Rajah’s Worries
Rajah readily agreed to sell accessories in my store, but when the conversation turned to asking her to take Anny as an apprentice, she suddenly fell deep in thought.
Was there some reason behind this?
"Hmm, this is a tough one. What to do…"
"Is there something inconvenient about it, Mrs. Rajah?"
"It's not exactly an inconvenience, but it might stir up trouble about who will take over this workshop."
"This workshop?"
"Yes. Well, come on in. I'll make some tea."
Following Rajah’s suggestion, we moved to the parlor space at the back of the workshop.
As we sipped tea, Rajah began talking about her workshop.
"This workshop was originally something I set up when I went independent. Back then, times were tough, but somehow, with my late husband, we managed to make a living."
Rajah had established the workshop after marrying her husband, who had trained at another workshop.
Together, they overcame many hardships while continuing to make good products and running the business.
However, the issue seemed to be with her son.
"Our son gave up on becoming a craftsman and became an adventurer. I don’t have a problem with that, but he’s barely scraping by as a Blue-rank adventurer. Despite all these years, he hasn't moved up to Red-rank. And, on top of that, he’s a show-off, buying things he can't afford. Every time, he comes to me to borrow money."
Hmm, from what I hear, he sounds like a real problem.
Buying things beyond his means is not a good habit, especially for an adventurer.
They rely on their bodies as their livelihood, so if something were to happen, and they couldn't work anymore, they’d be in big trouble.
Adventurers often fall into debt slavery because of that.
When I asked if they could stop him somehow, Rajah shook her head.
She explained that since he was the only child she had with her late husband, she had spoiled him too much.
Hmm, that’s not good.
As we were talking, the sound of the shop’s entrance being flung open echoed through the space.
What was going on?
"What’s happening?"
"Let’s go check."
"No, you two stay here. This is a family matter."
"Don’t say that. I have strong guards with me."
"We don't have time for this. Let's go."
We rushed towards the shop, where a group of rough-looking men was inspecting the accessories.
"What do you lot think you're doing?"
"Eh? You the one called Rajah?"
"That's right. Who are you?"
"We're debt collectors, here to collect on the mess this guy made!"
With that, the rough-looking man kicked out a figure who was bound tightly with rope.
Who is this?
"… Gid!?"
"Rajah, do you know him?"
"He's my son! What did he do?"
"He failed a bodyguard job. Some jewel merchant got robbed by bandits while moving between cities. This idiot now owes 400,000 Rubies as compensation!"
"Is that true, Gid?"
"Y-Yeah… I'm sorry, Mom. It's all my fault…"
"So, we’re taking this shop’s goods as payment. Got a problem with that?"
This was getting messy.
But was it really true that the jewel merchant had been robbed?
I exchanged glances with Alizée, who seemed to understand, and she stepped forward.
"Pardon me. Who exactly is this jewel merchant?"
"Huh? Who the hell are you?"
"My name is Alizée, a representative from the Trade Guild. So, who is this merchant?"
"W-Well, we're just hired collectors, so we don't know the details…"
"Then I suggest you leave. Punishing adventurers for failed contracts falls under the jurisdiction of the Adventurers' Guild. Furthermore, the Trade Guild offers insurance for goods lost during transport. If this merchant didn’t use it, then they’re at fault as well, wouldn't you say?"
"Uh, well…"
"If you're going to lie, I’d recommend coming up with a better one. Now, please leave."
"Dammit! You'll regret this!"
The thugs spat out typical villainous threats as they left the shop.
So, they were trying to scam us for the goods.
And now, the one left behind was Rajah’s son, still tied up and unable to move.
What should we do with him?
What do you think about this chapter?
