"I have a request. Starting today, I plan to close my current stall and move to a larger storefront. To support this expansion, I’m looking to hire new employees. Ideally, these employees should not only handle customer service but also be capable of providing security."

"I see... Usually, shops large enough to need security tend to be well-established. But considering your store carries unique products, having some form of security makes sense."

"Yes. I’ve heard the Adventurer Guild offers staffing services. I’d like to hire someone reliable, skilled, and capable of long-term work as a security-capable employee."

In this world, the Adventurer Guild also handles staffing requests. These range from one-day odd jobs like cleaning gutters to covering for injured workers for weeks.

For general staff recruitment, the Commercial Guild would typically be the place to go. However, hiring an employee capable of providing security falls under the Adventurer Guild’s jurisdiction.

"I see... Someone reliable, skilled, and capable of long-term work. Tetsuya, you know Lilia, right? What if we found someone like her?"

"That would be ideal! Lilia would be a perfect fit!"

"...!"

"She’s a skilled adventurer, responsible, kind, and, on top of that, beautiful! She and my current employee would make an amazing team as store representatives. Honestly, if possible, hiring a female security guard would be great too."

Of course, that’s wishful thinking. It’s rare enough to find adventurers ranked C or above willing to take on security roles in this starting town, let alone someone like Lilia.

"Well, Lilia, what do you think about that?"

"So, Lilia, it seems you’re considered ideal and beautiful, isn’t that right?"

...Huh? Why are Rizac and Patrice smirking at Lilia like that? No way, right? I mean, Lilia is still an active B-rank adventurer.

"...Ahem. Tetsuya, if it’s alright with you, could you consider hiring me to work at your store?"

"What!? Are you serious? I’d be thrilled, but is it really okay for a B-rank adventurer like you to work at a shop?"

Calm down, me! This sudden turn of events is making me panic. What if she suddenly says her daily rate is ten gold coins? ...No, surely that’s not the case.

"Yes. To tell you the truth, I recently retired as an adventurer. I still plan to assist the Adventurer Guild through volunteer work, but I won’t be taking on adventurer requests anymore."

Now that I think about it, Lilia did mention when we first met that her left arm was injured by a monster and she was planning to retire.

"Retired, huh... Seems like a waste, especially since you’re a B-rank adventurer."

"Not really. Losing the title of adventurer won’t change much for me. Higher-ranked positions like B-rank have limited spots, so stepping aside for younger adventurers is part of my duty as a senior.

I was looking for a new job anyway. If I can work at a store like yours, supporting rookie adventurers, I’d be grateful. My missing arm might be a slight inconvenience, but I’ll do my best. Please, consider hiring me."

Lilia is as earnest as ever. She could have continued as a B-rank adventurer, cherry-picking lucrative requests, but she didn’t.

That’s why I can trust her. Even with one arm, she’s stronger and more reliable than most people. I’ve seen her abilities firsthand. As security, she’d be invaluable.

"Honestly, I’d be honored. Having you on board would be a tremendous help. I’ll do my best to offer fair pay, so please lend me your strength!"

"Don’t worry too much about the salary. I’ve saved up enough to get by. Let’s work together, Tetsuya!"

"Yes, I’m looking forward to it!"

I shook her outstretched right hand. Her hand wasn’t particularly soft, likely from wielding a sword, but it was still a woman’s hand. My heart started racing.

"Sorry to interrupt, but it seems everything worked out. Could you save the flirting for later?"

"Guild Master, perhaps we should let them enjoy their moment for a while longer..."

"We’re not flirting!"

Lilia, her face red, protested. We only shook hands, so no need to overreact. Rizac and Patrice are probably just teasing us.