Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 247

 "Hey, I understand that Seria is becoming the deputy chief, but... what exactly is going to change? You called us here specifically. It’s not just for a meet-and-greet, right?"

Jighart urged Seriana to continue.

He had a few more personal questions he wanted to ask, but decided to hold off for now. It was best to quietly step back.

"That is one of the purposes, yes. Up until now, as a city in the Zelkis territory, we were limited in the number of soldiers we could have, which placed a heavy burden on adventurers. But now that we have become an independent territory, we can have our own knight order. Bases are being set up in various parts of the territory even now, but adventurers are still being called upon for defense, right? That will be handled by soldiers from now on."

"That's good, but can you increase the number that easily? Even if you just increase the number, they'll dwindle just as easily. We were recruiting from the adventurers while you were in the capital, but we can't do any more."

"Monsters around here are strong..."

The phrase "dwindling" is a harsh way to put it, but many of the soldiers around the capital weren't very strong. They were polite enough, but the soldiers in this city, while not as polite, were quite strong even among the regular troops. If we’re considering activities outside the city, just increasing numbers won’t mean much.

"Don't worry. We have arrangements with the knight order in the capital to recruit and train soldiers from the surrounding areas before sending them here. It won't be ready this year, but it should be by next spring."

"The knight order in the capital agreed to that, huh? Ah... right, Sir Arios is close to General Yuzeph."

Seriana shrugged at Fiora's comment.

"We were planning to rely on that connection..."

"What?"

She paused and looked at us.

"Seria earned a favor from the knight order. With the selection, training, and a full set of equipment, it balanced out."

"Oh... that? Isn’t that pushing it a bit too far?"

They mentioned receiving something appropriate from the knight order, and it turned out to be this.

"Considering the heads of the upper echelon, it’s reasonable."

"What exactly happened?"

Jighart asked with a suspicious look.

Yeah, what did happen?

"Seria was attacked by soldiers on duty at the palace."

"Was she alone? What about Alec?"

"It was right during the ceremony, so both Elena and I were there. We didn't think it would happen, but we had guards assigned... and they exploited that gap perfectly."

Both Jighart and Fiora looked shocked.

"Then... well, that makes sense."

"Right? Now, to the main point. I'd like one of you, preferably both, to become Alec’s deputy. Moving forward, cooperation between adventurers and the knight order will be necessary, and you two are the best for that role in Alec’s absence. I know you can take command if needed, regardless of the title, but..."

"If the knight order is involved, it's less troublesome, right? Being a deputy as we are now is fine? Sure, I'll take it."

Jighart accepted without hesitation.

"Yes, and I can use the authority if needed? Then I don’t mind either."

Fiora agreed as well.

Their quick decisions made me feel like my earlier hesitation was unnecessary.

"Thank you. Our activity range will expand, and I can't keep an eye on everything from the capital. Having you two around will be reassuring."

"Alec, you’ve been talking to various adventurers, but... they’re not suitable? I mean, I also feel more comfortable relying on you two if something happens, but..."

"Hm? No, it’s not that. It’s just that adventurers and knights have different standings. When conflicts arise, it’s better to have someone who can resolve them forcefully if needed. Besides, the main role for adventurers is the dungeon exploration once it’s established. The knights will handle the management, but the exploration will be led by adventurers. Giving them more authority outside of that now would be premature."

Already dealing with middle-management issues...

With Jighart and the others, nobody would interfere, and they wouldn’t do anything reckless... they’re perfect for the job.