sure the measures will be effective, just knowing what to do provides peace of mind. There is a moment when the other craftsmen cheer for the one swinging the stick hesitantly, which is much better than remaining silent and pale.

“Listen, for now, just swing the stick around and try to hit something. We have skilled professionals to handle the actual dangerous situations, so leave that to them. Got it?”

In this way, I remind them that they have strong allies in the workshop. They seem to feel reassured by the presence of the Sword Fangs Legion, with their armor, swords, and well-trained appearance.

“Yesterday was kind of scary, but now I feel like we can manage it.”

“Oh, look at those arms! They really do look like the Sword Fangs Legion.”

“My sister often goes to military parades. She says the commander is really cool.”

After all, it’s important for guards to look impressive. A large, well-trained body is intimidating and reassuring in itself. Having the Sword Fangs Legion send additional guards seems to be an effective way to put the craftsmen at ease.

A few days pass without incident.