Kays Translations

Chapter 142: The Long-Awaited Village Meeting

The discussion about the "Eternal Torch" and the "Healing Elixir" took a bit longer than expected, but here's the general idea. Many faith points disappeared, but in return, the safety and convenience for the villagers increased significantly.

Of course, I'd like to know about secrets like "<Occupation Evolution>" and "<World's Secrets>", but there's no need to rush. If you think on a longer timescale, there will eventually be opportunities for exchanges.

While contemplating this, Japanese members began to gather one after another. Today's agenda was to discuss the recruitment of refugees.

"To attract many people, what should we do?" That was the topic for today.

It's almost time for everyone to gather—oh, here they come. Tsubaki, who was a bit late, has also arrived.

"Sorry, I'm a bit late. I finished transferring the materials, so I should have time until lunch."

"Tsubaki-chan, good job. There's a seat here."

"I'm always grateful. Tsubaki, thank you."

"No, no, I'm busy only in the early morning. After that, it's relatively relaxed."

Expressing gratitude to Tsubaki, I looked at everyone's faces gathered in the dining hall and started the long-awaited village meeting.

"Now, today's agenda is how to incorporate refugees. We talked about it a bit yesterday, but it seems they'll arrive in the city of Keimos seven days from now. Any proposals or questions are welcome. If you've noticed something, let's discuss it without reservation."

As I made this introduction, Natsuki quickly raised her hand to speak.

"Hey, you know, the blacksmiths are making these big round pots, right? Is that because more pioneer settlers are coming?"

"Oh, I heard about Lux's story and placed a large order. If a lot of people come, the amount of meals will explosively increase."

"That's a story for after they come to the settlement, right?"

"Well, yes, but... is there something on your mind?"

"I was thinking. The people who gathered at the Lord's place would be happy if they could eat a lot of delicious food, right?"

"Well, during the journey, it's probably portable food."

"What if we provide the village's meals? Like, when they come to the settlement, they'd be like, 'We can eat such delicious food here!'"

Indeed, the beastmen’s love for sweet potatoes has been proven by their life in the village. Even the recent immigrants who have just arrived have mostly been drawn by sweet potatoes.

"If we make and store the food here and transfer it to the Lord's mansion, it's a good idea. Sorry, I was only thinking about after they arrive here."

"Since we're mass-producing pots, if we cook and immediately store them in the universal warehouse, we can offer freshly made food. That sounds good. Let's adopt that."

Natsuki's proposal received unanimous approval from everyone. It felt like, "Is there even a better recruitment method than this?"

Apart from the safety of the barrier, explaining about the village and the settlement might not resonate with those who have had their daily lives taken away. They're filled with anxiety about tomorrow. Understanding that rationally might be dubious.

But imagine being served a warm meal, especially a delicious one. Phrases like, "You can eat this delicious meal every day. There's a place to live, and clothes to wear. Eventually, you can have your own house," might have a considerable impact.

After the sentiment is swayed, we can convey the existence of the barrier and appeal to the safety of the settlement. Everyone fled from the threat of orcs. They wouldn't want to experience the same fear again. The appeal of safety might gain their interest.

"Also, some people might arrive early, so I think we should start a few days in advance. They'll probably spread the word on their own."

"Oh, that's also a good idea. Nice job, Natsuki!"

"Well, let it be as you will."

"It seems to have been resolved quite easily... Well then, I'd like to talk about one more thing: setting criteria for acceptance. Although we're considering it based on loyalty points... does anyone have any opinions?"

To be honest, I don't care about values below 9 and would exclude them. I plan to sort people in the Lord's mansion before moving them. The loyalty threshold is set to 30. For reference, here are the loyalty classifications:

---

Loyalty Levels:

90-99: Absolute loyalty to the Lord

70-89: High trust in the Lord

50-69: A certain level of trust in the Lord

30-49: No trust in the Lord

10-29: Considerable distrust in the Lord

0-9: Having murderous intent towards the Lord

---

Those with loyalty levels of 9 or lower will naturally be excluded. We will also reject those with considerable distrust. This is based on providing meals and explaining about the settlement. If someone still doesn't agree, it would be pointless no matter what we do.

