Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 348

A few days later, I end up having lunch with Jilboa at the office.

Apparently, arrangements have been made for us to eat there.

Thinking about it, I’ve met Jilboa for work and had tea with him many times, but aside from when we were camping, I don’t remember ever having a meal together in town.

“When the Captain’s in town, he eats with people other than the members. He’s a busy man, after all.” That’s what Kiriku says when it comes to Jilboa and food.

“The Captain’s quite the catch. He’s busy being invited to garden parties and banquets with nobles, and he’s adored by the daughter of a wealthy merchant.”

Since the Vice-Captain, Swiberry, married a wealthy merchant in town, it seems Jilboa is also being eyed by other wealthy merchants as a potential son-in-law.

Although Jilboa doesn’t hold a title, he carries himself with the dignity and presence that would put any aristocrat to shame. He’s also famous for his skills. As the commander of the Sword Fangs Legion, an exceptional military force led by a commoner, he commands respect.

For wealthy and powerful merchants, the biggest concern is exposure to even stronger powers or unreasonable violence.

Nobles and the church constantly look for ways to take away the wealth their ancestors built up, and during times of famine, starving commoners can turn into mobs and attack.

The military strength of Jilboa and the Sword Fangs Legion is a powerful ally — a guarantee of safety and wealth.

Even if they had to marry off one or two of their daughters to this man, no merchant would regret it.

However, with Jilboa’s appearance, “the other person will quickly take him seriously.”

It’s precisely because he doesn’t have a title that a town girl might become infatuated with him, thinking that perhaps he could be hers. How sinful.

After Kiriku finishes gossiping about Jilboa, he suddenly says, “Even the sub-captain isn’t without merit.”

“Well, I don’t want that kind of flattery,” I reply with a wry smile.

I have no intention of competing with that guy in looks.

“That’s right. Kenji won’t be able to do it,” Sara says, sounding oddly pleased.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

Jilboa is waiting for us in the office.

The usual drawing room has been neatly tidied up. Tall chairs and tables have been brought in, and on the pure white tablecloth are dishes, plates, cups, forks, and knives for everyone.

“Wow, how lovely!” Sara says happily.

“What is this?” I ask, confused.

“A friend of mine got promoted, so it’s a small celebration,” he explains. Then he points to the high-end-looking tableware lined up on the table. “This porcelain is from a famous workshop in the East. Without an opportunity like this, these pieces would just gather dust in the warehouse. If you let the members use them, they’d break them right away.”

Certainly, at Jilboa’s level, he must receive mountains of gifts and tributes from nobles and wealthy merchants.

These dishes might be one of those gifts.

At the recent banquet I attended, hosted by Father Nicolo, the food was sumptuous, but I was so nervous I couldn’t enjoy it.

Now, Sara is happy too, so let’s enjoy this small celebration with just our friends.