88 - I Became a Guy Who Got Caught Up in the Summoning of a Hero

I Became a Victim of the Hero Summoning - Chapter 88: Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive ---------------------------== To Solve the Problem! In the end, I did get a few introductions, but when I went to meet them, most endeavors were fruitless. For a few, I had to reconsider after talking to them, doubting whether they were the right fit. "This is troubling, feels like all the useful ones have already been taken." "Even if they're not academy students who studied economics, you could also hire from the scholar guild or the merchant guild." When Hare mentioned this, I told him it wasn't something I hadn't considered, prompting him to look at me, puzzled. "It seems a bit unsavory to poach those already affiliated elsewhere. Besides, even if they come to work for me, I'm not sure they'll do their job properly and not just expect to be pampered." "If you can't trust anyone, hiring becomes inherently difficult." "Perhaps it might be better to have a beastfolk take on the job..." But Hare objected to my suggestion. "If the beastfolk haven't received proper education, they'll likely cause more harm than good to the territory." "Then how about you work with me, Hare?" "Heh, I appreciate the offer, but I'm busy myself..." Right, he's busy learning magic from the demon dragon. I understood that. It was while I was contemplating the situation further. "Excuse me..." Someone addressed us from behind. The woman seemed quite breathless, trying hard to maintain her composure as I inquired. "Is there something you need?" "I've been listening for a while... Are you nobles by any chance?" "Well, as you can see, we are. Why do you ask?" "If you're nobles, then perhaps you're from the Ingrad territory. That's why I persistently followed you here." The woman spoke rapidly, trying not to run out of breath, and when she finished, she was gasping for air as I responded. "You've got a keen eye for guessing correctly. Let's catch our breath and talk." Assuming she had her reasons, we moved to a more suitable spot, and the woman who followed us gave off the vibe of a nervous apprentice as she bowed and greeted us. "I am Linda Eden, the valedictorian of the Economics Department at Suriten Academy and a freeman. If you are seeking a retainer for your territory, I was hoping you might consider hiring me, which is why I boldlessly listened in and followed you. I apologize!" Linda spoke so quickly she was hardly able to breathe, but the word 'valedictorian' lodged itself in my mind. "If you graduated at the top of your class, wouldn't most lords hire you in a heartbeat? Why haven't you been hired?" "Because of my dream!" "A dream, you say..." It was a somewhat unexpected topic, but I was intrigued to hear more. I rephrased my question. "It sounds like you're giving up your future for your dream. Is that really okay?" "No, my future is directly tied to my dream." "Alright, let's hear it. What is your dream?" "Before I share my dream, I have one question I’d like to ask." "What is it?" "You seem to be in an important position, given you have a beastfolk escort. May I inquire what your position is?" "Are you asking if I have decision-making power?" "Yes." It was bold of her, I thought, amusing that she first sought to confirm if I had the authority to hire her before anything else. It was as if she believed sharing her dream would make her employable. Both Demina and Hare seemed entertained by the unfolding situation, seemingly finding it amusing to hold back their laughter. From where I was standing, I could clearly see their faces. "Well, I can tell you I do hold a position that would allow me to hire you. Does that answer your question?" "Ah... so because you're involved with the Ingrad territory, you can't disclose your specific status?" Though it seemed excessively serious, like something out of a spy movie, I nodded, prompting Linda to speak. "My dream is to become the wife of Lord Ingrad!" "...?" Linda's words brought the same look of absurd disbelief to both Hare and Demina’s faces. Once our gazes fixed on her, Linda continued. "Lord Ingrad is like a hero who has written a tale of success as a freeman. I can't predict how much more influence his achievements will have on this continent, but I want to be by his side and partake in history as his close confidante. Entering his service seems the best way, and I believe getting into his eye for that role is both my dream and future." I couldn't fathom how stories about me had spread to such an extent that someone would have such grandiose notions. I glanced at Hare, who seemed entertained by the whole ordeal. Even Demina, who hadn’t shown much intent in connecting with me, had replaced her initial surprise with an amused expression as she looked at Linda, making it seem as though I was the only one flustered by this. 