Reincarnated into a Game as the Hero’s Friend - Chapter 25
Since noon I’ve been in the royal palace for a meeting with both the Crown Prince and Father, then went to Adventurer Guild for another meeting, after that, I was training my spearmanship. I’m just a student, but why is my life as busy as some kind of manga protagonist?
In the game, you only need to appoint a person in charge then the expedition will depart on the same day, but real life isn’t that convenient. You need to prepare a lot of things that even one week is too short for preparation time.
I have no choice but to use my authority as a noble to pressure the merchants to hurry with their preparation. Others might be confused about the reason why I’m in such a hurry, but as someone who has the game knowledge, I know we don’t have enough time.
While spending those busy days, finally the Hunt & Rear day has come.
“Let’s not drag this out and go ahead with the introduction. I’m Welner von Zeavert.”
“I am Mazell Hearthing. I am a student.”
“I’m Luguentz Lazer, an adventurer.”
“I’m Oliver Gekke. I work as a mercenary.”
“I am Avant from the Bierstedt Company. I have been entrusted as the person in charge of the merchant corps.”
“I’m Felix! You can call me Feli.”
Three of us are the game’s important characters, while the other three are characters that never appeared in the game. It’s a strange combination. Most of the people here look confused by Feli’s existence in this meeting.
The oldest here is Avant, though he’s still in his thirties. Two of us are students and there’s one 14-year-old kid.
I’m glad none of them seem to be dissatisfied with the tea poured by one of the count’s maids, especially Feli. That guy keeps throwing sugars into his tea without any reserve. Doesn’t he know how expensive sugars are?
“I am thankful for everyone’s willingness to gather here… is what I want to say, but since I’m sure everyone is busy, let’s just skip the pleasantries. No need to mind your manner either.”
I said that, but I think the only person here who’s used to noble manners is Avant. Plus if I use noble manners in front of someone like Feli, I’m sure he will get sick of me and just go home.
“First, Mazell and Luguentz. Please tell us about your experience in the ancient shrine when both of you went there last week.”
“Ok.”
While I was running here and there to prepare for the expedition of the merchant corps, I heard that Mazell and Luguentz went to the ancient shrine to train.
Their training itself went without any problem, but Luguentz noticed a strange phenomenon, so they have been investigating it.
“When Mazell and I were on our way to the shrine, I noticed that many unfamiliar demons had appeared.”
Luguentz spoke first and after that Mazell added, “At first, I thought they are the remnants of the recent demon outbreak, but after some investigation, I found that none of the demons matched any demons I have fought in the outbreak.”
“I have heard of a similar phenomenon from my fellow merchants. They said that they have recently witnessed many unfamiliar demons appear in the vicinity of the capital.”
As expected, a merchant’s network is quite wide. Though both Feli and Gekke stayed silent while drinking their tea, their expressions are also serious.
“It seems like the situation has become more troublesome than I expected. Avant-dono, Gekke, Feli. The journey of the merchant corps might be pretty dangerous, are the three of you fine with that?”
Half of my words are lies. The situation is actually close to my expectation. Despite that, I still need to confirm their willingness. Gekke put down his teacup and gave me a simple answer, “Since it’s a job, it’s not a problem. I just need to be more vigilant in protecting the merchant corps.”
By the way, I was surprised when I heard Gekke is willing to be the leader of the merchant corps escort team. It seems because of my action in the recent demon outbreak, Gekke evaluation of me is quite high.
A connection to a noble must be both a blessing and a curse for Gekke. Despite the risk, he still chooses to take up the job of being the leader of the escort team. It’s outside of my expectation, but I’m really grateful.
After all, he’s someone who was appointed in a commander role at the recent demon outbreak. His ability as a leader is no longer a question.
If I have one complaint… maybe because he’s a former noble, but he’s handsome. I’ve always wondered why the ratio of handsome men near me is so high.
“I also don’t mind, I just need to be more vigilant and the chance of getting attacked is high. Only these two, right?”
Feli said it lightly, but other than me, everyone looked at Feli with doubt.
“It’s not my place to say this, but it’s going to be really troublesome, you know.”
“I will do it.”
After an immediate reply, Feli put a pastry into his mouth. I don’t know what happened since our last meeting for Feli to be this determined, but well I guess it’s fine since it worked in my favor.
Perhaps being convinced by Feli’s determination, both Gekke and Luguentz didn’t say anything. Rather, the person who asked me in a whisper is Mazell.
“…Welner. It’s really fine to trust him, right?”
“Yeah. You can trust his ability.”
“If you said so, I guess it’s fine.”
Why are you trusting him just based on what I said? I’m worried you’re too gullible to the point you might believe in some strange cult in the future, Mazell. Or maybe Mazell just instinctively sensed that Feli is going to be his future comrade?
Anyway, there’s one thing that I’m curious about Feli’s action.
“I’m thankful that you’ve become determined, Feli. But why?”
Feli stopped eating the pastry, and with a serious expression, he looked into my eyes. I instinctively straighten my back.
“You remember that day when I asked you about the job?”
“Ah, yeah.”
Though I was surprised since it was so sudden.
“That day, a child in the orphanage was suffering from a severe illness. But the orphanage has no money to call for a doctor or to buy medicine. That’s why I wanted a job.”
Ah… I see. That’s why despite being the one that first asked me for a job, Feli seemed disinterested when I explained to him about the expedition. However, his expression immediately changed when I gave him the money.
What Feli needs is a job that can give him money right away, not some long-term job.
“But because of the money you give me, I can bring that child to a doctor and also buy some medicine. That money saved that child’s life.”
He said that while looking directly into my eyes. The will of his gaze doesn’t seem to be something that belongs to a 13-14 years old boy. So this is the gaze of a member of the hero party.
“I owe you a debt, Viscount-sama. That’s why I’m willing to do this job. That’s all.”
“I understand your reasoning, but stop calling me Viscount-sama. It’s up to you to think of it as a debt, but do know that I have no actual intention to put you in my debt.”
He just nodded. So do you or do you not understand… Ah well, whatever. I understand where his willingness comes from. Though I never expected my investment to return this way, I guess it’s fine since in the end everything turned out well.
From Feli, who continued chewing the pastry, I turned to Avant. I also saw Mazell nod his head. Though I don’t know if Mazell understood Feli’s reasoning, or if he was just convinced that Feli can be trusted.
“I am also fine with it.”
Avant nodded deeply. Since he was the one who was less accustomed to fighting, I asked him again just in case.
“Are you really fine with it?”
“Yes. You see, price increases in times of danger, so I will be able to make more profit.”
This guy was thinking about profit? Merchants are amazing.
To think they are willing to risk their life fighting monsters for some profits, the people of this world are amazing. While still filled with amazement, I continued our discussion.