THE DIMENSIONAL MERCHANT-Chapter 92 - 91: The security company

The innkeeper exhaled slowly. His fingers trembled slightly as he reached out and pulled the coins toward him.

"Alright," he said at last. "Two days. But until then, I’m still the owner."

Kael nodded. "Fair."

Alenia, who had been standing silently nearby, stepped forward, her arms crossed. "You’re seriously buying this place? That’s quick."

Her mouth tightened. "This place was my last refuge. After we lost the forests... the cities. I kept it clean, safe. I fought for it more than you ever saw."

"I know you did," the innkeeper said gently. "That’s why I trust Kael to keep it standing. And to keep you employed."

Kael studied her for a moment, surprised.

"You are a refuge?"

Her eyes narrowed. "You don’t know anything about me."

There was a flicker of something behind her words—pain, perhaps, carefully hidden beneath pride.

Kael hesitated, then nodded. "You’re right. I don’t."

Truthfully, Kael had been skeptical of her from the start. Alenia knew a lot—too much for a simple maid. Still, he’d written it off. Every good inn maid needed sharp ears and sharper instincts. That’s all it was.

Kael then said, "Look, Alenia, I don’t care about your past. If you want, you can work here as before. That’s your choice. But I trust you. You’ve helped me a lot. And I’m grateful for it. To tell you the truth, the information you gave me has helped me a lot to get this far. Now I want to know your decision."

Alenia was quiet for a beat.

"I don’t know what you’re really after, Kael. But you’ve kept your word so far. And that counts for something."

"If you’re taking over, fine. I’ll stay on. I know how this place runs, and you’ll need someone who does."

She met his eyes, steady and unflinching. "Just don’t expect me to call you ’boss.’"

Kael gave a faint smile. "Deal."

Alenia turned toward the stairs. "Come on. I’ll show you where the Red Band was staying."

They climbed the stairs. The wooden steps creaked underfoot, the inn’s age showing in every groan of timber. Kael glanced at the faded wallpaper, cracked beams, and uneven floorboards.

"I’m going to have to spend a lot just to make this place presentable," he muttered.

Alenia glanced back over her shoulder. "You picked it. No one forced you."

"Ha—ha—I know."

They reached the third floor, and Alenia knocked on a door with the back of her knuckles.

A few seconds passed. Then the door opened, and a shirtless Darien squinted at them.

"What the hell—Kael? It’s barely morning."

Kael stepped past him without waiting for permission. "I just spoke to the innkeeper. I’m buying the place."

Garrick was sitting on a stool in the corner, already awake, polishing his war mace with slow, careful movements. He looked up but said nothing.

Kael glanced at Alenia. "Bring the other two."

She turned and walked off.

Kael sat on one of the beds, resting his arms on his knees. Darien leaned against the wall, still yawning.

"You were planning to leave around noon," Kael said. "Right?"

Darien rubbed his face. "Yeah. You probably heard the Guildmaster vanished. We were thinking about heading to another city. A different Adventurer’s Guild branch."

"But someone from the Matgorat family is coming," Kael said. "The mayor said the debts will be paid, and a new Guildmaster appointed."

Darien gave a dry laugh. "Yeah, we heard that too. And sure, maybe they’ll throw some gold at the problem. However, Ginip’s income has dropped hard. From what I’ve seen, the new Guildmaster won’t be able to reverse that so easily. It’ll take time—a great deal of it."

Kael didn’t bother arguing.

Then—Alenia returned with the other two—Liora and Mira.

Mira stretched, tail swishing lazily. "Nya~ You’re up early, boss man."

Liora followed behind, still half-asleep, hair a mess, eyes half-closed. She didn’t say anything, just blinked slowly and shuffled toward the bed.

Kael pulled two chocolate bars from his coat and tossed them to Mira and Liora.

They caught them instantly.

"Thank you~" Mira beamed, already unwrapping hers.

Liora sat down, bit off a piece with zero hesitation, and mumbled, "Mmm."

Garrick finally spoke. "You always carry chocolate?"

"I brought it for them."

Darien smirked. "You’re treating them like kids."

"They’re easier to handle when they’re eating."

Darien chuckled. Mira was already licking chocolate from her fingers.

Kael straightened. "Alright. I need to ask something important. How much do you usually make in a month?"

Garrick raised an eyebrow. "That why you came knocking this early?"

Kael shook his head. "No. But it’s something I need to know first. It matters."

Darien spoke up, arms loosely crossed. "We’ve recently been promoted to a B-rank party. In the past, we averaged three to four gold coins a month. But thanks to the equipment you sold us... our income has more than doubled. We now make eight to ten gold coins regularly. Your items have made a significant difference."

Kael paused, keeping his face neutral, though a thought nagged at him.

Maybe I shouldn’t have sold them those items... Now I’ll have to pay more just to keep them.

"Very well," he said aloud. "Then I’ll speak plainly."

The room quieted.

"I came here to hire you. Not for a one-time job. I want you to work for me—permanently."

That made Mira pause mid-bite. Even Liora’s eyes focused for a second.

Kael continued. "I’m planning to form a security company—my own organization—and I want you to be its first members, a core part of something greater. If you accept, I’ll pay each of you two gold coins per month, same as your current earnings. But with added stability. I will also cover your meals and lodging. Uniforms, arms, armor—everything you need, I’ll provide."

He let the offer sink in, meeting each of their eyes one by one.

"All I need is your answer."

The silence that followed was long and thoughtful.

Garrick looked at Darien. Mira flicked her tail thoughtfully, ears twitching. Liora was already nibbling the last corner of her chocolate bar.

Kael nodded slightly, then added, "In two days, I’ll be purchasing this shop. Until then, you’re welcome to stay here as long as you need. This place will be yours to rest and consider."

He looked toward Alenia, who was leaning casually near the door. "I understand this isn’t an easy decision. Take your time. Alenia and I will be downstairs. When you’ve made up your mind, come and tell me."

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