68 - Financial Aid
Borrowing the garden of the Sarcly family, I check everyone's equipment.
Basically, most adventurers wear light gear.
Because of that, the Second Generation shares their impression after looking at everyone.
『...Wow, they look unreliable.』
The Third Generation also says with a laugh.
『If it were me, I'd send them packing.』
We, the adventurer group, are probably fine.
Our equipment is well-prepared, so while we look mismatched as mercenaries, we are dressed to fight.
――Except for Monica.
"Monica, take off that dress, or rather, that maid outfit,"
I say, pressing my hand to my face in exasperation, and Monica responds instantly.
"I refuse! I decline! No way!"
She shows a resolute posture of refusal, but I know it won't hinder her in combat.
However, the appearance is the problem.
"Well, as for Monica, we'll just shove her into the Porter, but the problem is――"
I turn my gaze toward Marcus-san and Bread-san.
Marcus-san is wearing the chainmail he possessed and carrying a sword.
He also has a spear, so there's no problem there, but Bread-san is the issue.
"I'm sorry. My family wouldn't lend me any of their armaments."
To the apologetic Bread-san, the Fourth Generation speaks.
『I bet. It's unthinkable to lend precious armaments to a third son. Even if they were paid, they'd probably refuse.』
The Fifth Generation adds.
『In many places, the treatment of second and third sons is terrible.』
I thought to myself.
(No, for the Fifth Generation, before second or third sons...)
The Fifth Generation had over thirty children.
There were reasons for it, but to put it bluntly, it was a problem that preceded that, and he's not in a position to comment.
The Second Generation probably thought the same.
『Yeah, you can't say a word about this matter.』
The Fifth Generation looks dissatisfied.
『I knew you'd say that.』
I look at the whole group and ponder.
(I need to fix their appearance. We can get equipment in the royal capital, so should I buy some appearance-focused gear around here?)
Appearance is an important element.
Even if the contents are the same, between someone who looks the part and someone who doesn't――if a choice is made, it's overwhelmingly the former.
"Four days until departure, including today. Shall we prepare the equipment first?"
When I say that, Doris-san and Lucy-san, who were watching us nearby, speak to their lovers.
"T-Then I'll buy Bread's armaments. I'll put out ten or twenty gold coins if I have to!"
"I-I can do that much too..."
When Lucy-san says that, Doris-san giggles.
"Lucy, you spend money wastefully, so you don't have that kind of money."
Lucy-san, her face turning red, shouts loudly.
"I'll borrow it from my Father! For Marcus's sake, I'll put out fifty or even a hundred gold coins for funding!"
The people themselves, listening to this argument, had subtle expressions.
Marcus-san says.
"Lucy, I'm happy, but even if you put out that much money, I have nothing to give in return. My equipment is ready and maintained, so there's no problem."
Seeing Marcus-san sigh, Bread-san mutters.
"...Hereditary knights have it easy."
Since he said it loud enough to be heard, Marcus-san clicked his tongue.
I think.
(They don't get along... Or rather, I'm stopped from giving money by my ancestors, but I can at least lend it.)
I am stopped from providing financial aid by my ancestors.
I was told absolutely not to do it, and if I must, to lend it and take interest.
(I have plenty of room to give one person fifty gold coins, though.)
Because I sold the know-how of the Porter, I was financially comfortable.
I say to the two of them.
"I can advance some money, or rather, I can lend it to you, so please let me know if you need it. For both of you, Ralph-san will likely act as a guarantor."
Hearing that, Marcus-san presses me.
"Really! Then, I'll ask for a little! The maintenance of my armaments cost more than I thought, and life is tough."
Bread-san was the same.
"I'll definitely pay it back with this reward! I have to at least get some chainmail and a weapon..."
At the desperate state of the two, I end up with a wry smile.
『Listen, Riel. People go mad easily. Especially when it comes to money, they go mad quite simply.』
Inside the jewel.
The Third Generation explains to me.
When I was called in, I found myself surrounded by my ancestors, receiving a lecture.
"Y-Yes."
Seeing that I don't understand, the Fifth Generation says.
『Riel, suppose you are troubled because you have no money. What would you do?』
I answer instantly.
"Eh? I'd just earn it. In the first place, I'd try to work before it comes to that. I'm an adventurer now, after all."
I might have been troubled before, but now I have the confidence to survive in the outside world.
Even if the party disbanded, if it were just Novem... no, I had the confidence to support my family.
The Sixth Generation says.
『What if you lost your equipment and money, and were starving?』
I answer that too.
"I'd choose a short-term job and eat, I guess?"
The Seventh Generation asks.
『Then, suppose you are starving and have no equipment. If you were offered a high-paying request, what would Riel do?』
That's also simple.
"I wouldn't take it. A high-paying request in that state would be scary, wouldn't it?"
Then, the Fourth Generation says.
『They say poverty makes one dull. Well, Riel would likely act before that happens, and he has the ability to do so.』
The Third Generation says.
