Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 275

“I hope it’s something I can answer.”

The priest introduces himself as Serio, ushering us—unexpected guests—into a back room where he welcomes us. 

He invites us to sit down and, while preparing tea himself, amiably recounts the daily happenings of his life.

He is a rare type of clergyman, also a member of the proud intellectual class. His sociability might explain why he is assigned to a church in a third-class district, where he often deals with rowdy adventurers.

“Nowadays, many people call it the Adventurers’ Church,” Father Serio says with a smile, explaining the current situation.

“The Adventurers’ Church. A good name,” I reply, letting the aroma of the tea wash over my face.

The name evokes a sense of incongruity, combining the rough crowd of adventurers with the intellectual class of the church, but it also hints at the potential for cooperation between these two groups.

After a brief chat, I begin to address the purpose of my visit.

“Actually, we’re looking into ways to strengthen the bond between the church and the adventurers that has been built here. To that end, we’d like your cooperation in gathering the necessary information.”

When asking someone from the church for help, it’s essential to refer to the church as the subject. It’s a minor detail but an important technique. It shows respect for the other person and, for a perceptive individual, indicates that you’re thoughtful enough to adjust your words accordingly. 

That’s the kind of signal I’m trying to send.

As a priest under Father Nicolo, I naturally intend the latter interpretation. However, considering the priest’s sociable nature, he might take it to mean the former.

“I see. That’s a very good thing. If there’s anything I can do to help, I’ll be happy to assist,” he replies surprisingly, nodding easily.

I’m taken aback. I had been prepared for a difficult negotiation, so his straightforward agreement leaves me puzzled.

“Um, I don’t mean to question your willingness, but is it really okay to agree so easily?” I ask, worried.

He smiles and says, “I also think the church should cooperate with adventurers.”

“That’s surprising,” I say without thinking, but it’s my true feeling.

The cooperative relationship between adventurers and the church seems more like a reward based on the deal I struck with Father Nicolo. I thought the clergymen assigned here might feel alienated, as if they were removed from the mainstream.

Perhaps sensing my feelings, the priest explained with a wry smile.

Perhaps sensing my feelings, Serio explains with a slight wry smile, “The reason I took on this role was that I was recognized for my social skills, and there was also the prospect of becoming a priest sooner than usual. I can’t deny that there was some calculation involved.”

Having made that clarification, Father Serio begins to speak further.