Chapter 83

Holding the spoils of the past three days, I visited the Adventurers' Guild.

I managed to arrive at the village before dusk. There was no sign of fatigue on the three of them. However, since we had only been acquainted for a short time, it was unclear if they were pushing themselves.

After the report, if there were no major issues, I would dismiss them and let them rest. If there were any problems, it would be if a response from the viscount had arrived, I thought.

With that in mind, I passed through the door and headed to the appraisal counter.

The number of goblins had decreased, but the number of slime cores and green monkeys had increased, so it was a slight decrease overall. I needed to think of a way to maintain Fia's motivation.

As I was thinking about this, Hartis appeared from the back and handed me a letter.

"A letter from the viscount."

The response was faster than I had expected. I thought it would take more time for the decision-making process to be completed.

"About what time did it arrive?"

"Around noon today."

It was a week-long expedition. Honestly, the phrase "ten days later" was just the shortest possible time after considering the end of the expedition and the travel time. At this speed, it couldn't have taken more than two days to write the response.

"Can I borrow a conference room now?"

I announced this, left the appraisal to the three of them, and moved to the room. The letter had the crest of Norwe stamped on the wax seal. I thought about how such a culture existed, whether it was due to the convergence or the education of the gods, but it didn't really matter. What surprised me was that it was the official crest, not a simplified one. The response to the letter sent in the name of the guild was an official document.

Nobles usually send personal letters with a simplified crest. I had heard this from the guild. It seemed to imply that I was now being seen as a baron... if I wasn't reading too much into it.

The content expressed gratitude for accepting the baron's offer and formal approval. For the approval itself, a separate signature on the agreement was required, so a return visit to the town was hoped for. The schedule was any time after three days from today, and a visit was hoped for. This was read as a preliminary notice.

Furthermore, a meeting with the duke was possible from six days from today.

If we left by carriage tomorrow, we could make it, but it seemed too generous. When I saw the map of each territory, the details were unclear, but I had a general sense of the distance. At the very least, the duke had written the response without interacting with me. Or, they had communicated through some other means... I could think of a messenger pigeon, but even that seemed too fast. I had thought that this time it would be enough to just greet and set a date for the next meeting with the duke, but it felt a bit unsettling.

At least, I had been recognized as a baron by my foster father, even if it was just a letter. This was the right time to talk. I asked the staff to call the three of them.

When the three of them were gathered, I explained the situation.

"There are various reasons, but I've decided to officially become a baron."

Liz knew and acted as usual. Fia was smiling. Rott had a thoughtful expression.

"So, from here on, we'll be talking about the future. If possible, I'd like all of you to work with me in the new territory."

"Will it be as adventurers, or in other roles?"

Rott asked for clarification.

"First, I'd like to ask you to work as adventurers. I'm sorry, but if you have the aptitude, I'd also like to consider asking you for a role in the future."

"In that case, who will be the party leader?"

"Based on the viscount's explanation, once the surrounding area is surveyed and the policy is decided, the administration can handle the rest. I see myself continuing as an adventurer. There will be no change in the system."

"In other words, you're planning to expand the current system?"

"Until the territory stabilizes, I think it will be difficult to act freely. However, I'm not trying to exploit you for free. I will ensure that you receive proper compensation as adventurers. I'm stating this clearly. If asked whether I plan to expand the scale, the answer is yes."

"Is there a reason you kept quiet until now?"

"I just received the official response."

I waved the envelope with the stamped crest.

Rott closed his eyes and thought for a moment.

"I understand. This party was originally formed with the future in mind. I was surprised, but I had faith that you would do something. I'll accompany you."

Rott gave his approval. Now it was Fia's turn.

"Fia, the earnings might be significantly less than now. Is that okay?"

To be honest, the current earnings were exceptional for a 9th-level adventurer. It was impossible to provide a position that could earn a farmer's annual income in just a month.

"That's obvious, so it's fine. The current earnings are too much. What I'm concerned about is the future relationship. Do I have to call you 'Lord'?"

Fia answered nonchalantly. And her concern was the relationship. It made sense.

"To be clear, in formal settings, we need to consider our positions. However, as an adventurer party, everything will remain the same. I promise."

"Then, there shouldn't be any problems, right? Liz is also busy."

Fia smiled and started teasing Liz. They had a good relationship.

In this way, we discussed the future and addressed everyone's concerns.

In this world, the only people I could trust to some extent were these three and Ast. I had hoped they would come with me.

I thought it would be troublesome, but I hoped we could continue to work together. I whispered this to myself.

"Anyway, I'm sorry for the suddenness, but I need to go to town for a few days starting tomorrow. I have an appointment with the viscount. I'd like all of you to prepare tents and cloaks. Is everyone's schedule clear?"

Everyone nodded.

Here, we summarized the simple tasks. Since there were four of us, we decided to take two two-person tents.

"Then, we'll leave on the earliest carriage tomorrow. Can everyone prepare?"

Everyone nodded and decided on their respective shopping tasks.

After confirming that the discussion was settled, I told them to rest once the preparations were complete and announced the dismissal.

I informed them that I would receive the gifts and a makeshift cart, and the three of them left first.

To be honest, there are benefits to being an adventurer.

I had been worried about what I would do if someone opposed it.

Relieved, I let out a sigh.