Chapter 607

Debut Party (16)
I learned something unexpected about Shelche’s background, but it seems she has no intention of walking the path of a government official anymore.
She had left home after fighting with her family over it, so I suppose facing them again would just be awkward now.
She seems much happier being with Ula and Elsa, so I won’t say anything about it.

Modalphas apparently wanted her as a clerk familiar with the adventurer side of things, but there’s no need to force her into the job.
When she retires from being an adventurer, I’ll try recruiting her again then.

“This party’s food is really delicious. Do you eat this well every day, Lily?”

“Not this fancy, no. This is a big party, so we went all-out with the ingredients.”

“I see. But I guess becoming a Platinum Merchant really changes your lifestyle, huh?”

“It does. Until not long ago, I was living above the Spider’s Cotton Cloud, but now I’m in this mansion.”

“A mansion this big… I can’t help but admire it.”

“It’s not all that great, Ula.”

Honestly, just moving around the place is exhausting.
My bedroom and study are close together, but the workshop where I make clothes is way off in another part of the house.
A big house means lots of walking, and that alone is good exercise.
I don’t go hunting anymore, but I’m still staying in shape—though it’s not exactly easy.
I never thought just living here would count as a workout.

“By the way, are the Rock Wolves working properly? I figured with your Kiblinki Saltas around, there wouldn’t be much for them to do.”

“That’s not true, Elsa. The Rock Wolves are smaller than the Kiblinki Saltas, so they can maneuver more easily. In a crowd, one can move over rooftops while the other runs along the streets—they can corner criminals that way. In Vardmoi, both are considered top-class guards.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I’ve been away from town a lot lately, so I was worried.”

“No need to be. They make great use of each other’s strengths.”

The Kiblinki Saltas are highly praised in Vardmoi, but the Rock Wolves—who’ve been around even longer—are just as capable.
Their agility and their keen sense of smell make them nightmares for criminals in crowded streets.
Plus, the children like them more than the Saltas.
Well, wolves are just cooler, after all.

“So, how’s adventuring been lately? I quit when I reached Green-rank, so I don’t really know what it’s like for Blue Adventurers.”

“It’s tough. We’re not Red, and we’re not Green. People tend to treat us like we’re stuck in between.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Merchants with money usually hire Red Adventurers for escorts, while those with less hire Green ones. We don’t fit neatly into either category. Monster hunts wear down our gear, but escort missions don’t come often. It’s a difficult position.”

I see… that sounds rough.
Now that I think about it, Melanie from the Adventurers’ Guild once said there are fewer Blue Adventurers than Reds.
I can see why now.

Maybe there’s something I can do to help… Ah, I know!

“Keuko, I’ve got a favor to ask.”

“You want me to train these girls, correct? We might be living on the road soon, but if that’s acceptable, I’ll gladly take it on.”

Yes! That was quick—what a relief!

Ula and the others agreed right away, so that’s settled.
Once the party’s over, I’ll review their equipment and get them some proper training.

Alizée is apparently hoping they’ll become exclusive to the Saltas Company afterward, but I won’t push them.
Still… it’d be nice if that connection formed naturally.

What do you think about this chapter?