Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 261

When we are led inside the headquarters of the Sword Fangs Legion, a familiar scene unfolds, similar to what we encountered when we were ambushed by those thugs before. Two men dressed like craftsmen are tied up, bruised and bloodied all over, lying on the ground.

Although I’ve swung my sword against monsters as an adventurer for five years, I still can’t get used to the stench of violence.

Noticing that Kiriku and I have entered, Vice-Captain Swiberry calls out to us. “You’re here, Kenji.”

I nod in response. “Yeah, have you figured out who’s behind this?”

Swiberry, in his low yet clear voice, answers, “The church.”

Among the factions I’ve antagonized, the church usually employs the most moderate methods.

“So, how high up does it go?” I ask.

Even within the church, the hierarchy is vast. The enemy could range from low-ranking deacons making extra money to rival cardinals plotting to take down their peers. The approach varies drastically depending on who’s involved.

“The order might have come from above, but the one who gave these men their instructions isn’t that high up. They were hired by a priest from a church in one of the city’s parishes,” Swiberry explains.

I’m not convinced by his explanation. “Is that even possible? These mercenaries seem like they put up quite a fight.”

Judging by the state of the room and the condition of the tied-up men, it’s clear they didn’t give up information easily. Typically, if they were just in it for pocket money, a little pain would’ve made them talk.

“They usually do menial work at that church,” Swiberry mentions offhandedly.

His words catch my attention, and I ask in a stronger tone, “Wait, are you saying these guys aren’t citizens, right?”

Hearing the word “menial,” I can’t help but feel uneasy. There’s something about the testimony that their hands were clean that bothers me.

If they’re citizens of the second district who are volunteering at the church, the aftermath could get complicated.

To give an easy-to-understand example, if someone were to use violence on me, a resident of a third-class district, outside of town, it would be my own fault, and they wouldn’t be punished seriously. 

However, if someone were to harm, say, the daughter of a merchant helping out at the Sword Fangs Legion in the second district, it would be a big deal.

In such cases, the guards would get involved, launch an investigation, and the perpetrator would either be jailed or face punishment—fines, or in the worst-case scenario, they could have their arms cut off if they can’t pay.

Though, in reality, the severity of punishment depends on the money and connections of the ruling party, meaning the Sword Fangs Legion probably wouldn’t face any charges, the process would still be a hassle to deal with.

Swiberry, catching my concern, scoffs and says, “You think we’d make such a blunder? These guys aren’t on the city’s birth registry; they’re just out-of-towners. You can tell by looking at their feet.”

He gestures with the tip of his sword’s scabbard towards their feet, which are bare and bloodied.

“Citizens here live their whole lives within the walls and don’t walk much, so their feet have a distinctive shape. These guys are definitely from the countryside. Even if they’ve been away from the soil for a while and their hands have become clean, the shape of their toes doesn’t change.”

It sounds like something I’ve said before. As I glance at Swiberry, he meets my eyes and grins.

“Kiriku told me you said something interesting the other day, so I thought I’d try it out. Surprised?”

“Yeah, I’m surprised,” I reply.

The Sword Fangs Legion always keeps things interesting. Anytime I drop a little knowledge or information, they just absorb it and use it without hesitation. 

These guys must be the kind of people who have the qualities of heroes.

“So, what now?” Swiberry asks.

“That should be enough. Throw them back into that priest’s church,” I reply.

“Isn’t that too lenient?” Swiberry retorts.

I have my reasons. “There are all kinds of enemies. These guys are just political pawns in the church. If we respond to harassment with murder, they’ll retaliate in kind. It’s better for both sides if we settle it here.”

Swiberry shrugs and says lightly, “Things sure get complicated when you move up in the world.”

I don’t consider myself one of the big shots, but I’m aware the nature of my enemies has changed.

“Yeah, it’s a hassle,” I agree, feeling relieved that I didn’t bring Sara here with me.