『There are also cases where you're injured and can't move. There are cases where you lose your limbs and can't work even if you want to.』
While I'm troubled, the Second Generation tells me to remember the two lovers of Doris-san and Lucy-san.
『Those two got excited when told they'd be lent money, didn't they? Even for preparing equipment, that's a huge sum for those two. They can't prepare it easily.』
I tilted my head.
"Shouldn't they just work?"
Speaking as someone who earned a decent amount of money as an adventurer, it's more profitable to go outside and deal with even weak monsters.
In a week to a month, couldn't they get a decent amount? I thought so.
The Seventh Generation says as if exasperated. Not at me, but likely at the court nobility and knights of the royal capital.
『They have their pride. They can't pretend to be adventurers, and in the first place, those with official positions patrol the surroundings of the royal capital. They'd be sent away for interfering with work. All that's left are temporary jobs and real chores. And they're cheap.』
The Third Generation teaches me.
『It was the same in my era. The royal capital is a big city, but it's not like money is overflowing. The same goes for food. It's not always something you can buy with money.』
Bandits, monsters, poor harvests, disasters――there are various reasons, but there are times when food cannot be obtained. In such times, it becomes necessary to buy from the surrounding lords.
The Second Generation says.
『Riel, don't think everyone is the same as you. There are people who will attack you without thinking about the consequences, simply because they think you have money.』
The Fourth Generation is also serious.
『Handle money transactions strictly. I often paid rewards, but when you're in that position, you understand. If you don't handle money transactions strictly, it affects your credibility.』
Finally, the Third Generation summarizes.
『What we want to say is... in other words, easy charity does not benefit the person.』
I look down and think.
(Is it really that difficult? You work, you get money, and you live on that... that's all it is.)
I understood it in my head, but whether I truly understood it was debatable.
When I went to a shop used by adventurers in the royal capital, I think I had a subtle expression upon seeing the price tags.
Coming to shop, it wasn't a place I had stopped by before.
I thought I'd gather good things even if they were expensive.
However, upon arriving, while there were many things excellent in decoration, many were not functional.
The Third Generation says.
『Were the adventurers of the royal capital retained? They might dress up in this kind of ornate equipment normally and use their favorite armaments when working.』
Appearance is certainly important, but there's no point in having armaments that are only usable in the royal capital.
While looking at men's equipment, adventurers who were looking at products nearby were gossiping.
"Hey, did you hear about the upcoming expedition to Gioni Village?"
"Was it the unit commanded by Decurion Norma? Poor chosen ones."
"If they just put out money, it would be over in no time."
"It's a small village, right? Even so, it's Norma, huh."
The pair of adventurers, perhaps knowing the circumstances, talked while choosing equipment.
"Female knights aren't rare, but it's that Norma."
(Is there a problem with the person in command?)
While I'm thinking that, one of the adventurers says.
"She's probably desperate to get promoted. I heard her parents died and her official rank dropped. Well, I wonder how long she'll keep using methods that make people resent her."
There's no doubt she's a problematic person.
While I'm thinking that, Novem comes to me.
"Riel-sama, how was it over there?"
It seems she purchased something, as she was holding luggage in her hand.
I shake my head.
"The clothes are fine, but the armaments are a bit out of reach."
I have the money, but there were too many decorations, and it seemed they would be in the way if used.
Aria, who was behind Novem, is also holding luggage.
"They're expensive, aren't they? I didn't think about it before, but now I understand why adventurers buy equipment elsewhere or change their home."
There's almost no work in the royal capital.
Even if there is, many adventurers are retained by nobles or are in positions where they don't struggle for work because they are famous.
Other than that, there are only adventurers like us who stop by the royal capital.
I heard that if a war breaks out, a large number of adventurers gather from the surroundings.
What Novem and Aria bought were robes with hoods. They have fur and will likely be used as winter clothing.
"Riel-sama, please purchase winter clothing too."
Since Novem is worried, I scratch my head.
"I'll do that. Even so, an expedition in winter... I'll have to make sure the heating arrangements are solid."
From inside the jewel, it's the Second Generation's voice.
『...Riel, gather more supplies than planned, not just for yourselves. If the commander is useless, it's not even a laughing matter.』
The Third Generation was the same.
『Whether it's a man or a woman doesn't matter, but if an incompetent person is at the top, you'll suffer. It's better not to think that the necessary things are all provided.』
For this command, a Decurion will come from the royal capital's knight order.
They are in a position to lead knights who have soldiers like Marcus-san, but basically, since their rank is higher, it's not decided how many soldiers they will command.
There are cases like this where they command volunteers, but there are also cases where they take soldiers from the royal capital.
Moving under someone else, to be precise, this will be the first time.
Until now, as the party leader, I've given various instructions.
(This time, I'm in the position of being given instructions. Normally, the latter position is overwhelmingly more common, I guess.)
――The backyard of the Sarcly family.
Clara was operating the Porter that Monica had modified.
The reason it finished earlier than planned was that Monica herself had become able to perform the work efficiently, so she said.
Looking at the proud Monica, Clara didn't know what to say.
