Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 74

On the way to the caravan’s regular camp, Sara speaks to me in a low voice. “Hey, hey, I figured something out too. Why didn’t that guy understand it?”

“Shh, keep your voice down. Imagine, Sara, if you were walking alone with outsiders, and something happened behind you. What would you do?”

“Of course I’d run away. Even if I look like this, I’m fast on my feet.”

“Then, what if your party was attacked?”

“I’d turn around and fight, of course.”

“Exactly. Gooljin started with one carriage and built up his wealth. Back then, abandoning the rear and escaping was the right choice if something happened. But now, as the leader of an eight-carriage caravan, the correct approach has changed.”

“Ah, I see.”

Gooljin turns to us with a scowl and speaks in a low voice. “Got anything else you want to chirp about?”

Sara hides behind me with a squeak, saying, “Hii.”

He must have heard it… Well, never mind.

“What I said is based on logic. But in reality, it’s difficult. The speed of a carriage changes daily depending on the weight of the cargo and the condition of the horses. Only the caravan leader can notice that. You should make time every morning to discuss with the carriage drivers. They know the condition of the horses better than anyone. Explain that you don’t want anyone left behind, and get an accurate estimate of the speed. The leader should ride in the last carriage. The strongest guards should focus on combat. That way, both the caravan’s morale and the battle will be stabilized.”

“Hmmm,” Gooljin says, rubbing his chin with his large hand and snorting. “I don’t like it. But you seem to have a sharp mind. Want to join our caravan?”

“I’ll pass. My knees aren’t in good shape. If the carriage tips over, I’d be left behind.”

I had considered switching to caravan guard work after retiring from adventuring. However, since I retired due to a leg injury, that path is no longer available to me.

“Yeah, you’d better avoid it. If the carriage gets attacked, you might be left behind. Walking long distances can be common, especially on slopes, with heavy cargo, or when there’s a lot of water. If you can’t walk, you can’t be a caravan guard.”

“True. It’s the same for adventurers. The profitable opportunity I brought is a way to change that.”

I lift the wooden box I have been carrying to show them. Suddenly, I hear a sound of something being struck. Looking in the direction of the noise, I see Swiberry sheathing his sword.

“What, it’s just a pickpocket,” Swiberry says lightly, standing in front of an unconscious person.

But there’s no way a pickpocket would target a group with the leader of a major caravan and the vice-captain of the Sword Fangs Legion. Look at those bare feet and outstretched hands. The nails are neatly trimmed.

Time is running out more quickly than I expected. My anxiety grows, but I can’t afford to waste the advantage I’ve built through negotiations with Gooljin.

I try to maintain a casual demeanor and walk in silence.