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1The house of the leader of the Bravers, the house of the Amemiya couple, was in a high-end residential area. Naturally, it was a safe area, with surveillance cameras and top-of-the-line guard Golems (similar to Earth’s drones).
2It wasn’t rare for houses here to have their own hired security personnel… those with military experience. It was said that the only ones who would try to try to rob a house in this area were those who wanted to end up in a prison or in a coffin.
3
4Banda was traveling the streets of this residential area, in the middle of the day, facing backwards. He did not possess a physical form, so it appeared as if he were sliding silently across the ground, as if someone were pulling him along.
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6This is the Nation of Japan, the equivalent to Earth’s Japan… Even though this is supposed to be a fantasy-like world where magic exists, it looks just like a world featured in a near-future science-fiction film, he thought to himself as he looked at the security Golems with cameras attached to their heads and Golem trucks that drove themselves automatically to deliver their goods.
7
8If the Golems were replaced by robots, it would truly be a science-fiction world. Since machines were also being used, it could have been described as a hybrid between magic and science.
9
10Considering that, Banda thought that it might have made more sense to simply use actual robots… but unfortunately, the word ‘robot’ was not a commonly-known term in Origin. It was a technical jargon term used to refer to rare Golems that did not require magic to operate.
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12Perhaps technology has developed further because of magic’s existence, Banda thought. Leaving these differences between the worlds aside… It seems my main body really is Meh-kun.
13
14Banda appeared as if he was sliding backwards without moving his legs (or at least he would, if he was visible to anyone other than Mei), but he was actually not moving of his own will at all.
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16He was being dragged along as Amemiya Narumi pushed the stroller that Mei was riding in, approximately fifty meters behind him.
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18It didn’t seem that Narumi felt any resistance, so Banda had tried planting his feet in the ground, but even when he did so with all his strength, it had been impossible to stay in place. It was likely that even using Materialization and digging his claws into the ground would have no effect.
19
20“Now then, I’ve tested the maximum distance between me and Meh-kun, and whether the Golems’ Mana sensors can detect me, so now all that’s left is…”
21
22Banda opened his mouth, whose corners were at his ears. He extended his tongue and his two antennae, which were ordinarily covered by his hair.
23
24He saw that he could extend both of these over ten meters ahead of him.
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26Next, he slightly opened the membrane that looked like a coat and fired a horn of the Demon King, using the Demon King’s lungs and proboscis like an air gun.
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28The horn flew into the distance. Of course, it was a spiritual projectile with no physical form, so it didn’t collide with anything.
29
30“I can’t be more than fifty meters away from Meh-kun by myself, but my tongue and antennae can extend beyond that, and I can fire parts of myself that are separated from my body. That probably applies for my spells, too,” Banda murmured to himself. “Now then… I suppose it’s time to go back.”
31
32Banda turned around and returned to Meh-kun and the other Banda that was there with her. He moved incredibly quickly, even catching up to the car that was moving in front of him.
33
34“How am I so fast? Do the original’s Attribute Values apply in this world?” he wondered. “I’m back, Meh-kun, me.”
35
36“Banda,” Mei said happily inside the stroller.
37
38“Welcome back, me,” said the Banda that had stayed with her. “Now then, let’s return back to normal.”
39
40Banda was a being that existed only in spirit; he had made use of that to make a clone of himself. Now, the two Bandas merged back into one.
41
42Mei made a sad noise. “Banda…”
43
44“Meh-kun, it’s not that we got rid of one of me, we just returned back to normal,” Banda told her.
45
46Mei was currently being taken to the park by Amemiya Narumi and the woman who worked for her as a babysitter and helper. Incidentally, her older brother Hiroshi was currently playing at his friend’s house.
47
48“Mistress, do you know what this ‘Banda’ that Mei-chan has been saying since this morning could be?” asked the helper.
49
50“I don’t really know,” Narumi replied. “I think she means ‘panda,’ but…”
51
52Mei made a noise of discontent.
53
54“Meh-kun, I can’t hug you when outsiders… when Mom and others are around,” said Banda. “It’d frighten them.”
55
56He felt uncomfortable calling Amemiya Narumi ‘Mom,’ but he did his best to not show any reservation when it came to her parents.
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58He needed to get used to it, but less than a day had passed since he had begun haunting Mei.
59
60“Then perhaps Mei-chan can see a panda. It seemed that she saw a puppy the other day, after all,” said the helper.
61
62“Yes, people say that children see things differently from adults, and things like this have happened with Mei before,” said Narumi.
63
64It seemed that their suspicions were resolved. Banda was thankful that they were not more concerned.
65
66After a little while, they arrived at the park. It seemed that playground equipment like slides and jungle gyms weren’t very different between Earth and Origin.
67
68But Mei was still just a year old; she could not play on this equipment. She would spend most of the time having a nap while Narumi and her babysitter discussed child-raising strategies with Narumi’s friends and their babysitters.
69
70“My son’s such a rascal, his body can’t keep up with his antics.”
71
72“Boys are a lot of work, aren’t they. But our Hiroshi is so focused on games…”
73
74“Speaking of games, I’ve heard that there are games that need you to go outside to play them –”
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81
82“How peaceful. Maybe Dark Demon Creation Path Enticement isn’t in effect because I’m not the main Vandalieu; spirits don’t really come near me,” Banda murmured to himself.
83
84“Puppy~” said Mei.
85
86“Meh-kun, that’s the spirit of a puppy. It doesn’t have a good aura around it, so it might be dangerous if you call out to it,” Banda warned her as he looked at Narumi’s face and casually thrust his arm into one of the housewives that she was talking to.
87
88The housewife gave a small groan. “… That’s strange, am I getting tired?”
89
90Banda moved his arm to feel around her insides.
91
92“I’m already entirely made of spirit form, so… nothing out of the ordinary. Next… Nerve inflammation, I’ll give you some medicine for that. Next… severe stiffness in the shoulders. I’ll fix that, so take care,” Banda said to her.
93
94One after another, he thrust his arm into the housewives and conducted a medical examination on them. He then put his tongue into them and used Materialization on a small part of it so that he could release the appropriate medicines on their unhealthy areas.
95
96The housewives let out small groans, suddenly experienced less back pain and one even squirmed and moaned, “My shouldeeeers!”
97
98Meanwhile, Banda carefully observed Narumi’s reaction.
99
100“Everyone, are you alright?!” Narumi asked the housewives.
101
102It seemed that she really had not taken any notice of Banda’s actions.
103
104“Even at this distance, I won’t be noticed as long as I don’t use magic. Well then, I suppose it’s fine for me to use my Skills and the power of the fragments,” Banda concluded.
105
106The parasite-type Demon King Familiar, which used the Demon King’s sub-brain and nerves to take over the bodies of others, had large limits on what Skills it was capable of using. However, Banda was a being that had been created from a piece of Vandalieu’s own soul.
107
108Thus, it was likely that he would be able to use just about any Skill if he used Materialize on himself.
109
110“I’m not sure if I can use my Unique Skills, though. But it would be going too far to brainwash people or devour their souls to test that,” Banda said to himself.
111
112“Banda, Mama, okay?” Mei mumbled.
113
114“What about me, Mei?” said Narumi.
115
116“I’m not going to thrust my arm or tongue in Mom unless she really needs emergency medical treatment,” said Banda. “She might take notice of me, too.”
117
118That was when it happened. The ominous dog spirit snarled, suddenly leaping up and biting one of the children on the jungle gym.
119
120This was a peaceful, high-class residential area, but spirits could not be managed. However, this dog was far short of being an actual evil spirit, the kind that would appear before the living as ghosts and curse them or materialize to bite them.
121
122The bitten child was unharmed; his foot had just slipped a little.
123
124However, the bite had come at an unlucky moment. The boy had been climbing the jungle gym, and his foot slipping made him almost fall off. At the same time, he desperately tried to twist around to grab onto the jungle gym, but he lost his balance.
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126And with a startled shout, he fell, with the back of his head pointed towards the ground.
127
128All of this took place within a handful of seconds; naturally, there was no way that the child’s mother or Narumi would save him in time. However, the jungle gym was not that high off the ground. Being a child who didn’t weigh much, even if the back of his head struck the ground, perhaps he would get away with just a bump on his head.
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130But during those few seconds, Banda chased the dog spirit away, produced fat and soft fur on his hand, and placed his hand between the child’s head and the ground. The moment the child’s head landed, he used Materialize on the surface of his hand.
131
132“In the worst-case scenario, he could die,” he murmured to himself.
133
134Noticing that something was wrong, the boy’s mother came running to the scene. The boy was confused at soft sensation on his head and the lack of pain. The mother scooped him into her arms and checked whether he was injured.
135
136“Banda~” said Mei, happily greeting Banda as he returned.
137
138“It looks like he didn’t hit his head too badly. I’m glad he’s not hurt,” said Narumi.
139
140“Yes, I’m so glad,” said the boy’s mother.
141
142“It really seems that Amemiya Narumi won’t notice me if I’m just using the fragments,” Banda murmured.
143
144Mei was Banda’s top priority. On top of that, he had to conceal his existence from everyone other than Mei. He wasn’t here to save lives or carry out justice.
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146But that couldn’t mean that he could just do nothing and let everyone other than Mei die.
147
148“With great power comes great responsibility… I hate that way of thinking, and I don’t intend to teach it to Meh-kun. But it would also be problematic to let her see me do nothing even though I have the ability to save people. That might greatly inhibit the development of her social morals, emotions and the ability to feel empathy for others,” Banda told himself.
149
150He didn’t want Mei to become a gentle philanthropist, but if possible, he wanted her to grow up to be a bright, considerate girl.
151
152… Though this was also because Banda had the same personality as Vandalieu, who would have hesitated to simply let the boy fall.
153
154“And it’s quite likely that my existence will be found out within a few years anyway,” Banda sighed, looking at Mei’s mother, Amemiya Narumi… the reincarnated individual with the ‘Angel’ ability that allowed her to mentally connect to others and share their memories and experiences.
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156Vandalieu had heard of her ability from Kanako and the others; if she were to use it on Mei, Banda’s existence would be revealed in an instant.
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158Narumi wasn’t likely to use it on her own daughter for no reason, but… she would likely use it once she became curious enough about the mysterious friend that only her daughter could see.
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160It was possible that it wouldn’t come to that, but… the people around Mei were sure to notice her peculiarity.
161
162“Puppy?” Mei asked.
163
164“It’s alright. I scared the bad puppy away, so it ran off somewhere,” said Banda.
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166Mei possessed an affinity for the death attribute, and could even see spiritual beings.
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168Perhaps because she had absorbed Pluto’s power as a fetus, Mei had an affinity for the death attribute, something that no other person in Origin possessed. Even Banda did not know why that was, but that was the reality.
169
170He didn’t even know how much of an affinity for the death attribute Mei possessed. Would she only be able to use a single specific ability like Pluto and the others, or would she acquire Death-Attribute Charm and learn multiple spells like Vandalieu?
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172But if this was to become known, the whole world would turn its attention to her. She was the daughter of the ‘Braver’ Amemiya Hiroto and the ‘Angel’ Narumi, so it was likely that she wouldn’t be taken into captivity right away, but… the ‘Avalon’ Rikudou Hijiri was trying to get his hands on the death attribute, and he would not stay quiet.
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174Depending on the trouble that arose from those circumstances, Banda’s existence would be found out after all.
175
176“Hey, me… It’s not like I’m resenting you, but the situation is pretty hard over here,” Banda murmured, wishing his words would reach Vandalieu.
177
178“Banda~” said Mei.
179
180“By the way, Meh-kun, wouldn’t it be better for me to call you Mei-chan instead of Meh-kun?” Banda asked her.
181
182Mei made an unhappy noise, tears welling up in her eyes.
183
184“What’s the matter, Mei? You look like you’re about to cry… Are you hungry? Sleepy?” asked Narumi.
185
186“Alright, I’ll keep calling you Meh-kun. Look, it’s my antennae,” said Banda, waving his antennae at her to cheer her up again.
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193
194Several years had passed since Machida Aran, Shimada Izumi and Endou Kouya became Rodcorte’s familiar spirits – in other words, angels. They had become able to perform some of the maintenance work on the circle of reincarnation system.
195
196They couldn’t make any real adjustments to it, but they could resolve its errors. That was all.
197
198“It seems that it’s finally settled down,” said Izumi.
199
200“To think that errors would occur in Origin… Was there some kind of mass spawning of Undead or something?” Aran sighed.
201
202Thanks to the familiar spirits, the sudden errors occurring in the circle of transmigration system had been resolved.
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204“A mass spawning of Undead would be a large incident, but that doesn’t seem to have happened. I checked Rikudou’s memories, but it doesn’t seem that he’s run any large death attribute experiment,” said Kouya.
205
206“Then what in the world happened? Vandalieu isn’t in Origin, you know,” said Izumi.
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208The cause of critical errors and bugs in the circle of transmigration system was Vandalieu. The familiar spirits were as aware of this as Rodcorte was.
209
210Rodcorte’s system was generally near-perfect, and with regular maintenance, no errors or bugs other than those caused by Vandalieu occurred in the system.
211
212“You’re right. Even he wouldn’t be able to fly from world to world…” Aran murmured. “I take that back. Hey, take a look at Joseph’s memories.”
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214“Is there something strange about them? You’re right that his recovery from his insomnia and hallucinations is quite a big deal,” said Kouya.
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216“No, it’s his dreams. Look at the records of his dreams!”
217
218“Dreams?”
219
220The records of people’s memories that could be seen through Rodcorte’s circle of transmigration system also included the memories of dreams. However, dreams were unstable and often nonsense; Rodcorte certainly never looked at them, and the familiar spirits didn’t look at them either.
221
222But now, Izumi and Kouya looked at the record that Aran had told them to, and froze. They were at a loss for words.
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224There was one particularly clear, distinct record in Joseph’s dreams, so clear that small details could be made out. This record contained a giant person made of countless human bodies and fragments of the Demon King.
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226Kouya and Izumi managed to restart their brains after the initial shock and set about trying to analyze the grotesque giant.
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228“What is… this?” Kouya murmured. “Considering its appearance, it’s kind of…”
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230“It looks like it’s being very kind to Joseph,” said Izumi. “These high-pitched screeches… Are they words?”
231
232It was not that Joseph had experienced some terrible nightmare. Given that, this giant’s presence was very strange.
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234None of the familiar spirits immediately realized that the giant was Vandalieu. This applied for Rodcorte as well, but the familiar spirits were always watching the records from when people were awake, not at their dreams.
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236However, through several rounds of reasoning and deduction, they became more and more certain that there was no other possibility.
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238“… It’s probably Vandalieu. I checked the records from the victims being used in Rikudou’s experiments, and they had the same dream on the same night as Joseph. The same goes for ‘Metamorph,’” said Aran.
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240“This is Vandalieu?” muttered Izumi. “Before he was reincarnated in Lambda, I heard that he had the same appearance as any other human other than the fact that he was covered in death-attribute Mana, but… wait, the errors that we’ve been having, are they caused by the souls of Joseph and the others being guided?” she said, shocked by the idea of this possibility.
241
242“No, they haven’t been guided yet,” said Kouya. “If Joseph and the others had been guided, we wouldn’t have been able to see their records, so that hasn’t happened yet. It’s likely that several instances of contact will be needed, like with Kanako and the others. So, unless the same thing happens again next time, they’ll stay inside Rodcorte’s circle of transmigration system.”
243
244“Next time, huh,” Aran muttered.
245
246There would certainly be a next time. Kouya and Aran were certain of that. Vandalieu had appeared in the dreams of people in another world; as long as there was no way to prevent that from happening, it was highly likely that Vandalieu would appear in the dreams of Joseph, Mari and the others again.
247
248Knowing this didn’t mean that the familiar spirits could do anything about it, and Aran couldn’t help but give a self-deprecating smile, knowing that Joseph and Mari… especially Mari, would be better off being guided.
249
250He even wished that Vandalieu would keep appearing in their dreams every night.
251
252“Wait, if that’s the case, why are there errors? Joseph and the others have received Vandalieu’s influence, but if they haven’t been guided, then there shouldn’t be any errors,” Izumi pointed out.
253
254The self-deprecating smile vanished from Aran’s face in an instant. “You’re right. Maybe there are some who have been guided.”
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256“It’s not one of the reincarnated individuals. I’ve already checked that I can see everyone’s records. Maybe some of Pluto’s fans?” Kouya suggested.
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258“Rodcorte wasn’t paying attention to those either, so we don’t even know how many there are. I’ll check now,” said Izumi.
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260The familiar spirits used the system to investigate, but they found that they were able to check the records from every single person who worshipped the Eighth Guidance.
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262So then, who had been guided? Having no leads, the familiar spirits looked through the records of Joseph and the others once more.
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264Finally, they got to the ‘Metamorph’ Shihouin Mari’s dream.
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266“Isn’t Vandalieu talking to someone? This black thing,” said Kouya.
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268“Is this a child? Child… Could it be!” said Aran, hastily trying to access a certain record… but found that he couldn’t, and knew that his hunch was correct. “Kouya, Izumi, I’ve figured out who has been guided. It’s Amemiya and Narumi’s daughter, Mei,” he said.
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270“So it’s her… You’re right, we can’t access her records,” said Kouya.
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272“To think that it’s her… I didn’t think to check,” said Izumi.
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274Among those living in Origin, the familiar spirits had frequently kept an eye on the other reincarnated individuals, those around them, and those who worshipped the Eighth Guidance. They had never checked Mei’s records.
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276Mei was also related to the reincarnated individuals, as she was Amemiya Hiroto and Narumi’s child, but she was just one year old. It would be far easier to get information by looking at the records of the Amemiya couple or their babysitter rather than Mei herself.
277
278“I’m sure he’s not doing it on purpose, but… what will we do? That bastard Rodcorte probably hasn’t noticed,” said Kouya.
279
280“He’s in the middle of discussions, after all… Aran, do you think Rodcorte will take notice when he gets back?” Izumi asked.
281
282“No, he probably won’t unless we tell him,” said Aran. “We’ve already fixed the errors, and the one who was guided wasn’t a reincarnated individual, but one of their daughters. He should have no interest in it.”
283
284The abilities that reincarnated individuals possessed came from the power in their souls. They weren’t inherited by their children through blood.
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286Their physical abilities were hereditary, and people’s affinities for attributes in Origin did not match those of their parents’, but it was common knowledge that qualities for magic were passed on from generation to generation.
287
288But physical abilities and talent for magic were not important to Rodcorte; what Rodcorte believed was important were their powers.
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290Indeed, there were people in both Origin and Lambda who possessed greater physical abilities and skill at magic than the reincarnated individuals. The ‘Thunderclap’ Schneider and Randolf ‘the True’ were good examples of this.
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292It was possible that Mei and Hiroshi would inherit exceptional qualities from their parents, but Rodcorte wasn’t interested in them.
293
294“… Then let’s keep quiet about it. He’ll find out if he looks in detail at our own records, though,” said Izumi.
295
296“He doesn’t have the time for that, does he?” said Aran. “He might not even notice until Joseph is guided.”
297
298Rodcorte would offer the reincarnated individuals to Alda as anti-Vandalieu forces. In order to make that happen, it was certain that he was going to use some method to make the reincarnated individuals obey him.
299
300Perhaps he would erase the memories of the reincarnated individuals who refused – putting them into a convenient state where they couldn’t remember anything but their own names, but could still use their fighting skills and abilities – and have them reincarnated in Churches of Alda. And as they would be reincarnated in adult bodies, the head figures of Alda’s religion would welcome them as champions.
301
302Rodcorte would certainly take steps to make methods like this available.
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304Rodcorte alone wasn’t skilled enough to remove a person’s memories while leaving their experiences and skills intact. However, with the help of the gods of Alda’s forces, this could become possible.
305
306As long as the reincarnated individuals remained in Rodcorte’s circle of transmigration system, that is.
307
308“It would actually be helpful if he could guide everyone… though it’s rather shameless for us to say that now,” said Izumi.
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310“We’re on the side that wants to kill him, after all. Not to mention that Rikudou and Amemiya definitely won’t be guided…” said Aran.
311
312“In any case, let’s focus on deepening our understanding on the system for now,” said Izumi. “If we’re too focused on Amemiya Mei, Rodcorte could take notice.”
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319
320While Banda was busy in Origin comforting Mei-chan with his antennae, in Lambda, Vandalieu was following the advice of the young Beast-person guard Kest and getting a room at the Starling Inn.
321
322The Starling Inn was an inn that was mainly used by novice adventurers, new peddlers and inexperienced minstrels. Its selling point was that it was priced the same as a cheap lodging house in an alleyway, while offering relatively clean rooms as well as a breakfast of a hard lump of bread and a cup of water.
323
324The large rooms were ten Baums a night.
325
326It was the same price as the amount that Vandalieu had given to the corrupt guard Aggar as a bribe.
327
328“Why do I feel like I’ve been ripped off?” said Vandalieu.
329
330“… Will you use him as fertilizer after all?” said Eisen’s voice in his ear.
331
332“It was just my imagination, I haven’t been ripped off at all,” Vandalieu muttered quietly, putting down his belongings that he had made just for appearances’ sake.
333
334He was in a large room that multiple guests used together, but it was still the middle of the day, so nobody other than Vandalieu was here… No, there was a man who appeared to be a minstrel, sleeping while clutching the case that held his instrument.
335
336“Even if this is what the guard recommended, you could have stayed in a nicer place, couldn’t you? This ‘big room’ would be completely filled up if I spread my legs out,” said Orbia, who was now a Ghost but had originally been a Scylla.
337
338“Well, your legs are long and you have eight of them, Orbia-san… but the ceiling is very low in here,” said Princess Levia, who had originally been a Titan.
339
340“Of course, I didn’t choose this place because the guard recommended it to me. I booked the room just in case so that I’m not mistaken for a street urchin,” said Vandalieu.
341
342This inn was such cheap accommodation that a poor child like him could stay here without raising suspicions.
343
344“It’s a temporary base of operations to use while I prepare to register to the Commerce Guild, just until I can rent a house,” Vandalieu said.
345
346Vandalieu had entered the city of Morksi so that he wouldn’t stand out, but he wasn’t under the impression that he would stay unnoticed forever.
347
348He would make preparations for the business that he needed to register at the Commerce Guild, register under a false name, then buy a small, worn-out house from a real-estate agent.
349
350He would then spend the next three months selling meat skewers or something from a cart.