"I'll try moving it."
Even though it's called a modification, this time it's just that the range of motion for the shield has been expanded, considering its use outside.
The Porter expands the shield and spreads it upward to create a simple roof.
Monica says.
"The Porter... somehow, it's become close to a camping car. Even though I'm aiming for an armored vehicle."
Monica seems unsatisfied, but for Clara, the fact that a roof can be provided was wonderful.
With just that, they'll be able to shelter from the rain when acting outside.
"I think it's normally amazing, though."
A mechanism to fix the operated shield has been installed.
Seeing Monica's technology like this, Clara was convinced she was on par with a craftsman or even better.
"Monica-san, what will you do from now on?"
After trying to move it, Clara, seeing there was no problem, confirms the schedule with Monica.
"Shopping. I've had the Sarcly family prepare luggage and such, but I still want to prepare even a little bit of good food for the chicken coward even when outside."
Hearing that, Clara shakes her head.
"I think it's better not to stand out too much this time. Well, I think you'll stand out just by having the Porter, though."
In Alamsars, the Porter was known to adventurers, but this is the first time it's being used in the royal capital, Central.
Rather, I hadn't even thought about taking requests in the royal capital.
Without performing the home change procedure at the guild, I'll participate as a subordinate of Marcus, who is a volunteer, in the form of a request from an acquaintance.
"It's a pain. Well, I'll do my best within a range that doesn't get in the chicken coward's way."
"I think that's for the best."
Clara, feeling relieved, returns the Porter's shield to its original position.
Once the luggage is loaded before departure, their work was finished――.
While preparations progressed.
I had come shopping with Aria.
Unlike me, who has no sense of the land, Aria is from the royal capital.
Novem and the others were to have various preparations handled at the mansion.
When the two of us showed our faces at the market, we looked around for food that seemed suitable for preservation.
"Let's see, Monica's requests are..."
I look at the things written while looking at the memo.
Both I and Aria are carrying luggage, and we were purchasing things thought to be necessary for the expedition.
Aria had a slightly tired expression.
"Wait, do we need this much? According to the plan, we've secured enough food including movement and stay, right? Why are we preparing our own portions?"
I say to Aria with the memo in one hand, while looking at the market's products.
"There are various things about participating as volunteers. The ones being properly prepared are for the knights and soldiers. The portions for volunteers are apparently like a bonus."
"Apparently, you say... confirm it properly."
Aria blames me, but I say.
"It's better to prepare for ourselves than to endure insufficient meals. I had Ralph-san confirm the contents, but this expedition is truly terrible."
The budget set was one thing, but the volunteers were more numerous.
Adventurers were also informed that they would be hired by lower-ranking knights or decide to participate themselves and act together in small numbers.
However, the majority were second or third sons of nobles who couldn't inherit the house.
To achieve merit and become a knight――everyone dreams of that.
(From the start, it's okay to have casualties... is that really okay?)
While I'm wondering, Aria's gaze was focused on the fruit.
It's something not on the purchase list.
She hands a large copper coin to the shopkeeper and purchases fruit.
"Don't you have any change? With this――"
When the shopkeeper says that, I pick up some fruit and hand them to Aria.
"W-Wait!"
"It's fine. ...More than that, ma'am."
Pushing them onto Aria, I speak to the lady.
"What is it? Oh, what a well-bred young boy. Could it be, a noble-sama?"
"No. More than that, this is my fewth time coming to the royal capital. There's something I want to know. I heard recently that the knight order is going on an expedition? I heard something about Gioni Village."
The shopkeeper, understanding, puts away the large copper coin I gave and tells me with a smile.
"I heard it's led by the female knight Norma. I hear bad rumors. If you're thinking of participating, it's safer to stop."
Thinking that I'm an adventurer seeking information, she tries to stop me, saying there are many bad rumors.
"Is there anyone who knows in detail?"
"Not among my acquaintances. However, I hear she's a knight who does various reckless things to get promoted. I think it's safer not to get involved."
I say thank you and move from the spot.
Aria, walking beside me, asked.
"You could just ask Miranda. Is there a need to go out of your way to do something like that?"
In her right hand, she held the luggage, and in her left hand, she held the fruit I purchased.
"Who knows?"
"Who knows!? What do you mean by that!"
Aria is surprised by my answer. I look for things not yet purchased with the memo in hand.
"No, I just thought it would be good if I could hear different rumors. Somehow, when I ask, I only get the impression that she's a demon for promotion."
I wanted to know what kind of person she was, but from the information I can get, she seems to be a person I can't have a good impression of.
A young female knight in her twenties, overflowing with talent.
Up to here is fine, but the problem is that she has done many reckless things for the sake of promotion until now.
It seems that not only herself, but many inconveniences are caused to those around her.
(Is she a talent that doesn't hurt to lose? The royal capital really is muddy.)
Looking up at the sky, I had such thoughts.
Aria says.
"...There's not much time until departure, is it okay to be like that?"
I mutter.
"Two days left until departure, huh."