Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 250

 "Do you remember when I asked you to look after the newbies while you were out gathering medicinal herbs in the spring?"

"It wasn't much of looking after them, really..."

While I was scattering 【Prayers】 and serving as a radar, it felt more like an impromptu party than actually taking care of them.

"That's good enough. None of them died, after all. But some of those who gained experience elsewhere have been going deeper into the forest, aiming for the big game. Some have indeed made good earnings that way, but more than ten have died since spring. And you see, the big game hasn't come back yet, right? I don't mind if idiots die, but... at this rate, the number will keep rising."

"Ah, well, with weddings and new territories and all sorts of celebrations happening... it would be best if there weren't too many deaths."

Protecting the citizens is one of the lord's duties. Whether the dead include any citizens is unknown, but having so many deaths in the territory right after a wedding... Seriana might get either really upset or laugh it off... Which one would it be?

"It's fifty-fifty..."

He nods as if he understands perfectly. My guess is that she'll laugh first, then get upset.

"Right? If it were a dungeon, I could intervene as much as I want, but outside..."

He scratches his head, looking troubled. Well, I can't tell adventurers not to chase monsters, and even if I tell them to be careful, the ones who would listen aren't the ones likely to die.

"So, what do you want me to do?"

Since he called me all the way here, he must want something more than just venting.

"You could talk to either the lord or the lady, right? Then let me know how it goes. That would give us an excuse to caution the adventurers."

"I can talk to both, but... is that all?"

"That's enough. If the lord and lady are concerned about the increasing number of adventurer deaths, they won't stay silent."

He's leaving the decision to me... Well, it’s more like appeasing them, so that should be fine. But...

"Shouldn't we tell Alex?"

He's been busy lately, but if it involves adventurers, it should be Alex's job...

"He's the captain, so involving him would blow things out of proportion. You can talk to him if you want, but informing the lord and lady should be your task. Besides, he's currently organizing the territory's warrior corps. Affairs within the capital are our job."

Does that include me too...

"Got it. Well, I guess I can handle it casually..."

Here, Vice-Captain Seria will step up.

◇

After finishing my conversation with the branch manager and passing through the bustling hall of the Adventurers' Guild to leave...

"Hey, Vice-Captain Sera!"

As I was making my way through, someone called out to me. Even though the branch manager was seeing me off, someone dared to call out to me—quite the bold one.

"Shaaa!"

I threatened him by releasing my red snakes from both arms, and he raised his hands in surrender. I don't know his name, but I've seen him around here a few times—an older man.

"I need to talk to you. Is that alright?"

"Hm? Sure, but..."

This is a first.

"Seria, how old are you?"

"I'm 11 this year."

I answered since he asked, but... what kind of question is that?

"I see..."

He muttered and seemed lost in thought. I looked to the branch manager, but he also shook his head, indicating he had no idea. After a few seconds of thinking, the man raised his head.

"My kid is 12 and wants to become an adventurer. What do you think about letting him hunt outside?"

That's quite...

"I don't want to meddle in others' family matters, but... he might die?"

"Yeah, I figured..."

He looked troubled, holding his head in his hands. I just heard about adults dying left and right. Maybe his kid begged him, but it's way too dangerous.

"Were you born in this city? And your kid wants to be an adventurer?"

"Yeah... so, well... can't something be done?"

The branch manager and the man exchanged a knowing look, then the branch manager turned to me and spoke.

"Hey, can I ask one more favor?"