Kays Translations

Chapter 149: A Slightly Intriguing Informant

Day 362 of life in another world – 35,182 points

Five days have passed since the refugees resettled.

"Alright, Village Chief, I'm heading out! Looking forward to bringing back plenty of scales today."

"Sorry for detaining you from this morning. You don't need to bring back scales, though... Just don't get carried away and end up dead."

"Understood. Melinard, you should come soon too. I'll be waiting over there."

"Yes, Drago-san, we'll meet later."

In the early morning, Drago, Melinard, and I were discussing something. We couldn't find the right timing to talk about it last night, and I apologize for bringing it up so early, but it's mainly because Drago drank too much.

"Alright, Melinard, I'll leave the financial matters to you. If needed, you can even sell the village's sweet potatoes."

"No need for that. The Merry Company has assets, and I've been managing the village's revenue as well."

“That's good. Well, do your best, and just don't get seriously injured, okay?"

After seeing off Melinard heading to the dungeon, we took a breather once the matter was settled.

The topic we were discussing was related to future information gathering. With the forest entrance now completely sealed and the Merry Company preparing to withdraw, figuring out how to obtain external information became a challenge in our current situation.

So, I turned to Drago for help. When I inquired about the spies he used during his time as chairman, I learned that they were not regular troops but freelance information brokers.

I've been using their services for about half a year now, and they seem to be quite skilled, capable of digging deep. The information about the kingdom and the empire that they brought a while ago was also from them.

Moreover, this informant seems to have a distinctly Japanese flavor, according to Drago. Despite changing faces and names every time we meet, their identity remains unknown. Occasionally, they would drop words that are hard to understand.

When the village was discussed before, it seems someone mentioned, "Oh, there? Anyway, the village chief's skills are amazing. Well, it's probably perfect for those who love strategy simulation games."

Of course, there's no such game in this world. Even if the locals happened to pick up some words, it wouldn't be so casually used. Whether the Japanese-sounding remarks were accidental or intentional remains unknown.

After learning about these hidden circumstances, I decided to eventually request their services.

However, their fee was ridiculously high, so I sought Melinard's cooperation as well. We plan to use the barrier set up by the Merry Company as a base for exchanging information in the future. Regarding specific contact methods, it will be kept confidential as village classified information for a while.

◇◇◇

"Sorry for making you all wait, Tsubaki, and everyone. The conversation took longer than I expected."

We've just returned to my living room. The purpose now is to introduce the assistants Tsubaki has chosen. It seems they were formally decided yesterday, and the introduction to the village chief is the first step.

"It's alright; we just arrived. More importantly, did the discussion about that matter conclude?"

"Yeah, just as we talked about yesterday. Melinard will cover the funding. If needed, he might even sell the village's sweet potatoes."

"That's a relief. Well then, let me introduce the assistant members."

As Tsubaki said that, three... no, four assistant officers lined up beside her. It was supposed to be three, though... Wait a minute? Isn't this person—?

"This time, I've chosen those responsible for agriculture, supplies, and residents. Also... I'll introduce the person in charge of construction later."

"Oh, okay. Everyone, I'm counting on you. Follow Tsubaki's instructions, and don't hesitate to express your opinions. Make sure to stick to these two points."

“”"Yes, understood!"””

Following my greeting, the self-introduction time began. When the three took their seats, they provided details about their strengths, weaknesses, and so on. The conversation across the table felt like conducting an interview. I reminisced about my past work, feeling nostalgic as I listened for a while.

This time, Tsubaki chose three female employees from the Merry Company. They all have excellent abilities in reading, writing, arithmetic, and interpersonal skills. Although there are only three this time, there seems to be a plan to eventually expand the team to six members.

"――Well then, everyone. Please check the documents in my room. I'll join you later."

"Yes, thank you very much."

Now that the three introductions were done, the remaining person took a seat.

"Keisuke-san, this person became a villager five days ago. Her name is Juri, and she holds the profession of 'Architect.' She expressed her desire to participate in the development plans of the village and the newly opened lands."

(As I thought. This person was the one making models at the banquet the other day.)

"Nice to meet you, Village Chief. I'm Juri. I really wanted to be involved in the development of the town... so I asked Tsubaki to bring me here."

"Juri-san, you visited me every day. Oh, by the way, she seems to be quite knowledgeable about construction and architecture."

(I... I remember this person. She has a familiar voice. Could it be that she's—?)

"Juri-san, were you previously involved in construction-related work? By any chance, have we met before?"

"Well... I'm sorry; I think this is our first meeting. And besides, I was in a completely different profession..."

(Oh no, it seems like a terrible pickup line... Hey, I hope I'm not being labeled as a creepy old man?)

"I-is that so? It's just that your voice sounded so familiar... I genuinely didn't mean anything by it, so please forgive me."

"No, it's okay. More importantly, about the development... What do you think?"

Hmm, her architectural skills are indeed impressive, but... I'd like to know if she has knowledge of civil engineering or any related experience.

"Hmm, I'm happy and motivated, but... I'd like to know first how much knowledge you have?"

"Understood. First, regarding the current layout of the village—"

From there, Juri-san was amazing... No, that's not right, she was terrifying.

Starting from the village layout and road development, she moved on to criticize irrigation, drainage facilities, and more. Her words were extremely gentle, without any spikes, and very polite... but the content was nothing short of brutal...

"Um... Keisuke-san? I was thinking, could I go to the three people for a while? It might take a bit longer..."

"Huh? Oh, sure... If you can, please come back."

"(I'm sorry...) Excuse me."

Due to the overwhelmingly unexpected discussion, Tsubaki couldn't bear it any longer and left. In the space with Juri-san alone, a rather awkward atmosphere lingered.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I just couldn't help but be curious..."

"No, no, it's fine. What you're saying is accurate, and I find it very helpful. Don't hesitate to speak your mind."

"Really? Well then, the next topic is about the newly opened land—"

(Oh... this is bad...)

By the time I realized it, it was too late. After that, this old man's mental state was relentlessly whittled away...

Although I lack knowledge in development and design, I do come from a background in a related industry. Even though I somewhat considered and nurtured the village, I never expected to be critiqued to this extent.

(Hey, this has to be a joke. How long is this going to continue? Maybe I should just leave everything to this person and make my escape...)

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