With the previous lesson learned, Sodlan eventually decided to hire others to help with the search while he stayed behind to accompany Sote.
As for the excuse for hiring people to find Soran, the Human Sword Saint, Sodlan had already thought of a cover story.
He got out of bed and rummaged through the wardrobe for a change of clothes.
He had been away from home for so many days without a bath, and he smelled terrible.
Since he was back now, he had to wash up properly.
After his bath, a refreshed Sodlan emerged just as Sote returned home after buying food.
“Dad, come and eat.”
“Alright, thank you, Sote.”
After quickly finishing his meal, Sodlan stood up and headed for the door.
“Dad!” Sote turned back and called out to him. “Are you… going out again? When will you be back… this time?”
Sodlan turned his head, sensing a hint of sadness in Sote’s tone.
It was natural for Sote to worry.
Ever since he had joined this household, Sodlan had always fulfilled his duties as a father and had almost never left Sote’s side.
Even if he went out for business, it was for two days at most.
This had made Sote dependent on his father, and Sodlan’s month-long disappearance had caused a great deal of anxiety for the mentally immature Sote.
He did not want his father to leave.
Seeing his father heading out again without a word, just like last time, he was afraid his father would disappear for another month.
If that happened, Sote would be left alone in the house again, and no one wanted to experience that kind of loneliness.
His question about the return time was his way of seeking reassurance.
“Don’t worry, Sote,” Sodlan said, walking back to Sote and patting his head. “I’ll be back very soon. It won’t be like last time.”
“How soon is ‘soon’?”
“This evening.”
“Alright, then it’s a promise.”
“It’s a promise.”
With his father’s word, Sote felt relieved and went back to focusing on his food.
***
Sodlan left the house and stood by the roadside, thinking for a long time.
To find Soran while keeping the news hidden, he couldn’t go to large associations or report to the authorities.
The best way was to find a group of freelancers—individuals who didn’t know each other.
Ideally, they would be able to ride horses so they could split up.
This would not only cover a large area and provide efficiency but also prevent information about Soran from leaking out.
‘Right, that’s what I’ll do.’
“Sir, do you need a ride? Only ten copper coins to the city gate.”
A boy driving a horse-drawn carriage stopped right in front of Sodlan.
He looked to be only 14 or 15, dressed simply, but he spoke with the spirited energy of youth.
‘Oh, you’ve come at just the right time.’
“Lad, I want a ride, but I have a request.”
“A request? Just say the word. We uphold the principle that the customer is King—that’s what my father taught me.”
“Then… can you take me to find other young fellows who can ride? I have a big job. For every person you find, I’ll give you one silver coin.”
‘Other young fellows who can ride?’
“Of course, sir. Get on, let’s go.”
The boy on the horse agreed immediately. He had worked in this area for a while, and the carriage traffic was organized by specific people in specific zones.
Everyone was well-coordinated and didn’t fight over territory.
To find other riders, he just had to look for the regulars in the other zones.
After about 1 hour, Sodlan finally gathered thirty riders and brought them all to a nearby square.
Most of them were young men, with very few older individuals among them.
“Here is your fare.”
Sodlan tried to hand thirty silver coins to the boy who had driven him, but the boy refused.
“Sir, I can’t take your money like that. I have my own rates. You only need to give me this much.”
As he spoke, he took the topmost silver coin from Sodlan’s palm, tucked it into his pocket, and signaled for Sodlan to take the rest back.
“Very well, you are an honest child.”
Sodlan didn’t push further and took the money back.
“Now, I have a major announcement—a big job that will let you all earn some good money.”
The thirty riders immediately led their horses into a circle, listening intently.
“It’s like this. A friend of mine has gone missing, and I hope you can help me find him. I’ll give each of you a deposit of one gold coin now, and there will be another one for each of you once the task is finished.”
At the mention of an entire gold coin, everyone’s eyes lit up.
Most of them had never seen a gold coin in their lives; this was likely the closest they would ever get to being wealthy.
“Is there anyone willing to do it?”
“I am!”
The crowd answered in unison.
“However, the place where my friend went missing is not nearby. It is a distant location.”
Sodlan pulled a large map from his inner pocket and spread it out on the ground.
He pointed to the Northwest Border of the Human Territory, right where it bordered the Dragon Race territory.
“Here…”
His words were like a bucket of cold water poured over the crowd.
Their enthusiasm for making money vanished instantly.
“…”
“Why is it there?”
“Maybe I’ll pass. I’m still young, I don’t want to die…”
The crowd broke into hushed discussions, unable to give a definitive answer.
Sodlan had expected this.
It was true; the place was too dangerous.
No one would risk their life for money in a place like that.
But…
“Anyone who is willing, take a step forward. I will provide those who go with defensive items and a Quick Move Magic Scroll. It will allow you to quickly gain distance if you encounter danger.”
The group fell into a collective silence for 1 full minute.
Not a single person moved forward.
They were all terrified and didn’t believe the items Sodlan mentioned would be useful if they actually encountered the Dragon Race.
‘Sigh… I didn’t think such a good plan would fail because of this.’
Just as Sodlan was feeling discouraged and preparing to dismiss them, the young boy who had helped him gather the riders took a step forward.
“Sir, I’m willing.”
“Huh? Is this kid crazy?”
“Yeah, he’s throwing his life away for money.”
“Let’s go, let’s go. Leave them be. We’re better off earning honest money.”
“Exactly, staying here is just a waste of time.”
Soon, the thirty or so hired riders all departed, leaving only the youngest one—the first one Sodlan had met.
“Aren’t you afraid? You’ll be all alone,”
Sodlan asked, locking eyes with the boy.
He had hoped for many people so they could look out for one another, but now, only one was willing.
“I’m not afraid. The customer is King, and I must do my best to fulfill any request. That’s also what my father taught me.”
The boy’s eyes sparkled with confidence and a sense of upright integrity.
Sodlan remained silent for a few seconds before finally speaking.
“Good! People with courage like yours are exactly what I need. Young man… what is your name?”
“My name is Gauss.”
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