Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 310

Why am I cooperating with the Baron?

Creating the pamphlet is just a means to an end.

But what is my real purpose?

It’s not for money.

The shoe business still has a difficult road ahead, but I’ve already made connections and built up enough of a reputation to overcome it. Sara and I, as wealthy farmers, already have enough to retire comfortably. If necessary, I could even support my whole family in Sara’s village.

While I have responsibilities toward the business and can’t simply abandon it, why then am I involved with making a booklet?

If asked whether the shoe business alone isn’t enough, I would have to agree.

Still, I’ve seen too much.

Like when I realize, after reading a report, that the leading cause of adventurers’ retirement or death is slipping injuries, I can’t help but notice the massive inefficiencies behind the system when I see a clueless villager deliver a request at the adventurer guild counter by what seems like a miracle.

So, it couldn’t be helped.

“I couldn’t ignore it, could I?”

That’s the answer I give.

Five years ago, even if I had noticed it, I couldn’t have done anything about it.

But now, I can.

Through my shoe business, I’ve built connections with the church and the nobility. I’ve earned protection from one of the top clans and the leading military groups for commoners. With a decent amount of wealth behind me, I now have the means to reduce the inefficiencies that result in so much unnecessary loss of life and labor.

I have the skill, and I’m the only one with the desire to do this, so it can’t be helped.

“If someone else can take over, I’ll step aside at any time.”

That’s what I really think.

“You know, being a weirdo is a difficult thing, Kenji,” says Jilboa, the eccentric leader of a rough adventurer’s gang. He calls me that in a tone that almost seems to imply I am unmanly.

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“But, while I understand that there’s a benefit to all adventurers, and that it satisfies your heart, what about the company’s profits? As someone who’s invested in the shoe business, I’d have to stop if this is just a reckless investment,” Jilboa points out, a valid concern from a shareholder’s perspective.

In response, I explain the prior estimates.

The costs would be around 400 silver coins, and I have plans to reduce costs as well. But the real issue is the enormous amount of time that will be required for transcription.

“I see… But you do have a plan to solve that, right?” Jilboa asks.

“Well, yeah. But just talking about it isn’t convincing. Once the Baron’s paintings are finished, we’ll show the work. That’ll be the quickest way, right?”

Instead of directly answering, Jilboa places his left hand on the hilt of his sword and begins to speak in a low voice. “The reason I like you, Kenji, is because I can see you put your life on the line for each project you start. You can feel the weight of your life in the things you create.”

He then strikes the special pair of protective boots on his feet with his right hand.

“These shoes are a perfect example. In battle, your life depends on whether you can stand firm in slippery mud or on rocky ground. But even so, the other members of the Legion never doubt that your shoes will grip the ground securely. Whether they’re blocking a giant club with their shield, driving a lance into tough skin, or holding a crossbow in thick brush—no matter what.”

This is not just praise from Jilboa, but the highest compliment from the entire Sword Fangs Legion.