351
352If he was hired by an existing company, his freedom would be limited, and with his base of operations being a cheap inn, enjoying conversations with Orbia and the others would be difficult, as would meeting with Miles, Eleanora and the rest of his companions.
353
354It would also be problematic for the inn if Murakami’s group were to attack him while he was in the city.
355
356Of course, trust issues arising from the fact that he had a low social standing would be overcome forcefully with information provided by Miles and the others, and money. They had already scouted out a man who seemed like he would sell his stall, and a real-estate agent that would sell Vandalieu a house.
357
358But Vandalieu, as a child with no relatives, would certainly stand out once he did these things.
359
360That was why he knew that standing out to some extent couldn’t be avoided once he came to this city.
361
362“If things go smoothly, I’ll only be here for tonight. In three months, I will have a good position in society and either Murakami or Birkyne’s heads, or maybe all three,” said Vandalieu.
363
364“I see… Then how about leaving to purchase the stall now? Or will you return to Talosheim and change Jobs first?” asked Gufadgarn.
365
366Vandalieu had just reached Level 100 with the Spirit Warrior Job right after coming to Morksi. That was likely due to the Experience Points earned by the Demon King Familiars in Talosheim.
367
368“I thought I’d change Jobs at the Commerce Guild,” said Vandalieu. “But before that, I want to try and see if I can communicate with the me that is in another world.”
369
370He had already briefly explained his dream to Gufadgarn and the others, including the fact that he had created a clone of himself and parted ways with it.
371
372Vandalieu had done so simply because he had thought that this might be goodbye, and the black baby would be lonely… but this news had left Gufadgarn, the evil god of labyrinths, speechless.
373
374“Indeed, I agree that this must be looked into immediately. You have split your soul, after all,” said Gufadgarn.
375
376Indeed, Vandalieu had split his own soul in order to create this clone… Banda. He had done something that only gods were known to be able to do.
377
378But it seemed that there was nothing out of the ordinary with Vandalieu himself. His soul was the result of Rodcorte taking the broken pieces of four champions and forcibly joining them together; Gufadgarn and the others suspected that this was why Vandalieu would be unaffected even after splitting his soul to some extent.
379
380“Well, I’ve confirmed that my maximum Mana has decreased by about 100,000,000 on my Status,” said Vandalieu. “I hope that my clone over there has got it,” he said, closing his eyes as if meditating.
381
382He lamented the loss of his own maximum Mana, which totaled about 150,000,000 Mana including the bonus from the Mana Enlargement Skill.
383
384“Take good care of my body, please,” he said.
385
386And then he focused his mind onto Origin.
387
388But no matter how much he focused, he could not confirm the presence of his clone in Origin.
389
390However, he felt the sensory information from his physical body fading away, and the next thing he knew, he was standing in a mountainous area.
391
392“… This isn’t Origin. This is the former Scylla territory, in this world,” Vandalieu murmured.
393
394It was possible that a similar place existed in Origin. However, there was no mistaking this place. If Vandalieu recalled correctly… this was the place where the ‘Liberating Princess Knight’ Iris was fatally wounded; it was the place where he had killed the ‘Five-headed Snake’ Ervine.
395
396Vandalieu thought that perhaps he had focused his mind so much that he had entered a memory from his past, but then he realized that this was not the case.
397
398The view around him was different from back then.
399
400The ‘Sword King’ Borkus was carrying a black greatsword on his shoulder. Next to him was the ‘King Slayer’ Sleygar, playing with the stitches on his neck, despite the fact that he hadn’t been an Undead at the time.
401
402Looking past them, Vandalieu could see Iris. She had been fatally wounded back then, but she was unwounded now, standing together with resistance fighters and Ghouls. Among the Ghouls were Vigaro, Zadiris and Basdia – even though they hadn’t been there back then.
403
404He could even see Isla and the Black Night Knights’ Order, a legion of knights who were made up of Undead Vampires, as well as Eleanora, Bellmond and Miles. Finally, Legion floated into view.
405
406None of them spoke a single word.
407
408“What in the world… There isn’t a single spirit nearby. Everyone is a little bigger, and their equipment is old. Iris is in her old human form, and the air around her is clearly different…”
409
410Vandalieu was bewildered by the fact that everyone was silent, and that there wasn’t a single spirit to be seen.
411
412“No, I’ve become about ten centimeters smaller,” he murmured, suddenly realizing that he had shrunk. “I’ve returned to my height from before my growth spurt… and everyone has returned to how they were then, with the old equipment that they were using back then. Come to think of it, I had a similar dream a little while before, where I was in a similar state.”
413
414At that moment, the empty air ahead became distorted, and a corridor appeared.
415
416At the same time, Borkus raised his sword, and Sleygar leapt into the air and vanished. Isla, Eleanora, Bellmond, Miles and Legion began to move. Iris, the resistance and the Ghouls leapt forward.
417
418Five people appeared in the corridor, surrounded by a pale light.
419
420“Hundred Light Omnislash!” the swordsman leading them shouted.
421
422Iris and the resistance members were helpless as they were cut down by the series of slashing attacks unleashed by the swordsman… Heinz.
423
424The female martial artist Jennifer, the shield-bearer Delizah and the scout Edgar leap forward to meet Vigaro and the others in battle.
425
426“So this is the group after all! That head-hunting demon might be around, so don’t let your guard down, Edgar!” shouted Jennifer.
427
428“More importantly, that child is here as well! Diana, stick with me!” said Delizah.
429
430“I’m glad we used Heroic Spirit Descent in the corridor before we came out. Leave the head-hunting demon to me, Heinz! It’s good to check things first, but don’t let your guard down or hesitate, Heinz!” Edgar shouted to his companion behind him.
431
432The three of them set about disposing of the Ghouls. Delizah’s mace crushed the organs of Vigaro, who was far weaker than the real Vigaro. Jennifer’s fists smashed Basdia’s head to pieces. Edgar’s blade pierced Zadiris’s throat before she even had the chance to recite a single incantation.
433
434“… I know,” said Heinz, a pained look on his face, cutting down the surviving resistance members with a single blow.
435
436Iris’s head rolled to Vandalieu’s feet, and he picked it up as he watched this carnage unfold.
437
438There were no horns, and its skin was white. It was certainly the human Iris.
439
440“… It’s a perfect imitation of the real thing,” Vandalieu murmured.
441
442Blood was pouring from Iris’s severed neck, and her head was still warm to the touch. But it was fake.
443
444He knew it was fake because when Iris and the others were killed by Heinz and his party, there had been no response from Danger Sense: Death. More importantly, he could not feel the connection of his ‘Guidance’ or the mysterious divine protections.
445
446And even after they died, their souls were nowhere to be seen.
447
448In other words, these were soulless, lifeless, elaborate fakes.
449
450Just like the Gubamon and Ternecia that he had seen in a previous dream…
451
452“I was late to realize this, but I suppose this is the trial that Heinz and his party are taking. It’s a mystery as to why I’m a part of the trial, but I am… extremely unhappy at the gods that made this trial, and at Heinz and the others for taking it.”
453
454《The Level of the Abyss Skill has increased!》
455
456am the Monarch – Chapter 246: Northern Expedition (7)
457
458The horizon between the sky and earth were blurry, and the eyes could see blue in every possible way one could think of.
459The stream soared down from top to bottom, and even large chunks of water burst upwards as well.
460A place that cannot be considered a human world.
461
462“Huh? We’re late! Let’s go now!”
463“It’s okay. It’s okay.”
464“We still have some time.”
465
466A boy and a girl, with blue hair and transparent skin, chattered on they walked on their way.
467obviously, they can’t be a human being.
468The girl who was ahead of the boy stopped and stared at the end of the cliff, with no water or water droplets.
469
470“Huh? Isn’t that……?.”
471
472With Unpleasant expressions and voices.
473The boys who following the girl also stared at the end of the cliff little after the girl, frowning at visage.
474
475“Look at how he looks, he looks so ugly.”
476“How can that kid be the Elemental King candidate. It’s ridiculous.”
477“Look at that hair and skin, it’s terrible to even think about it.”
478
479Sharp accusations poured out from them.
480At that moment .
481
482“Everyone has a lot of dissatisfaction for what I’ve decided upon.”
483
484A beautiful voice was heard.
485
486“Ah!”
487
488The boy and the girl bowed their heads in a hurry.
489In front of them stood a woman with a beautiful face, a smooth body, and flooding massive amount of dignity.
490
491“E, madam Elaim!”
492
493The boy and the girl couldn’t keep their feet steady as it was jumping uncontrollably.
494The identity of the beautiful woman was the Elemental King Elaim of the water.
495
496“Won’t both of you be late for class? Go on ahead.”
497
498As Elaim spoke low volume, the boy and the girl, no, the spirits of the water looked down and disappeared rapidly.
499Elaim breathed a short sigh as she watched.
500
501‘It seems there are repulsive children already.’
502
503She turned her head and stared at the end of the cliff.
504At the end, a girl with dark red hair with shining skin sat while crouching.
505
506‘Kinness.’
507
508A sad light flowed into Elaim’s eyes.
509It was Kinness who had a different appearance than the ordinary water spirit.
510Elaim slowly stepped forward and approached Kinness.
511
512“Are you still doing this?”
513
514Gently said words.
515However, Kinness didn’t respond.
516She only focused upon the landscape beyond the cliffs without emotion
517No, the pupils were empty.
518She wasn’t looking at anything.
519
520‘How many months has she been doing this now…….’
521
522When Roan became one with Flamdor and Travias to face Simon.
523That was when Kinness returned to the Spirit World.
524She was not forced to return because of the overflow of powerful fire-mana.
525No, rather, it was the opposite.
526
527‘The stronger the fire-mana, one obtains stronger power and abilities.’
528
529At the time, Kinness was very startled.
530The more you absorb the fire-mana, the stronger your abilites come to be, while also looking more different from other spirits.
531
532‘She became doubtful of her origin and caused conflict within her.’
533
534Furthermore, she didn’t know how she would change if she stayed with Roan, and she was afraid of that.
535In the end, Kinness returned to the spirit world without saying a proper farewell.
536Afterwards, she just sat on the cliffs of Terr, also known as the tip of the border, in the spirit of water, and spent her time only with blank mind.
537No, she was deeply troubled and seeking for answers.
538
539‘A poor little child.’
540
541Elaim came to see Kinness every so often, but she didn’t know what to do with her.
542
543‘She can only stand up by herself.’
544
545She believed in Kinness.
546Kinness was the one she selected for one of the Elemental King candidates.
547Also, since her birth, she was always a mystical child.
548
549“Kinness. I’ll be going now.”
550
551Elaim smiled faintly and stroked Kinness’s head.
552At that moment, Kinness’s who had not said a single word for the past few months, moved her lips.
553
554“Madam Elaim.”
555
556A voice that has lost all its power.
557Elaim looked at Kinness with a slight surprise as she was about to leave.
558Kinness looked at Elaim with an unfocused eye.
559
560“What the hell am I?”
561
562* * *
563
564Located in the southern part of North Rinse Kingdom, Newark Fief was a great place to exploit ambushes and traps, and other strategic tactics because of its rugged terrain.
565In addition, the south-central area of Newark Fief is surrounded by wild hills and fields, making it ideal for large and small turns if needed.
566It was a great place to use as a battlefield.
567That’s why Clay had been looking over Newark Fief trying make it his ideal battlefield from the beginning.
568The goal was to use the already destroyed Rinse Liberation Army to lure Roan and Lancephil Fief Army to Newark Fief.
569
570‘I was a little surprised when the first team was hit close to annihilation…….’
571
572But he didn’t have to be discouraged.
573Clay cleverly twisted the Lancephil Fief Army’s advance through the Druids.
574Roan and Lancephil Fief Army were entering the Fief, south of Newark, thanks to a very cautious and very slow-paced ploy he made.
575
576‘Fortunately, everything is going as planned.’
577
578Clay smiled faintly.
579He led the Rinse Liberation Force 2nd Division and took his position in Newark Fief one step ahead.
580For now, Clay used the rugged terrain of Fief, north of Newark, to build each Corps’ and Troops’ encampment, while installing traps on major transit routes critical to Fief.
581In addition, assault squads and other squads were set aside to ambush the main base area.
582As a result, Fief, north of Newark, was transformed into a huge fortress to intercept Lancephil Fief Army.
583It can even be called a perfect and solid fortress with no gaps.
584When everything was ready, Clay joined the Duke Webster’s family, the aristocratic forces that followed him, and the forces that had been forced to join him, and led them to Fief, south of Newark, with an army of 70,000 strong.
585The spectacle was similar to the great mountains and rivers moving.
586Clay reorganized the 70,000 troops into the central, left, and right, respectively, to establish a separate camp, and then he took charge as the General-in-Command for the central and left forces.
587Lo,look at their power.”
588“It’s amazing.”
589“Even if it’s Roan Lancephil, he’s going to have to nly shudder like a mouse in front of these forces.”
590“Hahaha!”
591
592The commanders of the Second Division of the Liberation Army fussed about the endless line of factions and soldiers.
593Like one body, they’re all looked confident.
594They had forgotten their fear for Roan.
595They were indeed stupid, and only one day has passed.
596As the sun from the east tilted toward the west, the sound of the scout’s horns penetrated his ears.
597
598Puuuuuuu!
599
600Clay and other commanders quickly climbed over the watchtower.
601An expansive view unfolded before their eyes.
602No, a battlefield unfolded.
603
604“They’ve finally arrived.”
605
606Clay smiled looking across the field.
60730,000 people emerge from between the dust that sank low.
608The Lancephil Fief Army, which was with Roan, are the ones who all wore their armor red as their identity of the military, which looked like a flame.
609
610Gulp.
611
612Many of the commanders swallowed their dry saliva without their knowledge.
613Until yesterday, the momentum and confidence that seemed to be skyrocketing had melted away.
614The fear of Roan was in the depths of their heart without even knowing it.
615They were now about to be overwhelmed by the red color.
616
617‘Cowards.’
618
619Clay snorted in his heart as he saw those commanders.
620
621‘Because you guys are in that shape, the border administration was taken by me.’
622
623Most of the commanders were descendants of the nobles who were from Duke Webster or close family member of Duke Webster.
624Originally, Clay fought fiercely for power against them.
625Of course, now he had lowered his and bowed before them now.
626
627‘They’re all going to vanish by the end of this war.’
628
629Ominous thoughts.
630However, Clay didn’t want to carry the unskilled people to the end.
631For right now though, even one of them, was a very precious power.
632He smiled and stretched his arms wide, seemingly not worried.
633
634“There’s nothing to worry about. This whole place is our fortress in Newark.
635“Tha, That’s right, sir.”
636
637The commanders smiled awkwardly and nodded.
638The military forces, traps, strategies and tactics that had been prepared in the last few days came to mind.
639The crushed momentum gradually gained back it’s momentum.
640At that moment, one of the commanders close to Clay asked in a small voice.
641
642“They’ve just gotten here, and therefore they’re going to be distracted. Why not launch a surprise attack?”
643
644Clay smiled faintly and shook his head.
645
646“It’s not possible for Ian Phillips to not have prepared for even that much.”
647“So, are you ready for a night assault sir? It is clear that they are too tired and as they will be unaware of their surroundings.”
648
649However, Clay shook his head again.
650
651“Ian Phillips going to be solidly prepared for that also, so it’s not going to make a big difference.”
652
653A voice full of certainty.
654However, many of the commanders’ faces were disgruntled.
655
656“So you’re just going to let those guys away to their own device sir?”
657“There won’t be a good opportunity like this sir.”
658
659The momentum that had been crushed was coming back, and there able to look further ahead.
660Clay looked at those commanders.
661His eyes were fierce and sharp.
662
663“There will not be a good opportunity like this……Do you not have trust in me at all?”
664
665It was a neutral voice but with edged with keen voice.
666At this point, the commanders’ faces hardened.
667
668“That, that is……”
669“I, I didn’t mean it like that……”
670
671Their back was drenched with cold sweats.
672In fact, the noble-born commanders actually had some sense of disregard for Clay.
673Although they’re bowing before him, but they had the firm mind to regain the honor of the noble family back one day.
674With that in mind, sometimes, when emotions worsened, they unknowingly pushed Clay away.
675Now, they temporarily forgot about the reality.
676Clay, of course, was well aware of their internal thoughts of those commanders.
677
678‘You have to stomp on them to prevent it from creeping up.’
679
680It was one of the reasons why he was occasionally stingy and sober.
681It was Clay, that left his origin behind, who holds power in North Rinse Kingdom now.
682
683“…….”
684
685A silence fell throughout the watchtower with suffocating feeling.
686All the commanders cautiously eyed Clay.
687Then Clay smiled and reached out his hand.
688
689“It’s a joke. Joke. I just said it for nothing.”
690
691An awkward smile came on the faces of the commanders, that were stiff.
692
693“Ah? Ah, ah, yes.”
694“It was only a joke, yes.”
695
696End of their voice trembled slightly.
697Clay patted the commanders’ shoulders lightly and continued.
698
699“As many commanders have said, the situation is clearly regrettable to let go, but Ian Phillips is a great mind in military force that destroyed the First Division. You can’t move without thinking first.”
700
701A casual voice.
702
703“Instead, when the sun goes down and the darkness come, let us run in front of their camps and ring horns, gongs, and drums. Let’s harass them by pretending to be night-time assaulting bastards.”
704“Oh! That’s a good idea sir.”
705
706The commanders quickly nodded and let out their exclamation in agreement.
707
708“Let’s make them panic all night!”
709“I’m going to take care of them in the morning as they’re in a state of exhaustion. Hahaha.”
710
711Everyone laughed and rejoiced.
712Soon, at Clay’s behest, a fake night-time assault Troop was organized.
713More than five Troops were organized to shift with each other and make a fuss around the clock.
714
715“I hope the night comes soon.”
716“Hahaha.”
717
718The second commander of the Liberation Army laughed.
719Meanwhile, Roan and Lancephil Fief Army, later in Newark Fief, stopped marching after seeing the second line of the Rinse Liberation Army, which had already completed their arrangement.
720
721“As I thought, it was this place.”
722
723Roan smiled hazily.
724Clay thought his ploy worked and led the Lancephil Fief Army to Newark Fief, but that wasn’t it.
725No, it was half right and half wrong.
726At first Roan and the Lancephil Fief Army had been manipulated by the druids’ methods.
727But Ian Phillips noticed the direction subtly changing ever so slightly, and immediately ordered Agens, Tenebra troop, and Evishun to see what was ahead of their destination.
728As a result, reports of five expected results were reported, and Roan and Ian cited Newark Fief as the most influential of them.
729For the first time, Ian marveled at Clay’s abilities.
730There was no way to make the march, even if you were trying to escape the Newark Fief, march elsewhere.
731He had already been trapped, even if he thought he had noticed it quickly.
732In the end, Roan and Ian chose a head-to-head game.
733All information about Newark Fief was collected and scrutinized through the three information troops.
734At the same time,Clay began to study strategies and tactics to defeat the Second Liberation Army.
735In the meantime, the Lancephil Fief Army’s march continued very slowly and was able to arrive in Fief, south of Newark, just after leaving McGinley Fief.
736
737“What is it like?”
738
739Roan looked at the camp of the Second Army, which was filled with eyes, and asked briefly.
740Ian shook his head with a bitter smile.
741
742“It’s amazing sir.”
743
744As expected, a short answer.
745Roan nodded with a neutral expression.
746
747“Can we win?”
748
749Instead of answering, Ian smiled.
750Roan turned his head and looked at Ian when he could not hear the answer.
751Only after his eyes were on Roan, Ian responded with a small, but powerful voice, even a confident voice.
752
753“Of course sir.”
754
755Someone is sprinting through the forest at great speeds; leaping expertly and with feet barely touching the ground. It’s a woman, or to be more specific, it’s a young woman. Her smooth, silky silver hair is tied in a messy bun. She has a sword strapped to her waist, covered by her fluttering coat.
756
757
758Her most distinctive features are undoubtedly her pointy ears.
759
760The surrounding forest is full of blackened dead vegetation. None of the trees have their usual foliage. The thorns and shrubs are dry and seem to be alive with unusual erratic movements. Dark clouds loom overhead; the gray desolate panorama encases the sky with a depressive glow.
761
762Chasing the young woman are a bunch of magical beasts. Child-sized lizards are hot on her heels, sprinting after her on their hind legs. Their lidless eyes are entirely focused on the woman, their blue scales ooze a strange liquid.
763
764“You lot!” the young woman growls upon seeing the lizards still chasing her. “Are really getting on my nerves!”
765
766Her hand falls to her sword’s handle. Leaping to the side, she spins in a deadly arc and in a blink of an eye her blade buries itself in one of the lizards. Taking advantage of the momentum, she continues to spin; her blade lobbing off the next beast’s head. 
767
768The young woman elegantly dances from foe to foe, her movements a graceful blur of death. The enemies stood no chance against her obvious extraordinary skill, as each beast was slain without breaking a single drop of sweat.
769
770“I warned you…”
771
772With rows of corpses remaining, the woman simply wipes the blood off her blade.
773
774‘I’ve travelled so far just to find one worthy beast to slay,’ the woman thinks, sheathing her sword. “What a disappointment this has been…could it be that they’re all really weak?”
775
776The young woman shakes her head and begins to run into the distance. She can still feel the presence of magical beasts chasing her, but she cannot be bothered to waste her strength of small fry. Although her body looks delicate, she shows no sign of being tired. 
777
778The young woman continues to run.
779
780For hours upon hours, jumping over dead trees and dodging dry thorny bushes, the woman continues to run. Until eventually, she sees a cloud of miasma floating adrift. 
781
782The strange magical occurrence sends a cold chill down her spine.
783
784The young woman skids to a halt, a gleeful look in her eye.
785
786“Finally,” she says with a menacing smile. The young woman draws her sword again and begins to march towards the source of magic. 
787
788And there she sees a dark crouching creature.
789
790The child-sized shadowy creature dissipates and bubbles, it forms undefined and changing constantly. Its limbs are, in a nutshell, very peculiar. A normal-looking human arm on one side, and a wing on the other. Multiple heads turn from one side to the other, scanning its surroundings for a threat, or worse…
791
792Prey.
793
794The creature made of shadows murmurs something in a low voice as it changes shape. It’s like the creature is begging, or maybe regretting something.
795
796“Go… go… I go back… Master…”
797
798“Sorry sweetheart, but you won’t be going back anywhere,” the woman manically smiles, readying her blade. In a single step, she closed the distance and brought her thin blade down on the shadowy creature.
799
800○
801
802Little by little, the signs of summer begin to appear.
