Talent Recruitment

At the inn where the Lichman Adventurer Group was staying, Quiller Foster was pestering everyone in the group, insisting that they agree to his request.

"I've dreamed of becoming an adventurer since I was little. The world is so vast—I want to go see it."

"And then you got tied up in a bandit den."

The Regiment Commander, Meilu, spoke with an exasperated expression. She had truly been defeated by this young master. He had a perfectly comfortable life to enjoy, yet he insisted on seeking hardship. Ever since he learned the name of their adventurer group, the young master's attitude had changed completely. He was like a different person from the narcissist he had been before.

Queller refused to give up. With little stars practically shining in his eyes, he said, "I've heard about the legendary exploits of the Lichman Adventurer Group. Big Sis, the commander, how about my proposal from yesterday? Let me join you, all right? From now on, I'll cover all our adventurer group's expenses, and I won't take a single coin of the rewards we earn."

After he called her "Big Sis, the commander," the temperature in the room plummeted. Only Queller himself failed to notice, still gazing at Meilu with little stars in his eyes.

Seeing that a tragedy was about to occur, Dean immediately stepped between them. "Listen, Young Master Foster, an adventurer's life isn't as wonderful as you imagine. Sleeping in the open, vicious bandits, poisonous snakes, and ferocious beasts—those are all things you'll encounter regularly."

Young Master Foster became even more enthusiastic. He clenched his fist and swung it hard. "That's what an adventurer's life is supposed to be! How thrilling!"

"Er... Actually, most of it isn't very thrilling. Most jobs involve things like finding lost cats and dogs. They're very boring." Dean had no choice but to try another way of dampening his enthusiasm.

Then a hand landed on his shoulder, and wave after wave of killing intent came from behind him. "Dean! Once you find those disobedient little cats and dogs, you have to teach them a lesson! Otherwise, they'll run away again next time!"

Dean turned his head and whispered, "Hey, hey, have you gone crazy? He's a noble—and the son of a powerful marquis."

"Oh—hehehehe! Have you forgotten the second commission Lord Marquis gave us before we left? He told us to discipline his son properly. I just happened to remember." The female commander's knuckles cracked loudly.

"Hmm? What are you two whispering about? Are you discussing my joining the group?" Young Master Queller remained completely unaware that danger was approaching. He looked at the two of them expectantly.

"Excuse me. Earl Greiman has invited Quist Baronet to visit him."

Just as Dean was about to give up and silently pray for Queller, a knock sounded at the door. A servant outside delivered those words.

"Hmph! He's lucky." Meilu pouted, looking unwilling to let the matter go. Since this fellow had become the local lord's guest, beating him into a swollen mess would be too disrespectful to the lord.

Completely unaware that he had just escaped the gates of hell, Queller chuckled. "Sorry, everyone. I'll go visit Lord Greiman, and we can discuss my joining the group when I get back. Everything is negotiable, so think it over carefully."

With that, he opened the door and followed the envoy sent by the lord away.

Quiller Foster was invited to the shipyard by Paul. "My dear friend!" He warmly embraced Paul in a bear hug. He was sincerely grateful to the young earl, who had truly rescued him from the pirates.

"Baronet Foster..."

Quiller immediately put on an displeased expression. "That's too formal. Just call me Queller from now on."

"In that case, you can call me Paul too, my friend."

Paul returned the favor. Although the other man did not currently hold an official title, his father was a marquis—and a powerful figure on the Horn Bay Alliance's council at that.

Queller was indeed delighted. He smiled and asked, "So, little brother Paul, why did you call me to your shipyard? Of course, I'm very happy to be invited by a friend."

"Queller, what are your plans for the near future? Your schedule and such."

"Oh, I've already had a letter of safe return sent home through someone. For now, I plan to spend ten days or half a month wandering around here, taking in the sights of the northern lands. Being cooped up in that pirate den nearly drove me mad. After that, I'll head home. It wouldn't be good to make my family worry for too long."

Paul spread his hands. "You're welcome to stay. I hope you can treat this place as your home. However, I'd like you to help me with a small favor after you return home."

The young master immediately thumped his chest so hard it boomed. "Just say the word. I, Queller Foster, have always been willing to go through fire and water for my friends. Besides, you saved my life."

Slightly surprised that Queller now showed none of the airs of a noble, Paul continued, "What do you think of my shipyard? How does it compare with the large shipyards in the south?"

"Well... hehe!" Queller scratched his head with a smile and said hesitantly, "It's a little worse."

Paul knew the other man was trying to spare his feelings. That "little" was probably the sort of little that separated heaven and earth.

"I have some goods I want to sell in the south, but I lack ships capable of ocean voyages. The oared sailing ships currently in use have trouble traveling such long distances. After you return, could you help me recruit a group of shipbuilding craftsmen?"

Queller nodded. "That won't be a problem. Tell me how many you need, and I'll do my best to meet your requirements in terms of quantity. As for quality, I can't guarantee it. The skilled shipwrights in our region are very well treated, and their employers won't let them go easily."

"No problem. As long as they have shipbuilding experience, that's enough."

Paul suddenly remembered something and added, "Actually, I don't just need shipbuilding craftsmen. I need anyone with a useful skill, especially people who can read or do arithmetic. I'll make you a list later. Sorry for the trouble, but please do your best to recruit them for me. I'll reimburse their travel expenses."

Although he found it somewhat strange, Queller still agreed to Paul's request. He was then led in front of two models of a new type of sailing ship.

"Hmm! These two ships really are unique." Queller stroked his chin as he carefully examined the models before him.

Paul asked, "Do you think ships like these can be built with our current technology?"

Queller replied, "I don't know much about shipbuilding, but craftsmen in the south have tried all sorts of strange things that can operate in the sea."

Paul immediately became interested. "Oh? Such as?"

"For example, huge jars that could dive beneath the sea, or perpetual-motion ships and things like that. Someone seems to have built ships as strange as yours too, but most of them were failures or had no practical value. You know how it is. There are always idiots who think they're geniuses, dreaming of getting rich overnight with some absurd idea that popped into their heads after getting drunk. Er... sorry, I'm not talking about you."

Queller suddenly realized that his little brother might be the creator of the two strange ship models before him, and awkwardly fell silent.

"Haha! There really are all kinds of people in this world! Send them all to me." The young earl not only took no offense, but laughed delightedly.

Thanks to "King of the Starry Sky" and "QB" for the recommendation votes.

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