Chapter 258: Inside a Room of the Security Company (2/2)

The conversation that ensued went something like this.

Can you tell me why? Im not under the impression that we can make anyone listen to us as long as we pay enough money, but we do intend to reward you handsomely. Is there no room for negotiation?

Unfortunately, I have no intention of changing my earlier reply. There are three reasons why.

One, is because of the rules of the group. We have already undertaken the task of providing security for the Morgan Company and its president, Serge-dono. There are indeed mercenaries that take on multiple jobs at the same time or later if possible, but our group forbids it. To us mercenaries, trust is our life, and we do our best to fulfill the jobs that we receive first.

Two, is because of our targets resolve. We are not picky about who we protect as long as we are asked and paid to do so, but there are still those who do not want to be protected. There are various reasons for this, but the most troublesome ones are those who are unaware that they are being protected. Even worse off are those who believe themselves to be skilled, while being half-baked.

Now, Im not saying he is, but the proposal would not have been made with his consent. In fact, he himself is actively trying to deal with the problems he believes likely to arise. It is very difficult for us to protect someone intent on jumping into the very eye of the storm. [Yashma]

[Jill]

And lastly, I have judged that he does not need the protection. [Yashma]

He does not need protection? [Jill]

He was as fast as us earlier, but even faster when it came to grasping the enemys location. From the way he acted during the attack, the results of his Judgment, and that glimpse of his ability that I was able to observe I am of the opinion that he is more than capable enough to protect himself. I said earlier that protecting a person with half-baked skills would prove troublesome, but if the person is capable enough, there is also no point in us going out of our way to guard him.

Also This is just a conjecture on my part, but I take it you lack experience in group fights and dont do well in them? [Yashma]

Yashma asked that question to Ryouma, and Ryouma nodded, impressed that he was able to understand that much in such a short time.

And thats that. Let alone protect him, poor coordination between us would likely just trip him up. I never thought I would feel this way about a child that may not even be half as old as I am, but if he wants to join the Wild Golden Falcons as a mercenary, then by the authority of the deputy leader, I would exempt him from the entrance examination, and welcome him with open arms. Thats how capable I believe he is, and how little I believe that he needs to be protected. Of course, since youre someone close to him, I can sympathize with how you feel. [Yashma]

When Hyuzu pointed out that such a conversation had taken place, Jill sighed.

It wasnt just that. Yurdum also told me that Im overprotective. [Jill]

Ah, he did, didnt he? And? [Hyuzu]

Ive always thought that it was fine for Ryouma to live as a normal child. Ive always thought that it was fine for him to rely on adults like us because hes still a child. In fact, I still do.

But you know what, perhaps I might have actually been unconsciously demanding him to act like a normal child. Its not like Ryouma doesnt understand that we care. [Jill]

Oh, yeah, definitely. Ryouma was apologetic when he turned down our offer to protect him too. [Hyuzu]

With his magic, he could extinguish fires at an efficacy we couldnt hope to match. If we look at the situation calmly, we have no choice but to use the people and the means available to us. Ryouma probably thinks so too.

Its up to me whether I worry or not, but considering how I asked for someone to protect him without even thinking about how he feels, I cant help but feel that I should reflect a little.

But now isnt really the time for that. [Jill]

So it was because your head was filled with that that you seemed overly tense. [Hyuzu]

If thats how I looked to you, then that must be the case. I cant think of any other reason. Ill be careful. [Jill]

Do take care. I said it before too, but this will likely take awhile. If youre worn out along the way, that will be a problem. You and Ryouma can have a heart-to-heart talk after this is all over. Thats much easier to understand than reading a textbook on childcareWhat are you making that face for? [Hyuzu]

Why do you know that? That Im reading a textbook on childcare? [Jill]

Huh? Jill, youre reading one too? [Hyuzu]

What? [Jill]

As a strange silence pa.s.sed between the two, Rurunez interjected.

Im sorry to disturb your conversation, but Hyuzu was likely talking about the book I was reading. Its a matter still a long way away, but Ive been reading up for the sake of the future. Hyuzu peeked at the book, and mentioned it was hard to understand. Right? [Rurunez]

Yeah. From the way you look, though, I guess youve been reading up too, huh. You went that far just to deal with Ryouma? [Hyuzu]

When he said that, Jills face suffused with red.

You know, Jill, maybe the term overprotective really does fit you. [Hyuzu]

Pufu! [Staff 1]

!? [Jill]

While Jill had been rendered speechless by Hyuzus remark, the sound of something gus.h.i.+ng out resounded.

Jill found himself turning, and there, he saw that one of the monster tamers beside the map looked like he was being choked.

Moreover, there were some other people whose shoulders were shaking.

Apparently, their entire conversation had been overheard.

The room that was once tense was now filled with a warm atmosphere.

*Cough! Ah, excuse me. But, yes, while too much tension is bad, being too relaxed is bad as well. I urge you all to keep yourselves balanced. [Jill]

When Jill said that, the monster tamers in the room collectively focused on their work as though they couldnt wait to eat the map.

However, the atmosphere in the room remained relaxed.

So in the end, should I consider it a good thing that I was able to get the communication staff to relax? [Jill]

Jill was still beet red as he muttered that, but no one answered him, and the quiet exchange of information continued as though nothing had happened.