Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 327

With Franz joining the Sword Fangs Legion, there is no financial burden in hiring Elan.

As an apprentice, his salary will be modest, and if he lacks a place to stay, I wouldn’t mind helping him out.

However, there is another issue.

“Even so, we need to address things with your former merchant employer,” I say.

Judging by the worn state of Elan’s clothes, it’s clear he hasn’t been gone long—perhaps a week or two at most.

Most likely, he secured his position in the merchant’s household through connections, perhaps through family or relatives. Leaving so abruptly would have inconvenienced those who vouched for him, and his absence is likely already causing trouble.

“First, you need to explain the situation to your family. Then, you must go to your previous employer and apologize. If you truly want to work for me, you’ll need to handle this properly.”

Hearing this, Elan’s face crumples, and his shoulders tremble. “But… I just want to draw…” he says, his voice breaking.

He lowers his head, his shoulders shaking, and tears begin to fall in droplets.

The stares from those around us, especially Sara’s piercing gaze, make me feel like I am the villain in this situation.

It’s unfair—I haven’t done anything wrong!

“Kenji,” Sara says softly, her tone carrying disapproval.

When I glance at Kiriku and Franz, they quickly avert their eyes, unwilling to meet my gaze.

I sigh. There is no way around it.

“Elan, I didn’t say I wouldn’t hire you,” I say gently. “But you need to settle things first. Apologize to your family and your former employer. I’ll go with you.”

If I’m going to take responsibility for him, it’s only right to involve his parents. Additionally, as my workshop grows, we’ll eventually need to hire not just skilled craftsmen but also apprentices like Elan. This could be a chance to gain experience in managing such situations.

“Yes… thank you,” Elan says, wiping his tears and snot with his sleeve. His dirty face lights up slightly with gratitude.

◇　◇　◇　◇　◇

Later, I instruct Elan and Franz to pack up their belongings from the inn where they are staying.

Kiriku and I talk as we walk back.

“About hiring Franz—that’s fine. But is the Sword Fangs Legion really short on people? Aren’t they getting recruits from noble houses and merchant families these days?”

As the Sword Fangs Legion’s reputation grows, even those who once avoided them now seek connections.

These include wealthy merchants offering financial backing or noble families sending recruits for training and prestige.

The merchants seek military protection in emergencies, while nobles want the cachet of having trained with the Sword Fangs Legion.

Kiriku shrugs in response to my question. “Those kinds of people are outsiders. If the Legion’s fortunes ever decline, they’ll leave in a heartbeat. What we need are homegrown recruits from rural villages.”

I understand—it’s like how rapidly growing companies prefer fresh graduates to ensure cultural cohesion.

The Legion, having gained fame and wealth so quickly, is experiencing an identity crisis.

With Jilboa’s charismatic leadership, this isn’t a problem for now, but Kiriku might be sensing the cracks beneath the surface.

“Maybe I should talk to Jilboa about this,” I say thoughtfully.

Jilboa has been so engrossed in his duties lately that he probably hasn’t noticed the strain his success is putting on the Legion. While such issues might not bother a hero like him, they could weigh heavily on those around him.

Considering how many times I’ve owed Jilboa favors, it might be time to return the gesture.