Kays Translations

Chapter 145: Unnecessary Heroics

Melty started living in the chief's house.

While she would have been fine with a small house according to her own preference, being the chief meant she would often have to host people, so a certain amount of space was necessary.

On the morning after the duel, she pressed the former followers of Vritra for information. They revealed that there was hidden treasure beneath the floor. Digging it out, Melty opened her eyes wide, then sighed in exasperation. The total amount was 500 gold coins. And with gemstones and such, it would increase further upon selling them.

"What on earth is this?"

Her sharp eyes glinted with a murderous intent as she questioned them. Her followers trembled in fear. She had killed the previous chief, killed her own father, and in a single glance, they could sense the aura of a warrior who would kill without hesitation when the time came.

"Chief, no, Vritra-sama had saved this for emergencies..."

"Emergencies, you say?"

"For times of war, to gather weapons and provisions. Since he’s ordered warriors to die, it's the duty of the chief to prepare them fully for battle..."

"I see, I see. I understand. So, this was saved for times of war."

While laughing, Melty lightly patted the shoulder of one of her followers. They were relieved that they had been let off the hook. But the moment after, a powerful right straight punch hit one of them in the face, causing him to collapse with chairs and tables flying around him.

Others looked at the fallen follower with surprise, but they didn't seem eager to rush over and help him up.

Fearful and perplexed, he quickly got up again. He must have been from a lineage of warriors to recover so swiftly, despite his fear. Though, it didn't mean that by simply rubbing his hands, he had risen up the ranks to become a chief's follower.

"The people are hungry and have no hope for tomorrow. Even if warriors are favored, it's only a small fraction, meaning it's only you guys. Many are unable to eat and are turning to banditry."

Melty patted the follower's shoulder again while saying this. The follower braced for a punch, but instead received a look of disdain more painful than a fist.

"What’s the point if this isn't an emergency, huh?"

"Preparations for war are necessary."

"Yes, they are necessary. If the village becomes prosperous but lacks defenders, it'll just become a feeding ground for bandits. However, there are limits and balances to things, right? Squeezing heavy taxes for preparations and ultimately driving away capable warriors is a contradiction in itself."

"Vritra-sama believed that poverty breeds a rebellious spirit, which then produces strong warriors..."

"Is this supposed to be a line you spit out after sitting on a gold coin-covered seat?!"

While groaning at such thoughts, Melty grabbed a handful of gold coins. While gold wasn't inherently evil, she couldn't help but think of it as the source of people's madness.

As she looked at the gold coins, a certain thought surfaced, and Melty felt suffocated, as if a demon had grasped her heart.

"I hope it's not the case, but could it be that my father was seeking a new sword..."

With trepidation, she glanced at the faces of her followers.

Silence. It was more eloquent than any words could be.

While talking about preparing for war, collecting taxes, and buying one's own sword, increasing the chief's authority to strengthen village unity, and saying it's what's needed for war—these convenient words.

Even if criticized and admonished, pushing forward forcefully without participating in discussions, claiming "I believe this is right."

The worst scenario came to mind effortlessly. It wasn't that of a warrior, but that of a politician.

"Why didn't you stop Father?"

"He wasn't someone who'd listen even if we tried to stop him. You should know that better than anyone," 

One of the followers answered.

"Ah, that's right..."

When buying the Damascus sword, many had opposed it, only to be struck down by Vritra. Among them was Melty's mother. Even though she had been subjected to that, Melty couldn't muster the will to resist her father and chieftain.

Since they were his followers, it was only natural for them to risk their lives to give advice. However, it wasn't possible to blame them alone.

"I understand. Your positions won't change. Please continue serving me as you have. Any objections?"

An air of surprise and relief flowed among the followers. While Melty had thought that it would be a waste to easily let go of talent that had been involved in village management, including reading and basic calculations, it was still somewhat unexpected that no punishment was meted out for their involvement in plunging the village into poverty as the previous chief's right-hand men.

Of course, that didn't mean Melty didn't have any thoughts about them. She felt apologetic toward those who had left the village because they couldn't make a living. Still, for the sake of the village's management, this was the best decision. She couldn't make staffing decisions based on likes and dislikes alone.

It wasn't just my father's fault.

It's easier to blame it all on my father.

...To think that I'd resort to such cunning tactics as soon as I became the chief.

Could Gwen and the others remain in the village to help? Melty immediately dismissed that thought.

Wishing for that was indulgence. They cooperated for their own reasons, that much was clear from the beginning.

Along with the pain welling up in her heart, Melty tried to accept reality.

Three days after the duel, Gwen and the others were able to meet with Melty. Even then, she had to make quite an effort to find the time.

"I'm sorry, leaving the most important helpers unattended for so long..."

With a slightly tired expression, Melty spoke. It seemed that there were many things she had to think about and learn as the chief.

Claudia wondered if it would be inefficient to decide the next chief through a duel without training the next generation or handing over the reins, but she kept quiet, thinking it would probably be impolite to impose such a thing.

"Once the situation settles down, would the Saligari village be willing to participate in trading?"

Claudia emphasized the question. If they played dumb here, everything they had done so far would be in vain.

"Of course, promises will be kept. We also want to buy provisions. Well, it's a bit of an uncomfortable form of currency..."

Seeing Melty's reluctant expression, Gwen chimed in.

"Keep it. There's nothing you can do about how it was gathered. If it's used properly, it might restore a bit of your father's honor."

"You say that so nonchalantly."

"Well, there are various reasons."

Gwen smiled wryly, but he didn't elaborate further.

The time to part had come. If they got on the carriage now, they should reach Guen and the others' village before sunset. Just as they were about to stand up, Ricardo suddenly asked as if he had just remembered something.

"By the way, Melty-san, was there no opposition from your family regarding you becoming the chief?"

"There were a few who looked dissatisfied, but when I told them I'd deal with them next year, they fell silent."

"I suppose so..."

Ricardo furrowed his brows and nodded. The duel from the other day was too shocking. There wouldn't be many who would agree to be turned into a human torch without a head.

"There was one issue that was raised, though. It's not good for the chief to be unmarried. They've been urging me to get married quickly..."

Leaving descendants is a crucial duty for a chief. Without it, there's a danger of not being able to unite the clan and potentially causing it to split. It was only natural that Melty's siblings were concerned.

"Come to think of it, Gwen, you're unmarried, right?"

“"Huh?"”

At Lutz's words, both Gwen and Melty exclaimed in unison with dumbfounded voices.

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