Chapter 16

Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW

You can buy coins here to unlock advanced chapters: https://gravitytales.com/coins-purchase-page/

Light drizzle fell as the village’s town meeting dragged on until deep into the night. As for me, I was sitting back at the campsite, sipping coffee in peace.

“Good beans. Did you buy them from the Toneriko Trading Company by chance?”
“Yeah, but—wait, why the hell are you here?”
“I thought I’d have a word with you.”

Saran accepted the cheap cup I offered and, without so much as asking, plopped himself down on the tree stump I liked to use as a chair. Damn guy stole my favorite seat.

“So? What do you want to talk about?”
“Yulg, have you ever considered enlisting in official service?”
“…Huh?”

He said something so baffling I nearly spat my coffee out. What the hell was he suddenly going on about?

“Is this about what you said earlier?”
“Yes. If we turn this place into a frontier town, we’ll need someone to lead the adventurers. Most likely, that person would be the Guild Master of the Adventurer’s Guild. And I was thinking you might be a good fit for that role.”
“Even if I said yes, do you really think I’m cut out for something like that?”
“I believe you’re quite suitable.”

His answer was so unexpected that my thoughts got scrambled. I seriously had no idea what was going through his head.

Then again, I never do.

“Wouldn’t Rolo be a better fit for something like that?”
“He’s a possibility, yes. But as Guild Master of a new frontier town, he lacks a bit of presence. It’s best to have someone who can resolve problems through brute strength when needed.”

I couldn’t tell if that was an insult or a compliment, but I understood his point. In a city founded by adventurers, not everyone who comes will be well-behaved. Against that kind of rabble, someone rough like me might actually keep better order.

Still, I couldn’t just say “sure” and accept it.

“No thanks. I want to stay an adventurer.”
“Heh, I thought I’d ask anyway. Besides, you’ll be busy acting as leader of a national party from now on.”
“Ah… wait, you’re serious about that?”
“Of course. It can’t be Albert, he was a bit too foolish.”

You’re the one who pushed for him in the first place. Just tossing him aside like that — you’re terrifying.

“I understand what you’re thinking. I’ll admit, it was my mistake.”
“Then tell me: why the hell was he ever the leader of Silhasta?”
“He was decently good-looking, had just enough need for validation, and most of all, I thought he’d be easy to control.”
“Didn’t exactly go well, huh? That ‘control.’”

Saran silently nodded, taking a sip of coffee.

“…Wait, are you kinda depressed about it?”
“I am, actually. …Things were going well up to a point. After that, it went beyond my expectations.”
“Well, I mean… everyone screws up sometimes. Not like I’m one to talk.”
“And now I’m applying what I’ve learned — to you.”

I’m not sure he actually learned anything, to be honest.If it were me, I’d nominate Rolo. That guy would absolutely pull it off. He’s good-looking, considerate, and strong.

“Why don’t you be the leader then?”
“I can’t. You know that, Yulg.”

Saran narrowed his eyes, speaking in a flat tone.

“I lack emotional range. I only value results and achievements. That kind of person isn’t meant to lead others.”
“Then fix it. You’re smart enough.”
“Being intelligent and being emotionally perceptive aren’t the same thing. You could say I’m a defective human.”
“Quit putting yourself down like that. Doesn’t suit you.”

To my grumbled complaint, Saran — quite unusually — let a change show in his expression. Then he narrowed his eyes even further… and to my surprise, gave a slight smile.

“Must be the coffee. I feel like I understand you a little better now.”
“Huh?”
“The reason why Rolo Mercia and Fimia Lakers like you.”

I tilted my head, not really getting what Saran was saying. Was he always this kind of guy? This is Saran Zolark? This was the first time I’d seen the usually cold strategist exude such a calm aura.

“Well, I’ll take the role of leader for a while — publicly, at least. But I’ll have to leave the actual planning and direction to you and Rolo. I’m too much of a dumbass.”
“There’s something I’ve always wondered…”

Saran adjusted his glasses and looked at me.

“Why do you pretend to be dumb?”
“Pretend? I am dumb.”
“I don’t mean academically. You listen well, and you put what you hear into action. Even to me — someone who views people as mere resources — you seem like someone with a good head on their shoulders.”
“Can’t say I’ve ever heard that before.”

His sudden compliment made me awkward, and I scratched my head. I still struggle with reading and writing, and I can’t use magic. Smart? Me?

I swear, I never understand what smart guys are saying.

“Being the leader should be a good experience for you. As part of the plan I’ve drawn up for the national party, it fits perfectly.”
“There we go, that’s the strategist I know. Keep that up and make it all work. …I just want to protect this place.”
“Even though the villagers seem to hate you?”
“How’d you know that?”

Saran drained the last of his cup while wagging a finger. His every move is so annoyingly graceful — and he pulls it off, too.

“Gathering intel locally is basic strategy. Even then, I think they hate you a bit too much.”
“To them, I’m no different from a monster that crawled out of the woods. Even so, there are things here I want to protect.”
“I see. Then we’ll definitely need the villagers to make a decision.”

Saran glanced toward the depths of the forest. The night was so dark that not even moonlight filtered through the rainclouds. What might burst out of that darkness — and when — was anyone’s guess. Even holding this spot, I’d only buy a few precious moments.

“Thanks for the coffee.”
“Yeah. Come drink with me again sometime.”

At my words, Saran let out a rare chuckle.

“Yeah, I’ll help myself with it again.”

I watched the strategist leave in a strangely good mood, and sat down on the tree stump with my head tilted to one side.