Kays Translations

Chapter 16: In the Night Rain

In the midst of a light drizzle, the meeting with the village residents gathered continued into the late night.

As for me, I was leisurely enjoying coffee at the campsite.

"These are good beans. Did you perhaps purchase them from the Toneriko Trading Company?"

"Yeah, but... Hey, why are you here?"

"I just wanted to talk to you for a bit."

Accepting the cheap cup I offered, Saran sat down on a stump without permission, even taking my favorite chair.

"So? What's the talk about?"

"Jurg, do you have any intention of joining the military?"

"....Huh?"

Because what he said was so unclear, I almost accidentally sprayed coffee. What's he suddenly talking about?

"Is it related to the conversation earlier?"

"Yes. If this place is developed into a pioneer city, we will need someone to lead the adventurers. It will probably be the master of the Adventurer's Guild, but I thought it would be good to have you in that position."

"Even if I were to agree, do you think I'm fit for it?"

"I believe so."

To the surprising answer, my head is in confusion. I really can't figure out what this guy is thinking. Well, I can never figure out what he's thinking, to be honest.

"Isn't Rolo more suited for that?"

"He's suitable, but as the guild master of a developing city, he lacks a bit of presence. It's optimal to have someone who can solve things with physical strength to some extent."

I feel like he's making fun of me in a roundabout way, but I understand what he's trying to say. If the new developing city is filled with adventurers, they won't all be well-behaved.

In dealing with those fools, someone like me, a rough guy, might be more intimidating. But saying "yes" to this is not something I can easily do.

"Sorry for inquiring. I want to remain an adventurer."

"Hmm, I asked just to hear your thoughts. Besides, you have to work as the leader of the national selected party, right?"

"Oh... Are you serious about that?"

"Of course. Albert was a bit foolish."

Didn’t you recommend him in the first place? Seriously, he easily discarded him. It's terrifying.

"I understand what you are thinking? Let's admit it was my mistake."

"Then tell me, why was he the leader of 'Silhasta'?"

"He has a decent face, a bit of self-assertion, and, above all, I thought he was easy to control."

"But he's not being controlled properly."

Sipping my coffee, I watch Saran nod in silence.

"...Are you feeling a bit down?"

“Actually, it was going well until a certain point. It was unexpected.”

"Well... Humans make mistakes. I can't say much, but..."

"Using those reflections, let's make use of you next."

I feel like the reflections are not being utilized well. Well, if it were up to me, I'd recommend Rolo. He'll definitely do well.

Good-looking, considerate, and strong.

"Or rather, why don't you do it? Be the leader."

"I'm not suitable. You understand, right? Jurg."

With a flat voice, Saran narrowed his eyes.

"I lack emotions and value only achievements and results. I'm not suitable to lead people."

“If you’re aware of it, then do something about it. You’re smart.”

"Having knowledge and being intelligent are not the same thing. So to speak, I am a flawed person."

“Stop it with the unnecessary self-deprecation. It doesn't suit you.”

Saran's expression unusually changes in response to my complaint mixed with a sigh.

Then, he narrowed his thin eyes even further and, surprisingly, smiled a little.

"Is it because of the good coffee? I've understood a bit about you."

"Huh?"

"Rolo Mercia and Fimia Lakers have reasons to like you."

Perplexed by Saran's incomprehensible words, I tilted my head.

Now then... was this guy the type to say such things? Saran Zolark.

This is the first time I've seen an advisory role enveloped in such a calm atmosphere.

"Well, for a while, I'll be the leader. Not officially, though. But the basic policies, I can't help but leave it to Rolo and you. After all, I'm a fool."

"I've been curious for a while..."

Pushing up his glasses, Saran looked at me.

"Why do you pretend to be stupid?"

"It's not pretending. It's the truth."

"It's not about lacking education, you know? You listen well to what others say, and you can put it into practice. Even from someone like me who sees comrades as nothing more than human resources, you fall into the category of 'smart.'"

"That's the first time someone said that to me."

Uncomfortable with the sudden compliment, I lightly scratched my head.

I still struggle with reading and writing, and I can't use magic. And they call me 'smart'?

What smart people say is something I can't understand, inversely.

"Being a leader should be a good experience. As for the path I'm planning for the national selected party, it's just right."

"Yeah, yeah, the strategist is getting back in the groove. Keep it up. ...I want to protect this place."

"Even though you're quite disliked by the villagers?"

"How do you know?"

While pointing his finger, Saran emptied his cup.

His actions are unnecessarily ostentatious and irritating.

"Gathering information on-site is essential. Even so, I think you're disliked too much by the village folks."

"For the villagers, I'm still perceived as a monster or a creature that came out of the forest. Even so, there's something I want to protect."

"I see. In that case, you'll still need the villagers to make a decision."

While looking into the depths of the forest, Saran remarks.

On this night in the forest where even the moonlight is hidden by rain clouds.

From the darkness, what will emerge... and when will it emerge, it's entirely unpredictable.

Even if I set up camp here, the time to earn will be short.

"Thanks for the coffee."

"Yeah. Come again for a drink."

In response to my words, Saran chuckled softly.

"Yes, I'll count on that. Jurg."

Seeing off the back of the strangely cheerful strategist as he left, I sat down on the stump, tilting my head.

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