Kays Translations

Chapter 154: Returning to Japan? (1/2)

Life in another world - Day 372 - 43,000 points

Seven days have passed since the conversation with the goddess, and development in the village and settlements has been progressing smoothly. Currently, the population looks like this:

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Daily Acquisition Points (Maximum): 3048 points

Village Population: 820 people (including 112 Japanese)

Settlement Population: 1,006 people

Security Team: 80 members

Nanashi Army: 70 members

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Thanks to Juri, plans for roads and residential areas have been revised, and construction efficiency has improved. The key factor is everyone "sharing the overall image upon completion."

Normally, even with verbal explanations or drawings, it's challenging to understand and visualize. However, Juri is different. Using her 'Model' skill, she can create dioramas of the village and settlements.

Juri creates precise models, and the dyeing team adds colors. In no time, a large three-dimensional model, allowing a panoramic view of the future of the village and settlements, is completed.

"But really, it never gets old no matter how many times you look at it. And it's so big... Juri is truly a genius."

"Ah, you finally called me Juri. I've been waiting for that! Calling me Julia or Sensei was just too embarrassing."

"I guess Sensei might be different... but Julia is fine, isn't it?"

"I didn't show my face there. Actually, it feels different when someone says it while looking at your face, right?"

"Well, maybe, I don't know."

Now, Juri and I are in a specially built building for diorama exhibitions. There's a ceiling and supporting pillars, but the floor is still soil. The surroundings have an open feel with no privacy screens. To put it in an analogy, it's like an outdoor sumo arena. Whether that conveys the image is uncertain.

"Setting aside the name— you can make an even larger one, you know? For now, anything up to my height is fine!"

"Well, making something that big, where would we put it... This one is already more than enough."

"Oh, if it's just a bit smaller, it should be okay. When the Lord's mansion is completed, I want to put it right in the center."

While saying that, she looks at me with upturned eyes and flickering glances.

I'm well aware that it's a bit too much, but still, it's hard to resist... Such is the nature of us, middle-aged men. I'm sure there are many comrades who understand.

However, it seems Juri’s scheme has failed. Just as I was enthusiastically saying, "That's great, let's display it!" an unforgiving voice came from behind.

"Keisuke-san, something that large is unacceptable. Juri-san too. Please stick to the original plan."

"Yes... sorry."

Tsubaki's scolding instantly turned our plans into nothing.

"Well... if it's a bit smaller, it should be fine. Let's decide again after the Lord's mansion is completed. More importantly, Keisuke-san, it's time to leave, isn't it?"

"Oh, is it already that time? Are the others already on-site?"

"Yes, only you and I remain. We don't want to keep them waiting, so let's go."

It seems she came to call me.

(Although it was an awfully good timing... Well, I guess that's how it is.)

◇◇◇

Parting ways with Juri, I use the transfer gate with Tsubaki to move to the ruins dungeon. As soon as the view clears, familiar faces are gathered in front of me.

"Oh, finally, the protagonist has arrived."

"Late again, Village Chief. You were probably watching that again, weren't you?"

"Sorry, sorry. I kept you waiting."

Right off the bat, comments from Touya and Natsuki. In addition to the two, there are Sakura and Tsubaki, Haruka and Akiho, and Kyoko and Hayato. All are Japanese members with loyalty ratings of 99, people I can trust both in name and reality.

"The protagonist is making a delayed entrance. Keisuke-san, I haven't waited that long. I just arrived."

"Hayato... you were the first to come, right?"

"If you can say such lines so casually, you might have the qualifications of a hero."

"Both Kyoko-san and Haruka-san... are quite strict. Well, since we're all men, it's fine. Anyway, Keisuke-san, please tell us about today's story."

"Ah, then let's get straight to the point. The reason I gathered everyone today is about the confirmation of our return to Japan."

For the past week, I've been thinking about how to explain to everyone. Of course, there was a desire to surprise them, but due to everyone's schedules not aligning, it was delayed until today.

By the way, I chose this location to keep it a secret from other villagers. Especially the Rabit beastmen, who have enhanced hearing, might unintentionally hear things. Although I don't intend to hide it, it's better to avoid unnecessary complications.

I haven't called Tachibana and Hazuki, as well as other Japanese members. It was a last-minute decision, but considering the circumstances, I decided to leave it be. As a result, I have to accept that trust may be affected.

"I've talked about it with the goddess before... Keep what I say from here a secret. I feel bad for Hayato, but don’t tell Tachibana and Hazuki until their loyalty reaches 99."

"Yes, that's fine. I've somewhat sensed it, and it will be resolved when the time comes."

I see, well then—

From here, I proceed to explain in a matter-of-fact about the Dimensional Gate (refrigerator), the ability to travel back and forth to Earth, and the conditions for returning.

As promised, I haven't talked about the goddess's purpose. I've also refrained from attempting to talk about it.

"――So, that's all I can share. If you have any questions or requests, feel free to say anything. Well, I don't know if I can answer them, but I'd like to use them as a reference for when we meet next."

When I said that, Touya was the first to raise his hand.

"First, I want to hear the Village Chief's intentions first. Is summoning the goddess a decided matter? And... do you intend to return to Japan?"

"Yeah, summoning the goddess is a decided matter. When she descends, various restrictions will be lifted. She mentioned that it would increase the things we can talk about."

"I see... then just in case, is there no possibility that the goddess is the final boss? I'm not suspicious, it's just a talk about possibilities."

I understand Touya’s opinion well. The goddess pretending to be a good person might actually be... I've also thought about such things. In the end, there was no conclusive evidence that it was completely safe, but I have a tentative plan.

"There's a possibility, right? So, if that happens, I plan not to gather faith. I'll exchange all the points I have for rewards, won't go to the church, and won't hunt monsters for a while."

"Ah, because maintaining the manifestation consumes 1,000 points per day, right? And then, she’ll return to the divine realm for the time being."

"That's right. Well, if it becomes too late once she manifests, it's hopeless."

"There's nothing we can do about that, huh... So, what about the return to Japan?"

This issue is quite a dilemma. It's also related to the goddess's purpose... Now, how should I explain it?

"In reality, there's information that only I know. I can't say it because talking about it is forbidden... but eventually, I intend to return. However, it's not for permanent residence there. I plan to go back and forth between Japan and here."

I'm not sure if this conveyed well, but unfortunately, there's no other way to express it.

"Oh, the protagonist's aura is finally coming out. Something like 'I hold the fate of the world'? Well, I'm really glad the Village Chief picked me, seriously."

"Hmm, I wonder. I won't deny it... Well, for now, that's how it is, but only for now."

As the exchange with Touya comes to a pause, I suddenly look around—

Sakura and Natsuki are nodding with rather satisfied expressions. It seems like they are indulging in some naughty fantasies.

Most of them are listening with serious expressions, but perhaps because it's confirmed that they can return to Japan, there seems to be a sense of relief deep down.

"So, can I go next?"

After conveying my intentions, this time Sakura raises her hand.

(She's much smarter than me. She might come up with a good suggestion for future developments.)

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