The next morning, while we were training, the Margrave approached us. It was about the thugs who had attacked us yesterday.
“Shun, regarding those thugs from yesterday, it seems their actions varied depending on the target. Some, like you, were simply attacked, while others were approached with offers to join a criminal organization.”
“So anyone they knew wouldn’t join was attacked, and they tried to recruit those who might be willing?”
“Regrettably, that seems to be the case. What’s worse, they were even reaching out to adventurers in order to hire roughnecks.”
“Ah, that explains why the ones who attacked us said it was an easy job.”
According to the Margrave, this meant the criminal organization was operating on a large scale.
We already knew they were trying to recruit participants in the tournament, and now they were even targeting adventurers. This was shaping up to be a serious and troublesome situation.
“As for the matter of the criminal organization targeting adventurers, we’ve informed the royal castle and asked that the warning be shared with the other territories as well. They’re planning to step up patrols in the capital, too.
“That’s a good move. We need to take every possible measure to uncover their objectives.”
In any case, canceling the martial arts tournament would be tantamount to surrendering to the criminal organization.
We would also need to stay vigilant while running the food stall. With the soldiers’ patrols being strengthened, we had a chance to disrupt the organization’s plans.
At that moment, Sue joined the conversation.
“Perhaps some of the flirting attempts at the medical tent were also connected to the criminal organization.”
“Actually, the one Horn knocked away yesterday was a member of the organization. Since there was a beautiful woman, it seems he was just killing time before his mission started.”
“We should probably assign soldiers to the medical tent as well.”
We had to set up as many defenses as possible to ensure the martial arts tournament could proceed safely. But we couldn’t exactly restrict the audience, so it was a tricky balance. Just to be safe, the attendants had been granted permission to carry weapons.
“We heard about those idiots too.”
“There were even some barricades nearby.”
“We’ll have to punish anyone foolish enough to sully the tournament.”
As we left the manor and started preparing the stall, townspeople approached us.
They were angry that anyone would dare spoil the tournament they were looking forward to, and promised to report any suspicious individuals to the soldiers immediately.
“I don’t think anyone would dare touch this stall.”
“Yeah. After all, there’s that super slime, and those guys over there look strong too.”
“Come to think of it, this area around the stall is probably the safest spot. Gahaha!”
They were speaking as if they’d already had a few drinks this morning, but considering the strength gathered around this stall, they weren’t exaggerating.
I could only hope it wouldn’t turn into a full-blown bloodbath.
“Big brother, it’s almost time. I’m heading out.”
“Good luck at the stall!”
“Ao, Shiro, Fran—you three, be careful out there.”
““Yes!””
With that, Ao, along with Shiro and Fran, left the stall to participate in the first match.
A lot was going on, but first and foremost, we needed Ao to make it to the semifinals tomorrow.
“Ten rice balls here!”
“Five fruit sandwiches!”
“Yes, yes—please wait just a moment.”
But before that, I had to survive the battle with the customers in front of me.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
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