Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 273

On the way back from the Adventurer’s Guild, Sara scolds me with a frown.

“Kenji, you had such a bad look on your face earlier.”

I stroke my jaw with a slightly sullen expression.

“Did I?”

“Yes, you did.”

I haven’t been plotting anything malicious or making any shady proposals. I simply hint to Urbano that we might prioritize distributing the pioneer shoes and share an idea that would likely increase requests and profits for the Adventurers’ Guild.

Well, how the other party misunderstands that isn’t my responsibility.

For now, I’ve secured a conversation with the de facto leader of the guild in this city, so a little side-eye from Sara is to be expected.

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Back at the office, I consult with Sara about our next steps while handling some paperwork. We have a backlog of work to tackle, and I need to prioritize accordingly.

Sara is also busy with her tasks but still manages to engage me in conversation. Her hands move fluidly, yet her attention remains focused on me.

Personally, I think multitasking, like moving your hands while doing something else, is better suited to women.

“So, are you going to the church right away?”

I shake my head in response to Sara’s question. Although I feel good about my conversation with Urbano and have moved forward quickly with the Adventurers’ Guild, discussions with the church might escalate immediately, so it’s better to refine the details first.

“No, Deacon Michelino is sharp and pays attention to details, unlike Urbano. There’s a possibility the conversation could escalate to Father Nicolo right away. I want to bring a proposal with high precision. So, I need to do some local research first.”

“Is that so? You seem to be putting a lot of thought into it for something that was just a sudden idea.”

“That’s a harsh way to put it,” I protest with a wry smile at Sara’s expression.

“Isn’t it?”

“It’s not a sudden idea; it’s more of an insight… although I admit, explaining the difference is difficult.”

I believe a sudden idea lacks context, while an insight comes with background knowledge and logic. To those around me, though, both might seem quite similar.

“First, I want to hear from a priest who understands the reality of rural villages.”

“Lord Michelino… well, he’s a big shot, so he probably wouldn’t be able to help.” Sara likely recalls the time she led Deacon Michelino and three other priests into the countryside for education. Her expression is surprisingly unrestrained.

In reality, the younger priests under Father Nicolo are talented, but they tend to be out of touch with the actual conditions on the ground. So, when we bring a proposal, it must complement that shortcoming. Otherwise, we might end up pushing through a plan created by people who know nothing about the field, causing immense inconvenience to those on-site. In this case, that inconvenience involves the lives of adventurers and the livelihoods of farmers—issues not to be taken lightly.

First, I need to hear from a knowledgeable priest about rural conditions. Next, I want to hear from requesters from the countryside. I also want to gather stories from adventurers. If possible, I’d like to see the rural situation for myself.

“We don’t have time for that!” Sara’s merciless words echo in my mind.

I wish I had two bodies.