“Buy some for everyone.”

“Eh!?”

I placed large silver coins from the bag, making a clattering sound, on the palm of my outstretched hand.
There were about 20 coins.
It should be enough for everyone and maybe a little extra for drinks.

“Just don’t drop them, okay?”

I said that to the surprised boy.
I can’t help but sound a bit arrogant.
Giving money to a child.
Especially money I got from someone else…

But, well…

“Is… is it really okay to give me this much!?”

If converted to Japanese yen, it would be about 200,000 yen.
They aren’t exactly poor.
In fact, those who work in adventurer-related jobs in this town are in a somewhat prosperous state due to a small boom.
Their earnings are good.
Even so, it’s not common to give children that much money.
Besides, there aren’t many places in this town where children can freely spend money…

“It’s fine, it’s fine. It’s not my money. It’s from Lord and Seria-sama. More importantly, go get your friends.”

“Ah… O-okay!”

I waved my hand as if to shoo him away, and he ran off to join the other waiting children.
I could hear cheers, but soon enough, they split into several groups and scattered, likely heading to various stalls or the square to make orders or fetch other members.

“Was that alright?”

The bodyguard who had been silent until now spoke up.

“It’s fine. After all, I’m sure Lord and Seria-sama wanted to let them use it like this. It’s too much for me alone…”

At first, I thought they gave me the money so the kids could pick souvenirs, but after looking around, there was nothing I could find that they would want.
At the very least, it didn’t seem like they wanted to laugh at my choices after picking out some souvenirs.

So, if they weren’t going to let me spend it all… the amount was too much.
They understand that they’re not far from the common folk when it comes to economic sense.

But then, would they want me to spend it all…?
Even a single skewer would be enough to fill me up.
That option seemed unlikely.

So, what was the point then?
Ah, it’s like this.
It’s like when a superior gives their subordinate money for drinks.
That’s probably it.

Technically, my position in this town is Vice Captain of the second squad of the knights.
If you think of it like that, most of the members of the second squad are my subordinates, but I wonder if the rough old men would be happy to have me treat them… Actually, maybe they would.
But no, it feels like the amount would be a bit low if I treated them.
I think the right call would be treating the kids.
Liesel probably knows how many children there are in this town, and she can estimate the ones who are old enough to walk around.

“I see… Lord’s way of treating the people does tend to involve a lot of alcohol… So, it’s difficult to reach children.”

Marcus seemed to have understood what I meant, and although he didn’t clap his hands, he looked at me with an expression that said “I get it.”
The other bodyguards nodded as well.

“Well, it’s not like they told me to use it all up, so I guess I could leave some as pocket money… But honestly, I already have enough money.”

“Is that so!?”

Yes, it is.
My income is quite substantial.
I don’t receive a salary, but the rewards from the Blessing of Mira alone are enough, and my earnings from being an adventurer have been good ever since the dungeon opened, as I’ve gathered a lot of relics.
And then…

“Yeah. They provide me with housing, food, and clothing, and even when I want something, they’ve already paid for it before I even order it…”

Everything—housing, meals, and clothes—are provided for me, and when I want something, if it’s not something I can buy at a shop, it’s paid for by Liesel as soon as it’s delivered to the mansion.
These days, the only thing I take money from my own pocket for is equipment maintenance.

“Th… that’s enviable.”

We all laughed together.
By the way, I wonder what their salaries are like?

Maybe I should treat them to something?

“Do you guys want to eat or drink something? I still have plenty of money.”

“Thank you, but we’re still on duty…”

They politely declined, shrugging their shoulders.
They’re earnest, those guys.
As expected of Squad One.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Sera ・【Hideout】+1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind’s Garb】・【Floating Orb】+1【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Serpent’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】・7 cards

Seriana ・【Range Identification】・【】・28 cards
Elena ・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・3 cards
Alec ・【Power Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・7 cards