Earlier today, when Osric shortly met up with William—
William realized after their meeting, just how much Osric did both for his own growth and their party's growth, as a leader.
'He's really different than most.'
'People who don't know him probably see him as someone who doesn't care about anything, but he's more hardworking than anyone I know.'
William smiled.
'I should introduce him to my grandparents. They always nag me about making friends.'
'But first, I should focus on doing my best for our party as well!'
He currently had two main goals.
First was to train as much as possible. He kept doing physical exercises and practiced his axe and shield techniques against wooden dummies.
William didn't have weapon and combat mastery skills like Osric. Of course he wasn't aware that Osric did, but it was still a disadvantage.
What he did have however, was a strong body, natural fighting ability and experience with an axe.
He didn't have trouble building his own foundation, even without the help of a knight or any military training.
What he did have trouble with however, was his second objective in this off time.
That was to find a recruit among the guild adventurers.
William finished training and sighed.
'How am I going to recruit that guy?'
He already had someone in mind and already mentioned it to Osric.
'Osric looked pleased, but what if I don't manage to get it done?'
The adventurer that he had in mind was a new F-Rank adventurer.
But new didn't mean young or necessarily inexperienced.
The man was previously a hunter and he was very skilled with a bow and arrow.
Archers were very sought after in parties.
'This is troublesome. Two other parties have already shown interest in him as well and one of them is much more experienced than us.'
'He's been completing a lot of F-Rank missions solo and has recently started doing E-Rank missions in temporary parties.'
William pulled on his red hair.
"Arghh!"
'This is so frustrating!'
Figuring out how to recruit someone was a lot more challenging than he had expected.
'Osric didn't tell me what kind of offers I can make.'
'Does that mean I shouldn't give any without him or that he trusts me?'
'I can't ask him now. He's way too busy at the moment with the arena.'
Then something came to mind.
'Oh, that's right! I can go ask Paul for his opinion. He's also known Osric much longer than me.'
—
William stopped in front of a bakery.
It was kind of far from the guild, but still inside the common area of town.
'I think this is it.'
It wasn't big, but the building still had two floors. The bakery was on the first floor and looked pretty busy.
'Must be popular. I've never been here.'
William was a little nervous to just step into Paul's personal life like that, but they had gotten pretty close in such a short time.
He stepped inside and only saw two small lines of customers in front of the display of different baked goods.
Behind it stood two women, tending to the customers.
'Is one of them Paul's wife?'
'But one looks too old and the other too young.'
He didn't want to cut in front, so he just waited in the line.
Soon it was his turn.
"How can I help you?" A young woman asked.
"Um. Hello, I am looking for Paul."
The young woman looked surprised and turned around to the kitchen behind closed doors.
"Carol, someone is looking for Paul."
An attractive woman in her mid twenties walked out, covered in flour.
"Yes?"
William looked shocked.
'Wow. Paul wasn't kidding when he talked about his wife.'
He then quickly came out of it.
"Hello. My name's William. I work with your husband."
"Ah, yes. Paul told me about you. What brings you here?"
"Haha, sorry to intrude, but could I speak with him? I need his advice on something."
Carol smiled.
"Sure thing! I'm sure he'll be happy to see you."
She then turned to her employee.
"I'll be upstairs for a couple of minutes."
"Got it."
—
Paul was surprised to see William walking into their home with his wife.
"William? What are you doing here?"
"Haha, sorry to bother you. I need your advice on something work related."
Paul was intrigued. What would an adventurer need advice on, from a porter?
He then walked towards their small dining table and gestured for William to sit down.
"I'll leave you two alone then. See you later honey, and nice meeting you William."
"Bye."
"Thanks, you too."
Paul then turned his attention back to William.
"So what brings you here?"