Kochugunshikan Boukensha ni Naru

Translator: SFBaka

Editor: Thors Stone

What do you think about this, Tarus-san?

At first, I thought he was just spouting some stupid nonsense. But I changed my mind after coming to this city. In fact, now I think its not a bad idea to have this kid work under you.

Really, father!?

Damn! So its really like that huh. It looks like Tarus-san and Jonas-san have somehow figured out what were really trying to accomplish here.

I wonder if letting them see our training session last time was bad? Ordinary adventurers wouldnt practice swordsmanship to that degree after all. It was probably better to assume that theyve already puzzled out the true identity of the rest of our members.

Well, in any case, they already knew one of our party members was an exiled princess. So it wasnt much of a leap in logic to conclude the identity of the people around her. And now that they knew Ive been scheduled to be granted peerage too, they should already have a hunch about our end goal as well.

Since they already had an idea, they should know it would be dangerous to be around us. So why was Tarus-san still willing to have Katolle work for us despite the possible danger?

Its been decided that Ill be granted the title of baron and join the ranks of this kingdoms nobles soon.

Eeh!? Alan-san will become a noble!?

I assumed so.

You already have an idea about what I what all of us are trying to accomplish, right?

Yes, I can imagine.

After hearing our exchange, Adjutant Dalshim and the others stirred.

You understand that much, and yet you still want Katolle to work for us?

Rather, its because I found out that Ive made this decision. As Katolle said, if he works with you all, he would be able to learn things he wouldnt be able to elsewhere.

I see Hes fully aware of the potential danger but still wants to go through with it. But whats his reason though?

Katolle has been learning about the trade from Jonas and I from childhood, and weve taught him everything we know. This may sound like me bragging about my son, but I believe hes become quite an excellent merchant in his own right. We did put off sending him to another company for practical experience, but thats because he will never gain anything worthwhile from working at just any old company.

My Commerce Guild rank is B. Im sure Ill be able to be useful to you all!

Hou. Hes so young but hes already risen to B-rank huh. Quite impressive. Im sure Tarus-san went ahead with this plan because he realized we didnt have a dedicated merchant working for our Clan. He really was an exceptional merchant.

Well, there will certainly be more opportunities like supply procurement from here on out. And honestly speaking, we really were in need of a person who can do business for our Clan and was familiar with the circumstances of this country. It wasnt a bad proposal, all things considered.

Have you told Katolle about Rias circumstances?

Of course I havent.

He hid the truth about Cleria even from his own biological son huh Tarus-san really was quite trustworthy.

Just to be sure, lets make things clear first.

Tarus-san, what do you think were trying to accomplish?

Founding your own country, correct?

Exactly.

E-Eeh!? M-Making a country?

Thats right, Katolle. Were not normal adventurers at all. Well, to put it simply, were remnants of the former Starveek kingdoms royal guards and regional forces.

S-Starveek!? So, what about Ria-sama?

Its as you think. My true name is Cleria Starvine.

Eeh!? But thats the name of!?

Katolle fell out from his seat and prostrated himself in front of Cleria with his forehead touching the floor.

Your Highness!

After seeing his display, Tarus-san and Jonas-san both averted their eyes in embarrassment. He might be an excellent merchant, but he still acts his age at times like this huh.

Katolle, get back to your seat.

B-But father!

Its fine. Just sit back down now.

So Katolle reluctantly went back to his seat.

Ah, so thats how it is, isnt it!? Amazing Its really amazing! Alan-san! No, Alan-sama! Please, please let me join your Clan!

Tarus-san. Are you really sure about this?

Katolle has had an uncanny sixth sense toward profitable business opportunities for the longest time. Since hes so absorbed in todays matters, Im certain this will also prove to be quite a profitable endeavor. Of course, it would be entirely his responsibility if he ends up losing his life in the process. I will never blame or resent you for something like that, Alan-san.

What do you think, everyone?

Since theyve all heard the story, I asked the rest of the Clan for their opinions.

We will abide by what you decide, Alan-sama.

Im also fine with it if Alan agrees.

It looks like no one is actually against it huh. So what should I do? It would certainly help us out if we had someone specialized in procuring supplies. Even more so if the said specialist was a qualified merchant.

And since Tarus-san and Jonas-san have found us out, it would be advantageous for us to keep Katolle close at hand as well, just in case.

Alright then, Katolle. Do you really want to join our Clan?

Yes! Thank you very much! Ill make sure to be useful to you all!

Alan-san. Thank you very much for acceding to our selfish request. Considering what you will likely face in the future, Katolle alone might not be enough. Would it be possible for you to accept two more boys as Katolles assistants? They are called Willy and Peter.

Oh, Im familiar with Willy. He was a boy who looked about 14 or 15 years old. The boy named Peter should probably be the same age as him. Well, theres not much difference between one person and three people joining anyway.

Understood. Well take care of the three of them. Well protect them from danger as much as we can. But we cant guarantee their safety at all times though.

Saying that is more than enough. Thank you very much. Those two are the sons of my long-time employees. I guarantee their identities with my life.

Alright then. Now that thats decided, we should celebrate. Fortunately, were having a celebration party tonight. Its still a little later before we begin, but if youd like, why dont you join us?

Oh, thats a very fascinating prospect, but it wouldnt do for outsiders like us to intrude in your Clans celebration. They arent exactly our replacements, but Willy and Peter have been waiting outside for a good while now. If its alright with you, can you let the two of them participate instead?

Of course. The two of them are already Clan members anyway.

Now then, Katolle. You are now this Shining Star Clans official member. Make sure to work your hardest in order to be of use to them. I shall have your luggage sent here by tomorrow.

Understood, father. Thank you for always taking care of me.

Katolle bowed deeply toward Tarus-san.

Everyone accompanied Tarus-san and Jonas-san until the gate to send them off. When we arrived at the gate, we met with Willy and another boy waiting dutifully.

Hey there. How are you doing, Willy?

Its been a long time, Alan-san!

Hey! Call him Alan-sama! Oh, yeah. Listen and be surprised, you two. The both of you have now been officially made members of Shining Star along with me!

Eeh!? Really, Katolle-sama!? Were now members of Shining Star!?

Willy and Peter started jumping in joy after hearing the news. Well, Im glad they both look quite happy about it.

Well then, Alan-san. Well leave the three of them to you all.

Understood. By the way, we will be leaving for the royal capital on the fifth of this month.

Understood. Well then, we shall intrude on you all again tomorrow.

Tarus-san and Jonas-san said their farewells and left.

Yosh. The three of you are members of our Clan from now on. Im telling you now, guys. You definitely wont be having it easy after joining this Clan.

Yes!

Good answer. Hey, Kenny. Can you bring these three to some empty rooms? They have to clean them a bit or they wouldnt be able to sleep comfortably in them later.

Understood, Alan-sama.

Oops. Its already almost five P.M. We plan to start the party at half-past six in the evening. I guess Ill help out in the kitchen again.

I hope everyone would enjoy the food and drinks we prepared later.