Finishing Up the Recruitment (2)

[Enkidu's POV]

"So, how do you want to handle the lodging and living situation? I'd say we just tax them and let them keep any finds. That should be enough and reasonable for everyone." Artemis, Rethy, and I were still standing away from Aura, who seemed curious but didn't try to pry. However, as an elf, she more than likely had greater natural hearing, so it wouldn't surprise me if she was actually listening.

"Yeah, that works, but what would the rate be? If I make it too high, then it will definitely cause more problems." Artemis answered while Rethy seemed to want to stay out of this conversation. Rethusa (Rethy) enjoyed combat more than she did paperwork, which had to be done as captain, so this topic was something she wanted to stay away from. However, she knew she still needed to listen, but I could see her send a few glances toward our new elf friend!

"What's the current tax? I wouldn't be surprised if you had a low one."

"5%."

'Yikes... Artemis! I understand that before your Familia was a different type, but that's atrocious. I was expecting a bit higher than that.' I could feel my mouth open slightly, and there was nothing else I could say.

"I don't think I need to say that 5% isn't going to cut it anymore." I made this clear in case she harbored any intention of keeping it. I knew she didn't, but one can't be too careful as she might think we can manage. But as she hadn't reacted strangely, I guess I can really just let that thought die down!

Artemis nodded, and at the same time, she raised her right hand, pinching the bridge of her nose, seemingly thinking hard about a good number. I thought it would have to fall between 15-25%, depending on various factors, but the benefits, which will work out, should be worth it. 'I need to ask her about the benefits she offers as well. I really only needed her name, so I didn't care before.'

"How about 15%?" Hearing Artemis's choice, I couldn't help but sigh. Sure, I was thinking the minimum could be 15%, but then that leaves us with little to no extra room. Once we work out ALL of the benefits, I feel that the rate should be at 25% of the income. Which is a lot, but considering again that most of the things her people need will be covered, I doubt many will care in the end as long as we can keep it up.

I cast a glance at Rethy, who was still trying to stay out of our conversation, but her face even showed the same struggle. Their goddess was way too lax on these matters, but fortunately, she wasn't dumb. More like she didn't have experience with being an exploration Familia.

I turned my eyes back toward Artemis and answered, "We should talk more about this later after we discuss more on the cost of running everything we will do and what we will offer."

Artemis nodded her head, and Rethy just sighed. I understand not wanting to talk about this subject; however, it can't be avoided. I need this Familia around for a while, so I can't risk any major mishaps at the managing level!

Wrapping up our little conversation, we linked back up with Aura, who had a slight smile as she stared at me. Quickly, I observed Artemis's reaction, and she wasn't happy, but she didn't say anything, perhaps because she realized technically the woman didn't do anything wrong.

'Artemis is more sensible than I thought! It seems that connection is either weaker at the moment, or she is getting better at controlling it. I believe the former rather than the latter since if she could really control it better, then I feel she wouldn't behave strangely in public like she did earlier!' I kept my thoughts to myself and focused back on the situation around me.

"Aura, right?" I asked just to give her an opportunity to introduce herself. To make her feel like we care when in actuality we don't. Believe it or not, many employers use this method to make it seem that one is important, which some might be like no that doesn't make sense. However, think about it, you turn an application in, and they have all the information that they need already, so why would they need to actually ask you? Exactly!

Aura nodded to my question and followed up with more information, "Aura Moriel, previous vice-captain of the Dionysus Familia." She bowed slightly, which gave me a perfect angle of certain aspects, but I didn't really care that much about those and was more focused on her words.

'Experience as a vice-captain! Perfect, which only leaves testing her trustworthiness or at least ensuring that she won't risk the Familia's well-being. If she does, I'll teach her what true fucking fear is! I can't have my whole plan messed up.'

I nodded, not leaving her hanging in silence. With a single glance, I could tell that Artemis and Rethy both had similar thoughts to mine, which is perfect. This means I can leave for a little bit and let these two get more comfortable with her. Also, they can finish up the final parts. Technically, I have no important role, so if I slip away, it wouldn't affect anything!

"Artemis, I'm going to leave for a little bit! I'll be back around midnight or a little later." I turned, getting ready to dash, but Artemis's response made me pause.

"Fine, you want to just leave the boring stuff to me!" I didn't need to be facing her to know that she was puffing her face, and the mental image was super cute.

"hahaha~, you know me well, and it's only been a little over a week."

"Of course!"

"..." Judging by how the other two women present didn't say anything, I guess they were either speechless or stunned, but it could also be both. Rethy should be used to this, and Aura is probably the stunned one. Either way, it's irrelevant, and I dashed away quickly without turning around once. I won't lie; my face felt a little warm!

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AN: The next few chapters will be action packed and all that. I think I got most of the boring stuff out of the way. I also need to finish the Auxiliary chapter ;-; but that's for later. 

I'm trying to add more descriptive details but it makes me feel like I'm just putting in useless information. Which I know I'm not as its important but I haven't be able to do it right yet. Hah~, I think maybe in 10 chapters I can figure it out then I can really write better. Also, sorry for slow updates, I've been working more!