“Leader! Can I speak to you for a bit?” Kyle said as the group met at the usual gathering spot. Kyle approached a middle-aged man with a large build who was barking orders to those around him.
“Oh, Kyle! Yeah, what is it my boy!” The big man laughed heartily and slapped Kyle on the back.
“I’d like to quit the team.”
The leader paused for a moment. “What’d you say?”
“I’d like to quit the team.”
“Why’s that boy? You’ve been a real asset to the team. Our returns have been getting higher and higher since you joined. You’re our good luck charm!”
“I’m sorry leader. There isn’t much time until my wife gives birth. I’d like to be there for her and the baby.”
The big man went silent as the surrounding hunters looked on. “Hahaha! Alright, it’s fine! A good man you are! Well boys, let’s make this trip a damn good one! Hahaha!”
Kyle’s team members came up and patted Kyle on the back and went back to preparing. Kyle also apologized to them and went off to prepare for the trip.
The trip went smoothly as usual. There has been no news of monsters breaking through the frontlines recently. The forests were filled with wild beasts and magic herbs, ready for the taking by the lucky and adventurous.
Kyle got away from the team from time to time as he went off in search of herbs that he could sell for a handsome amount. Previously, he hadn’t bothered to collect any in his storage ring as mana based herbs were useless to him.
***
The hunting team sat in their usual tavern. Kyle was being offered drinks by his teammates.
The leader proposed a toast to which everyone drank to cheerfully.
“Gentlemen!” The leader yelled out. Everyone went quiet as they looked towards the bear of a man.
“I have a proposal.”
“I’ve been thinking that we should no longer sell our products at the trading post.”
A variety of questions and surprised gazes went around the table.
“My wife is thinking of starting a butcher shop. As you all know, there aren’t all that many of those around. And the ones that exist only deal with livestock animals.” The leader took a look around and saw that his men were paying complete attention before continuing.
“We can make a bigger profit margin if we’re to sell our catch on our own! My wife, and I’m sure a lot of you here, has a lot of connections to get our business going. The nobles that order from us won’t mind at all since there’s no change for them.”
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“I’m going to expand our team! Get some fresh blood. I think some of your sons and relatives have no real jobs right now! How about we get them to join us? Keep the business in the family.”
“Boss, that’s a great idea! I was going to ask you a favour once I retire in a few years! My son is coming of age and has no talent to be a mage or warrior. I don’t want him joining the army either!”
“Good! I’ll get my useless nephew to join us! Just say the word, leader!”
After getting support from most of his team members, the leader sent off the men back to their families. He had arranged a meeting of the entire team tomorrow afternoon to iron out the details.
As Kyle was saying goodbye and was about to leave, the leader called Kyle.
“Kyle! A word my boy.”
“Yes, please say, leader.”
“Come to the meeting tomorrow.”
“?”
“You can work for us as a butcher. I’m going to round up some of the retired old guys too. What do you say?”
“That sounds too good to be true. I’ll gladly take the job, leader.”
“Haha! That’s good, my boy. Well, see you tomorrow! Don’t be late.”
Kyle headed back home, while he thought about the leader’s offer.
‘It’s a good proposition. I can work near the house and still keep a small income. It won’t make people suspicious.’
Vanessa also wholeheartedly agreed to the idea and the two decided to go to the meeting together tomorrow.
***
“Wife, how are you feeling? Do you want to stay home?”
Vanessa sat in the living room, her face slightly pale.
“I’ll come dear, it’s too boring at home. We can’t miss our lunch date either.” Vanessa smiled as she leaned on Kyle to stand up.
The husband and wife would go around, eating at different restaurants and stalls once a week, ever since their marriage.
Vanessa, knowing a lot of Kyle’s background from his memories, knew what Kyle was like before. Therefore, she tried her best to live a simple and relaxing life with her husband.
‘I will be living for a very long time after all. There’s no need to rush things.’ She thought as she hanged onto Kyle’s arm, walking out of their house.
The duo greeted their neighbours as they slowly walked towards the market square.
As the meeting was just after lunch, and was also in the market square, they had plenty of time.
“Husband, I was talking to some of the mothers in the area. They all said childbirth is very painful.”
Kyle squeezed her hands to reassure her. “Don’t worry wife, I’ll be there with you.”
The market square was busy and filled with people as always. The duo made their way to a restaurant and had a satisfying lunch.
“Wife.”
“Yes, dear.”
“We should go house shopping tomorrow.”
“Dear, houses aren’t vegetables.”
“Hehe.”
The two went towards the meeting point after paying the bill. It was a small shop with a large area at the back. The inside was empty with no counters and shelves in sight.
The leader was already there with his wife as well as a few members of the team.
“Leader! We aren’t late right? Hello madam.”
“Welcome, Kyle. And it’s good to see you Vanessa.” The leader and his wife welcomed the couple in with warm smiles.
As they made small talk, more and more members of the hunting team entered the small shop, making it rather cramped.
“Ladies and Gentlemen! I think we all know the reason for this gathering.” The leader looked around the cramped room.
“We’re expanding the team! So, all those scrawny lads and dainty ladies who are here today, I’m going to assume that you’re all going to try out for our new team.”
“Also! Old Tony and Ryan over there is going to be work as the butchers for our new business. Kyle here will be helping as their assistant. My lovely wife Barbara will be overseeing the entire operation.”
Afterwards, the leader personally met all the new members while Kyle was taken away by Barbara to smooth out the details for the shop, together with the others who would be working in the shop.