Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 308

Several demonic wolves are caught in the trap.

By the time we accompany the Baron to the cave, the growling of the demonic wolves can already be heard.

“How’s it going?” Swiberry asks.

A member who seems to be on guard replies, “Two were caught. They’ve already been tied up.”

As usual, the members of the Sword Fangs Legion are exceptionally competent.

The Baron, likely impressed by their swift movements over the past few days, jokingly asks, “Jilboa, any plans to become my vassals? I’d be happy if you could just lend me your subordinates.”

A few years ago, that might have been a casual offer, but now, Jilboa and his group’s influence has grown to the point that no astute noble in the Earldom can ignore them. Even the Baron can no longer employ them at will.

On the other hand, if the Baron were to take on the Sword Fangs Legion, it could raise politically sensitive questions about his intentions.

While joking, the Baron seems to recognize just how valuable capable adventurers are for monster-watching expeditions.

It is possible, however, that he has simply cast aside political considerations and is recruiting out of impulse.

To my surprise, Jilboa, who is known for his excellent political sense, responds,

“Baron, we have our own ambitions and cannot serve you as your vassals, but we would be willing to cooperate with your business.”

In the context of aristocratic conversation, this is as good as a yes.

This response seems to cause more turmoil among the other members of the group than it does me. It is clear that Jilboa places great importance on this request.

Up until then, the atmosphere had been relaxed, as they were dealing with goblins and wolves, but suddenly, it feels as though the tension in the air has shifted.

Thinking back, I realize that a change in atmosphere can’t physically make a sound, but at the time, it definitely felt as though something shifted.

On behalf of the members, Vice-Captain Swiberry asks Jilboa, “Captain, is this project something that will contribute to our goals?”

Jilboa nods without hesitation. “Yes, the Baron’s project will certainly help smooth our path.”

Upon hearing this, the members let out silent murmurs of approval—”Oh…”

Once again, I find myself observing Jilboa’s charisma at work. I can’t help but feel a little left out. I think to myself, What?

I am sure I explained the same thing to the members just the other day, but their reaction is completely different.

It can’t be helped. When it comes to convincing people, it’s more about who says something than what is actually said.

◇　◇　◇　◇　◇

The two wolves pulled from the hole are bound in chains, just like the goblins the day before.

The Baron immediately begins sketching the living monsters, and I become his assistant.

What has changed is the attitude of the other members.

The group, which had kept its distance from us and regarded us with unsettling looks until recently, now watches us closely. They even occasionally ask the Baron questions, to which the Baron responds with a pleased smile.

Watching this, I have a vague sense that I might be witnessing a moment when the meaning of the adventurer profession is changing.