'What should I do...?' As I briefly pondered, Linda, noticing my hesitation, quickly spoke up. "Does the lord already have a woman? I heard he was single, and if he’s married, I wouldn’t mind entering as a concubine or secondary wife!" "It's not about that..." "Why not? She seems determined and has a clear dream." Hare, what exactly are you thinking? "Is there an issue with me?" I asked, and Hare chuckled while Demina continued to smile, clearly amused by the situation, as Linda's face slowly turned pale upon realizing the peculiar circumstances. Linda, examining me cautiously, posed a timid question. "Not as a retainer... could it be... are you possibly..." Just as Linda struggled to voice 'possibly' in her question, Hare delivered the decisive blow. "This man is indeed the person you're infatuated with. He is, in fact, Lord Ingrad." "Eek?!" Her face turned pale. Did her heart just skip a beat? Seeing her complexion wasn't great, I pulled out a calming elixir from my pouch and handed it to Linda, saying, "Take this first, then we'll continue our conversation. I had no intention of misleading you, but I trust you understand." Linda, still hiccupping from shock, accepted and swallowed the offered elixir. After a moment’s pause, she looked around and headed towards a secluded alleyway. Using magic, I crafted a couple of seats for us. Linda sat down, but quickly jumped back to her feet when I sat beside her, to which I remarked, "Relaxation is key for now. Those two," I gestured to Hare and Demina, "are much sturdier than I am, so they can stand with no issue, but you and I need it. Besides, we need to discuss matters, right?" "But how... with a noble... that's..." The confident demeanor she had earlier seemed nowhere to be found as she stammered in disbelief. As time passed, I could tell the elixir was starting to work as she gradually calmed down. Soon enough, Linda managed to gather herself and softly asked, "I suppose it would be difficult to be employed, right?" "To be honest, many have entertained thoughts like yours, so that doesn't bother me much. However, the fact that you were the top of your class is quite important to me." Linda looked puzzled, so I continued, "I'm someone who appreciates competent people. While capable leaders might make life tough for those under them, I've often seen how much faster subordinates improve under such guidance." "...Are you saying you might actually hire me?" "Well, there are a few things I need to ask first, but I hope you take this as a positive sign." It was an unexpected opportunity that had rolled my way, and I had no intention of kicking it away. The key was to avoid being ensnared by the very opportunity I intended to utilize. "What would those be...?" "Firstly, some basic information. Your age, family relations, and perhaps your social connections." "As for family... I have a single mother. My father passed away several years ago due to illness. The compensation the state provided allowed me to attend the academy. I worked hard because I was essentially paying for my education with my father's life. Regarding social connections, well, I do have one friend. If I get employed, could they perhaps join as well?" Was this a 'buy-one-get-one-free' deal? "I'll learn about your friend later. Since you were the valedictorian, I don't need proof of that. Now, knowing you'll likely go to Ingrad territory, let me ask this: it's a dangerous place. There's no guarantee of safety, what with venomous creatures, poisonous plants, and fierce beastfolk. Recently, there’s been an increase in organized crime, too. Despite this, are you sure you wish to go?" "Yes! I definitely want to. It's my... Oh! I'm sorry!" Linda apologized, likely biting her tongue on sharing further about her dreams, prompting me to ponder briefly before I spoke. "I'm considering allowing you to bring your family along. How does that sound?" "In that case, I'd really love to go together. My mother is an excellent cook. If you could provide a position for her at the lord's mansion, she'd work diligently!" Here was a daughter trying to find a job for her mother too. It might have been amusing, but Linda was quite clever. Working at the lord's mansion was more stable, in terms of job quality and safety, in comparison to more perilous roles. She seemed to have thought things through quickly. There was nothing negative about this. "Lastly, what sort of salary are you expecting? Think carefully before responding because knowing one's true worth is important, so be deliberate." I was genuinely curious about her expected compensation. In aristocratic settings, especially starting positions at a count's estate, salaries usually ranged from 10 to 20 gold coins per month. This amount was substantial, and in a place like Ingrad, known for its peril, it could attract a tenfold risk bonus. This was common knowledge, making me eager to see what Linda's answer would be. In some corporations, CEOs ask applicants about their salary expectations to evaluate confidence or to truly gauge their value, aligning perceived self-worth with the company's valuation. Hare and Demina were both keen to hear Linda’s response as well. "My worth... is one large gold coin. May I explain my reasoning for this amount?" It was an unexpectedly low request. I nodded, granting her the floor, intrigued by what made her so earnest. Linda stood in front of me, visibly tense, yet ready to elaborate on her bold claim. What she was about to say had me quite curious—what could be so striking that warranted such anticipation?