803
804The grass and trees of vibrant spring gradually darkened to a solemn green. The forest near the village of Tornela thrived with a solid lively glow.
805
806The plains outside the village are covered with rows upon rows of carpet like grass. The livestock enjoys the warm sunny days.
807
808The most laborious tasks during the early summer are harvesting wheat and shearing the well-fed sheep. 
809
810The nights in Tornela are relatively cool—even during the summer—but the daylight is dazzling and relentless. So, after losing the excess wool, the sheep return to the pastures, lighter and refreshed.
811
812On the day the villagers are shearing the sheep, Belgriff sits in the garden of Kerry’s house; watching over the children. The old adventurer holds a baby in his arms while five other children draw pictures on the ground or watch the sheep being sheared on the other side of the garden.
813
814Many homes in Tornela have sheep, but Kerry’s house easily held the most. It is for this reason that Kerry hires several villagers to help him with this process to the point where it is basically a small festival within Tornela. 
815
816However, their work does not end there. 
817
818Once everyone has finished with the sheep, they begin the spinning and weaving of wool.
819
820A person with experience shearing sheep will take maybe forty to fifty minutes with the appropriate scissors. A beginner, on the other hand, may take up to twice or thrice as long. The more experienced people show the craft to the younger ones, however, there are many occasions when the sheep feel uncomfortable and try to escape. At other times the young shearer’s end up damaging the wool, or even hurting the sheep. Small situations like this end up causing a big commotion among the villagers.
821
822Belgriff has had his fair share of sheep shearing, but the number of children has increased over the years, and he found himself looking after them.
823
824Belgriff is thankfully willing to teach the young ones the craft properly, allowing the women who help wash and spin the wool to work without interruption. In addition, all the villagers feel safe leaving their children in Belgriff’s care as the children love him dearly.
825
826When the baby in Belgriff’s arms starts crying, he puts his hand in his pocket and pulls his thumb out through the hole in the shirt. The baby giggles and eventually calms down, a satisfied and tired smile on its face. This is something that occurs on a regular basis.
827
828As he entertains the baby this way, a relatively chubby but muscular man approaches the place. His clothes look like an adventurer’s and he has a battle-axe in his hand. His brown hair seems to be falling out yet a thick, dark beard covers the lower part of his face.
829
830The man shields his eyes from the sun and then laughs aloud when he sees Belgriff.
831
832“Hahaha, as expected of you Bel. Even with a baby as your opponent, they fall before the might of the Red Ogre!”
833
834“Haha. Welcome back, Duncan. How was your day?” Belgriff replies with a warm smile.
835
836“Eh, same old, same old. Ha~, but the young people of this village are…in really good shape. Clearly, their teacher is quite has been whipping them into shape no?”
837
838“I have no idea what you are talking about, seriously…” Belgriff gets up with a wry smile and hands the baby over to Duncan. “Take care of him for a minute, will you? I’m a little thirsty.”
839
840“Huh?” Duncan splutters, bewildered by the sudden declaration. 
841
842The baby burst into tears as soon as it’s in Duncan’s hands. Duncan panics and quickly tries to calm the little one, but the baby starts crying harder.
843
844“Hey! Bel! What am I supposed to do?!”
845
846“Just hold him for a minute.”
847
848Belgriff quickly enters the kitchen where some women are busy preparing food. From a ladle, he takes a large mouthful of water. After that, he returns to the garden.
849
850Apparently, Duncan’s chubby body is easy to climb, as all the village children have surrounded the man. Smiles of glee fill their faces as some of them on his shoulders while others are climbing on his back.
851
852“Haha, I didn’t know you were so popular.”
853
854Duncan pales. “I-I’m not used to these things…”
855
856Belgriff laughs heartily. He approaches and gently takes the baby out of Duncan’s arms, who continues to battle with the children who are pulling on his beard.
857
858It’s been almost two months since Belgriff returned from Bordeaux territory. While he was in Bordeaux, the snow in Tornela melted completely. Ever since his return, the wheat shoots have become large and golden, so harvest time has come.
859
860Surprisingly, Duncan was the first to welcome Belgriff back.
861
862Duncan is an adventurer who once traveled the entire continent in search of a strong opponent. On one occasion, he heard the rumor of the ‘Red Ogre’ who lived in Tornela and made the long journey to that village. However, Duncan had already met Belgriff in Rodina village, but as he did not know the face of the ‘Red Ogre’, he simply continued his journey.
863
864Upon arriving at Tornela, Duncan learned that Belgriff had gone on a quest. With nothing else to do, Duncan stayed in Tornela until his return.
865
866It was fortunate that Duncan had a friendly personality. With no time at all, he followed Belgriff’s shoes and began to help the villagers train the youth.
867
868Belgriff apologized for deceiving him in Rodina, but Duncan didn’t seem to mind all that much. What’s more, Duncan thanked the man. If he had discovered the truth in Rodina, he would never have made it to Tornela. Apparently, Duncan had grown very fond of the small rural village. Also, Duncan’s presence in Tornela while Belgriff was away was a godsend.
869
870Of course, the villagers were disappointed because the development of the road was postponed, but another problem had arisen.
871
872Low-ranking magic beasts, from E to D Rank began to appear quite frequently. Although they are low-ranking magic beasts and aren’t a problem for most adventurers; against normal villagers, they were a serious threat.
873
874The young people of the village can handle swords and, of course, have enough strength to fight, but they have little to no experience in real battles. All the villagers feared that without Belgriff, deaths were going to be inevitable. 
875
876Duncan just so happened to have been visiting the village at the time. As a wandering adventurer, he played an important role.
877
878Not only did he help exterminate the magic beasts, but he also assisted Belgriff in training the village youth. While Belgriff taught them the skills, knowledge, and precautions that came with adventuring; Duncan taught them what a real fight against the magic beasts was like.
879
880The young people who already knew how to use the sword thanks to Belgriff, quickly learned how to deal with the magic beasts, and now, have formed a group focused especially on that, almost like a small adventurers guild. 
881
882So far, there have been no serious injuries and fortunately, no one has died. Everything was perfectly in order.
883
884“I guess it wouldn’t make much difference if I left the village now,” says Belgriff as he thinks to himself. A peaceful smile graces the old adventurer’s lips.
885
886“Huh? What are you on about? There ain’t many things I can do for the village. Unlike somebody who grew up here,” says Duncan, plopping down next to Belgriff.
887
888“I appreciate you saying that,” Belgriff warmly smiles. “Why don’t you settle down here and look for a wife Duncan?”
889
890Duncan is taken aback for a second before he bursts into a loud hearty fit of laughter. “Hahaha! Now that; doesn’t sound half bad!”
891
892Suddenly, they hear a scream of surprise on the other side of the garden. Apparently, one of the young men who is shearing the sheep angered one of them. With a headbutt, the sheep managed to knock the man down and escape. The laughter of the old man who was teaching the boy and the people around him echoed throughout the garden.
893
894Belgriff looks at that scene with a warm smile and then turns to see Duncan. “So, what happened? Were you able to find the cause?”
895
896Duncan sighs and crosses his arms with a complicated expression. “I tried to find the source of the magic. Got nothing. Exploration ain’t my cuppa tea Bel. It’s usually just me and my axe, taking down magical beasts.”
897
898“Hmm…” thinks Belgriff, rubbing his chin. ‘Maybe I should go investigate too.’
899
900The quests that Adventurers are well known for can usually be divided into three broad categories. Subjugation quests, gathering quests, and scouting quests.
901
902As the name implies, subjugation quests involve the elimination of magical beasts. It’s dangerous for the average person and usually, the beast threatens someone, so combat skills are a necessity. Some knowledge of the magic beasts is also required, but as the scouts have already collected enough information, it’s often not necessary to do much research during this phase.
903
904In gathering quests, materials are collected. In the event that furs, fangs, claws or shells of magic beasts are required, these missions often overlap with subjugation missions. However, most of them only consist of gathering medicinal herbs and ores. Depending on the location of the resources, these missions regularly require no combat skills. It’s common for novice adventurers to take on these types of quests, and they are quests that all adventurers complete at least once in their careers.
905
906The scouting quests are mainly oriented to dungeons, deep forests, and other unexplored areas of interest. The objective of these quests may vary greatly from gathering information about a high-ranking magic beast lurking in a dungeon, to identifying the priceless materials of some creature.
907
908These quests can become something of a wildcard, as they can include unexpected combat and long hours of observation. That’s why adventurers who accept these quests require at least certain combat and observation skills. On several occasions, these quests are somewhat more challenging than the subjugation and gathering quests.
909
910Just as there are several types of quests, there are also several types of adventurers, and Duncan seems to be an adventurer specializing in subjugation quests. That’s why he may not be the best person to carry out a scouting quest, where subtlety and patience are required. Although Duncan is a gifted AA Rank adventurer, he is…battle-hungry to the point where he is useless in other forms of adventuring. 
911
912He did after all come to Tornela in his lifelong search to find strong opponents.
913
914On the other hand, when Belgriff was an adventurer, he accepted all kinds of quests. He subjugated magic beasts, collected materials, and researched dungeons.
915
916He worked that way for two years, and he doesn’t remember taking a day off all that time. He accepted one quest after another, and thanks to this, he acquired the experience and courage necessary to do his job properly.
917
918‘Anyway, the number of magic beasts has most definitely increased. A reservoir of magical energy may have appeared near the Tornela Mountains,’ Belgriff thinks, massaging his temple. ‘Which means the possibility of the higher ranking beasts appearing…’
919
920In places with a lot of magical power, magic beasts are likely to gather unless barriers are created. In addition, it is also common for weaker magic beasts to gather around stronger ones. If the magical energy continues to accumulate like this, a dungeon will undoubtedly appear in that place. If they do not discover the cause soon, the problem with the magic beasts will only get worse. 
921
922For now, only low-level magic beasts have appeared. How long do they have left before it gets out of hand is the question in Belgrif’s mind.
923
924Sooner or later, when Belgriff is gone, someone else will have to take care of the village’s defenses. So the training of young people is a must.
925
926Even so, it is worrying not to know the cause of the increasing population of magic beasts. Whether they destroy the cause or leave it alone, they have to uncover the truth…
927
928For some time now, a fly has been flying in front of Belgriff’s face, really bugging the old adventurer. He frowns and swats at it. At that moment, another sheep runs away and the laughter of the villagers is heard again.
929
930○
931
932“I miss my Daddy.”
933
934In the lower part of the coastal town of Elbren, at a table under the eaves of a yatai, Angeline sits idly. She has her chin on the table and her body is languid.
935
936“You saw him recently,” Anessa says with a wry smile as she wipes the sweat from her forehead.
937
938“It wasn’t recently… It’s been two months…”
939
940Angeline pouts and tilts her head to one side, flattening her cheeks on the table. Miriam’s gaze is blank and distracted. Apparently, the soft hair on her ears is very helpful in cold weather…not so much in warm weather.
941
942After returning to Orphen, the girls returned to their regular adventurer’s business.
943
944They can work whenever they want and do anything else when they are not busy. That’s the life of high-ranking adventurers, which novice adventurers envy so much.  And now that the threat of the Demon King no longer exists, everything is much calmer.
945
946This time, they are in the coastal city of Elbren to collect the valuable iron coral. The other day, they explored a nearby sea dungeon for the rare material. After eliminating several oceanic magical beasts and collecting enough iron coral, they are preparing to transport them back to Orphen.
947
948With their quest completed, the girls enjoy the fine dining seafood and wine that can be found in Elbren.
949
950Angeline sips at the cold wine.
951
952“I’m sure my Daddy misses me too…” says Angeline, watching wine swirl in her glass.
953
954“A lot of people depend on Mr. Bel, so I don’t think he has much time to feel lonely.”
955
956“Muu…”
957
958“Our visit to Tornela was refreshing, wasn’t it? Nya~…” Miriam mutters as she sways and wipes the sweat from her forehead. “I think the heat is getting to me…”
959
960“Here Miriam, drink up,” Anessa says as she gives her friend a glass of cold water. “I did say we should eat indoors.”
961
962“I didn’t think the wind would stop blowing…” Miriam consumes the glass of cold water and sighs. For some time now the eaves with which the girls cover themselves from the sun have not moved with the wind.
963
964Elbren is a town southwest of Orphen. It is a city that has flourished thanks to maritime transportation and fishing. Although it isn’t as big as Orphen, Elbren is a relatively large and crowded city.
965
966Since the city is not so far south, its climate should not be very different from the climate of Orphen. It is, however, a coastal city and thus is at low altitude. Therefore, when there is no wind, Elbren is far hotter than Orphen.  And with summer rolling in, the three girls could feel the difference.
967
968“Why don’t you get yourself a boyfriend~?” says Miriam, leaving the glass of water on the table.
969
970“What for?”
971
972“That way you won’t feel so lonely anymore.”
973
974“I don’t know. The love you get from a boyfriend is different from the love you get from a father,” Angeline states, shrugging. “Besides, there are no good men in Orphen. What about you, Miri?”
975
976“Eh, I prefer older guys. Boys our age are unreliable. Also, I wouldn’t want them to know that I’m a beast woman. Besides, it’s like you said, we don’t know any cool guys. They’re all too weak for my tastes.”
977
978“Don’t you think your standards are a bit low?” Anessa asks.
979
980Seeing Anessa’s astonished expression, Miriam and Angeline bring their faces closer and smile mischievously.
981
982“Trying to look good, huh~?”
983
984“No person is good enough for Ane… Her standards are ridiculous.”
985
986“Shut up. I’m fine. It’s not like I want something like that…”
987
988“Hmm~.”
989
990“Well, I figured it would be that way…”
991
992“What’s that supposed to mean! It’s not like that! I meant that right now I enjoy being an adventurer… Hey, listen to me!”
993
994Angeline and Miriam drink wine quietly, ignoring all the excuses Anessa tries to make. At the moment, all three of them only have alcohol in their empty stomachs.
995
996Angeline looks away. A storm cloud moves over the blue sky.
997
998“I’m hungry…when’s the food coming?
999
1000“It should be here any minute now~.”
1001
1002“Hmm…”
1003
1004“Do you think Mr. Bel intends to get a girlfriend~?”
1005
1006“What are you saying all of a sudden?” Angeline stares at her friend.
1007
1008“If he gets a girlfriend, he won’t feel so lonely anymore, even if he stays in Tornela. Although Mr. Bel didn’t seem very interested when Ms. Helvetica kissed him~.” Miriam says as she rests her chin on her staff.
1009
1010“I think he was a little embarrassed,” Anessa says.
1011
1012“Hmm… I don’t think that little girl is good enough for my Daddy.”
1013
1014“That ‘little girl’ is a Countess, you know?”
1015
1016“What do you think, Angie~? What kind of person would be a good mother~?”
1017
1018After listening to Miriam’s question, Angeline began to think carefully.
1019
1020“What does it take to be a mother, I wonder?”
1021
1022“To be a mother…”
1023
1024“Perhaps a voluptuous body?”
1025
1026“No, that would mean Miri has everything to be a good mother.”
1027
1028That said, Angeline and Anessa turn to look at Miriam.
1029
1030“Nope.”
1031
1032“Agreed.”
1033
1034“What do you mean~?!” Miriam asks while pouting.
1035
1036Anessa drinks more wine with a wry smile. “Anyway, many people consider Mr. Belgriff to be a good father, so his partner must also be equally skilled as a parent.”
1037
1038“True. In addition, there are also many kinds of love. For example, I love my Daddy, but it is not the same as a woman loving a man. Maybe it’s like the love the beasts feel for each other? Yes, maybe like beasts…No, my Daddy is a gentleman, so calling him a beast is incorrect.”
1039
1040“I really don’t know what you’re talking about… I’ve never had a father before, so I’m not sure. But I think if I had one, I’d like him as much as I like Mr. Bel. But it’s also a different feeling than being in love with someone.”
1041
1042“Right~? I like Mr. Bel, too, and it is fun to be with him. But it’s something completely different from loving a partner.”
1043
1044“Yes, I like Mr. Belgriff, but I wouldn’t marry him…”
1045
1046“First of all, I would have to allow it. And I don’t think any of us have enough skills to be a good mother,” says Angeline.
1047
1048“And I wouldn’t like to have a daughter like you, Angie,” Miriam says, sticking her tongue out at Angeline. 
1049
1050“Haha~. I think you’d love me.”
1051
1052“Do you really believe that~?”
1053
1054While Angeline’s and Miriam’s argument goes back and forth, Anessa sighs heavily.
1055
1056“What the hell are you two on about now?” she mutters to herself.
1057
1058Angeline finishes her glass of wine and slams her fist on the table. “All right it’s decided then. I have no choice but to find my Daddy a girlfriend.”
1059
1060“Yay~. That’ll be fun~!”
1061
1062“Since it’s about candidates to be my mother, I have to choose carefully…”
1063
1064“No, no, no. Mr. Belgriff is the one who should decide that, isn’t he?”
1065
1066“If we leave him in his hands, he’ll never find anyone… he’s kind of a late bloomer.”
1067
1068“No, but it’s possible he knows someone in Tornela.”
1069
1070“No. If he had, he would have been married years ago.”
1071
1072“Well… Maybe… Maybe you’re right.”
1073
1074“Of course, in the end, my Daddy will be the one to make the decision. But since there are no possible partners in Tornela, we have no choice but to look for candidates elsewhere. Fufufu~, this is getting really fun…”
1075
1076“Mr. Bel’s future wife~… But if we really find that person, then your father would concentrate on her and he might neglect you, Angie~.”
1077
1078“What!”
1079
1080Although Miriam said those words in a joking tone, they are at a loss of words when Angeline’s slumps and collapses onto the table. “Ah, what should I do? What should I do? What should I do? What should I do?”
1081
1082“You…really didn’t think of that?” Anessa deadpans.
1083
1084“Eh~! M-Maybe…it’s not the best time to look for a new wife~.” Miriam states.
1085
1086The wind again begins to blow gently. A waiter comes up to the girls and places the food on the table. The Elbren-style paella with fried oysters and hake gives off a delicious aroma and lots of steam.
1087
1088Angeline doesn’t notice.
1089
1090Ryouma-sama!” [Arone]
1091
1092After somehow suppressing the tumult in the adventurers guild, I returned to the residence of the duke’s family. Arone-san called out to me with a frightfully serious face.
1093
1094“…What’s the matter?” [Ryouma]
1095
1096“There’s something I would like to talk to you regarding Rurunez’ wedding… I’m sorry to ask this of you when you’ve just returned, but could you spare me some of your time?” [Arone]
1097
1098“If I can be of help, then sure.” [Ryouma]
1099
1100I don’t know what happened, but I decided to follow Arone-san for the time being.
1101
1102Before long, I heard the women coming from across the halls.
1103
1104“—Ra!　—Desu!” [???]
1105
1106“No!　Nez—!” [???]
1107
1108“?　—nez’ hair—” [???]
1109
1110…It feels like they’re arguing about something…
1111
1112“I apologize on behalf of the younger maids. This is not proper behavior at all for a maid.” [Arone]
1113
1114As Arone-san said that she swung opened the door from which the voices were coming from.
1115
1116“You girls!　What foolishness is this!?　We can hear your voices all the way from the halls!” [Arone]
1117
1118Suddenly, the voices froze.
1119
1120But at the same time, Arone-san’s expression also stiffened.
1121
1122“Madam! You were here?” [Arone]
1123
1124Apparently, without her knowing, the madam had joined in on the maids.
1125
1126“Good day~
1127
1128Oh, Ryouma-kun!　You’re back, I see.” [Elize]
1129
1130“Thank you for your hard work. I was informed there was something I was needed for regarding the wedding ceremony. Is now a good time?” [Ryouma]
1131
1132“Of course. Please enter.” [Elize]
1133
1134“I’ll prepare a seat for you.” [Maid 1]
1135
1136“I’ll pour you some tea.” [Maid 2]
1137
1138“And I’ll get some sweets.” [Maid 3]
1139
1140The maids moved about in a hurry and the atmosphere became vaguely delicate. Before long, the meeting was started once again.
1141
1142“Arone-san, you said you had something you wanted to talk to me about.” [Ryouma]
1143
1144“It’s about the venue for the wedding ceremony. Specifically, these things…” [Arone]
1145
1146What she showed me were five familiar sheets of paper.
1147
1148They were the designs I drew in the meeting last night.
1149
1150I myself was never married, but most of my cowokers, who were nearing 40, were.
1151
1152Invitations and photos of the ceremonies were frequently sent out.
1153
1154I thought they were relatively appreciative of the designs, but…
1155
1156“A lot of people have been inspired by those drawings of yours and have started giving out ideas.” [Arone]
1157
1158Next, I was handed a list on which was written what changes people wanted to implement. Some of the contents on the list read: ‘I want this part done like this’ ‘I think it would be better if we did it more like this’… and so on and so forth.
1159
1160“As a final check, I would like to get your opinion to know which ones are possible and which ones aren’t.” [Arone]
1161
1162“I understand!” [Ryouma]
1163
1164Use a bell tower for the wedding bells… If there’s room, then it should be fine.
1165
1166Lay a stone pavement for the venue… This is also possible.
1167
1168Decorations on the walls and pillars… Possible, but depending on what kind of decorations and how many, they might make it hard to see the ceremony.
1169
1170…
1171
1172 
1173 
1174 
1175 
1176 
1177
1178“…There. I’m done, Arone-san.” [Ryouma]
1179
1180“Thank you very much. We’ll use this as a reference to finalize the requests for the venue.” [Arone]
1181
1182There were a lot of questions but the essence was the same.
1183
1184At this rate, we can start construction as soon as tomorrow.
1185
1186“Thank you for your efforts, Ryouma-kun.” [Elize]
1187
1188“Thank you too. …?” [Ryouma]
1189
1190Checking that list took a lot more time than I expected.
1191
1192Most of the servants in the room had changed from when I first came in.
1193
1194The only ones still here from earlier were Arone-san and the madam.
1195
1196“How much time did I take?” [Ryouma]
1197
1198“About 2 hours, I think?　Want to eat something?” [Elize]
1199
1200“Thank you very much. But I already had some sweets while I was working on the list.” [Ryouma]
1201
1202Actually, why is the madam here?
1203
1204When I asked that, the madam’s smile broke. It was rare to see her not smiling.
1205
1206“A guest I don’t want to meet suddenly came, so I made myself scarce.” [Elize]
1207
1208“…So there are people like that too, huh.” [Ryouma]
1209
1210“That’s right~…” [Elize]
1211
1212I’m curious what kind of person it is, but the madam seems unhappy, so I’ll just change the topic.
