Suteko Ni Narimashita 34

I had just received a new name, a suggestion from Gustav. 

While I wasn’t entirely keen on the idea, especially since Hylo was the one who initially proposed it, I couldn't help but think of Gustav as my godfather. His endorsement lent it a certain appeal, even if I still had reservations.

"Ah, sorry for stalling your conversation," I apologized, realizing I had inadvertently stalled their conversation. 

Hylo and Rico had been in the middle of a job consultation. Eager to get them back on track, I prompted them to continue.

"Huh? Were we talking about a stall?" Rico asked, puzzled.

"No, it means our conversation was interrupted," Hylo clarified in a whisper, eliciting a giggle from Rico. Gustav couldn't help but snort in amusement at the exchange.

"So, you want a job because Crow saved you?" Gustav asked, using my new name. It felt strange to hear it about myself; it would take some time to get used to.

"Y-yes," Rico stammered. "We also want the power to help ourselves. We can’t use magic like Crow, but as long as we can earn money, we’re willing to do anything. Is there anything we can do?"

"I’m sure there is," Hylo chimed in with confidence. 

"We want to be able to laugh and think about tomorrow without being a burden to others."

"Something you can do, huh?" Gustav mused, turning away. He seemed to want to hide his expression from Hylo and the others. However, I saw his side profile from behind, revealing a smile.

Gustav raised an eyebrow, his tone laced with humor and disbelief. 

"Isn't it a bit extreme to change your minds at death's door?"

As he slowly turned to face Hylo and Rico, his expression shifted back to stoic impassiveness. I suspected he didn't want them to see his smile. 

I offered Gustav a helpless smile, which he returned with a protesting glance. Hylo and Rico seemed oblivious to our exchange.

"Are you prepared to pay for this opportunity?" Gustav's question caught them off guard.

"H-how much are you asking for?" Rico stammered, clearly taken aback.

"It depends on the job, but… let's say two copper coins to start," Gustav proposed.

"Only two copper coins?" Rico's surprise was evident in his voice.

"Yes, that's the general rate. It could vary depending on the job. The real question is, what skills do you possess? What can you both do?" Gustav's gaze was piercing as he scrutinized them, turning the moment into an impromptu interview. Despite the seriousness, I couldn't suppress a chuckle at the scene.

"I can run fast," Hylo blurted out, a mix of pride and nervousness in his voice. 

"Back when I was pickpocketing, I could outrun adults, weaving through crowds without bumping into anyone." He puffed out his chest in a show of bravado, then fell silent as if that was his entire repertoire.

It was Rico's turn, but he hesitated. "I… uh, I'm not sure what I'm good at…" He faltered, struggling to find his words. 

"I'm not strong like Crow, nor can I use magic, but…" Rico's voice trailed off, his eyes searching desperately for something to offer.

Rico searched desperately for something, anything, that set him apart. "Well, I'm responsible for rationing our food and planning storage with Hylo. I think I'm good at planning."

Gustav listened intently, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he closed one eye thoughtfully. 

"I see. That's your strength, then." He crossed his arms, deep in contemplation. I couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking. Was he considering rejecting their offer or pondering the right job to introduce them to?

Finally, Gustav broke the silence. 

"Come back tomorrow. I'll have something figured out by then." His response was unexpectedly positive.

"Is that okay?" I asked.

"When have I ever turned down a deal over anything but the price?" Gustav replied, a hint of admonishment in his voice as he turned to Rico. It was clear that Gustav, the shrewd shopkeeper, was open to any deal as long as it paid.

"But—there's a fee involved. 

Gustav interrupted Hylo and continued.

"I'll take a portion of your earnings. No objections, right?"

"That's…" Rico hesitated.

"It ensures I'm not left out of pocket." Gustav then did something unexpected; he smiled at them, perhaps for the first time. 

"See you tomorrow, Crow…"

"See you, Crow," they echoed.

And with that, the consultation concluded. Tomorrow, Hylo and Rico will be introduced to a job at a workshop, a new opportunity for them.

Hylo and Rico left early, eager to rest for tomorrow's new challenge. I turned to Gustav, a question lingering in my mind. 

"It's not like you to accept delayed payment. Why the change?"

Gustav paused, contemplating. 

"Well…" His usual policy, demanding immediate payment, had often meant the difference between what could and couldn't be afforded, like Rico's medicine, which cost three silver coins. If Gustav had allowed installment payments, they might have managed it.

