Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 78

Before leaving, Jilboa gives me a subtle glance, which I respond to with a nod of acknowledgment. It is his way of saying, ‘You owe me one.’

Throughout the meeting, Jilboa consistently supports my position and plays a role in keeping Gooljin in check. For the Sword Fangs Legion, the share of 2,000 silver coins from the sales of adventurer’s shoes in the first year seems insignificant. The greater benefit is the ample distribution of the shoes to the legion members, which leads to much more substantial results from the high-level quests made easier by the shoes.

So, for now, Jilboa backs me, the manufacturer. This support is based on rational decision-making and, for the time being, seems quite reliable. However, if the business profits soars and the figures increase by two digits, the situation might change.

Jilboa suddenly tosses a metal ring from the box at his side. “Take this. It’ll keep the insects away.”

It is a bracelet that signifies membership in the Sword Fangs Legion.

“I wasn’t going to join the Sword Fangs Legion…” I start to say.

“I didn’t say you had to join. It’s just for keeping insects away while you’re making the shoes,” Jilboa clarifies.

It is likely that Swiberry reported the earlier pickpocket incident. I decided to accept it gratefully.

“In that case, give me one more.”

Jilboa grins and silently tosses me another bracelet.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

As I exit the office, the orange glow of the setting sun begins to bathe the city in its light.

It has been quite a long discussion.

I let out a deep sigh. The major hurdle of setting up the business is over, but all that has been decided is the structure. From now on, I have to manage the practical aspects of the operation. And in terms of reliable people for these tasks, there is no one else but me.

I can’t help but sigh at the long road ahead to cultivate trustworthy people and build a solid system.

I glance back and see Sara following me.

“By the way, Sara, wear this,” I say, handing her the bracelet from Jilboa, which signifies membership in the Sword Fangs Legion.

“What’s this for?” Sara asks.

“I’m wearing one too. Things are going to get a bit dangerous from now on. It would be problematic if you were taken hostage,” I explain.

Sara slips the bracelet onto her wrist, and her face lights up with a broad smile. As we make our way to the new inn in the Second District, she keeps grinning with an unsettling, creepy smile.

Well, considering that the Sword Fangs Legion bracelet is every adventurer’s dream, I can understand her excitement.

“Hey, remember, it’s borrowed. Don’t lose it,” I warn.

Whether Sara hears my warning or not, her grin doesn’t fade. She continues to smile, even after we return to the inn, have dinner, and go back to our room, where she keeps fondling the bracelet.

She’ll probably visit the Adventurers’ Guild tomorrow and pointlessly show it off.