Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 329

After a short wait, the owner of the merchant’s house rushes out from the back of the store.

“Did someone from my household do something wrong?” he asks immediately, maintaining a humble tone.

Considering the situation—a runaway servant has been brought back by a suspicious-looking man accompanied by a burly bodyguard—it isn’t surprising that the owner assumes we’re here to lodge a complaint.

The servant must have sensed trouble and brought us straight to the master without asking too many questions.

“No, I apologize if there’s been a misunderstanding,” I say, quickly introducing myself. “I’m Kenji. I manufacture innovative shoes for church members and adventurers here in town.”

Not being involved in this city’s guilds or merchants’ meetings has its downsides in moments like these. Long-standing merchants often become familiar with other businesspeople.

However, the merchant seems to recognize the name of my business—or perhaps the Sword Fangs Legion’s reputation.

His gaze flickers to Kiriku, and he nods in apparent understanding.

“Ah, I see! How enviable—your business seems to be thriving. The Swordfang Brigade has generously supplied us with monster fat on several occasions,” he remarks.

That unexpected connection catches me off guard.

“Is that so?” I ask, glancing at Kiriku, who nods in confirmation.

While I’m not entirely aware of the arrangement, it’s plausible that the Legion occasionally sells special prey directly to merchants like him.

“So, about our Elan…” The merchant’s expression turns concerned. “I gave him a stern scolding about a week ago, and he vanished. I’ve been worried sick, wondering if he’s been kidnapped.”

His genuine worry is evident. There’s no trace of malice in his words or demeanor. I had wondered if Elan had been abused, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.

“This young man ran away from your house and ended up in a rundown adventurer’s inn,” I explain. “He was struggling there, so I decided to take him in. A place like that isn’t safe for someone like him.”

The owner’s eyes widen in shock. “In such a dangerous place! And in such filthy clothes…!”

Indeed, during his time at the inn, Elan likely hasn’t had access to a proper bath. Dust and grease cling to his hair and body, which might not have stood out among adventurers but becomes glaringly obvious in the clean streets of the second-tier district.

I give Elan a gentle push, urging him to step forward.

Elan bows deeply. “I’m sorry! I’m so sorry for worrying you!” he apologizes earnestly.

“Let’s discuss this later. First, you should go take a bath! This is truly…” The merchant trails off as Elan interrupts, bowing even deeper, his head nearly touching the ground.

“I would like to work under Mister Kenji’s care!” Elan declares.

The merchant looks stunned, his gaze darting between Elan and me. After a pause, he sighs and instructs one of his workers to prepare a seat and tea.

“Let’s hear the full story,” he says at last.

Elan remains bowing the entire time, never once lifting his head.