1213
1214“…That sounds tough. Do you get tired having to deal with so many guests every day?” [Ryouma]
1215
1216“Yes, but it’s part of my work. It can’t be helped. I sure would love to go to a hot spring, though.” [Elize]
1217
1218“Do you love hot springs?” [Ryouma]
1219
1220“Do you know that father-in-law owns a territory in the Fire Dragon Mountains?” [Elize]
1221
1222“Ah, I heard from Branch Head Taylor… That after forming a contract with a divine beast he gained various rewards and authorities.” [Ryouma]
1223
1224“That’s right. One of the rewards he received was a territory in the Fire Dragon Mountains, where a Hot Spring Town currently is. We visited it a lot in the past. The hot spring there can wash away one’s fatigue and improve one’s health.” [Elize]
1225
1226“Wow… I’d love to go once. I wonder how the quality of the water is there.” [Ryouma]
1227
1228She’s piqued my interest a little. I wonder if there’s some kind of fantasy-element mixed in.
1229
1230“I don’t know about the quality of the water, but it’s bubbly and hot, and if you take a dip, your body will be warmed up and your skin will turn red.” [Elize]
1231
1232Bubbly? So a carbonated spring?　Doesn’t seem like there’s any magical or special effects.
1233
1234That’s a bit of a let down, but maybe I can help ease her fatigue if I make her a bath bomb.
1235
1236…Let’s suggest it.
1237
1238“You can prepare hot spring water?” [Elize]
1239
1240The madam was more interested than I’d thought. Her eyes were sparkling.
1241
1242“I can make a bathing agent that makes the water closer to that of hot spring water, provided I have the ingredients.” [Ryouma]
1243
1244The necessary ingredients to make a bath bomb are baking soda and citric acid. Add some potato starch or corn starch to it and mix, lightly moisten it with a spray, and then dry in a mold and your done. Perfumed oil can be added too, but just baking soda and citric acid are enough to generate carbon dioxide.
1245
1246For baking soda, I could make it using salt or the caustic soda that some of the acid slimes waiting for evolution are feeding on. Citric acid can also be extracted from some random fruit with alchemy. (To ensure safety, I’ll limit the ingredients used to just food items.)
1247
1248“…Right. I should be able to make it as long as I have the ingredients.” [Ryouma]
1249
1250“Is this ‘bath bomb’ that secret medicine that possesses beautifying effects that you mentioned yesterday?” [Elize]
1251
1252Secret medicine? Calling a bath bomb a secret medicine sounds nice and all, but I’m afraid what others might think if I actually called it that.
1253
1254“It’s not that amazing… Although it’s plenty good in its own right.” [Ryouma]
1255
1256“What do you need?　If it’s something I can prepare, I’ll get them ready.” [Elize]
1257
1258“In that case, can you get a basket full of lamon (lemon-like fruit) brought to the room?　As well as ‘mumitou’ used in making bread? If you can also provide a good-quality vegetable oil that won’t cause the skin to break out, then I can make another thing called ‘Sugar Scrub’.” [Ryouma]
1259
1260“Very well. I’ll get them prepared immediately. Arone.” [Elize]
1261
1262“Understood. A basket full of lamon, mumitou, and vegetable oil, yes?　I should be able to gather everything with a trip to the kitchen. Ryouma-sama, please wait at your room.” [Arone]
1263
1264“How long will it take to make them?” [Elize]
1265
1266“Sugar Scrubs are made with a ratio of 1:1, so I’ll be able to make them immediately. But for the bath bombs, I have to test them out first to ensure that they’re safe, but even then it should only take about 30 minutes at most.” [Ryouma]
1267
1268“Very well. I’ll look forward to it.” [Elize]
1269
1270And like that, I ended up making bath bombs and sugar scrubs purely out of good will.
1271
1272But…
1273
1274“…Hey, did you hear?” [Maid 4]
1275
1276“Did you hear? Did you hear? Apparently, he’s making a secret medicine that will turn you into a beauty.” [Maid 5]
1277
1278As soon as I left the room, the maids started gossiping.
1279
1280It’s really not so big of a deal for it to be called a secret medicine…
1281
1282Thinking that, I just ignored the gossiping maids. Unbeknownst to me, however, a small uproar started brewing within the residence of the duke’s family.
1283
1284Town chapter 67: Village and potatoes 1
1285
1286A population of 10,000. I thought that achieving this was not difficult. However, the population didn’t even reach 4,000 people in seven years. How many beastmen will be residents of the new town here? When I think so, that expectation is too thin.
1287
1288But I don't want to wait. The capital city Dorisben, the big city has a population of 70,000. Of which 20,000 live as hard-of-minded people. Here I found hope. I will launch a new plan to relocate poor people to the village within my territory and achieve a population of 10,000. What is necessary for this is officially called Solanum Tuberosum. The often-called potato. Potatoes are native to the Andes Mountains of South America and naturally grow in highlands over 3000 meters. Naturally, they are strong against the cold and grows well in thin air. Even in the past world, once transported from South America over the sea it helped the population explosion of medieval Europe. It can be said that this is a crop that is appropriate for this place. It is used to raise the food self-sufficiency rate of the village and to attract people.
1289
1290It was about early morning that I left the town with my escort. We put a horse on a horse-drawn cart, attach a carriage to the back and move with armored vehicles. The carriage was bought in the royal capital to carry pepper at the time of the previous land purchase. Armed with armored vehicles, we headed for the only village in the area.
1291
1292When we get close to the human village, we stop the vehicle and change to the carriage. We hid the vehicle and left a few days of food. When the warmest time of the day pa.s.sed, we arrived at the village. There is a spread of fields and private houses are built on them. It is a village where there is a house for a lord. From a distance, it felt like it was a large village. Although, I don't know many other villages. Nearby resides a house. I approached and quickly understood, the house is not in good condition. People don't live here. The houses located outside the village are vacant and the surrounding fields are also deserted. It can be said that the decrease of the village population is obvious.
1293
1294I proceed to the middle of the village. Indeed, the wheat field was spreading without the fact that the fields were rough when it came to here. Among them, there were those who stopped farming and stared at us like watching what we do.
1295
1296"Is there a mayor? I am Baron Fujiwara, who has become the new lord of this area."
1297
1298I said so in a strong tone that shows off my power. When becoming a n.o.ble, Elsa told me to be careful about my att.i.tude towards the common people. The fact that n.o.bles are scolded ensures the credibility of the country and if anything, the responsibility extends to the lord. Showing the dignity to the people on a regular basis is an indispensable duty as a n.o.ble.
1299
1300"Y, Yes, wait a minute!"
1301
1302To my words, the villagers rushed to the point of the situation. Perhaps they went to call the village chief. I saw an empty wheat field now. I don't know if it's good or bad. In the previous town I taught how to grow crops, but it was actually the beastmen who did it and I have never been directly involved in farming. So I asked the escort's wolfmen how it was.
1303
1304"It is not really productive."
1305
1306"Is that so."
1307
1308Wheat is resistant to cold. However, the fact that it is a poor crop seems to be that the land is still thin. Or is it a problem of soil acidity? It will take time until the villagers come back, so I [Purchase] [Acidity measuring instrument] and stab the soil. The number is 5.8. It is a weak acidity. I think that's not bad for growing potatoes. Then, a question mark came to the faces of my escorts and were asking what I was doing. Up until now, there have been a lot of rough explanations for the wolfmen. I normally ordered them only what to do. But from now on it is different. I explained the acidity well and actually let them touch the [Acidity measuring instrument]. Although it is dubious whether they understood it, let's just say that they looked interested. I think that's fine now. After a while, the previous villagers came back with one man.
1309
1310"I am Peter who is the head of this village."
1311
1312A man who is medium-sized and unclean on the surface. I thought that he was young. Fourteen. No, in view of the fact that whales are showing more and more age, it may be considered that he is actually in his thirties. Such a young person is the village head. Is life in the village so painful that an old man can’t live in it? While thinking about that, I greeted the village chief Peter.
1313
1314"I am Baron Fujiwara, who will rule over this village from now on."
1315
1316I take out the certificate from my chest pocket and show it. He could read the letter and Peter looked over it and bowed, saying, "Okay, thank you."
1317
1318"Have you heard that there is a hall where the former lord lived?"
1319
1320"Ye, yes, but it hasn't been used for many years and no one has lived there very much."
1321
1322"Please guide me for the time being."
1323
1324The first priority is to secure a place to stay. We headed to the former chief's house with the guidance of village chief Peter. The sight of the village chief, turns toward me and my escort. It is a strange style to hide the skin as much as possible. It may be strange but they don't mind. However, I am a n.o.ble and the village chief is a commoner. No matter how much he cares, the chief of the village had to refrain from unnecessary questions.
1325
1326"They're just my escort. Don't worry."
1327
1328When I said so, Peter bowed his head saying "I'm sorry," and he was no longer looking at the wolfmen. After that, we walked without talking. I saw several villagers along the way. There is also an old man, and it can be said that the idea of a living environment so painful that the old man could not live earlier was a stupid thought. The lord's house, which should be called the innermost part of the village, was just past the farmhouses. As the story has been neglected for a long time, the outer wall is stuck with a blue coffin and the coffin is entangled. If there is such a western-style building in j.a.pan, it would be so creepy that it gets called a ghost house. Especially the size of the hall was spurring it. My impression is that I do not want to live here very much.
1329
1330"It's worse in the middle."
1331
1332As if to have felt my emotions, Peter said so.
1333
1334"Good."
1335
1336The village chief's hand opened a large door with rusted hinges that gave a loud squeak. The noise heard is like the roar of a wild mouse that hated the light. We step inside. Dim. The light was coming in from the gap of a window blocked by a wooden board, which made me feel a fantastic atmosphere. Even so, it's dusty and it has a musty smell. It is not something that has been used very much.
1337
1338"Emm..."
1339
1340"What?"
1341
1342"You can use my home if you like. I will gather the villagers and finish cleaning this house today and tomorrow."
1343
1344"Hmm."
1345
1346The sun will soon fall. As the mansion is in this state, there isn’t any other choice.
1347
1348"I'll accept your offer."
1349
1350We moved to another place with the village head. The house of the village chief is nearly twice as large as the other houses. I watch how the family head of the village head moves out of the house with luggage in each hand. There is a child and it looks like a pretty big family. There is also an old man. When asking the village head where they go, there are vacant houses that are already cleaned, so they will move there.
1351
1352"Then, please ask my daughter for later use. She will serve you so that we may not be rude."
1353
1354After a light explanation about the house, the eldest daughter of the village chief remained. Poorly, she is shaking with her head down to me. The village chief said service. You must not say that word simply. It may contain more lonesome connotations. The fate of the village is determined by the lord. If so, what would I do as the village chief? That is what all this means. But unfortunately my moral idea is j.a.panese.
1355
1356"No, I don't need your daughter. Village chief, you come when you're done telling everyone."
1357
1358"Eh!?"
1359
1360Chief Peter is surprised by my words. Why is he so surprised? I just want to hear the story. When I notice, the girl called Pena raises her face abruptly.
1361
1362"I, I understand. I will do my best."
1363
1364The village chief says that, with a slight redden on his cheeks and embarra.s.sment everywhere. His gesture is like a maiden. But it wasn't cute, I just felt uncomfortable. So I finally understand. The village chief is misunderstanding.
1365
1366"Don't get me wrong! I just want to hear the story!"
1367
1368The moment I said it, I thought it was over. But I have been upset. In this way, it seems like I'm fooling myself with my own words and I don't really feel that way. Naturally, my face gets hot. The heart is also beating in a fast pace. I moved my mouth even more to solve the misunderstanding.
1369
1370"No! I don't like guys or anything like that!"
1371
1372I feel like I'm getting stuck in the pot. I can't see the faces of my escort. I took a quick walk into the house of the village head so that I would leave the place.
1373
1374"Don't solve your disguise. Let me know when the village chief comes. I usually love girls"
1375
1376I went to the back room after leaving the escort who came into the house with me and ordered them. I'm embarra.s.sed. Shame still irritates me. When I sat down in the chair, I purchased【Manga】and turned the page to change my mood. It seems that DOKATER x DOKATER is on hiatus again. There is nothing wrong with it. Before long, Mira came to let me know that the chief Peter had returned. Other than that, it seems that she said something, but I didn't listen.
1377
1378"Come in."
1379
1380I welcome the village chief in the room. Of course the escort are also there. The mayor looked at the escort and was apparently relieved. I will not say anything because it is already troublesome.
1381
1382"Sit down."
1383
1384When I ordered, the mayor kneeled on the floor. We are a commoner and a lord. It is impossible to sit in a chair at the same height.
1385
1386"Let's talk about things in the territory."
1387
1388Then I listened to the story until the day pa.s.sed. There used to be a good lord here and lots of villages. However, when the former lord died and his bloodline ended, the villagers of each village went to the south in search of a warm and rich land. The crops are hard to grow here and the main industries are forestry and livestock. Therefore, each village lives on the land in the territory, moving to another area each time the trees go out and there is no concern for the land. When the registration of the lord was removed and the tax-bearing southernly adjacent lords also recommended migration to the south to enrich their land, the reason for staying was gone. The only thing left is this village where the lord lived. There was also a case where the lord made a living of farming and because of that, it seems that he thought that it was better than moving to the southern territories.
1389
1390I also heard about the beastmen. When winter is near, it seems that the Elven clan will come to barter the village with a trap as to where they came from is unknown.
1391
1392---Elves. I heard about them from Elsa and the beastmen and it's the same knowledge which I know of them. An elf is a race with a white skin, long ears and a human-like appearance. However, they are not treated as human. They are the same as beastmen. There seems to be no talk about being a human´s s.e.x slave, as they used to be in the past. Because, humans don't have the idea of using elves to satisfy their s.e.xual desires.
1393
1394The doctrine of Lashia, which reigns on the continent, makes it a great crime to cross breed. Humans are absolute. Elves seem to have a very well-figured appearance, but since the doctrine of Lashia is the common sense of the people of this world, they don't have the feeling of being beautiful. Since it is common sense for elves to be inferior to humans, it would be a monumental task to overturn that belief.  Well, I would be lucky if I tried from an elf. It would be hard to imagine what would have happened without the doctrine of the Lashia religion. I really don't know what to do with it. I asked about other beastmen as well, but I wonder if they are not near here. With the end of the day and the talk was over, the village head went out saying that it was not necessary to take care of food.
1395
1396-------------------
1397
1398The next morning I decided to go with the village chief to see the lord's mansion. As we get closer, we can hear dignified voices. The villagers gathered and seem to do their best in cleaning the mansion. I think it would be difficult for them with me around, so I leave the place. Then, let's a.s.sume that we finally get into the main subject.
1399
1400"Village chief, there is something I need to tell you."
1401
1402Having said that, I guided the village chief to the carriage that was disconnected from the horses. There is a full pile of potatoes inside. Of course, it is a kind, and thanks to its ability it has no pathogens.
1403
1404"This is......?"
1405
1406"It's a potato. It's a strong crop against cold and flimsy land. I'll get this grown in the village from now on."
1407
1408"This...... really?"
1409
1410Hmm? Village chief Peter shows a bad response. Well, apparently the head of the village chief was cloudy.
1411
1412"Can I take it in my hands?"
1413
1414"Yes."
1415
1416The village chief takes one potato in his hand and looks at it just as it is. His expression is still firm.
1417
1418"Emm, that's food, right?"
1419
1420"Yes"
1421
1422"That's......it's very hard to say, but we grow wheat here, so we don't have to bother growing another crop......"
1423
1424I see. It seems that the village chief is unwilling. Certainly, for those who are looking at it for the first time, this rough round crop is bad and they may be resistant to this food. If you don't starve and die right away, it is a waste of effort to grow an unfamiliar crop. To reiterate, this land is a cold and thin land where crops are hard to grow. If it is not enough, you have to learn more by raising more. They cant afford to grow crops they have never seen before. But then the answer is simple. It is up to me to create that margin.
1425
1426"I understand the village chief's anxiety. For this year's tax, I would like to plant this potato only in the amount of the harvest. I promise you I will not take any taxes from wheat and livestock"
1427
1428"Is that true!?"
1429
1430The color of chief Peter´s eyes changed. It is a very easy reaction.
1431
1432“Yes, it is true”
1433
1434For me who knows the taste of pepper trade, the tax obtained from one village is nothing more than money. It is cheap if you think of it as an investment in the future.
1435
1436Then the explanation of potatoes began. From sprouting, soil preparation, planting, watering methods, sprouting and soil augmentation, harvest time, etc. Optimal temperature of potato is around 20 degrees. In cold climates, spring planting is basic and the time is not so good, but it can not be helped. This is like a trial. It seems that the village chief can read letters, so I handed him the parchment I wrote last night.
1437
1438We stayed in the village for a week and left the village, after telling the village chief that we go around the territory.
1439
1440　◇
1441
1442Two weeks after n.o.buhide first visited the village. In a room inside the royal castle of Dorisben. Something was delivered to the room under Lord Edenstam.
1443
1444"Is this what began to be grown in Fujiwara´s territory?"
1445
1446"That's right."
1447
1448A lot of brown and rough round objects roll on the desk. In some places, they have sprouts that make them feel a little uncomfortable. Naturally, after n.o.buhide bought his land, Edenstam had been spying on Fujiwara territory to explore the secrets of pepper. The result is this. He dug up some of the stuff that was buried.
1449
1450“Hmm”
1451
1452Edenstam grabbed a potato and looked at it, sometimes approaching with his nose and smelling it. When he felt tired, he put the potato on the desk again and ask the spy.
1453
1454"And then how does this become pepper?"
1455
1456It is a crop he has never seen. Cultivated in the Fujiwara territory and the color is also brown. So it was unavoidable to think that this potato was pepper.
1457
1458"It seems that only the cultivation method is heard in the villager's story"
1459
1460The spy gave money to one of the villagers and secretly ask for details. However, n.o.buhide taught the village chief only how to cultivate. The village chief hadn't asked how to eat it and he was not interested in it in the first place. Therefore, it is only the way of cultivation that the villagers know.
1461
1462"The way of processing is just a secret. The Polo company, conducts the taste."
1463
1464Edenstam grinds one's teeth. But if that is the case, he has no choice but to investigate more. Edenstam takes a knife out of the desk drawer and cuts one of the potatoes. The inside is yellow and watery.
1465
1466“Hmm”
1467
1468Edenstam gently cared his white beard, as if dealing with his beloved hair. It is his habit when thinking.
1469
1470"This skin is suspicious in color. There are some green spots, but it is brown. How can you actually eat this?"
1471
1472With regard to food, it is a practice to use the tongue for inspection since ancient times. In this way, Edenstam and his spies cut the skin and ate all of the raw potatoes and then he tried to find the mystery of the pepper while doing various things such as burning. By the way, potato sprouts and planted skin have solanine poison, which anyone who is familiar with potatoes may know. The poison causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, dizziness and sometimes even death. It is a famous story that at the time of medieval Europe, they ate potatoes on the ships returning from South America, and because of the poison solanine, they called potatoes the devil's fruit.
1473
1474“Guuu〜”
1475
1476A moaning voice is heard from a certain minister's private room. On that day, two people were lying on the floor. That it is Edenstam and his spy of course, not to mention.
1477
1478“Guuu, Polo Company's plot〜!”
1479
1480Edenstam spouts a roar of voice endlessly in bed. The voice was heard outside the room, even in the corridor.
1481
1482In addition, Olivia, the young queen who visited the room to see Edenstam, said, "Oh?" as she found the potatoes rolling on the desk and boiled them.
1483
1484Town chapter 68: Village and potatoes 2
1485
1486"Good, lets dissolve. I will talk to chief Jiharu, so everyone should take a rest for today"
1487
1488When we returned to the town, we stopped the vehicle in front of the [D-type warehouse] and I let the escort dissolve. Then, the children of the wolf tribe who were in the vicinity, said "Fujiwarsama!", "Fujiwarsama!", and came running here when they were playing on the roadside and saw the car. I was wondering why the talk was over.
1489
1490"Fujiwara! 『Konichiwa』!"
1491
1492"『Konichiwa』!"
1493
1494"『Konichiwa』!"
1495
1496The children spoke the word "h.e.l.lo" in j.a.panese. Do they want to give up, or do they want to use the words they just learned? The children greeted me in j.a.panese as they are proud of the results of their studies and were antic.i.p.ating to surprise me.
1497
1498"Yes, 『Konichiwa』. Look, I'll give you a 【Confetti】"
1499
1500I call "Town data" by quick operation and [Purchase] [Confetti] and distribute it one by one to the children.
1501
1502"Fujiwara, 『Arigatou』!"
1503
1504A child who received [Confetti] thank me in j.a.panese this time. I stroke the head lightly. I feel very comfortable with the ears on the head. Every time I stroke their heads, they children narrow their eyes. Again the child is narrowing its eyes.
1505
1506"Fujiwara,『Sayōnara』!"
1507
1508"『Sayōnara』!"
1509
1510"『Sayōnara』!"
1511
1512"Yes, goodbye"
1513
1514After saying goodbye in j.a.panese, the children returned to play again. They're doing well. The stone is fast for children to swallow. They are learning j.a.panese with a sense of playing.
1515
1516"You can’t lose."
1517
1518I told so by my escort, who were watching the series of exchanges on the spot. Mira mutters, "Uh......" and the others frown. They are motivated but not good at studying. But I think this can’t be helped. Adults and children have different years of using words. If you learn something theoretically, it is better for adults, but for things that you have to learn to feel like language, a child is better.
1519
1520"Well, even if you are not good at it, I hope you can remember it at your own pace."
1521
1522To my words, Mira and the others were apparently relieved. In the first place, I don't expect much j.a.panese language skills from Mira and the other guards. The job of the escort is to protect me.
1523
1524Those who are not good at language learning will be asked to engage in non-technical tasks such as farming. This idea is by no means a downside, it’s just the right man for the position.
1525
1526Besides, agriculture is an important task. If there is no one who does it, it is a difficult task. I have no respect for my occupation. Residents complement each other and move the body of town. Those who are excellent should get more evaluations, but that's why we want to manage the town without trying to keep up with those who do their best.
1527
1528However, I think it is quite difficult. The mind of a person is difficult, and if there is superiority or inferiority, the superior will be proud and the inferior will be in conflict. After that, the superior may attack the inferior to fulfill his self-esteem. It is only a desk theory that everyone can get along well.
