Chapter 227: Laying the Groundwork (3/4)

I changed to my only good suit, then I rendezvoused with Hyuzu-san and Jill-san to visit the office of the guards. Their offices could be found in any one of the four gates. They also had places akin to a police box littered through the town. The place we’re visiting was slightly bigger than all of those and could be said to be their headquarters.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” [Captain of the Guards]

“Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule.” [Ryouma]

Within one of the rooms of the guards’ headquarters, we met the person with the highest authority among the guards.

“Oh? If I recall correctly, you’re the person who healed one of my subordinates.” [Captain of the Guards]

“Oh, you’re from that time!” [Ryouma]

The person that met with us was the same person I happened into on the day I came back, the same guard that explained to me about Gimuru’s situation.

“Who would’ve thought that the highest authority among the guards would have been out on patrol himself.” [Ryouma]

“We were really lacking hands that day, you see… I didn’t even name myself back then. My apologies. Manfred Dammaia, the Captain of the Guards, at your service.” [Manfred]

“I didn’t name myself either. I’m—” [Ryouma]

“Ryouma Takebayashi-kun, right?” [Manfred]

“You knew?” [Ryouma]

“My subordinates knew.

I have guards who rely on the services of your laundromat. But I never expected that the rumored founder of the new security company would turn out to be you. Not to mention your age, but… I suppose age doesn’t really matter. But enough of that, let’s get to business.” [Manfred]

Right, I’m sure he must be a busy man. We should conclude our matters here quickly.

“As you know, I hope to establish a security company to trade security and sell goods that improve security. Although merely temporary, this security company will still encroach into your domain, so for that I apologize, but for the safety of Gimuru’s guards and people, I would like to cooperate with you. I understand it’s audacious of me to ask so much, but I would be much obliged if we could work together.” [Ryouma]

The worsening public order of the city is a matter of grave of concern.

As an individual and as the owner of a business in this city, the current situation is too unfavorable.

That’s why I want to build a security company, but at the same time, if I were to suddenly establish a security company, what would the guards who’ve been protecting this city all this time think?

That’s why I’m here tonight.

“There’s no need to apologize. So long as you don’t cause trouble, don’t hurt people, and don’t break the law, then there won’t be any problems on our end. If you go through the merchant guild and act as a business, then all the more so.” [Manfred]

As he said that, the Captain of the Guards, Manfred Dammaia, smiled.

“It’s true that we guards pride ourselves in protecting Gimuru and its citizens, but that’s all. As long as you through the guild, no one has any right to complain. That being said, I do appreciate you going out of your way to come here to communicate with us. So at the very least, I promise to let my men know of your visit here.” [Manfred]

“Thank you very much!” [Ryouma]

It’s great that we were able to come to an understanding quickly!

As I thought, this guy is really sincere.

“I believe we understand the current situation of Gimuru the best. We know full well that there are many places we are unable to cover, and that the citizens have started to worry because of that. The security company you’re planning to start will surely help in wiping away their fears. There is nothing to be gained by fighting among ourselves. I believe the safety of citizen should be our priority. To that end, we will do everything that we can do. There’s nothing I can do about the individual opinions of my guards regarding your men, but prioritizing such opinions would turn our ‘pride’ into meaningless ‘self-importance’. As much as I’d like to hope that there are no such people among my men, I don’t believe just hoping would be enough; hence, I’ll make sure to keep an eye out so that none of my men would try to do anything to disadvantage you.” [Manfred]

“From the bottom of my heart, truly, thank you. I will also do my best to ensure that my men will do their utmost to cooperate with your guards.” [Ryouma]

I glanced at Hyuzu-san and Jill-san, and the both of them nodded.

“With that our cooperation has been decided, but exactly what kind of cooperation do you have in mind?” [Manfred]

“For now I have two ideas in mind. Joint training and information exchange.” [Ryouma]

I have to train my security personnel from the ground up, so they’re in much need of training. If the opportunity presents itself, I figure a joint training would serve as a good stimulus for both sides. As for the information exchange, it’s because I intend to have my security personnel patrol. That will also serve as an advertisement for the company. Naturally, they can’t just ignore the incidents that they happen upon, so the cooperation with the guards should allow us to be able to respond as fast as possible, exchange information quickly, and hand over arrested culprits quickly.

“We have plenty of fresh faces in our ranks too, so the joint training sounds good. Sharing information will be a huge help too.” [Manfred]

“We’re a security company, so if possible, we would like to expand the scope of our activities as much as possible.” [Ryouma]

“In that case…” [Manfred.

After that we spent much time discussing our cooperation. Of course, I listened to the requests of the guards’ side as well.

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