"It's nothing significant," Gustav finally said, shrugging off the implication of his kindness.

"You're being generous again, aren't you?" I teased, though Gustav seemed unimpressed by the compliment.

"Rather than getting a few copper coins now, it's more profitable to take a cut of their earnings over time. That's all there is to it," he explained, his tone matter-of-fact.

"Really?" I asked though I suspected there was more to his decision.

"Those two are getting a job, right?" I changed the subject slightly.

"Yes," Gustav confirmed.

"Does this mean they'll be apprentices at a store?" I was trying to understand the full scope of their new arrangement.

"In a manner of speaking, yes," Gustav nodded. But even with this explanation, certain doubts lingered in my mind.

I remembered Gustav mentioning that store apprenticeships were usually reserved for adults or those working in family businesses. Hylo and Rico were far from adults. 

"They're not adults, so how can they get a job?" I questioned.

Gustav, while opening a bottle, paused and pointed it towards his mouth. 

"I see your point," he said before sipping water. "They're not going to work in a store, per se."

Confused, I pressed for more details. "What do you mean?"

"They'll be working as my assistants, dispatched from the Stone Shop," he explained.

"So, they're like helpers for the stone maker, moving between stores, assisting where needed, and earning labor charges?" I pieced it together.

"Exactly. You catch on fast, don't you?" Gustav said with a hint of approval.

I understood now they would be temporary employees. A thought crossed my mind, but before I could voice it, Gustav cut me off. 

"Before you get any ideas, no. I can't employ you."

I was taken aback. 

"Why not?"

The proposal I had yet to make was already dismissed.

"Why can't I work?" I asked, puzzled.

"Because you're too young," Gustav replied succinctly.

Age was the issue again, which made me sigh in frustration. 

"But what about Hylo and Rico?"

Gustav seemed to ponder this for a moment. 

"You know, we discussed how you wouldn’t need another five years to become an explorer."

"Yes, we did," I acknowledged, recalling the conversation that had been sidetracked by Rico’s Three-Days Fever, the Reshid issue, and the guards’ incident.

"How old do you think Hylo and Rico are?" Gustav asked, shifting the topic.

"I always thought they were about seven or eight," I said, believing they were a bit older than me. 

But, reflecting more critically, I realized they might be an exception. After all, I tended to speak and act more maturely than most my age.

"They’re about eleven years old," Gustav revealed.

"Really?" I was surprised. They looked so young. Or perhaps, was that just their appearance?

Gustav nodded. 

"Poverty can stunt growth."

That made sense. I thought back to Rico's slender frame, his ribs starkly visible beneath his skin. It was a stark reminder of the hardships they faced.

"That's why they appear younger than they are. In contrast, you're unusual for growing normally," Gustav explained.

"Is it because of their diet…?" I pondered, realizing I had never faced starvation.

"Possibly. That's probably why no one would question it if you claimed to be around eight or nine," Gustav reasoned.

"So, when I get a bit older…" I trailed off, the implication dawning on me.

"Exactly. You might be able to join the Adventurer's Guild sooner than you think." Gustav's words were encouraging. 

This was indeed good news. I had thought I would need to wait five years, but now it seemed I could expedite that timeline. Soon, I'd be able to meet the gaze of the townspeople head-on. It might sound trivial to some, but for me, it was akin to a lifelong aspiration. The path to achieving that goal suddenly seemed much shorter, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement.

Gustav's features softened upon seeing my smile. I wished he would show such openness more frequently with Hylo and the others. Clearing his throat, Gustav quickly returned to his usual stoic expression.

Returning to the matter, Gustav instructed, "You should head to the hideout as soon as you can, ideally today or tomorrow."

His brief moment of warmth seemed to have passed. I noticed that for someone who had been around for a while, Gustav’s expressions changed quite easily.

"Okay, I'll head over there now," I decided, recalling the hideout's location from the map. I wasn't entirely sure, but I was confident I’d figure it out once I got closer.

"That's a good idea," Gustav agreed.

As he spoke, Gustav gathered many crumpled papers, likely to be stored in the warehouse. But before he could leave, I remembered something important and called out to him. 

"There’s something I need you to get for me."

"What is it?" he asked, turning around with the papers still in his grasp.

With two weeks of free time ahead, I saw an opportunity to learn and study new things. I asked Gustav to procure a specific item and bring it to the hideout once he got it. It seemed like the perfect way to make the most of my time.