1529
1530But I don't know if I don’t try. At least I am in a position to challenge. There is no way to give up before they do. Anyway, that's one of the future tasks.
1531
1532The escorts go to my house and I go to the lecture hall. In the auditorium, Chief Jiharu took the print I left behind and taught, and after waiting for a break, I told him that I returned safely. I dismissed the guards, then returned home and played with Catherine for the first time in a few days.
1533
1534------------ 
1535
1536The days of going back and forth between the village and the town continued until the potato harvest. At the same time, I connected a rubber-coated copper wire, a telephone line, between the village chief's mansion and the town. All are manual. A large cylindrical drum of copper wire was tied to the truck bed, and the drum was turned to draw a copper wire, and the copper wire was buried in the ground to make it invisible. It was very difficult because the distance was large.
1537
1538......The Wolf tribe. They are just being instructed, so it's not too hard.
1539
1540By the way, if you have [Ability to make a town] about this telephone line, you may think that it is not only to install by the ability in a town. [The ability to create a town] is the ability only in the town that is the [Home base]. In order to activate abilities outside of the [Home base], I must be nearby. For example, the prison built south of the old town. That should remain as it is. In order to sell that prison, I have to go near it.
1541
1542This also relates to the condition of a population of 10,000, which is also a condition for the growth of [period setting]. Even if people were brought into the village in the area and the population became 10,000, it didn't mean that the conditions were met. Because [The ability to create a town] recognizes it as a [home base] because it is a town where I and the wolf tribe live, and the village within the territory is not included in it.
1543
1544Then, the question arises that it would not make sense to collect 10,000 people in the village. But it makes sense. By connecting the "home base" and a man-made structure such as a road, the village will become part of the "home base".
1545
1546So, if I reach 10,000 people in the area and ¥ 1 trillion in funds, I intend to connect the town which is the “home base” with the village in the area by a road. There is nothing to fear when [Period setting] becomes [Now], and there is no need to hide the town. Even if there is anything, it can be screwed down with force.
1547
1548By the way, it doesn't make sense to connect the road to a village not under my control. Why this is, is awkward. [The ability to create a town] doesn't even recognize trying to connect a village under the control of another person with a road. [The ability to make a town] is certainly my ability, but I feel that I can't use it as I thought and I am being shaken.
1549
1550Well, I have no choice but to give up on that ability. Anyway, when it became easy to connect the town and the village by connecting the telephone, I would be more likely to stay in the village as a human.
1551
1552‐-----------------
1553
1554About three months have pa.s.sed since we planted potatoes in the village. As Autumn deepened and the wind blew colder, the potato blossoms opened and finally phased out with the harvest. Under my direction, the villagers use the tools and dig up the potatoes from the soil. As a result, the potato harvest is about five times the starved seed meal. When I read a book on agriculture, it seems to be a disappointing figure for professional farmers, but let's say it is good. Given the environment and the time of planting, it is a reasonable yield.
1555
1556After that, it is important to make the villagers become familiar with potatoes. Therefore, today we will hold a potato tasting party. I have to teach the villagers how to eat potatoes.
1557
1558We arranged the desks brought from each house outdoors and place the dishes on them. On the ground, I piled up stones in a circle to make an instant bowl, put a large pot with salt water on it and burned the bowl. However, under the village head, the villagers' facial expressions are not good. Seeing the potato, they have faces that disbelieves that you can eat such things. The only ones who were having an exciting look at this unusual event were the children.
1559
1560I explain to the villagers that potatoes needs to be peeled and that there is poison in the skin that has been planted on the shoots and the sun. The reaction of the villagers are various, such as those who hear poison and roll their eyes and those who frown. They must have been surprised when they heard that the potatoes they usually eat are poisoned. However, it is too old to remember.
1561
1562When the potatoes were peeled off, they were placed in a jar and dipped in the large pot that began to boil. After a while――.
1563
1564"Is it okay now?"
1565
1566I take a potato from the jar, place it on a plate and p.r.i.c.k the fork. The fork was stabbed with resistance and the potato broke in two from there. It is in a good state.
1567
1568"Good, for a while. Pull up all the potatoes!"
1569
1570The villagers pulled up the sunk jar with the sound of water draining with their hands. Under the fine weather, potatoes that were golden lined up on the desk. They are steaming like a hot spring and the smell is unbearable. My guards from the wolf tribe are also catching the smell with their noses. They expect it to be good, even if they have never eaten potatoes, because I have never given them something untasty.
1571
1572And it can be said that the thinking of the wolf tribe is not wrong. Let's say clearly. I like potatoes. Potatoes are the best and the fried potatoes are exceptional. I love potato salad, potato tempura and even potato chips. Not to mention alone, it goes well with various dishes. Curry, stew, croquettes, meat etc. Oh, but I didn't really like only miso soup. But some people like it, so potatoes are still great. I guess there are no people who dislike potatoes.
1573
1574"First of all, I will eat. If I eat it, everyone will start eating it."
1575
1576After the declaration, as everyone stared, I put the fork into the potato split that was split in half earlier and took a bite. While enjoying the warmth in my mouth, I enjoy the soft crunchiness and the slight sweetness peculiar to potatoes and exquisite saltiness. The feeling of melting on the tongue. My mouth was full of saliva and I swallowed the slice.
1577
1578"Delicious! Potatoes are the best!"
1579
1580Although it is my real intention, I behave in a very deliberate way. It is usually something you don't want to say. But this time there is a reason. I am a n.o.ble. Of course, I don't think about the ups and downs in human values, but this continent's values are not. There is an isolated upper and lower difference between a mere villager and me, who is a n.o.ble. If I, who is such a high-ranking person, eats potatoes and shows that it is delicious, it can be said that it is above all advertising.
1581
1582"He, hey"
1583
1584"Ah, ah, shall we eat? Because the lord eats just so well"
1585
1586As I thought, some of the villagers who had been half-trusting felt something from me eating something delicious. Each one took a plate lined up on a desk.
1587
1588“――!!? This is good!"
1589
1590"It, It's true! Good!"
1591
1592One ate, two ate and eventually everyone became silent and ate the potatoes. Eating is one of the greatest pleasures. But what is the food of a poor village? Bread made with wheat, milk and cheese, etc. Their repertoire is small and it is inevitable that they will get bored with their daily meals. Therefore, the villagers were intoxicated with the new taste and the new texture.
1593
1594“Feudal lord-sama”
1595
1596As everyone enjoys eating, there are those who feel apologetic to me. It is village chief, Peter, who starts to speak.
1597
1598"I'm feeling shameful from being suspicious of you, not knowing that potatoes are so delicious"
1599
1600"You only saw its appearance. Don't worry"
1601
1602"Thank you for saying so, but what about this potato?"
1603
1604"As I said before, potatoes are very strong against cold, that's why they grow well on thin lands. I think they are crops that fit the area well. But there is also a problem. It cannot grow continuously in the same land."
1605
1606Continuous crop failure. The pathogens and pests that favor planted crops are propagated by continuous cropping, causing diseases to the crops. In particular, potatoes are vulnerable to continuous cropping, and once planted at a place they can't plant potatoes again there for two years. In addition, if the acidity is inclined to acidity, it will become a disease, and if it inclines to alkalinity, it will also become a disease. However, you can expect the harvest to surpa.s.ses such a demerit. I continued to speak to the village chief.
1607
1608"If the amount of harvest is un.o.bvious, even if you have the number of seeds, potatoes will outperform wheat. Preservation is inferior to wheat, but if you are careful, it will last for half a year. I will use this potato to attract people and develop the village as a major production area for potatoes"
1609
1610It is not a dream. Considering the situation in the country, it is possible enough. There is so much poverty in this country. On the other hand, the village chief was stunned by my words. It is a story without surprise. Knowing the value of a potato, my words may not be realistic. However, when I realized, the village chief was in tears slightly.
1611
1612Why is that? I have been listening to various things while I was in the village. Young people aim for the south. They feel disgusted with the village life that never improves and dream of living in a city.
1613
1614However, the bitterness of urban life was obvious when I heard from the merchant. There is no communication from those who left for the royal capital. Some can read and write and some not, but generally they wont come very far. When there is no contact in general, it is only that they are too poor or dead to get in touch.
1615
1616This continent is a developing world where even family register management is ambiguous. It is different from the world I came from. So I understood the meaning of the village chief's tears well.
1617
1618"There is no time to cry. We'll have some vacancies left by the next spring. And we're going to build a new village near here"
1619
1620Thus, my territory plan turned a gear again.
1621
1622Town chapter 69: Elf 1
1623
1624By the way, although potatoes were harvested safely in my territory, there were various things that happened during  these three months. I need to talk about it.
1625
1626First of all, teaching j.a.panese to the wolf tribe. After all, a big difference started to appear when learning the j.a.panese language. As living beings, superiority is the nature of the world and can’t be avoided. But those who were inferior were trying to learn j.a.panese as hard as possible. Their motivation is different. That's why I feel that the proficiency level of j.a.panese in the wolf tribe is not remarkable as a whole. However, I am the first j.a.panese teacher to speak, and they don't have any other teacher or person to compare. Therefore, the evaluation shall be limited to "feel".
1627
1628My escorts are the least proficient in j.a.panese. It takes them more time to learn j.a.panese than to follow me and they already feel that they have to take care of me because they have the job as my escort. But this is conversely creating a good atmosphere. Among the escort team, Mira is an existence that can be seen at first glance from everyone and it is well understood to live together. The reason is that I thank her for saving me. I myself was certainly grateful, but I also commended Mira's work as an example. She is the pride of the wolf tribe. She is not good at studying j.a.panese, so even if there are other people who are not good with j.a.panese, she cant be seen as below them. Even if she couldn't speak j.a.panese, she worked hard on other things and was able to create strong foundations.
1629
1630Next, let's talk about the defense aspect of the town. I finally [Purchase] [Wall] to surround the town. So far, it was a matter of extension, considering the height of the wall and how wide, but I finally settled after a great deal of indecision. The height of the [Wall] is 10 meters. The hidden town will be exposed at a height higher than this. It was neither wide or narrow, so I set the width and depth so as to surround the minimum house and fields.
1631
1632Also, on this occasion, I began teaching guns to those who defend the town. All the residents are soldiers. Because there are a small number of people who protect the town, it will be mostly non-children. When something happens, each one will fight with a gun. However, the handling of guns requires meticulous attention and training is more rigorous. It is impossible to ask me for the severity. Therefore, I taught how to handle a gun to chief Jiharu thoroughly. As for the rest of the wolf tribe, chief Jiharu is the deputy leader, and is strictly responsible for the gun instruction.
1633
1634Even so, the work of chief Jiharu is tremendous. Serving as the tribe chief, being a teacher during my absence, and a gun instructor. He is very busy. In addition, it is also my responsibility. I am worried that he will become overworked and die. Well, the figure that laughs cheerfully saying "I will not lose to young people" is not something that makes me feel relieved.
1635
1636I think so. When I become an old man, I hope I will be like Chief Jiharu. It can be said that I can't afford to hide. However, considering the current situation, it is a good thing. But, if I consider the reason, I will not rejoice so straightforwardly. There will be a relief. But for now, life is difficult. Next time, let's also give something delicious to chief Jiharu. I would like him to cultivate a British spirit by gastronomy.
1637
1638Anyway, the work is concentrated on chief Jiharu alone. Though I thought that the son of chief Jiharu, who is considered to be the next chief of the tribe, could also be a teacher, I thought that he was being hesitant and it seemed that he was not good for it yet. The characters of this continent can be learned and read from chief Jiharu, so if he keep the print I wrote about the cla.s.s, Zoan should be able to play a good teaching role without any problems. However, when I stood in the pavilion, I felt tense, and Zoan's limbs were shaking. The wolf tribe's future may be dark.
1639
1640――And so far is the current status until the potato harvest. Currently, it is about one week after the potato harvest. That night, I was receiving a telephone call from the village chief.
1641
1642"Yes, there are no abnormalities here, so I hope to see you tomorrow as planned"
1643
1644It will be winter soon. The fact that the elves are coming soon has meant that I have been stationed in the human village for a long time to meet them. After the phone call between me and chief Jiharu, those of the escort team who wanted could call their family. I went back to my room and under the bright light bulbs, I lay on the soft bed and read. The power generator for the [Light bulb] has been installed. Of course there are sweets and juices by the side. The rooms are heated and very warm. The best way to enjoy your life is to spend your rest time as comfortable as possible.
1645
1646The mansion is so large that there are innumerable rooms, and it is also possible to give each person of the escort group a room and to take a rest in each room except those who have a duty. It is not good to overpack anything. Alcohol is not permitted, but like me, they are supplied with electrical equipment and other sweets and juices. They also have j.a.panese picture books for entertainment, which will help them learn j.a.panese.
1647
1648Gatekeepers are hired from among the villagers at high salaries and the vehicles parked near the village are returned to the town for long-term stays. If we need a vehicle, I just call Chief Jiharu on the phone. In the event of an emergency, it is up to my ability to [Purchase] a new one.
1649
1650As I was reading a book, I eventually became sleepy and closed my eyes. Thus the day in the village was over for today.
1651
1652------------------
1653
1654"Fujiwarsama, it's been a long time"
1655
1656The next day, some people visited the mansion. I heard the name of the person who visited from the gatekeeper, but I knew that person for a moment looking at the face. The reunion for the first time in years. The face is not steep and has a very mild color.
1657
1658"Reinsan?"
1659
1660Elsa said she would pa.s.s on a reliable subst.i.tute when I split up with her last time. When I first met Reina, I still remember that there was a bit of awkwardness. Elsa also heard the circ.u.mstances during then. It was a story that Reina was a former n.o.ble and the aristocracy was still unbroken. Given that, it may be inappropriate for her to be here today. But, I believe in Elsa. I say that I can trust Reina because Elsa says I can trust her.
1661
1662"Today, I come as an alternative to the owner of the company, Elsa Polo. I have a letter for you. Please check it out."
1663
1664I received the letter from Reina, opened it and read it. The written statement states that a branch of the Polo company is to be made here as planned, that Reina will be the head of the branch and that if there is anything unknown about n.o.bles, I shall ask Reina. Especially the last section is appreciated. Until now, there was no problem at all, but if it comes, such as pepper or potatoes, it will be the relationship as a n.o.ble will increase in importance. Socializing. How far should I meet? I think it would be good if I could refuse all social activities, but I might be pushing on here from the other side; also, if I had too much withdrawal, I would not say, "I'm thinking of something I can't do." It may be suspicious.
1665
1666"I understand. Reina is going to stay in this mansion until the branch is made. There are many vacant houses in the village, so your companions can stay there. They are so beautiful that you want to live there."
1667
1668"Generous arrangement, thank you very much"
1669
1670"Well, you must be tired today. I hope you can take a break. I will hold a party to celebrate the welcome of the Polo company tomorrow"
1671
1672---------------------------
1673
1674Afternoon on the next day. The dinner party held in the small dance hall in the mansion. Those invited are not only the people of the Polo company but also the family members of village chief Peter and the main people of the village. From this, the Polo company and this village will be in a long relationship. It is obvious that the village chief and the villagers did not have a dress or the like, so I gave them a cheap [Kimono].
1675
1676Then, among the partic.i.p.ants who gathered, there is a person who gathers a crowd. It is no one else than Reina. Reina's dress looks elegant. Its normal for a former n.o.ble. Well, like a box made by a master craftsman, the dress and Reina match very well. Much like how a container and lid fit perfectly together. 
1677
1678It was a great treat and we had a lot of potato dishes at the party. However, I just let the wife of the village chief stand in the kitchen and cook as I directed. Peter was impressed by the potential of the potatoes and Reina turned into a merchant and asked me about the potatoes. As her face changed, I answer her questions one by one, thinking of Reina’s face, which was already vague.
1679
1680We both drink delicious alcohol, eat delicious food and enjoy chatting with each other. It can be said that the exchanges between the villagers and the people of the Polo company are well deepened. We can see each other respecting each other and from now on both sides are likely to get along well.
1681
1682Oh yes, there was one interesting thing. There is a 10-year old boy who is the son of Peter and his wife, who observed only Reina during the party and by doing so close to Reina, he had a very easy-to-understand behavior. Everyone watched as he was drowning in a simmering manner and everyone sent a warm look to the boy. It is obvious he doesn't know anything.
1683
1684Before the sunset, the party ended and three days later, carpenters came from the neighboring land from the south and began the construction of a company.
1685
1686----------------------
1687
1688Autumn is also the end of the year. Villagers came to inform the arrival of the elves. The scale is the minimum number of people to carry firewood. It may be because they don't stimulate humans.
1689
1690"Good, let's go. Turn the carriage on the table."
1691
1692I took the wolf tribe escort and headed for the open house outside the village which the village head had at hand. When the carriage approached the targeted house, many handmade wheelbarrows lined up in front of the house and the firewood was piled up there into a mountain. Next to the wheelbarrows, the elves who might have pulled it by human power. You can see it from a distance, white skin, light-colored hair such as gold and silver and long ears. Well, they’re elves. I told the village chief to talk with them in advance. In hopes to convince them that we don't want to harm them.
1693
1694In the eyes of the elves, I could see the vigilance against me who had climbed up in the carriage. Until now, there was no lord here. An obvious person of power has appeared there now. It would be strange if they are not alert. I got off the carriage with a strong awareness of acting in a stately manner. The one who approaches me is village chief Peter and one of the elves.
1695
1696"Fujiwarsama, this person leads the platoon――”
1697
1698Village chief Peter calls me. I controlled it by hand just as I didn't need an explanation. I don't even have to ask.
1699
1700"I am Baron Fujiwara who is going to rule this land."
1701
1702While introducing myself to the elf next to Peter, I was blinded by the face of the elf I saw nearby. There is no stain on the surface, as he has a smooth and firm white skin. The long silver hair is very shiny. He has long eyes and his face is so neat that you can not miss it. It's a neutral face, neither male or female. Certainly beautiful. But at the same time, although it was beautiful, it was not something that had a downright affection, but it felt like it was a beauty that looked like an artwork. In this case, the village chief has a nice and friendly face and has a good caress. I was in the sight of village chief Peter, who is standing next to the elf, with such an impression.
1703
1704"......I'm called Polif"
1705
1706Elf――Polif is unwilling, but uses honorifics. The option of being deceived by humans is no longer considered as it has been excluded from the beginning.
1707
1708"First of all, let's get inside. The wind is cold."
1709
1710I enter an unoccupied house with the escorts. There is only one large rectangular desk inside. Light leaks through from the window and the wind is strong. After me, my escort went into the house, followed by Chief Peter and Polif. We surrounded the desk without anyone saying something.
1711
1712"You must have heard from the village chief. I will not do something to harm you."
1713
1714"......Then, why are you here?"
1715
1716The tone of the words makes it easy to see the enemy's envy down inside. It would have been nice to leave it alone, but it was just as he said. But that reaction won't make me angry. In the past, many human authorities have chased the beastmen, including the elves. There would have been countless miseries. The present me is also a human authority. I accepted that the elf's att.i.tude was such a matter of course.
1717
1718"Can you first see this before I answer that question?"
1719
1720I through the stuff in my hand on the desk. It is a rough, round, light brown object.
1721
1722"This is?"
1723
1724"It's called potato"
1725
1726That's a potato. There is no twist, here again it is a potato.
1727
1728"Look, this potato is――”
1729
1730I explained to Polif how good potatoes are for this place and how good they are. Polif gave a suspicious look from my explanation. But this has been experienced previously from the reaction of the villagers. So I need to prove it. I will try to show off what I prepared before I came here. I looked at one of the guards behind me. He holds a hemispherical silver lid, a plate with a dome cover. It is placed on the desk. When I opened the dome cover, white steam rose. The fragrant smell of b.u.t.ter tickles the nose and saliva naturally spills out from the mouth. On the top of the plate is a cooked potato with b.u.t.ter.
1731
1732"It's a cooked potato. Even though it's cooked, I just put b.u.t.ter on the steamed potato. You should eat it"
1733
1734Showing that there is no poison, I first eat it by taking a bite. Umm, still good. Potato and b.u.t.ter, the affinity between the two is the best. Then Polif also took a piece like me and put it in his mouth. Momentarily――.
1735
1736“......Delicious”
1737
1738Polif was watched and stared at. The words were so heavy that something resonated in my heart. It may have been a long time event. Another elf reached out, but the response remains the same. For them, it was a long time ago that they showed such a reaction.
1739
1740"......So I didn't get an answer to my previous question"
1741
1742"This was the reason I came here. I just came to tell you elves is to get under my rule. Because you are in my territory, it is natural"
1743
1744An obvious complaint comes from the beautiful face of Polif.
1745
1746"Even if you rule over us, there will be no further gains. Here we cant expect the grace of the earth and the heavens will only give us hardships"
1747
1748"Don't worry. I will hand over potato seeds to you. As I said earlier, potatoes are good for this place. The food problem should be much better. Furthermore,  I'm not going to take taxes so much that you starve. What is tax in the first place? It's not a biting charge, is it? The lord receives the tax and uses that tax to manage the people's well-being. It is only a tipping point such as the exploitation of the tax so that it is not able to live. I will do the job for you to receive taxes."
1749
1750I said this, but I don't expect any taxes from the elves. However, it is not known if there are beastmen everywhere before, and it is likely not to be thought very well externally at present by knowing the existence of the different races but not taking the tax. It is too special to live in the territory of the beastmen now. If I don't keep taxes at least, I might be hit hard by the country and other lords. I also have the appearance of a lord in this country.
1751
1752In addition, there is also a reason to want to attach a link to the elves as my territory will develop in the future. Depending on the number of elves, it may be a supplement for a population of 10,000.
1753
1754And one more thing. In the future, in the worst case, I might be confronting the country. At that time, I was worried that the wolf tribe would not be enough.
1755
1756"You want us to believe your words? Humans have only driven us out."
1757
1758"There is no right to refuse. If you don't like it, get out of my territory. But isn't it too late to see if what I'm saying is true?"
1759
1760To my words, Poliff thought silently. Looking at Polif who thinks firmly, the elves next to him say something. Before long, the mouth of Polif opened.
1761
1762"......Understood."
1763
1764"Polif!"
1765
1766The elf next to Polif shouted his name
1767
1768"There is no other way"
1769
1770"But how are you going to explain it to the other tribes!"
1771
1772What about me? Then I noticed the catch. It is the words ‘other tribe’. It sounds like they live with a tribe other than elves.
1773
1774"I can only explain it as it is."
1775
1776"......They're gonna kill you."
