Chapter 147: Mock Battle Named Calamity

Another World Life, Day 356 – 22,700 points

Early the next morning, the courtyard of the lord’s mansion was bustling with Nanashi Village residents. Except for part of the security for the pioneer settlement, almost all villagers were brought here.

Yesterday, I provided as much explanation as possible to the refugee people. Even after the speech, I stayed back, answered questions, and even demonstrated the barrier. But something was missing; I wanted that final push, and I was thinking about it until the last moment.

In a last-ditch effort, I decided to appeal with a presentation of “real life in the village.”

“There’s a real village in the eastern forest.” “Various races, from adults to children, live there.” I thought conveying such things might work.

Of course, there was also the significance of vigilance by the security and Nanashi Army. We didn’t know where interference might come from, and there was a non-zero chance that Ryuunosuke might have arranged for an army. It would be unlikely, but I didn’t want to regret it later.

To be honest, the success of the plan was half in doubt…

But when I opened the lid, it was a tremendous success. Even now, as people have breakfast together, many villagers are bombarded with questions. The voices of those living in the village seem to have many times more effect than Lux and I talking, and a large number of refugees seemed interested.

“Village chief, you came up with a pretty good strategy. It seems more effective than our speeches.”

“The fact that there’s not much time for a decision might be adding to its effectiveness.”

“If it’s a limited-time offer, it naturally piques interest.”

“Hmm… People in this world also have that concept. Anyway, I hope this raises loyalty a bit.”

While having such a conversation, there was a commotion in one corner of the courtyard. Apparently, an event proposed by Drago was about to begin.

“Oh, Village Chief! It seems that Drago-san and Touya-san’s mock battle is starting. Let’s watch it together! Come on, hurry!”

“No, I don’t have anything to say about it. Lux, go away, you’re no longer a lord. Do whatever you like.”

“Is that so… Well then, without hesitation!”

(He was looking forward to it so much. Well, he’s like my mentor. It’s impressive, but… I don’t understand their appeal.)

The purpose of this event was to showcase the strength of Nanashi Village. It seemed to convey the message, “No matter what monsters come, we can handle it. Be at ease!”

Certainly, after watching the two fight, anyone should be stunned regardless of the opponent. Since we couldn’t demonstrate with actual monsters, this method was the only option, but knowing those two… they would definitely go overboard.

—

As expected, my worries were perfectly on target.

They behaved themselves for the first minute… but after that, it was chaotic. Drago unleashed “Dragon Roar,” and Touya countered with “Magic Slash.” There was no damage to the audience, but they paid no mind to the surrounding buildings.

A grand fountain, neatly arranged garden trees, and robustly constructed outer walls.

(No good… I can’t face the reality in front of me.)

No matter how you looked at it, this was going too far. Even though it was effective for demonstrating military power to the refugees, they would end up feeling fear in return. Zebas and the others, who came out of the lord’s mansion, were stunned by the overwhelming destructive power, and not a single word of complaint was uttered.

As the mock battle named “Calamity” came to an end, only Drago and Touya’s voices echoed in the now-silent large garden.

“Well, this is about it. If you live in the pioneer settlement, we can handle thousands of orcs without a problem. By the way, there are even more powerful mages than us. They can heal any injuries or illnesses.”

“All adults in Nanashi Village have the power to defeat orcs. If you become villagers, you can naturally do it too. You can protect your family and friends with your own strength.”

“Also, you might already know, but I used to be the former chairman of the Beastman Country. Some former parliament members and the lord there are also coming to the village. The safety of the village and the pioneer settlement has our guarantee.”

As they concluded their speech, the two of them looked at us with smug expressions. It was undoubtedly overkill, but the speech was magnificent.

Now it depends on the refugees’ reactions… surprisingly not bad? I thought they would be more terrified, but it seems the effect of the speech was more significant than I expected.

◇◇◇

From there, the reception proceeded smoothly.

Only those who expressed interest remained at the scene, while others were dismissed. All were given permission to reside, and Haruka and I performed appraisals.

At this stage, there were about 1,300 hopefuls, about 60% of the total. Among them, 1,010 had loyalty scores of 40 or higher. The cause of the 300 people dropping out was not well understood. Whether they were just after provisions or had other reasons…

(I’m sorry for those who were left out… I hope you do your best in this city.)

What was unexpected was the large number of those with loyalty exceeding 50. There were 100 people who could immediately become villagers. Moreover, half of them were Japanese, with most in production jobs like farmers.

“Hey, Tsubaki, wasn’t the number of Japanese accepted… wasn’t it around 50? If that’s the case, everyone would be accepted.”

“That’s correct. All the successful candidates this time can become villagers.”

“Seriously… This might sound bad, but there are surprisingly decent people among them.”

“It was the same for the Japanese who didn’t make it; their loyalty…?”

“Oh, you don’t need to say more. When I appraised them earlier, there were some unbelievable ones… Anyway, let’s move quickly. We don’t have any business here anymore.”

“Yes, I’ll prepare right away.”

If we depart now, we can reach the pioneer settlement by evening. Carriages are also prepared at the forest entrance, so even young children and the elderly should be fine.

I’ve instructed Lux and the servants to gather their belongings and transfer them. Personal items, of course, but I made them leave all the lord’s property behind. I don’t want complaints later.

◇◇◇

With the preparations for departure complete, the day concluded with an interference event orchestrated by Zebas and the others.

“No, no, we already know the outcome.” —you might hear such voices from somewhere, but… since we’re here, I want you to listen.

Standing in front of the gate were hired adventurers and others, totaling 50 people. In contrast, Nanashi Village had a total of 70 people, combining the security team and the Nanashi Army. At the forefront were Drago, Touya, and Hayato.

As Touya and Hayato stepped forward, they each unleashed a strike towards the outer walls on either side, avoiding the front gate—.

The sturdy walls were blown away in an instant, leaving only the gate that lost its function.

“I’ll say this only once. Leave this place within 10 seconds. Those who remain will be considered hostile and eliminated.”

With Touya’s words, the adventurers, who numbered 50, immediately fled. Without waiting for the announced 10 seconds, the only one left in that place was Zebas.

“You’re good. Well goodbye then,”

“Wait, Touya, he can’t move. He’s standing there unconscious.”

—And there was such a cool scene.

Huh? What were you doing? I was with Tsubaki and the others, tidying up after the distribution. I’m an old man, the village chief, and not in charge of that kind of stuff.

So, in that way, a large group of about 1,000 people began to move, and by evening, we safely arrived at the pioneer settlement.

Oh right. In the end, I used the transfer circle with the villagers. I did my duties as the village chief.

I somehow managed to wake up the unconscious Zebas, telling him, “Sorry for breaking the garden.” “If you talk about today to anyone, I’ll come flying to you immediately. I’m always watching you from that tent over there.”

Zebas didn’t say anything, but he nodded several times, so I think it’s okay.

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