Chapter 66

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"Then I will certainly take it into consideration. Since you consulted me about the key before, it might indeed be a crime targeting the workshop. We will also increase patrols in the vicinity of Eritsu Street and be extra cautious."

"I'm sorry for the trouble, but thank you very much."

"Not at all, this is our job."

Because I had met Sarine before during the resolution of a kidnapping case, I was able to smoothly consult about the concerns regarding the incident where Adolph was injured.

However, such procedures inevitably take some time, and it will still be a while before they are completed. I'm glad I came to the Alchemist Guild first.

I sat down on a wooden bench in the waiting area of the citizen service window and waited for my name to be called once the procedures were finished. There was one other person who came to inquire about a lost paper bag. Major incidents like the previous kidnapping are rare, and the city is generally peaceful. The fact that they immediately responded by increasing patrols is already very reassuring.

...But for some reason, I couldn't shake off my unease. The key to the workshop, which I'm worried about, might just be a coincidence, and I might be overthinking it. But the thought that the key might have fallen into the wrong hands is troubling. On the other hand, it's more likely that it was just a simple mugging for valuables, and even if they had the key, they wouldn't know how to open the security barrier. I want to dismiss it as a coincidence and be done with it, but my anxious nature wouldn't allow that.

On my way back from the patrol headquarters, I went to consult about the new security barrier and renovation of the workshop, but I was told that the craftsmen are busy with their current projects and can't start immediately even if I have the blueprints. I thought that strengthening the security immediately would alleviate my unease... The patrol headquarters could also be asked to increase security, for example, by dispatching guards. However, with only a "bad feeling" to go on, I can't make such a request, and even if I did, I know they wouldn't act. There's no solid basis for my heightened alertness. I think they are already responding thoroughly by increasing patrols.

Security... Hmm, I could hire someone from the Adventurer's Guild at my own expense, but even if I assume that someone is targeting the artificial magic stones... I don't know how long I should remain vigilant.

No, at least, I should have the workshop renovated, the security barrier reinstalled, and a new key made to feel more at ease. Conversely, I think I will feel uneasy until the renovation is complete and the key is changed. I know I'm a worrywart...

What should I do? It will be a waste of effort, but I might as well reinstall the security barrier myself. However, when the renovation is done, I'll have to make a new one, which would be a waste of catalysts and materials. Moreover, installing a security barrier takes a lot of time and effort, and the basis for this is just "my intuition." There's a good chance that nothing will happen, and all this caution will be meaningless. Not only is it a waste of money, but valuable monster materials are also required to install a proper security barrier. Many of these materials are not readily available.

Furthermore, if the artificial magic stone formula is indeed the target, even if I strengthen the security and prevent an intrusion, the threat itself won't disappear. Will they give up eventually? I don't know. The employees might be attacked again after the key is changed.

Thinking about this, I almost want to assign guards to all the employees 24/7, but that's obviously impossible, so I need to think of a more practical solution. For now, I will instruct the employees to come to work earlier than usual and leave later, and to use well-lit and busy routes when commuting.

It would be convenient if the key could be easily added, but with the metal door engraved with magic arrays, it's difficult to drill holes afterward. It's a bit inconvenient in situations like this.

"Liana, you seem to have been worried about something ever since you came back today... Did something happen?"

When Anna asked me this after Amber went to bed, I couldn't help but think that I can't hide anything from her. No, maybe I was just too obvious? I'll attribute it to Anna's keen insight. I had been lost in thought, so I decided to consult with the two of them.

"Actually... this morning, an employee named Adolph was mugged and got injured. He was hit in the face, and when he fell trying to protect his bag, he hurt his wrist."

"Oh, that's a scary story. It sounds like a serious incident."

"Fortunately, it wasn't a major injury, and that's a relief..."

Although he said he was fine, I told them that he was resting at home today. Fred, who knew the person involved, was nodding in agreement as he listened.

"The key to the workshop was stolen along with the bag. So, I thought... didn't I mention before that there were signs of someone trying to break into the workshop? Maybe the same criminal targeted the key..."

"Ah, that's a possibility. Muggings usually target situations where the victim can't chase after them. Early mornings with few people around make sense, but targeting a young man is less common..."

Now that she mentioned it, muggings usually target women and the elderly. It's not impossible, but it might not be a coincidence that the key was targeted.

"Besides, the artificial magic stones are not just popular for buying small, valueless magic stones. We're also planning to build a large factory to crush magic stones from other cities. It's getting a lot of attention... maybe some bad people have taken notice."

"That's a scary thought. Did you consult with the patrol headquarters, Liana?"

"Yes... they said they would increase patrols in the vicinity of Eritsu Street where the workshop is located, but I'm still worried because it won't be constant surveillance."

"Ah, constant surveillance is impossible, of course."

The demand for crushed magic stones is so high that even the current production at Miel's orphanage isn't enough. We are currently hiring day laborers, but we have discussed with the lord of Lindemen to prioritize hiring former orphanage residents for the new factory. Both Fred and Anna, who understood the difficulty of changing the workshop's security barrier and adding locks, were thinking along with me.

"I think it's fine during the day when people are around, but I'm still worried. Maybe I should hire someone from the Adventurer's Guild to guard the workshop at night..."

"Yes, I think it's necessary to have a night watch, like the guild and the bank."

I feel a bit embarrassed that Anna considers my workshop as important as a public institution, but fortunately, we are doing well enough to consider this as a necessary expense. Even large trading companies often hire security for their stores.

"No... I think it's better not to post a regular request. We should consult with Saje and find a trustworthy person."

"Should we talk to the guild master of the Adventurer's Guild? ...Yes, it might be better to have solid security."

"Eh? But Fred, it's still just a possibility, and I don't think it needs to be that elaborate... Besides, only green card holders can take on security and guard requests, which I think is sufficient."

For security and guard requests in dangerous areas, the guild sometimes conducts interviews and practical tests, but since this is within the city, I don't think it needs to be that strict.

"No... it's not about the difficulty. ...Hmm, where and how will the night security be carried out?"

"? There's no space to wait, so... inside the workshop, I guess. But since it's not used at night, it should be fine."

"Ah, that's right. ...Hmm... If it's a bad person, they might try to bribe the security personnel..."

I hadn't thought of that until now, but it makes sense to be cautious.

"I hadn't considered that..."

"No, Liana, you just can't think like a bad person. In reality, maybe setting up a tent in front of the door to prevent anyone from entering until the renovation is complete might be a good idea."

"Eh, it's already winter, so that's a bit extreme..."

"Actually, people might be eager to spend a night in a city without monsters and get paid for it."

That might be true. ...Hmm, maybe creating a small room outside the door, like a double entrance in a northern country, and having the security personnel guard from there...

"Still, we need to find a truly trustworthy person through the guild. Even with a green card, there might be people who are tempted by money."

"Yes... I'll contact the Adventurer's Guild."

How long will it take to find someone who can take on the security request? It will probably take a few days. I'm so worried that they might come tonight... I'm afraid I won't be able to sleep.