Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 101

First, according to Jilboa’s acquaintance, the heraldic officer, the parchment and seal are genuine. However, there’s a high possibility that the handwriting does not belong to the Count.

That said, since the scribe who usually writes the documents is absent for some reason, it’s possible that another person wrote it. While this is suspicious, it’s legally difficult to immediately determine whether the document is invalid based on this alone. If the Count’s side were to issue a false document, it would be a significant political issue, so directly questioning it might inadvertently confirm its authenticity.

From Swiberry’s father-in-law, the wealthy merchant, there is a response indicating that while he has many rivals among merchants, he has no idea who might be launching an attack at this time. Generally, merchants do not want to oppose the Sword Fangs Legion as a unified group. Moreover, there’s no reason to target a business that earns only small change, like the shoe business.

Small change, huh. Nice of them to say.

If that’s the case, it must be one of the Count’s subordinates.

Sara and her guard Kiriku, who went to get the tools, report no immediate move to seize the workshop’s business. They didn’t spot any suspicious personnel. The workshop is located at the back of Leather Street, so if any suspicious people came or went, it would be obvious.

Could it actually be someone with no subordinates or the ability to mobilize forces who is behind this? Or are they really planning to purchase it peacefully by paying an appropriate price?

We, who do not understand the nature of noble power and behavior, are only being tossed about by the situation.

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Days pass. 

Since the document supposedly from Count Lund arrived, there has been no movement from their side. However, the workshop is at a standstill, and I cannot return to the office. Business has come to a complete halt.

Is this the enemy’s goal? The opponent knows the rules, while we do not. They can attack us whenever they want, but we can’t retaliate. This method of fighting isn’t effective. We need to change the rules of engagement.

The next day, I decide to call Jilboa, Gooljin, and Gorgoro, the three shareholders, to discuss the matter at the Sword Fangs Legion’s office. It’s an important issue that will affect the future of the business.

“I’m thinking of going to the Count,” I begin.

“I see,” says Jilboa.

“What?!” exclaims Gooljin.

“Gah!” reacts Gorgoro.

The three show their surprise in different ways, but Jilboa is the first to recover.

“So, what do you plan to do?” he asks.

“Yes, yes! What are you going to do by barging into the Count’s place?” Gooljin inquires.

“If you go to a noble’s place, you might never come back!” warns Gorgoro.

I smile and reply, “If he wants to buy the business, I’ll sell it to him. At an exorbitant price.”

You won’t see any prospects if you just keep defending. There’s a saying that you can only see new possibilities when you throw yourself into the fray.

When I explain the plan to the three, they reluctantly agree. I don’t want to make such a risky gamble, but it can’t be helped.

It takes a few days to arrange the visit to the Count’s residence with Jilboa and Swiberry’s father-in-law’s help, so we prepare ourselves in the meantime.