1777
1778"Huh, they're not stupid. We should give priority to the prosperity of the clan over the temporary feelings."
1779
1780"You underestimate the resentment from other people of our race. Their resentment is much deeper than us who have a relationship with humans like we do today."
1781
1782I stopped their talk by saying "Wait". Four jewel-like eyes turn to me.
1783
1784"What other clans? Elves are elves."
1785
1786"......In addition to us elves, there are also different races."
1787
1788"Hey!" Said the other elf. But Polif continues his words, ignoring it.
1789
1790"We all live together to live. We come here to sell firewood because elves are the closest to humans because of the look"
1791
1792When I heard that, I lost my words. In a place that was once called the cursed land, I created a town, where the beastmen lived across the tribal borders and holding hands together. Just as the situation is different, the beastmen lived close to each other in this harsh land.
1793
1794Town chapter 70: Elf 2 (with map)
1795
1796Map of the continent
1797
1798Map of Dryad Kingdom
1799
1800Map of Fujiwara territory
1801
1802"I see......the beastmen are living together......"
1803
1804I stared at the sky and muttered like a monologue.
1805
1806"......What is it?"
1807
1808 "No, nothing. Emm, what was that?"
1809
1810To my response, Polif leaks a mixed voice of suspicion and longing "Ha?". I will not give up on it. My mind was not normal, and I had forgotten even the words I wanted to say.
1811
1812"No, that's why you're going under my control and the same goes for the other races, who you mentioned earlier, you live together."
1813
1814Yes, it is a story that the beastmen are living together in this place. The moment I heard that, I was seized by something. It is a self-question what would have happened if I had not existed in that cursed land. It's a shame. Even if such a thing is thought now, the past cannot be changed. However, my heart becomes painful.
1815
1816"Fujiwarsama......"
1817
1818Compa.s.sion was felt in the voice coming from next to me. It's Mira. She is aware of my feelings. I thought it was very kind.
1819
1820"Alright. I, I´m alright"
1821
1822The first word was strong, but the second time I answered myself with firmness. Village chief Peter, Polif and the other elf are puzzled when I come back to my senses. I thought so. This is only understood by us.
1823
1824"I'm sorry. I haven't slept so much lately, so it looks like I've s.p.a.ced off."
1825
1826 "Ar, Are you okay? Or rather, you should better take a rest......"
1827
1828Village chief Peter truly takes my lie and looks worried. On the other hand, I nodded with a smile.
1829
1830"No problem, let's keep talking."
1831
1832The situation is being told from Polif’s mouth as if there was nothing. The other elf doesn't like it, and complains to Polif by saying "Hey" or "Stop". However, he gave up sooner or later and only had a ugly face showing how dissatisfied they were.
1833
1834A village where non-humans live. However, not all tribes live in one place. It is said that each of the large forests that have not been reached by people across the northern territories are being treated as castles. Polif doesn't know the detailed number of all the tribes combined. However, it is said that it will reach a thousand. A Thousand. That's a good number of people. By all means, I want them.
1835
1836"In addition to us elves, there are: the rat tribe, lizard tribe, wolf tribe――"
1837
1838At once, my heart jumped. The surprise might have gone out to my expression. Polif stops his words and sends a glaring look like "Whats wrong?" and I answer, "No, nothing." and urge him to continue.
1839
1840But there is nothing wrong with it. ――Wolf tribe. When I heard that word, I managed to ensure that I would turn around to Mira and the others. Even humans are of many types. There were also people with faces like a hawk and those with faces like a crow. The wolf tribe is not limited to some members.
1841
1842"――Pig tribe and cow tribe. All these six tribes live together in one place."
1843
1844It seems that there are not only the wolf tribe but also the pig tribe. It was not possible to judge whether the six races were many or few. It may not be that all the beastmen aimed at the northern land called dragon's horn their home. There should be some tribes who live and hide somewhere on the continent. Or there may be more beastmen here, just that the elves don't know.
1845
1846I think what to do. I want a population of over one thousand. But I didn't want to break their existing lives. It is an insult to come back from the bottom of the chest again.
1847
1848"......How is your life?"
1849
1850 "We hunt monsters in the forest, catch the fish in the rivers and then just do some farming. Nevertheless......"
1851
1852 "Is it not so good?"
1853
1854As if to agree with my words, Poliff nodded. That's right. If life is good, there is no way to come to this village. A relationship with humans would have been a tough decision.
1855
1856The beastmen are living a tough life. Then, I thought that hope was not lost. There is a mutual benefit.
1857
1858"I see. I will go and talk with them."
1859
1860"Idiot! That's definitely an act you should never do! Are you going to destroy us!"
1861
1862Another elf shouted. No honorifics. Polif's rebuke, "Hey" flew, and the other elf finally stopped.
1863
1864"......Now let's not hear."
1865
1866Village chief Peter is also here, though it does not stick to the wording etc. I have to worry about the physical aspect.
1867
1868"Thank you, but what he said is correct."
1869
1870"Why. If you live here, you'll know, but there are no settlements and no army in my territory other than this village"
1871
1872"That's why. It is easy to harm you. There are many beastmen who have a grudge against humans and if harm is done to you, a n.o.ble, the country will give its heavy back"
1873
1874I thought about it a little bit and thought it was true. There was a human named me in the old town before. If I’m not conceited, I think that my existence had eased the hatred to humans of the beastmen in that town. Then, what about the feelings of those that have lived in poverty in the last seven years without borrowing human power? It is not hard to imagine that every time you feel poverty, the grudge against humans who took away the land you lived in increase. Resentment and hatred have long been ripened, and ought to be nothing. But yet――.
1875
1876"I have an idea. Don't worry. You can't do any harm to me."
1877
1878At night, in the midst of a dream, sometimes pictures appear. Cats, leopards, birds, racc.o.o.ns, deer, pigs, goblins and kobolds. The figures I spent time with. Even though betrayed, there may be a desire to return the hands of watch.
1879
1880Polif says "Nevertheless,"  but I didn't let him go any further.
1881
1882"This is a decision. In the first place, the lord should not be restricted from acting in his own territory."
1883
1884The lord is an absolute existence in the territory. This is common sense in this world. I couldn't even hear the sound of screeching from Polif’s mouth and continued my words.
1885
1886"Anyway, first of all, about the firewood. You're going to trade it for wheat, right? Let the village chief prepare twice the amount"
1887
1888"Bu, But then the village is......"
1889
1890"I will pay the extra money."
1891
1892"Ye, Yes, if that's the case."
1893
1894Under the direction of village chief Peter, wheat is brought in and loaded on the rickshaw on behalf of the firewood. Once bartering is over, Peter is no longer needed here. He got out of his seat and in the vacant house there were only me, my escort and the elves.
1895
1896"How is it?"
1897
1898I ask the guards who went outside from the empty house. The guards were wondering if there was any suspicious people around the empty house. Polif and the other elves look suspicious as to what they are doing.
1899
1900"There is no sign of people around"
1901
1902"Good. Mira, remove the cloth on your head"
1903
1904To my command, Mira unfolds the cloth wrapped around her head silently. Mira's head gradually is exposed.
1905
1906"Ha......? No way......!?"
1907
1908"A, Ah......!"
1909
1910After a while Mira's head was completely clear and Polif and the other elf widened their eyes and opened their mouths wide. Beyond their gaze, the testimony of a non-human――beastman's ears stood out.
1911
1912"You are a beastman......!!"
1913
1914Polif spit it out instantly. I guess he didn't imagine that my guards were wolfmen. It is an expression of disbelief.
1915
1916"Lower your voice. Even though I confirmed it, I don't know if someone is listening"
1917
1918I have already confirmed that there is a spy in the village. The wolf tribe have good noses. At one time, they found a mole posing as a  worker. Perhaps the royal palace's aim is my pepper, but that person does not do anything because it is not likely to be worthwhile taking action here. I will keep him as long as there is no harm.
1919
1920“Mira, that's enough.”
1921
1922Mira wraps the cloth around her head again. And I talk to the two elves who still have the color of surprise on their faces.
1923
1924"I think you've got a little bit of credit for this, so what do you think?"
1925
1926In order to go to the place where the beastmen live and to proceed smoothly, the cooperation of Polif and the elves is essential. It is because persuasion from a fellow person becomes a weapon more than anything. So I have to get Polif and his friends to trust us firmly. It is hard to be betrayed if it is not put under the control of me in the direction ahead.
1927
1928"Ye, Yes. If this is the case, other tribes may also listen."
1929
1930Polyff said, after he looked at the other elf. Having a beastman in my relatives seems to be extremely effective.
1931
1932"Well, let's go as you go home."
1933
1934I unfold a map. Pointing 10 kilometers to the northeast, I point to a plain before the place where the rivers meandered a lot.
1935
1936"Here......that's right, wait for two days. After two days, keep the fire burn constantly. It will be a landmark."
1937
1938The story was decided and we broke up. When I return to the mansion, I call chief Jiharu to explain the circ.u.mstances and give instructions to send a vehicle. As for the personnel, I asked chief Jiharu to come. Then I told Reina and left two wolfmen guards in the mansion, before we left the village.
1939
1940Of course, Reina knows about the situation to some extent, so there is no problem leaving them in the mansion. I have concealed light bulbs and heating devices for a while, but since Elsa should have explained about the vehicle, the level of small electronic appliances is a further story.
1941
1942When I joined with chief Jiharu, I changed from a carriage to a vehicle and headed to the meeting point with the elves. 5 [73 type large truck] cars and one [horse-carriage] car. We will talk with the beastmen, but we are in a position to be intimidated, thinking that we must also show some power. Before joining the elves, I 【Purchase】 two [4 pounds mountain guns] and made them pulled into the track.
1943
1944――Now, two days after we left the village. We arrived at the meeting point with the elves as scheduled for the promised deadline.
1945
1946"Mo, Monster!"
1947
1948"Ru, Run away! It is a mythical beast!"
1949
1950The response is as expected. The elves ran away, putting the wheat replaced in the village against the carriage as we are approaching in a row.
1951
1952Even so, this surprise is a very nostalgic sight. I remember the reaction of the beastmen who saw the track for the first time. I was made to feel ecstatic. I thought it was a taste of cruelty, but when I turned to Mira sitting next to me, she smiled. Apparently I am not the only one special.
1953
1954However, it will not go as it is. I immediately [Purchase] [Megaphone].
1955
1956『Wait! Don't run away! It's not a monster, it's me Fujiwara! I’m Lord Fujiwara who you met in the village! Don't run away!』
1957
1958The loud sound emitted from the megaphone echoed all around. If this is not accompanied by words, it might be the roar of a huge monster. 
1959
1960Then, Polif who actually talked with me understood the situation and ordered the other elves to "Stop". Those who escaped eventually regained their sanity and when they found out that we were not harmful, they gathered slowly next to Polif.
1961
1962"What, this is......not a living thing......?"
1963
1964"Humans are like this......"
1965
1966The awe-inspired elves stared at the rows of vehicles that had stopped in a row.
1967
1968"There are wheels....... A vehicle that runs without pulling a horse......? Fujiwarsama, what is this! What the h.e.l.l are you planning to do!?"
1969
1970Polif cool words are hard to say. His expression is full of fear that he may have called in something that can not be brought in.
1971
1972"I'm not going to do anything. I'm just going to talk a little."
1973
1974But I responded to Polif without getting anything wrong.
1975
1976Chapter 71 
1977Town chapter 71:
1978
1979
1980
1981There are several settlements in the huge forest that spans the northern portion of the Fujiwara territory . Those who live there are elves and beastmen who came to this land to escape from humans and hide . They were weak and were always vigilant about the presence of the enemy, keeping a vigilant watch at the entrance of the forest that day .
1982
1983"What? There are two things that moved in the distance . "
1984
1985Two elves who are the lookout . One of them――a young man found something that moved far away . Is it a wild animal? Thinking such a thing, the young elf holds his hand over his forehead next to his elf comrade, who is a boy . Two moving things slowly approach the forest and after a while the eyes of the young elf caught the whole scene .
1986
1987"Horse! Human!"
1988
1989The young elf said in a furious voice . The real thing of the movement was a horse, plus two shadows on the back of the horse . The figures are still far away and he can only see vaguely, but the elves who went to trade with humans to the south didn't take horses . It is appropriate to judge it to be humans .
1990
1991"Go and tell the chief quickly!"
1992
1993"Ye, Yes!"
1994
1995When he sent the young boy to the village, the young elf hid in the shade of a bush and watched the appearance of the two horses coming from the front . The rider does not run the horse, so the pace is slow . It takes time to come closer . Before long, the young elf clearly recognized the figure of the person on the back of the horse .
1996
1997"Uh? That ears . . . . . . ?"
1998
1999Someone who has the same long ears as him . When the young elf understood that one of the riders was an elf, that aspect also became clear .
2000
2001"----!!? Polif!"
2002
2003One of the riders was the son of the chief, which was Polid who led a few elves to the village . If so, what about the others? The youth narrows his eyes . Two ears visible on the top of the head . The other rider is a beastmen .
2004
2005"Damn, I'm surprised . "
2006
2007While complaining, there is a smile on his face . The complaints he made were only a joke and the feeling that it wasn't a human was dominating the mind of the young elf .
2008
2009The young elf stood up, as he wouldn't have to hide anymore . When he leans over and look at the two people who come from the front, they both ride the horse without shaking . The youth wondered what the elves had done and who the beastman next to Polif is . However, for the moment the young elf feels safe and caught his breath .
2010
2011However, if its a friend, this will cause problems for the young elf individually . Just a while before, the other guard was told to report an alarm that a human came which is incorrect now . From the elf village a message will be issued to other villages . The story gets bigger and bigger . The youth elf thought that this time he was done for and in anticipation of the future where he will be scolded, he became embarrassed . ――And that's it .
2012
2013"What are you doing, hide yourself quickly . "
2014
2015What he heard from behind was a harsh voice, but at a reduced volume . It belongs to the chief of the elves . When the young elf turns around, some of the elves that are there are armed just in case .
2016
2017"No, its that . . . . . . "
2018
2019The young elf explained the circumstances . The chief raised his eyebrows for a moment, but immediately lowered his eyebrows and said,
2020
2021"It's best that nothing happens . Rather, it is because you were doing your duty seriously, and worthy of praise that you were able to discover it without understanding the face . Everyone's mind tightened, too . It was a good training"
2022
2023Having thought that he will be scolded, he was suddenly complimented by the chief and the young elf feels embarrassed .
2024
2025------------------------------
2026
2027"Ooi!" "Ooi!"
2028
2029The elves, armed with weapons, call out loud to the two riders who are heading for the forest . The closer the horses came, the clearer the riders were .
2030
2031The beastman who lined up next to Polif, from the shape of the ears, is a wolfman . Under normal circumstances, he also lives in this forest with the elves . However, when the horse came to the immediate point, everyone said, "Such a fellow, was in the wolf tribe" .
2032
2033The figure is old enough to have wrinkles on his face, he has a body that looks strong at first glance . If you look closely, the clothes he wears are also good . Those who live here are usually thin . The clothes he wears are by no means superior . Then is it a human disguise? They thought so, but then they cant understand the existence of Polif next to that wolfman . Everyone is scratching their heads . In the meantime, Polif and the mysterious wolfman quickened the horse's feet and came to the very front of the elves .
2034
2035"Father, I just returned . The deal is successful . The others will arrive later . "
2036
2037"Um, there are a lot of things I want to hear, but first of all . . . . . . "
2038
2039Polif descends from the horse and reports about his return . But the elf chief wasn't relieved, with his son's safety secured the chef turned his eyes to the strange wolfman who descended from the horse at the same time as Polif .
2040
2041"Excuse me, but who are you? I have never seen you at the wolf tribe . "
2042
2043Polif tried to answer that question from the side, but it was the wolfman himself who controlled it by hand . Even though the wolfman was surrounded by the elves, he showed no sign of being distracted .
2044
2045
2046
2047"I am called Jiharu . I'm from a tribe different from the wolf tribe that lives in the forest and I'm the chief of the tribe who lives in the south . This time, I meet Polif on the way to return to my village . Everyone took a day off in my village, and we talked about many things . Because there are other tribes, I can't help but be here and let Polif lead me here"
2048
2049"Ooh" and everyone made a noise on this and their faces were painted in delightful colors . The existence of new friends . Having more friends means that the community of non-humans will become stronger again . In addition, the wolfman in front of their eyes seems to be living far away . The present condition of the people who live in the forest is a state that spends poor days without having enough livestock . Wealthy-like beastman who did not need help from here wished to meet those who lived in the forest .
2050
2051"What a wonderful thing it is . Oops, the introduction has been delayed . I am the chief of the elves . "
2052
2053The elven chief also named his position and in addition, commanded the surrounding elves .
2054
2055"Hey, go right away and tell the tribes that the previous decree was wrong . It's a new companion, a chief of a wolf tribe which lives somewhere else . Also, say that only the chiefs need to come to our village"
2056
2057Two elves ran away in a hurry . Then the elven chief talks to Jiharu again .
2058
2059"Welcome, to our poor and unfortunate land . It's embarrassing, but I can invite you to my house, but I can't treat you"
2060
2061"I heard about it . I've prepared meat and alcohol here . It's good . It's better than the alcohol that humans drink . "
2062
2063Jiharu said with a grin on his face . Luggage hangs on both sides of the two horses Polif and Jiharu were riding .
2064
2065"Ooo . . . . . . . !!"
2066
2067Everyone turned to the presence of a feast that they had never anticipated . They were particularly interested in the alcohol .
2068
2069Even though the hard water flowing through this land is not suitable for drinking, the elves and the beastmen do not take the initiative in making alcohol . Beastmen can drink hard water and elves can't like humans, but they have the magic to create water .
2070
2071Of course they all loved alcohol . However, they can't afford to raise their clan to create things that they don't need . For them, alcohol is at most about enjoying a small amount of low-quality alcohol, which is made by pickling raspberries and persimmon fruits that are randomly picked at each household . In other words, alcohol is a luxury item because it is of poor quality and small in quantity .
2072
2073However, it is said that the alcohol Jiharu brought is so good that humans can't drink it . The elves don't intend to truly receive it . But there was hope that it would be a good drink . Each person imagined the richness of alcohol in their mouths and swallowed up the overflowing saliva from the inside without tasting it . It is not limited to the elves, even the chief is the same .
2074
2075"U, Umm, is that so . That's thankful . The chiefs from each tribe will come . Therefore, I will invite you to our home . "
2076
2077The elven chief invited Jiharu to the village while puffing and inflating the nose .
2078
2079In the forest, just after the road, there is the village of elves . It seems that the trees were very thick originally . It is clear that this large open land lined with stumps and bad houses instead of trees is artificially created .
2080
2081
2082
2083Let's explain the formation of this village for a moment . In order to create a village, it can be said that the first settlers had it the most difficult . The elves had a bow and a sword for self-defense . Only a few foods . There is no house to live in, which means that they would either starve or freeze to death . The elves had to put in place an environment for living immediately . However, there was an elf who excelled in magic here . Luckily there was one who dealt with metal magic, who produced iron to make armor,and the elves cut down trees and began to build houses .
2084
2085Around that time, in addition to the elves, other non-human races came to the forest one after another . This huge forest is just good for hiding and is self-evident that those who flee from humans . Their enemy is humanity . This is a common idea that everyone in the forest had in mind . The tribes cooperated by holding hands with each other . The wolf tribe was good at hunting and the power of the pig and cow tribes trivially cut down trees . The lizard tribe was good at catching fish, and because they were able to eat anything, they were able to work well with half the amount of food consumed by other tribes . Thus the houses were built one after the other, they were able to grow their fields, kept few animals and reached the present .
2086
2087No parables .
2088
2089As the group walks through the village, female elves from the built up houses showed their soft faces . The women are equally beautiful, from young girls who are not mature yet to old women with lines on their faces . Walking for a while, they reach a house at the back of the village . The chief's house . But, it's a poor house like no other the most worn down of the village .
2090
2091"Now, you can go home . "
2092
2093The elven chief mercilessly told the elves who had been with them so far .
2094
2095"Eh?"
2096
2097Stunned . A voice like a lost soul could be heard from someone's mouth . It's well-understood that a large number of people can't enter that poor house and later there will also be the other tribe chiefs here .
2098
2099However, everyone thought that they could get at least a bit of alcohol and meat . They came out to fight with a weapon on purpose . With so many people out there, it is quite courageous to take arms to face humans . Therefore, it was everyone's united thought that if there was liquor and meat in front of them, they could expect something ameliorating .
2100
2101"I don't know what you are thinking, but endure it here . "
2102
2103The elven chief also said in a painful voice that they could endure something . It is a shame to invite guests to your home but not be able to treat them and to rely on the other's souvenirs . The elf chief himself, although he really wanted to share the souvenirs of Jiharu here, is not is not in the position to either . As the tribe chief, he can't show any recklessness anymore .
2104
2105Everyone saw and heard the expression of the elven chief and his words . Then there was no way other than to drop their eyes to the ground and return home reluctantly .
2106
2107--------------------------------------------
2108
2109Not so much-strictly speaking, the tribal chiefs came in peace while the elves prepare the feast with the food and drinks brought in by Jiharu .
2110
2111"Elf! Everybody has come!"
2112
2113The loud voice that echoes in the belly like a drum heard from the table belongs to the chief of the ox tribe . The elvel chief, Polif and Jiharu went out when the dust was put on the special feast .
2114
2115In the moment, among the chiefs who were outside, the pig tribe chief squeezes the handle of his spear held on the right against the ground . Intimidating . However, the ground was soil and only a sluggish low-pitched sound rang and the pig tribe chief, who was expecting a louder sound, had a slight reddened face .
2116
2117It wasn't just the pig tribe chief who had a weapon . All chiefs have their own weapons . On the way to the sudden news that humans had come, wearing equipment and running with their companions, the chiefs were told that there were no enemies from further transmission . The reason why they came here like the war suit is that they have a desire to show off their weapons and power at least against Jiharu . However, this is conversely a result of pity on oneself .
2118
2119"I'm the chief of the wolf tribe which lives in the south of here, my name is Jiharu"
2120
2121The words spoken by Jiharu are vivid and clear . He looked at the eyes of the chiefs from the left without obscurity, and although the height was not so high, the feeling evokes a giant tree . A majestic man, who was unarmed in front of those who have weapons . Each chieftain would face the smallness of their own minds and could not forbid the sense of defeat that could not be said to Jiharu .