When I explained the main points, Akiho raised her hand.

"To be honest, I think the foresight is too optimistic. We're going to provide meals and even explain about the village, right? In that case, I think we should abandon the idea of setting the loyalty threshold at 30."

"Oh, what's your reasoning?"

"If, even after doing all that, their loyalty is still below 30, it means that they were originally at a level that's beyond reasoning. Even if we accept them, most of them will end up being expelled."

"True. But is there a possibility?"

"I think there is. However, when we expel someone, and they resist or linger—do you plan to kill them all?"

"If it becomes too conspicuous... but yeah."

"That's right. But what would the settlers who see that think? They might be afraid, thinking, 'Next time, it could be my turn.'"

(I understand Akiho's opinion, and it makes sense. However, I can't compromise on this... I wonder how this will turn out.)

While contemplating this, Touya also voiced the same concern.

"Hey, Akiho. We've killed many times, haven't we? How is this different?"

"It's okay if you reject them at the gate. After all, they're strangers. But this time, they'll temporarily become pioneer settlers, right? It's different when people you've been living with are killed. I think that impression is entirely different."

"Yeah, it's like... having comrades kill each other."

"Yeah. So, I think we should make the loyalty setting a bit stricter."

I see, that makes sense. Unilaterally dealing with opponents who don't possess obvious hostility, especially those without any means of resistance, is quite dangerous. It shows a lack of sensitivity towards the life and death of others... I need to be careful.

"Yeah, I understand Akiho's advice well. My foresight was too optimistic. It could cause unnecessary trouble, so let's raise the setting."

"As much as I'd like to accept many, the results won't change that much, I think."

After discussing specific numerical values, the loyalty threshold was set at 40. I think this is a good compromise.

"Akiho, thanks for your valuable input. Honestly, I was thinking of just accepting them for now."

"Well, if it's the Village Chief, you'd probably solve it well. But I thought I'd say it just in case."

"No, no, that's not the case. It was a bad way of thinking. I really appreciate you saying that."

"But seriously, Natsuki-chan and Aki-chan, you're really thinking well. The younger generation is promising, so big sisters can rest easy!"

"Hey, Haruka. That line sounds a bit old-fashioned... ah, shoot."

"Wow, did Keisuke-san just say that? Even though I don't have any redeeming qualities... if you say things like that, my loyalty might drop, you know?"

"Sorry, please don't say scary things like that..."

Even though the important discussion had concluded and I let my guard down, I messed up. As Haruka said, I'm really off my game today. I got too carried away knowing that refugees are coming.

(This is bad, I need to be more vigilant... Often, these kinds of things are the starting point for a negative chain reaction.)

"Well, I’ll forgive you! But before that, can I say one thing too?"

"Yes, please go ahead."

"If the acceptance this time is successful, I propose closing the barrier temporarily! Any location is fine, but the entrance to the forest is probably the safest?"

"Because only weirdos will come afterward, right?"

"Exactly. As the immigration administrator, it's troublesome to be disturbed at the gate. Frankly, it's a hassle."

"That's right. Well, I don't mind at all. Haruka-san, I gladly accept your proposal."

"Good, straightforward is good. Besides, with the proposal earlier, it seems there won't be any exiles, so I think we can close it."

It prevents unnecessary work, and if someone wants to recruit, they can go directly to the city.

"Well, that's about it? Now, everyone, please make your judgments individually."

After settling the main points, the village meeting came to a close.

"Well then, I'll take care of the summary. If anyone has proposals, please report to me."

"Oh, then, Tsubaki-san. Do you have time after this? I want to discuss the security arrangement and dungeon formation in case of an increase in pioneers—"

"I'll stay too to convey the Nanashi Army's arrangement. With Sakura-san, I'll remain."

"Hey, Aki-chan, want to come to the workshop after a long time? There's no dungeon today, and you're free later, right?"

"I want to. I'd like to make something too."

"I'll go to the settlement. Oh, Keisuke-san. As a punishment for earlier, you'll be my conversation partner for a while, okay?"

"Of course. Please let me accompany you as much as you want today!"

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