When the sun was near the top.

“He’s here!” [Ryouma]

I waited at a corner of the guild around the time when Jeff was supposed to go home. After one hour of waiting, I spotted him.

He was reporting the success of his quest when I called out to him.

“Jeff-san.” [Ryouma]

“Hmm? Oh, Ryouma. What’s up?” [Jeff]

“I was hoping to take you up on your offer the other day.” [Ryouma]

“Oh, that’s pretty quick. I thought you’d think about it some more, but sure. Shall we go now?” [Jeff]

“Sure, but are you sure you’re good today?” [Ryouma]

“It’s fine. I’m going to the slum today anyway. My house is in that direction too.” [Jeff]

“Thanks.” [Ryouma]

I followed Jeff-san and helped him with some shopping he did along the way. Apparently, he was buying some provisions for the slum people. According to him, everyone in the slums of Gimuru help each other out a little bit like this.

“The income has been bad recently too. We’re almost there.” [Jeff]

As we chatted and walked, the people around us grew sparser by the minute, until eventually, the houses changed into older looking ones. Children dressed in poor clothing could be seen here and there.

Whenever they would notice us, they would wave at Jeff-san and call out to him. Jeff-san would respond, of course. What a peaceful scene. It seems Jeff-san is really loved. I continued to walk behind Jeff-san, and while gazes gathered on me too, I couldn’t feel any ill will from them. It seems I won’t have to fear being mugged.

We continued for a little more, and then eventually, we reached an old building that’s bigger than the other old buildings.

“Gramps, you there?” [Jeff]

Jeff-san called out as he knocked on the door. When he did, the door opened.

I could feel a trace of mana. It’s magic…

“Seems he’s in. Let’s go.” [Jeff]

I followed Jeff-san inside, and what greeted us was a big room.

Past the door was a simple desk and a 60-years-old man sitting on a large chair.

“You came again?” [Gramps]

The man brushed his white hair as he leaned back onto his chair and quietly spoke.

“Jeff. I’m glad you’re always helping me out, but I’m not old enough to be called gramps just yet.” [Gramps]

“You’re plenty old enough, gramps.” [Jeff]

“My legs and loins are still fine, so I’m not a gramps just yet. So, what’s with the kid? You want me to look after him too?” [Gramps]

“This guy here is an exceptional adventurer. He’s good enough to feed himself, at least, so that’s not what I brought him here for. He’s here to talk. And by talk, I mean the kind of talk that might bring money to the slums.” [Jeff]

“Ho…” [Gramps]

The man looked at me.

“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Ryouma Takebayashi.” [Ryouma]

“That sort of well-mannered words is useless here. The name is Revel. I’m the manager of Gimuru’s slums. Jeff’s introducing you, so you’re probably trustworthy, but I’ll warn you so you know. Don’t think you can just do whatever you w ant around here. I’d be grateful if we could keep our relationship harmonious.” [Revel]

I felt a strong pressure when he spoke. As expected of the manager of the place.

“But, of course. I also don’t wish for conflict.” [Ryouma]

When I said that Revel snorted smiled.

“Didn’t shirk even a little, eh? …Seems you got some balls, kid.” [Revel]

“Duh. He’s someone I acknowledged.” [Jeff]

“Right. So, what ‘good stuff’ did he want to talk about?” [Revel]

“Let me answer that.” [Ryouma]

It concerns my store, so I should at least be the one to talk.

“…And that’s the gist of it.” [Ryouma]

Tl Note: Cutting here since the next line has me confused and I don’t have any time left. A bit shorter than usual, but I hope you still enjoyed it.