The villagers’ reactions were unsurprising.

Some ragged strangers showing up, claiming to have defeated a notorious group of bandits, and offering to share treasure? It was only natural for them to be skeptical.

“They look barely old enough to be adults…”

“Did they really take down those brutal thugs?”

“And they want to share the loot? Why? Wouldn’t it make more sense for them to keep it all?”

The villagers didn’t believe it. In a world as harsh as theirs, adventurers who shared wealth simply didn’t exist. Many even suspected the priestess, Deneb, of being an impostor.

Julien tried to persuade them by showing the treasure they had brought. Only then did the villagers half-believe their story and summon the village chief. A few individuals were sent to verify the bandits’ hideout.