2122
2123"I heard that there is someone from the same race here . "
2124
2125Jiharu asked when they introduced each other . There is not only the chief of the wolf tribe who lives in this forest .
2126
2127The chief of the ox tribe said, "Ah, that fellow is . . . . . . " and had a troubled face . The pig tribe chief also said something with a bitter smile .
2128
2129"Because you were from the same race, that fellow wanted to look good . "
2130
2131The chiefs of the tribes came with their weapons, while the followers of the chiefs returned to their homes . But this is not an action that comes from the noble idea that you do not need a weapon to meet your guests . On the contrary, it is the truth of the matter that it was thought that weapons were insufficient .
2132
2133Then, just that time, a rattle and poor car were drawn by hand . The driver is a person who wears a dress with a pattern and has a wooden ornament on the chest and limbs to the extent that it is not disturbing .
2134
2135It would take only one character to explain the aspect . ――Wolf . A guy who is a little bit younger than Jiharu, with a wolf head . The name is Zazym and he is the chief of the wolf tribe which lives in this forest .
2136
2137"Umm, you're Jiharu . Welcome . I welcome you"
2138
2139When Zazym looked at Jiharu's face and greeted him, he laughed like a fool . Jiharu's face is close to a human being . For a beastman, being more wild is a proud thing . It was burning the rival mind early to Jiharu who might fight for supremacy only if it became the same wolf tribe . But―― .
2140
2141"Umm, I ask for your kindness . "
2142
2143In the eyes of Jiharu, who looked straight ahead, Zazym was staring at him . It is a dignified figure which does not show the appearance to be timid . It doesn't matter what the face is, it's just evidence of self-confidence .
2144
2145"Let's drink inside . "
2146
2147Under a chilly autumn sky, Jiharu said in a very cool voice .
2148
2149Town chapter 71:.
2150
2151.
2152
2153There are several settlements in the huge forest that spans the northern portion of the Fujiwara territory . Those who live there are elves and beastmen who came to this land to escape from humans and hide . They were weak and were always vigilant about the presence of the enemy, keeping a vigilant watch at the entrance of the forest that day
2154
2155"What? There are two things that moved in the distance . ".
2156
2157Two elves who are the lookout . One of them――a young man found something that moved far away . Is it a wild animal? Thinking such a thing, the young elf holds his hand over his forehead next to his elf comrade, who is a boy . Two moving things slowly approach the forest and after a while the eyes of the young elf caught the whole scene
2158
2159"Horse! Human!".
2160
2161The young elf said in a furious voice . The real thing of the movement was a horse, plus two shadows on the back of the horse . The figures are still far away and he can only see vaguely, but the elves who went to trade with humans to the south didn't take horses . It is appropriate to judge it to be humans
2162
2163"Go and tell the chief quickly!".
2164
2165"Ye, Yes!".
2166
2167When he sent the young boy to the village, the young elf hid in the shade of a bush and watched the appearance of the two horses coming from the front . The rider does not run the horse, so the pace is slow . It takes time to come closer . Before long, the young elf clearly recognized the figure of the person on the back of the horse
2168
2169"Uh? That ears ?".
2170
2171Someone who has the same long ears as him . When the young elf understood that one of the riders was an elf, that aspect also became clear
2172
2173"----!!? Polif!".
2174
2175One of the riders was the son of the chief, which was Polid who led a few elves to the village . If so, what about the others? The youth narrows his eyes . Two ears visible on the top of the head . The other rider is a beastmen
2176
2177"Damn, I'm surprised . ".
2178
2179While complaining, there is a smile on his face . The complaints he made were only a joke and the feeling that it wasn't a human was dominating the mind of the young elf
2180
2181The young elf stood up, as he wouldn't have to hide anymore . When he leans over and look at the two people who come from the front, they both ride the horse without shaking . The youth wondered what the elves had done and who the beastman next to Polif is . However, for the moment the young elf feels safe and caught his breath
2182
2183However, if its a friend, this will cause problems for the young elf individually . Just a while before, the other guard was told to report an alarm that a human came which is incorrect now . From the elf village a message will be issued to other villages . The story gets bigger and bigger . The youth elf thought that this time he was done for and in anticipation of the future where he will be scolded, he became embarrassed . ――And that's it
2184
2185"What are you doing, hide yourself quickly . ".
2186
2187What he heard from behind was a harsh voice, but at a reduced volume . It belongs to the chief of the elves . When the young elf turns around, some of the elves that are there are armed just in case
2188
2189"No, its that ".
2190
2191The young elf explained the circumstances . The chief raised his eyebrows for a moment, but immediately lowered his eyebrows and said,.
2192
2193"It's best that nothing happens . Rather, it is because you were doing your duty seriously, and worthy of praise that you were able to discover it without understanding the face . Everyone's mind tightened, too . It was a good training".
2194
2195Having thought that he will be scolded, he was suddenly complimented by the chief and the young elf feels embarrassed
2196
2197------------------------------.
2198
2199"Ooi!" "Ooi!".
2200
2201The elves, armed with weapons, call out loud to the two riders who are heading for the forest . The closer the horses came, the clearer the riders were
2202
2203The beastman who lined up next to Polif, from the shape of the ears, is a wolfman . Under normal circumstances, he also lives in this forest with the elves . However, when the horse came to the immediate point, everyone said, "Such a fellow, was in the wolf tribe"
2204
2205The figure is old enough to have wrinkles on his face, he has a body that looks strong at first glance . If you look closely, the clothes he wears are also good . Those who live here are usually thin . The clothes he wears are by no means superior . Then is it a human disguise? They thought so, but then they cant understand the existence of Polif next to that wolfman . Everyone is scratching their heads . In the meantime, Polif and the mysterious wolfman quickened the horse's feet and came to the very front of the elves
2206
2207"Father, I just returned . The deal is successful . The others will arrive later . ".
2208
2209"Um, there are a lot of things I want to hear, but first of all ".
2210
2211Polif descends from the horse and reports about his return . But the elf chief wasn't relieved, with his son's safety secured the chef turned his eyes to the strange wolfman who descended from the horse at the same time as Polif
2212
2213"Excuse me, but who are you? I have never seen you at the wolf tribe . ".
2214
2215Polif tried to answer that question from the side, but it was the wolfman himself who controlled it by hand . Even though the wolfman was surrounded by the elves, he showed no sign of being distracted
2216
2217"I am called Jiharu . I'm from a tribe different from the wolf tribe that lives in the forest and I'm the chief of the tribe who lives in the south . This time, I meet Polif on the way to return to my village . Everyone took a day off in my village, and we talked about many things . Because there are other tribes, I can't help but be here and let Polif lead me here".
2218
2219"Ooh" and everyone made a noise on this and their faces were painted in delightful colors . The existence of new friends . Having more friends means that the community of non-humans will become stronger again . In addition, the wolfman in front of their eyes seems to be living far away . The present condition of the people who live in the forest is a state that spends poor days without having enough livestock . Wealthy-like beastman who did not need help from here wished to meet those who lived in the forest
2220
2221"What a wonderful thing it is . Oops, the introduction has been delayed . I am the chief of the elves . ".
2222
2223The elven chief also named his position and in addition, commanded the surrounding elves
2224
2225"Hey, go right away and tell the tribes that the previous decree was wrong . It's a new companion, a chief of a wolf tribe which lives somewhere else . Also, say that only the chiefs need to come to our village".
2226
2227Two elves ran away in a hurry . Then the elven chief talks to Jiharu again
2228
2229"Welcome, to our poor and unfortunate land . It's embarrassing, but I can invite you to my house, but I can't treat you".
2230
2231"I heard about it . I've prepared meat and alcohol here . It's good . It's better than the alcohol that humans drink . ".
2232
2233Jiharu said with a grin on his face . Luggage hangs on both sides of the two horses Polif and Jiharu were riding
2234
2235"Ooo . !!".
2236
2237Everyone turned to the presence of a feast that they had never anticipated . They were particularly interested in the alcohol
2238
2239Even though the hard water flowing through this land is not suitable for drinking, the elves and the beastmen do not take the initiative in making alcohol . Beastmen can drink hard water and elves can't like humans, but they have the magic to create water
2240
2241Of course they all loved alcohol . However, they can't afford to raise their clan to create things that they don't need . For them, alcohol is at most about enjoying a small amount of low-quality alcohol, which is made by pickling raspberries and persimmon fruits that are randomly picked at each household . In other words, alcohol is a luxury item because it is of poor quality and small in quantity
2242
2243However, it is said that the alcohol Jiharu brought is so good that humans can't drink it . The elves don't intend to truly receive it . But there was hope that it would be a good drink . Each person imagined the richness of alcohol in their mouths and swallowed up the overflowing saliva from the inside without tasting it . It is not limited to the elves, even the chief is the same
2244
2245"U, Umm, is that so . That's thankful . The chiefs from each tribe will come . Therefore, I will invite you to our home . ".
2246
2247The elven chief invited Jiharu to the village while puffing and inflating the nose
2248
2249In the forest, just after the road, there is the village of elves . It seems that the trees were very thick originally . It is clear that this large open land lined with stumps and bad houses instead of trees is artificially created
2250
2251Let's explain the formation of this village for a moment . In order to create a village, it can be said that the first settlers had it the most difficult . The elves had a bow and a sword for self-defense . Only a few foods . There is no house to live in, which means that they would either starve or freeze to death . The elves had to put in place an environment for living immediately . However, there was an elf who excelled in magic here . Luckily there was one who dealt with metal magic, who produced iron to make armor,and the elves cut down trees and began to build houses
2252
2253Around that time, in addition to the elves, other non-human races came to the forest one after another . This huge forest is just good for hiding and is self-evident that those who flee from humans . Their enemy is humanity . This is a common idea that everyone in the forest had in mind . The tribes cooperated by holding hands with each other . The wolf tribe was good at hunting and the power of the pig and cow tribes trivially cut down trees . The lizard tribe was good at catching fish, and because they were able to eat anything, they were able to work well with half the amount of food consumed by other tribes . Thus the houses were built one after the other, they were able to grow their fields, kept few animals and reached the present
2254
2255No parables
2256
2257As the group walks through the village, female elves from the built up houses showed their soft faces . The women are equally beautiful, from young girls who are not mature yet to old women with lines on their faces . Walking for a while, they reach a house at the back of the village . The chief's house . But, it's a poor house like no other the most worn down of the village
2258
2259"Now, you can go home . ".
2260
2261The elven chief mercilessly told the elves who had been with them so far
2262
2263"Eh?".
2264
2265Stunned . A voice like a lost soul could be heard from someone's mouth . It's well-understood that a large number of people can't enter that poor house and later there will also be the other tribe chiefs here
2266
2267However, everyone thought that they could get at least a bit of alcohol and meat . They came out to fight with a weapon on purpose . With so many people out there, it is quite courageous to take arms to face humans . Therefore, it was everyone's united thought that if there was liquor and meat in front of them, they could expect something ameliorating
2268
2269"I don't know what you are thinking, but endure it here . ".
2270
2271The elven chief also said in a painful voice that they could endure something . It is a shame to invite guests to your home but not be able to treat them and to rely on the other's souvenirs . The elf chief himself, although he really wanted to share the souvenirs of Jiharu here, is not is not in the position to either . As the tribe chief, he can't show any recklessness anymore
2272
2273Everyone saw and heard the expression of the elven chief and his words . Then there was no way other than to drop their eyes to the ground and return home reluctantly
2274
2275--------------------------------------------.
2276
2277Not so much-strictly speaking, the tribal chiefs came in peace while the elves prepare the feast with the food and drinks brought in by Jiharu
2278
2279"Elf! Everybody has come!".
2280
2281The loud voice that echoes in the belly like a drum heard from the table belongs to the chief of the ox tribe . The elvel chief, Polif and Jiharu went out when the dust was put on the special feast
2282
2283In the moment, among the chiefs who were outside, the pig tribe chief squeezes the handle of his spear held on the right against the ground . Intimidating . However, the ground was soil and only a sluggish low-pitched sound rang and the pig tribe chief, who was expecting a louder sound, had a slight reddened face
2284
2285It wasn't just the pig tribe chief who had a weapon . All chiefs have their own weapons . On the way to the sudden news that humans had come, wearing equipment and running with their companions, the chiefs were told that there were no enemies from further transmission . The reason why they came here like the war suit is that they have a desire to show off their weapons and power at least against Jiharu . However, this is conversely a result of pity on oneself
2286
2287"I'm the chief of the wolf tribe which lives in the south of here, my name is Jiharu".
2288
2289The words spoken by Jiharu are vivid and clear . He looked at the eyes of the chiefs from the left without obscurity, and although the height was not so high, the feeling evokes a giant tree . A majestic man, who was unarmed in front of those who have weapons . Each chieftain would face the smallness of their own minds and could not forbid the sense of defeat that could not be said to Jiharu
2290
2291"I heard that there is someone from the same race here . ".
2292
2293Jiharu asked when they introduced each other . There is not only the chief of the wolf tribe who lives in this forest
2294
2295The chief of the ox tribe said, "Ah, that fellow is " and had a troubled face . The pig tribe chief also said something with a bitter smile
2296
2297"Because you were from the same race, that fellow wanted to look good . ".
2298
2299The chiefs of the tribes came with their weapons, while the followers of the chiefs returned to their homes . But this is not an action that comes from the noble idea that you do not need a weapon to meet your guests . On the contrary, it is the truth of the matter that it was thought that weapons were insufficient
2300
2301Then, just that time, a rattle and poor car were drawn by hand . The driver is a person who wears a dress with a pattern and has a wooden ornament on the chest and limbs to the extent that it is not disturbing
2302
2303It would take only one character to explain the aspect . ――Wolf . A guy who is a little bit younger than Jiharu, with a wolf head . The name is Zazym and he is the chief of the wolf tribe which lives in this forest
2304
2305"Umm, you're Jiharu . Welcome . I welcome you".
2306
2307When Zazym looked at Jiharu's face and greeted him, he laughed like a fool . Jiharu's face is close to a human being . For a beastman, being more wild is a proud thing . It was burning the rival mind early to Jiharu who might fight for supremacy only if it became the same wolf tribe . But――
2308
2309"Umm, I ask for your kindness . ".
2310
2311In the eyes of Jiharu, who looked straight ahead, Zazym was staring at him . It is a dignified figure which does not show the appearance to be timid . It doesn't matter what the face is, it's just evidence of self-confidence
2312
2313"Let's drink inside . ".
2314
2315Under a chilly autumn sky, Jiharu said in a very cool voice
2316
2317Town chapter 72: Northern Villages 2
2318
2319
2320
2321The wooden house that the elven chief lives in has only two rooms, both of which use the earth as the floor . In one of the rooms, there was a dent in the center where a fire burned . A crackling sound is heard and the rising smoke exhales through an opening in the ceiling . Over the years, exposed to smoke, the walls of the room are full of soot .
2322
2323Surrounding the fire in that room, were the tribal chiefs, Jiharu and Polif who were sitting on woven mats . By the hands of Polif, the red wine brought by Jiharu is poured into wooden vessels for the number of people . When all the drinks were available, Zazym, who raised his drink, said, "Thank you for" and all of them recite it and put the drinks to their mouths .
2324
2325"Delicious!"
2326
2327"Ah, this is tasty!"
2328
2329Everyone who drank the red wine raised their eyebrows and smiled . That said, wine is not that popular in this world, it can only be drunk by aristocrats . The reason why they felt so good is probably because they never have drunk full-fledged alcohol .
2330
2331Each chief brought the alcohol to their mouths to taste it . After all, it is the first alcohol in a long time, so it doesn't seem awkward . The alcohol rolls well on the tongue, then squeezing through the throat, soaking into the stomach, they cheer again .
2332
2333"Do you always drink something like this at your home?"
2334
2335The pigman chief asked Jiharu, who was drinking quietly . However, the lizardman chief responded without waiting for Jiharu's reply .
2336
2337"That's not true . Even humans don't drink that much"
2338
2339The lizardman chief thought that Jiharu's tribe would live the same life as them . The idea is that today's souvenirs are not because of the abundance of living, but are something that has been brought out of force . Certainly, Jiharu's appearance is fine, but if you think carefully, beastmen can't hope for such a rich life . But Jiharu responded to refute it .
2340
2341"No, I can drink once a week if it's about this level . Every day, you don't want to drink alcohol . "
2342
2343"Stupid . "
2344
2345"That's not the case . "
2346
2347If what Jiharu says is true, it is already beyond human life . While all were surprised, they couldn't believe and couldn't stop drinking .
2348
2349"What about the meat? Do you roast it or not?"
2350
2351The Oxman chief asked everyone as he licked his tongue around his mouth while staring at the pile of beef chunks beside the elven chief . Those who live in the forest know that it is time consuming to roast meat . So the meat that they usually hunted was eaten raw unless it was special .
2352
2353However, Jiharu says that it is fine meat . They knew well that meat was better to be roasted .
2354
2355"It should be roasted . It's good meat, it would be a shame if we don't . "
2356
2357"If the person who brought it says so, there is no denying . Let's roast and eat it . "
2358
2359From Jiharu's assurance, the elvin chief made the final decision . Polif cuts the chunks of meat neatly and put the pieces on a plate . The elven chief took out the spear that was waiting behind him . When he opens the lid, there were small, colored, uneven grains .
2360
2361"Do you know what that is?"
2362
2363The elven chief turned his good-looking face to Jiharu . Silent for a moment, Jiharu recalls the substance and opens his mouth .
2364
2365"Is it salt?"
2366
2367"That's right . The lizardmen have found a place where salt can be harvested . It's a pretty valley . Humans won't find it . "
2368
2369The pride of the elvin chief became more apparent . No, not just the elven chief; the others are also proud of it .
2370
2371This rock salt was discovered by chance when the people living in the forest searched the surrounding area, thinking "If you were chased where will you go now . . . . . . " . Since salt is abundant on the continent, salt is not uncommon in the inland areas . However, it is not uncommon for independent groups to have rock salt origins . Even so, it is no exaggeration to say that a salt deposit overflowing to the surface is a treasure mountain . In other words, the expressions of the tribal chiefs show are giving the feeling of, "We are not defeated," in contrast to their surprised expression by Jiharu's souvenirs so far .
2372
2373As an aside, beastmen are accustomed to hunting wild animals and removing salt from their blood . In addition, when they can't get meat, as an urgent measure, they eat special insects, eat soil, and lick stones to supply themselves with salt . Unlike humans, beastmen lacked agricultural development because they had no custom of mining salt and had to get salt from blood from hunting animals . Note that these stories are limited to beastmen and don't apply to the Elves, Goblins, and Kobolds .
2374
2375--------------------------------
2376
2377The tribal chiefs stare at Jiharu with pride that they have a salt deposit .
2378
2379The eyes are filled with the expectation of, "Now, you are surprised" . But Jiharu took a sip of alcohol with a calm face and put the vessel down .
2380
2381"Hmm, there's something good about it"
2382
2383He muttered, and looked for the bag that was behind Jiharu . The bottle taken out from the inside was filled with a black liquid .
2384
2385"Can I have an empty bowl?"
2386
2387"Hmm? That is not a problem . Hey, Polif"
2388
2389Abiding to the elven chief, Polif brings a wooden bowl from the back room and presents it to Jiharu . Jiharu poured the black liquid into the bowl and the bottle was placed next to it .
2390
2391"What, this scent… . . . fish, no, fermented beans?"
2392
2393Sniffing with his nose is Zazym who is sitting next to Jiharu . With his proud nose, the rich smell of wine drifted and the special smell of black liquid was sniffed out .
2394
2395Jiharu turns the bottle to Zazym and says, "You can lick it" . Zazym applied black liquid to his finger when he took the bowl next to him and licks his fingertip that was wet with that black liquid .
2396
2397"――!? Salty! Is it mixed with salt? But this is much more than salt . . . …"
2398
2399――Tasty .
2400
2401Every tribal chief who take a taste of the black liquid as the bowl wanders around thought so .
2402
2403"Soy sauce . "
2404
2405That's right . As if it was natural for this to happen, Jiharu showed his face .
2406
2407Just as Jiharu said that, did Polif add a little soy sauce to the meat, stabs it and turns it to everyone . Those who received the meat skewer started to cook it . The smell of roasted meat and the smell that soy sauce heated is very fragrant . Those smells tickle the nostrils of the people in the room, numb the medulla and excite the appetite .
2408
2409"I can't stand it anymore!"
2410
2411The chief of the Ox tribe brought the meat that was uncertain if it was cooked to his mouth . Dancing on the tongue, salty with flavor, richness and umami . Unbearable . If he chews the meat, the juice will overflow, but it is not cooked all the way through, so-called half death state . However, the meat was soft and delicious enough to overturn it .
2412
2413"This is! This softness! I've never eaten such a meat!"
2414
2415The Oxman chief did not say whether it was good . But if you look at that face, no words are needed . It is obvious . Everyone couldn't stand it anymore and carried the meat skewer to their mouths .
2416
2417
2418
2419"It's my first time to taste such a soft meat! Besides, the soy sauce flavor is great!
2420
2421"Damn, tasty . Delicious, damn it!"
2422
2423Although it wasn't a separate game, it was a complete defeat of the tribal chiefs .
2424
2425By the way, you may wonder how the Oxmen can eat beef, but you don't have to worry about that . Cannibalism is not uncommon in the world of weak meat and gluttony . Bipedal cows and quadruped cows are just a close race and everything is different in intelligence and body .
2426
2427What should be the question is where to contraindicated . For example, is it good for people to eat monkeys, is it good for people to eat mammals, or is it good for people to eat animals? The line drawing was very different, and if it was a rich era, drawing the line would have been tough .
2428
2429However, in this era when there is not much room for living, few people think that people are contraindicated, such as eating monkeys . In other words, it was a shame that the people of the oxman tribe who lived a harder life would not even be a seed to talk about, such as eating cows .
2430
2431--------------------------------
2432
2433If you eat a meat skewer, your tongue will be satisfied, but not your stomach, therefore the next meat skewers will be roasted and tasted . The tribal chiefs enjoyed the alcohol with their free hands, while roasting the meat in a calm state .
2434
2435Empty skewers rolls on the wooden plates . The bottom began to be seen in the bowl where the wine had been poured in from and everyone demanded another cup . It's a luxury . If it comes true, it is a luxury that all the tribes want to taste .
2436
2437Even so, the tribal chief think . The drinks and food such alcohol, meat, soy sauce, etc . brought by Jiharu, and the appearance of Jiharu so far . When the tribal chiefs looked at him, they were convinced that Jiharu's tribe might live a really rich life .
