Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 71

A visit from an unfamiliar man.

I left my sword in the room. The dagger in my pocket feels alarmingly inadequate.

The large man accompanying the man in the red robe is undoubtedly a bodyguard. I have never seen him at the Adventurer’s Guild before. He is not a rookie but rather someone from a clan with an established office or a full-time professional. He is probably much more skilled than I am.

I give him a quick glance and respond to the greeting. “Good morning. Have we met before?”

“Yes. We might have crossed paths somewhere.”

I am pretty confident in my ability to remember people. This is definitely my first time meeting this man with that fake smile.

“As you can see, I’m eating right now. Could you please wait a moment?”

The man then silently takes a seat in the chair directly in front of me.

“That’s a reserved seat. Could you please choose another?”

The man in the red robe smirks. “Kenji-san, could you come with me?”

“If it’s a consultation, we can do it here.”

“No, no. I have something to show you, so please, come with us.”

He repeats it twice. It’s definitely not something good.

The large bodyguard behind him takes a step forward.

Should I act? If I throw my tea and use the dagger to take the man in front of me as a hostage… I gauge the timing.

“Hey, can I have some tea too?” At that moment, Sara, coming down the stairs, calls out to me. “Oh? A guest? Weren’t you supposed to be going out today?”

“Right.” I answer without looking away from the bodyguard. “I was called by Jilboa of the Sword Fangs Legion. If I don’t leave soon, he’ll start to worry. It’s an important meeting after all,” I emphasize the Sword Fangs Legion and the importance of the meeting. If this doesn’t work, then it’s all over.

The man in the red robe stares at me intensely, then stands up silently and leaves the inn without a word.

“What was that? Who was he?” Sara asks

“I’d like to know too. No, maybe I don’t want to know,” I answer Sara while wiping the sweat from my palms.

The dagger in my pocket feels unnervingly cold.

◇　◇　◇　◇　◇

Information has leaked. To whom, and from where? And how far has it spread? There are many things I’m concerned about, but there’s no countermeasure even if I find out.

I quickly return to my room on the second floor, strap on my sword belt, and tell Sara, “Sara, we’re changing inns. We’ll move to one closer to the Sword Fangs Legion in the Second District.”

“Huh? But the rent in that area is three times what we’re paying now,” she replies.

“It’s fine. I’ll cover it. Hurry up and pack your things.”

I also pack my belongings. There’s quite a bit of documentation, including parchment and boards. Most of my assets are hidden elsewhere.

On the other hand, Sara doesn’t have much. Her Engel’s coefficient must be high. I guess her increased income likely goes towards her food expenses.

A familiar novice adventurer happens to pass by, so I pay him in copper coins to help with the luggage.

“Are you two moving to a new place?” he asks.

“I’ve accumulated too much stuff, and the innkeeper has been making snide remarks, so we’re changing inns,” I reply casually.

That’s half true. I’ve accumulated more documents, and the innkeeper has become quite a nuisance with his petty demands.

While searching for an office in the Second District, I found an inn that caught my eye.

For the time being, I’ll use that place to store my belongings and as a base.

Anyway, the information has leaked. I have no choice but to move forward with my plan ahead of schedule.

◇　◇　◇　◇　◇

When I arrive at the Sword Fangs Legion office, I meet with Jilboa.

“I’m here to offer you another 100 pairs of shoes.”

“No, we don’t need them immediately, but… I see.”

“That’s right. We’ll supply 100 pairs each year, including next year.”

“Not bad. So, you need to protect yourself. Were you threatened or something?”

I ignore that and continue the conversation.

“Do you have any acquaintances among merchants who transport goods between cities? Ideally, a large one.”

“I do. Someone who left our the clan. So…”

“That’s right. I’d like you to introduce me to them, as I’ll be selling to them as well. Of course, only after supplying the Sword Fangs Legion first.”

“What’s in it for the Sword Fangs Legion?”

“Aren’t the shoes enough?”

“Just shoes aren’t enough.”

Damn it. This is why I dislike smart people.

“Regarding the 100 pairs of shoes, won’t there be a need for sales channels for any surplus? Preferably in another city, with a premium.”

“…I see. By the way, what if I refuse?”

“I’ll take the matter to Dawn of the Swift.”

Dawn of the Swift is one of the top clans in this city that competes directly compete with the Sword Fangs Legion.

Jilboa leans back into his chair with a creak. “That’s not a good move.”

“Yeah. I’d prefer not to do that.”

Jilboa looks me in the eye as I continue.

“Because I want to remain friends with you.”

“So do I.”

Jilboa and I shake hands.