Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 297

As I continue discussing the ecology of monsters with the Baron, Anne gives me a strong signal from across the table. It seems like a good time to wrap up the conversation, so I try to steer it in another direction.

“By the way, Baron, have you ever actually seen a monster alive and moving?”

Of course, I already know from Anne that this is unlikely. Although the Baron is the head of his household, he has never left the city, as a deputy manages his estate. This is not unusual for a noble.

As expected, the Baron responds in a slightly lower voice. “Unfortunately, I’ve never seen one alive. It’s forbidden by law to bring a living monster into the city.”

The prohibition on bringing living monsters into the city is a common rule, not just here but in many cities. While I don’t know the exact reasons behind it, it’s likely due to some past incident where a monster rampaged within the city walls, causing casualties. Of course, there are exceptions for monsters already inside the city, like the slimes that hide in the sewers.

“Actually, we’ve taken on a job to record the ecology of monsters,” I whisper, lowering my voice as well.

Technically, we’ve only planned the job and haven’t officially been commissioned by the church yet, but since I’m prepared to fund it myself, it’s more or less the same.

“We are looking for a skilled artist who can accurately record the appearance of monsters as they truly are. If you know of anyone with similar interests, Baron, I’d appreciate an introduction.”

I can’t possibly ask the head of the Baron’s family to take part directly. Nobles who collect such things likely have subordinates or friends who share the same hobby. I have the sense that I’m probably categorized in the latter group.

“Oh! For work!” the Baron exclaims, slapping his knee with interest. “Can you tell me more about this? It takes exquisite skill to capture a monster’s appearance. To truly capture a living image, you need both quick brushstrokes and precision, or it’s difficult to depict a moving subject. I could introduce you, but I couldn’t afford to make any mistakes.”

Although I feel slightly uneasy about the Baron’s explanation, which could be interpreted as him subtly recommending himself, I go on to explain my plan to create a booklet with actual pictures of monsters, their footprints, and other details, to distribute to the churches stationed in various villages. The Baron immediately stands up, looking very excited.

“I see! Of course, the monster’s appearance, footprints, and lifestyle would be crucial for the common people! And that voice! I’ve never heard a voice before! Even goblins can talk! How do their tongues work? If we dissect them, we might be able to find out what they eat! Hmmm, and I’m also very interested in the power generated by an ogre’s massive arms and the structure of their joints! This is fascinating!”

I’m a bit taken aback by the Baron’s enthusiasm but stick to my explanation. “Yes, I want to display pictures of these monsters’ ecology in the church to educate the peasants about them.”

I feel like I’m veering off the topic I originally intended, but the Baron doesn’t seem to mind.

“So, how many volumes will this be?” he asks, abruptly changing the subject.

Caught off guard by the sudden shift in topic, I answer, “Huh? Well, I’ll be distributing them to churches across the kingdom, so I think there will be about 1,000 copies…”

“So, you’ll be drawing 1,000 pictures of monsters?” the Baron interjects.

“Y-Yes…” I nod reluctantly, unable to resist the Baron’s intense gaze.

“It’s a picture, so of course it’ll need to be signed, right?”

I haven’t thought about that at all, but now that the Baron mentions it, I realize a picture is indeed a work of art and might require a signature.

“I think it will…” I reply hesitantly.

“In that case, I shall take it upon myself!” The Baron stands up and clenches his fist.

No, no, that would be a problem.