2438
2439"I'd like to ask Jiharu about his tribe . "
2440
2441It was the chief of the ratmen who originated it . He looks like a little boy on a wharf . His crisp round eyes and the two front teeth peeking from the mouth are very adorable . However, it is a story that is limited to his appearance and his age is quite similar to that of Jiharu .
2442
2443"I will answer anything . What do you want to hear"
2444
2445"Tell me about how you lived"
2446
2447"It's very abstract"
2448
2449"You can talk about the details later . First, the whole thing . As you can see, people living here are forced to live poorly . On the other hand, how is Jiharu's tribe living conditions"
2450
2451Is Jiharu's tribe really rich? Could that be the case? The tribal chiefs couldn't help confirming the authenticity before anything else . The chiefs other than the ratmen chief stopped drinking and stared at Jiharu . Thereupon Jiharu says .
2452
2453"You know what, no matter what happens, the tribesmen are healthy every day . . . . . . "
2454
2455――And then, Jiharu stopped his words . As they can see, Jiharu's line of sight moves from ratmen chief to the vessel with the alcohol at hand . Everyone thought .
2456
2457"What happened?"
2458
2459When asked by ratmen chief, Jiharu responds to his gaze .
2460
2461"No, I tried to say, 『We're living a healthy life every day』 . It is not enough or perhaps I should say in vain . No wait, in vain . . . . . . "
2462
2463As he came up with something, Jiharu said "Oh" .
2464
2465"That's right . Let's say――our tribe lives an enjoyable life . "
2466
2467Jiharu, who raised his face again, smiled with a full smile, as if he said something good . A smile that shines . Those who were there were blinded . They were amazed . At the same time, however, each of them was deeply depressed .
2468
2469
2470
2471――Why can you laugh like that?
2472
2473――Non-humans should have been equally unhappy .
2474
2475――Just like them .
2476
2477Naturally, power entered the hand with the vessel .
2478
2479"I'd love to see why you can live like that . "
2480
2481The ratmen chief restrains his emotions and asks further questions . Ratmen are weak and not so good at magic, so far they have often been doing less than they expected . That's why they know how to use their head and control emotions .
2482
2483"It's easy . The basics of life are clothing, food and living . Of these, food is the most important and the most time-consuming . Food is different from clothes and homes . Because there is no limit to reducing it, so you have to always be careful about the supply of food, and inevitably you have to spend a lot of time . If you can get it stably, you will have more space in your life and you will be able to spend more time on other things . There is a life to enjoy and humans are mainly farming because it is the most efficient and stable food available . "
2484
2485"I know that . That's why we grow wheat . But it grows unsatisfactorily here because the soil is bad . "
2486
2487The ratmen chief said so with a little anger, as if to hit somewhere . Then Jiharu smiles deeply as he waited for these words . Newly taken out of Jiharu's bag is a brown, round, fist-sized object .
2488
2489"What is this . . . . . . ?"
2490
2491"A potato"
2492
2493Potatoes . Jiharu explained how wonderful potatoes are . He has said that there is nothing more excellent in terms of productivity and taste than this .
2494
2495But all the chiefs looked skeptical . They have never heard of potatoes before . If the harvest is so good, it should have spread throughout the continent and it is impossible to see or hear it . Above all, potatoes have an ugly look and can they really be eaten? The chiefs showed their suspicion .
2496
2497"Polif-dono"
2498
2499Replying "Yes" to Jiharu's call, Polif opens his mouth toward each chief .
2500
2501"The potatoes were very tasty . I don't know if they are very productive, but if that was the case, it would definitely help my village . "
2502
2503As mentioned above, Polif is the son of elven chief . He often participates in conferences held within the chief's house and his trustworthiness is strong . That's what everyone said, so everyone thought that potatoes would be wonderful .
2504
2505"I see, potatoes are definitely a good crop . But . . . . . . "
2506
2507The ratmen chief clogged up with his words, biting his lips to look for words . Hard to say . Jiharu´s tribe is blessed . It is too blessed .
2508
2509Once the ratmen chief sees Jiharu, the hair is straightened, the clothes are not broken, and they are jealous, he is like a human noble . What do those who live without such inconvenience want?
2510
2511There is nothing to offer from here . I'd like to expect free good intentions, but it's different from giving it to individuals . There are many people who live in the forest and it is too big . What is Jiharu looking for? Or is it a flesh wall against humans?
2512
2513"So how much did you get? For those potatoes . "
2514
2515It was Zazym who said that . Cooperating with each other is naturally as friends . You can see that thought at a glance . He is still a young man who feels good . However, the appearance which never vomited the weak sound even in the hardship gave energy and courage to the people who lived in the forest . That's why he became a chieftain at a young age . He is how a chief should be .
2516
2517And Jiharu responds to Zazym .
2518
2519"I give you as much as you need, but . . . . . . "
2520
2521The ratmen chief thought that the moment he heard the disturbing conjunction, it came . The hands are sweating with tension and the back hair under the clothes are wet . Others feel the same . All the other tribal chiefs other than Zazym were stiff .
2522
2523"――Get them under control"
2524
2525"That's not acceptable!"
2526
2527It is the oxmen chief who stood up and expressed his anger in the condition that Jiharu spoke . The pigmen chief stood up quietly, burning an angry flame in his eyes . The idea is that there is no top or bottom for the same beastmen .
2528
2529On the other hand, Jiharu has not moved . He just crossed his legs, raised his right foot and put his left hand on the ground . It is a posture that can stand up with a breath . Furthermore, as he stretches his right hand to his pocket, there will be some weapons . He seems to be ready for a fight .
2530
2531"Wait . Sit down, all of you . The enemy will be humans and non-humans shouldnt fight each other . "
2532
2533It was the elven chief who stopped the glimpse of a battle . The elven chief played a leadership role among the chiefs because he began to live in the forest at the beginning though there was no up and down among the people who lived in the forest .
2534
2535"But he said to us, down――"
2536
2537"We will not be under control . Isn't that the end?""
2538
2539The elven chief has said everything . That is true . The anger was not settled and the face was bitterly colored, and he was convinced .
2540
2541"That's why we don't need potatoes or anything else . We don't need the seeds of conflict"
2542
2543The elven chief tells Jiharu in a harsh tone . Jiharu looked around at everyone's face . However, no one has lost his face . Sharing one's lot with another . Those who live in this forest are bound by bonds that are harder than iron .
2544
2545"Okay, I'm sure I understand your intentions . "
2546
2547Saying that, Jiharu rolls his sleeve and looks at the bracelet wound around his right hand .
2548
2549"It's about time . Let's show our strength . "
2550
2551The bracelet has a disk-like object and a needle is ticking inside . The tribal chiefs curiously found no value other than a metal ornament on the bracelet . Then―― .
2552
2553"Ch, Chieftain!"
2554
2555A loud voice can be heard from outside the house . It is the voice of a boy who is a watchman outside the forest .
2556
2557"What is it!"
2558
2559The elven chief stands up and heads to the entrance . Others also made a noise asking if something happened .
2560
2561Only Jihar and Polif were still sitting down . When the elven chief went out of the house, the watchman boy rushed in front of him .
2562
2563"Mo, Monster! A huge monster like a house is heading for the forest!"
2564
2565"What!?"
2566
2567Reflectively, the elven chief looked back . In order to avoid the line of sight, the chiefs who hang out at the entrance split in two and then Jiharu with a suspicious smile sits down . It was clear who did it .
2568
2569Town chapter 72: Northern Villages 2.
2570
2571.
2572
2573The wooden house that the elven chief lives in has only two rooms, both of which use the earth as the floor . In one of the rooms, there was a dent in the center where a fire burned . A crackling sound is heard and the rising smoke exhales through an opening in the ceiling . Over the years, exposed to smoke, the walls of the room are full of soot
2574
2575Surrounding the fire in that room, were the tribal chiefs, Jiharu and Polif who were sitting on woven mats . By the hands of Polif, the red wine brought by Jiharu is poured into wooden vessels for the number of people . When all the drinks were available, Zazym, who raised his drink, said, "Thank you for" and all of them recite it and put the drinks to their mouths
2576
2577"Delicious!".
2578
2579"Ah, this is tasty!".
2580
2581Everyone who drank the red wine raised their eyebrows and smiled . That said, wine is not that popular in this world, it can only be drunk by aristocrats . The reason why they felt so good is probably because they never have drunk full-fledged alcohol
2582
2583Each chief brought the alcohol to their mouths to taste it . After all, it is the first alcohol in a long time, so it doesn't seem awkward . The alcohol rolls well on the tongue, then squeezing through the throat, soaking into the stomach, they cheer again
2584
2585"Do you always drink something like this at your home?".
2586
2587The pigman chief asked Jiharu, who was drinking quietly . However, the lizardman chief responded without waiting for Jiharu's reply
2588
2589"That's not true . Even humans don't drink that much".
2590
2591The lizardman chief thought that Jiharu's tribe would live the same life as them . The idea is that today's souvenirs are not because of the abundance of living, but are something that has been brought out of force . Certainly, Jiharu's appearance is fine, but if you think carefully, beastmen can't hope for such a rich life . But Jiharu responded to refute it
2592
2593"No, I can drink once a week if it's about this level . Every day, you don't want to drink alcohol . ".
2594
2595"Stupid . ".
2596
2597"That's not the case . ".
2598
2599If what Jiharu says is true, it is already beyond human life . While all were surprised, they couldn't believe and couldn't stop drinking
2600
2601"What about the meat? Do you roast it or not?".
2602
2603The Oxman chief asked everyone as he licked his tongue around his mouth while staring at the pile of beef chunks beside the elven chief . Those who live in the forest know that it is time consuming to roast meat . So the meat that they usually hunted was eaten raw unless it was special
2604
2605However, Jiharu says that it is fine meat . They knew well that meat was better to be roasted
2606
2607"It should be roasted . It's good meat, it would be a shame if we don't . ".
2608
2609"If the person who brought it says so, there is no denying . Let's roast and eat it . ".
2610
2611From Jiharu's assurance, the elvin chief made the final decision . Polif cuts the chunks of meat neatly and put the pieces on a plate . The elven chief took out the spear that was waiting behind him . When he opens the lid, there were small, colored, uneven grains
2612
2613"Do you know what that is?".
2614
2615The elven chief turned his good-looking face to Jiharu . Silent for a moment, Jiharu recalls the substance and opens his mouth
2616
2617"Is it salt?".
2618
2619"That's right . The lizardmen have found a place where salt can be harvested . It's a pretty valley . Humans won't find it . ".
2620
2621The pride of the elvin chief became more apparent . No, not just the elven chief; the others are also proud of it
2622
2623This rock salt was discovered by chance when the people living in the forest searched the surrounding area, thinking "If you were chased where will you go now " . Since salt is abundant on the continent, salt is not uncommon in the inland areas . However, it is not uncommon for independent groups to have rock salt origins . Even so, it is no exaggeration to say that a salt deposit overflowing to the surface is a treasure mountain . In other words, the expressions of the tribal chiefs show are giving the feeling of, "We are not defeated," in contrast to their surprised expression by Jiharu's souvenirs so far
2624
2625As an aside, beastmen are accustomed to hunting wild animals and removing salt from their blood . In addition, when they can't get meat, as an urgent measure, they eat special insects, eat soil, and lick stones to supply themselves with salt . Unlike humans, beastmen lacked agricultural development because they had no custom of mining salt and had to get salt from blood from hunting animals . Note that these stories are limited to beastmen and don't apply to the Elves, Goblins, and Kobolds
2626
2627--------------------------------.
2628
2629The tribal chiefs stare at Jiharu with pride that they have a salt deposit
2630
2631The eyes are filled with the expectation of, "Now, you are surprised" . But Jiharu took a sip of alcohol with a calm face and put the vessel down
2632
2633"Hmm, there's something good about it".
2634
2635He muttered, and looked for the bag that was behind Jiharu . The bottle taken out from the inside was filled with a black liquid
2636
2637"Can I have an empty bowl?".
2638
2639"Hmm? That is not a problem . Hey, Polif".
2640
2641Abiding to the elven chief, Polif brings a wooden bowl from the back room and presents it to Jiharu . Jiharu poured the black liquid into the bowl and the bottle was placed next to it
2642
2643"What, this scent… . fish, no, fermented beans?".
2644
2645Sniffing with his nose is Zazym who is sitting next to Jiharu . With his proud nose, the rich smell of wine drifted and the special smell of black liquid was sniffed out
2646
2647Jiharu turns the bottle to Zazym and says, "You can lick it" . Zazym applied black liquid to his finger when he took the bowl next to him and licks his fingertip that was wet with that black liquid
2648
2649"――!? Salty! Is it mixed with salt? But this is much more than salt . …".
2650
2651――Tasty
2652
2653Every tribal chief who take a taste of the black liquid as the bowl wanders around thought so
2654
2655"Soy sauce . ".
2656
2657That's right . As if it was natural for this to happen, Jiharu showed his face
2658
2659Just as Jiharu said that, did Polif add a little soy sauce to the meat, stabs it and turns it to everyone . Those who received the meat skewer started to cook it . The smell of roasted meat and the smell that soy sauce heated is very fragrant . Those smells tickle the nostrils of the people in the room, numb the medulla and excite the appetite
2660
2661"I can't stand it anymore!".
2662
2663The chief of the Ox tribe brought the meat that was uncertain if it was cooked to his mouth . Dancing on the tongue, salty with flavor, richness and umami . Unbearable . If he chews the meat, the juice will overflow, but it is not cooked all the way through, so-called half death state . However, the meat was soft and delicious enough to overturn it
2664
2665"This is! This softness! I've never eaten such a meat!".
2666
2667The Oxman chief did not say whether it was good . But if you look at that face, no words are needed . It is obvious . Everyone couldn't stand it anymore and carried the meat skewer to their mouths
2668
2669"It's my first time to taste such a soft meat! Besides, the soy sauce flavor is great!.
2670
2671"Damn, tasty . Delicious, damn it!".
2672
2673Although it wasn't a separate game, it was a complete defeat of the tribal chiefs
2674
2675By the way, you may wonder how the Oxmen can eat beef, but you don't have to worry about that . Cannibalism is not uncommon in the world of weak meat and gluttony . Bipedal cows and quadruped cows are just a close race and everything is different in intelligence and body
2676
2677What should be the question is where to contraindicated . For example, is it good for people to eat monkeys, is it good for people to eat mammals, or is it good for people to eat animals? The line drawing was very different, and if it was a rich era, drawing the line would have been tough
2678
2679However, in this era when there is not much room for living, few people think that people are contraindicated, such as eating monkeys . In other words, it was a shame that the people of the oxman tribe who lived a harder life would not even be a seed to talk about, such as eating cows
2680
2681--------------------------------.
2682
2683If you eat a meat skewer, your tongue will be satisfied, but not your stomach, therefore the next meat skewers will be roasted and tasted . The tribal chiefs enjoyed the alcohol with their free hands, while roasting the meat in a calm state
2684
2685Empty skewers rolls on the wooden plates . The bottom began to be seen in the bowl where the wine had been poured in from and everyone demanded another cup . It's a luxury . If it comes true, it is a luxury that all the tribes want to taste
2686
2687Even so, the tribal chief think . The drinks and food such alcohol, meat, soy sauce, etc . brought by Jiharu, and the appearance of Jiharu so far . When the tribal chiefs looked at him, they were convinced that Jiharu's tribe might live a really rich life
2688
2689"I'd like to ask Jiharu about his tribe . ".
2690
2691It was the chief of the ratmen who originated it . He looks like a little boy on a wharf . His crisp round eyes and the two front teeth peeking from the mouth are very adorable . However, it is a story that is limited to his appearance and his age is quite similar to that of Jiharu
2692
2693"I will answer anything . What do you want to hear".
2694
2695"Tell me about how you lived".
2696
2697"It's very abstract".
2698
2699"You can talk about the details later . First, the whole thing . As you can see, people living here are forced to live poorly . On the other hand, how is Jiharu's tribe living conditions".
2700
2701Is Jiharu's tribe really rich? Could that be the case? The tribal chiefs couldn't help confirming the authenticity before anything else . The chiefs other than the ratmen chief stopped drinking and stared at Jiharu . Thereupon Jiharu says
2702
2703"You know what, no matter what happens, the tribesmen are healthy every day ".
2704
2705――And then, Jiharu stopped his words . As they can see, Jiharu's line of sight moves from ratmen chief to the vessel with the alcohol at hand . Everyone thought
2706
2707"What happened?".
2708
2709When asked by ratmen chief, Jiharu responds to his gaze
2710
2711"No, I tried to say, 『We're living a healthy life every day』 . It is not enough or perhaps I should say in vain . No wait, in vain ".
2712
2713As he came up with something, Jiharu said "Oh"
2714
2715"That's right . Let's say――our tribe lives an enjoyable life . ".
2716
2717Jiharu, who raised his face again, smiled with a full smile, as if he said something good . A smile that shines . Those who were there were blinded . They were amazed . At the same time, however, each of them was deeply depressed
2718
2719――Why can you laugh like that?.
2720
2721――Non-humans should have been equally unhappy
2722
2723――Just like them
2724
2725Naturally, power entered the hand with the vessel
2726
2727"I'd love to see why you can live like that . ".
2728
2729The ratmen chief restrains his emotions and asks further questions . Ratmen are weak and not so good at magic, so far they have often been doing less than they expected . That's why they know how to use their head and control emotions
2730
2731"It's easy . The basics of life are clothing, food and living . Of these, food is the most important and the most time-consuming . Food is different from clothes and homes . Because there is no limit to reducing it, so you have to always be careful about the supply of food, and inevitably you have to spend a lot of time . If you can get it stably, you will have more space in your life and you will be able to spend more time on other things . There is a life to enjoy and humans are mainly farming because it is the most efficient and stable food available . ".
2732
2733"I know that . That's why we grow wheat . But it grows unsatisfactorily here because the soil is bad . ".
2734
2735The ratmen chief said so with a little anger, as if to hit somewhere . Then Jiharu smiles deeply as he waited for these words . Newly taken out of Jiharu's bag is a brown, round, fist-sized object
2736
2737"What is this ?".
2738
2739"A potato".
2740
2741Potatoes . Jiharu explained how wonderful potatoes are . He has said that there is nothing more excellent in terms of productivity and taste than this
2742
2743But all the chiefs looked skeptical . They have never heard of potatoes before . If the harvest is so good, it should have spread throughout the continent and it is impossible to see or hear it . Above all, potatoes have an ugly look and can they really be eaten? The chiefs showed their suspicion
2744
2745"Polif-dono".
2746
2747Replying "Yes" to Jiharu's call, Polif opens his mouth toward each chief
2748
2749"The potatoes were very tasty . I don't know if they are very productive, but if that was the case, it would definitely help my village . ".
2750
2751As mentioned above, Polif is the son of elven chief . He often participates in conferences held within the chief's house and his trustworthiness is strong . That's what everyone said, so everyone thought that potatoes would be wonderful
2752
2753"I see, potatoes are definitely a good crop . But ".
2754
2755The ratmen chief clogged up with his words, biting his lips to look for words . Hard to say . Jiharu´s tribe is blessed . It is too blessed
2756
2757Once the ratmen chief sees Jiharu, the hair is straightened, the clothes are not broken, and they are jealous, he is like a human noble . What do those who live without such inconvenience want?.
2758
2759There is nothing to offer from here . I'd like to expect free good intentions, but it's different from giving it to individuals . There are many people who live in the forest and it is too big . What is Jiharu looking for? Or is it a flesh wall against humans?.
2760
2761"So how much did you get? For those potatoes . ".
2762
2763It was Zazym who said that . Cooperating with each other is naturally as friends . You can see that thought at a glance . He is still a young man who feels good . However, the appearance which never vomited the weak sound even in the hardship gave energy and courage to the people who lived in the forest . That's why he became a chieftain at a young age . He is how a chief should be
2764
2765And Jiharu responds to Zazym
2766
2767"I give you as much as you need, but ".
2768
2769The ratmen chief thought that the moment he heard the disturbing conjunction, it came . The hands are sweating with tension and the back hair under the clothes are wet . Others feel the same . All the other tribal chiefs other than Zazym were stiff
2770
2771"――Get them under control".
2772
2773"That's not acceptable!".
2774
2775It is the oxmen chief who stood up and expressed his anger in the condition that Jiharu spoke . The pigmen chief stood up quietly, burning an angry flame in his eyes . The idea is that there is no top or bottom for the same beastmen
2776
2777On the other hand, Jiharu has not moved . He just crossed his legs, raised his right foot and put his left hand on the ground . It is a posture that can stand up with a breath . Furthermore, as he stretches his right hand to his pocket, there will be some weapons . He seems to be ready for a fight
2778
2779"Wait . Sit down, all of you . The enemy will be humans and non-humans shouldnt fight each other . ".
2780
2781It was the elven chief who stopped the glimpse of a battle . The elven chief played a leadership role among the chiefs because he began to live in the forest at the beginning though there was no up and down among the people who lived in the forest
2782
2783"But he said to us, down――".
2784
2785"We will not be under control . Isn't that the end?"".
2786
2787The elven chief has said everything . That is true . The anger was not settled and the face was bitterly colored, and he was convinced
2788
2789"That's why we don't need potatoes or anything else . We don't need the seeds of conflict".
2790
2791The elven chief tells Jiharu in a harsh tone . Jiharu looked around at everyone's face . However, no one has lost his face . Sharing one's lot with another . Those who live in this forest are bound by bonds that are harder than iron
2792
2793"Okay, I'm sure I understand your intentions . ".
2794
2795Saying that, Jiharu rolls his sleeve and looks at the bracelet wound around his right hand
2796
2797"It's about time . Let's show our strength . ".
2798
2799The bracelet has a disk-like object and a needle is ticking inside . The tribal chiefs curiously found no value other than a metal ornament on the bracelet . Then――
2800
2801"Ch, Chieftain!".
2802
2803A loud voice can be heard from outside the house . It is the voice of a boy who is a watchman outside the forest
2804
2805"What is it!".
2806
2807The elven chief stands up and heads to the entrance . Others also made a noise asking if something happened
2808
2809Only Jihar and Polif were still sitting down . When the elven chief went out of the house, the watchman boy rushed in front of him
2810
2811"Mo, Monster! A huge monster like a house is heading for the forest!".
2812
2813"What!?".
2814
2815Reflectively, the elven chief looked back . In order to avoid the line of sight, the chiefs who hang out at the entrance split in two and then Jiharu with a suspicious smile sits down . It was clear who did it