>>5522163Starting that day, Takigi takes up new duties. Although, frankly, they're almost exactly the same as the old duties. He simply uses an axe instead of a machete and fells significantly larger trees. You suppose it makes sense - what else would one do with improved strength in this trade?
The pay is better, but not quite satisfactory. Takigi considers taking up work as a hunter, but struggles to make a decision Even with improved strength, it is rather dangerous. That's when an old acquaintance reaches out.
"Mr. Takagi. Mr. Kanekatsu wishes to invite you to his residence." 「...」 One of the loan sharks stands before the two of you. Given how long has passed, you almost didn't recognize him. You can feel a mixture of annoyance and anger in his mind, but Takigi responds respectfully. 「Certainly. May I know what Mr. Kanekatsu wants with me?」 "It has to do with an offer of employment, but I don't know the specifics. Please, I'll lead the way."
After half an hour you reach a two story home situated near the center of the village. Smoke spills out of a chimney in the top right of the house, and the fauna in the front yard can be seen to be recovering from the recent winter. The man who led you here knocks on the door. "Mr. Kanekatsu, I've come with Mr. Takigi." "Come in."
The home is similar to before. Not elaborate or excessively decorated, but not lacking in comforts. The warrior - Kanekatsu - stands in the middle of the room. "I'm glad you made it. Let's speak in my office." Takigi refrains from speaking and follows Kanekatsu into a side room.
Two large wooden chairs sit on either side of a desk littered with piles of papers, although blank sheets cover up anything of import. A small bookshelf sits on the right side of the room, containing perhaps a dozen books, and a fireplace built into the wall warms the room. While the mood is not comfortable, the room itself certainly seems comfortable.
"As you've likely heard, I'm interested in hiring you. I need a new debt collector. Someone who can hold down the fort when I'm not able to pay attention." Anger flares up once more, but Takigi holds himself back. 「Why would you approach me to fill such a position? Pardon me if this is a bit blunt, but I thought our relationship ended on rather frigid terms before. I'm surprised you'd want to deal with me again.」
"Frigid terms?" Kanekatsu raises an eyebrow. "I certainly didn't see it that way. I won't disagree that you were treated unfairly - Mu Bou was a schemer who defrauded both of us - but I think we resolved the affair on a good note. As I recall, the remainder of your debt was waived. And as for Mu Bou... well, he's no longer with us, so that will not be a problem."
