Chapter 160: The True Identity of the Saint

“Why are all the guys here middle-aged?”

In front of me now is a group of a thousand guards. Each one of them was looking at us with confident expressions. And I had been harboring this question about the peculiar sight.

There were other things I should ask about, I understood that, but I just had to know this first. I wanted to know and clear my mind. Unable to resist, I asked the saint.

“Oh, that’s just my personal preference. They’re all handpicked elite troops by me. How about it? Pretty good taste, right?”

“””…”””

Both Sakura and even Kana behind her were taken aback. I knew there were people like that, but to go this far… She seemed to be thoroughly enjoying this world in a different sense from me.

“You’re quite to my liking too… but it’s a shame. If only you were twenty years older, you’d be perfect. You’re a bit too young.”

“…I see. Thank you for telling me. Though I don’t feel any better, at least I know the reason now.”

I had no intention of criticizing personal preferences. I was surprised, but I accepted it as how things were. By the way, this was unnecessary information, but apparently, the Sage wasn’t much of a preference for her either. She said he was only valued because of his unique skills.

I felt a bit sorry for him, but as the one who took care of him, I wasn’t in a position to say anything.

“Well then, may I ask something now? I’d like to know what your intentions are from now on.”

From there, she explained in order: that they had no intention of harming the village as long as we didn’t cross the barrier at the forest entrance, that they had no dissatisfaction or interest in making Keimos their base, and that they might be willing to provide appropriate support depending on the situation.

I discussed these three points while answering each other’s questions and delving into details.

Firstly, concerning the threat to the village, it’s quite literal. They just need to refrain from crossing the barrier set up at the entrance to the forest. There are plans to convert all the grasslands south of the town into farmland, but they’ve been given the green light to do as they please.

As for the second point about the base, it’s more of a “help yourself” situation. Since we’ve moved to the city of Keimos, it’s no longer a problem that I can personally address, and even if we were to eradicate the empire, there’s not much for us to gain. Assisting the beastmen nation doesn’t guarantee their allegiance.

And the third point concerns the beastmen currently gathered at the northern gate. I proposed that if any of them wish to evacuate to the settlement, we should take them in.

This was clearly our last chance. Even if it was a small number, we wanted to secure settlers. In return, if we could provide them with food support during the internment period and supply them with rice seedlings and vegetables, the deal would be settled…

“Phew, I’m glad you’re quite reasonable to talk to. You can rest assured we won’t cause any harm, or… rather it’s impossible.”

“By the way, why do you think it’s impossible?”

“Because… I can’t see you and a few others, but when I look at the levels of the people behind you, it’s obvious. There’s no chance for us to win… at least not for now.”

“Is it okay to tell me that?”

“It’s fine. You probably already have a hunch, right? I’d prefer you not to make it public, though.”

“I see. I’ll tell the villagers, but I’ll keep quiet about it to them. Well, I can’t guarantee anything, though.”

“Yes, that’s enough.”

In the end, the matter was resolved by leaving the barrier at the tent and the Merry Company’s barrier intact. It would be the same even if we removed the barrier here; we could just move it elsewhere. The Saint must have understood that.

(But it was an impressive paradise of middle-aged men… All the deals were decided by the Saint, and it turns out the head of the Empire wasn’t a hero after all.)

◇◇◇

After finishing negotiations with the Japanese Empire, we returned to the village with everyone who had been waiting in the tent. We gathered in the dining hall and discussed our future plans.

Rough estimates had been completed, and it was found that there were about 90,000 Japanese people who had transmigrated to Keimos this time. This was roughly in line with what the saint had said.

At this point, the immediate problems were… the abilities of the Empire’s heroes and how many residents of Keimos would come over. I thought these were the two main issues.

Neither the saint nor the Sword Saint mentioned anything about the hero, and even when we asked, they skillfully avoided the topic. Was it because it was a secret weapon, or were they just being dismissive? I thought we needed to gather more information about this.

As for how many residents would come to the settlement… I honestly wasn’t expecting much. For the residents of Keimos, the Japanese were nothing but plunderers. There was no doubt their impression of the Japanese was terrible.

A settlement run by the same Japanese. There wouldn’t be many people willing to come to a place like that.

(Well, still… there are many Beastmen living there, and there are former councilors and lords too. I hope at least a few will come.)

“Excuse me, Village Chief, are you listening?”

As I was thinking about such things, Natsuki shook my shoulder.

“Oh, sorry, sorry. What about the residents of the city? Do you have any plans?”

“It’s not me, it’s Drago-san. From noon today, he’s planning to go to the city and recruit people.”

“Oh, really? That’s very much appreciated, but is Drago okay? He’ll probably get a lot of backlash, won’t he?”

“I know that well enough. Anyway, the sooner, the better. I, Maria, and Lux plan to go with him.”

(I think that lineup is the best choice. It would be pointless for Japanese to go… not to mention counterproductive.)

“I see, please do. ――What about the guards? Should I extend the barrier and go with you?”

“No need, it’s better to fly with my family. Leave it to me, I won’t do anything bad.”

“Got it. But please be careful, especially with the hero over there.”

And so, we left the persuasion of the Beastmen to Drago and the others… He had said, “I wouldn’t mind fighting the hero.” But I hoped he wouldn’t. Of course, Drago would win, but… I could see it would cause trouble later on.

“Hey, Village Chief, it’s about time you told us about the saint’s true identity. You were having a suspicious conversation earlier, weren’t you?”

As we reached a natural break in the conversation, Touya asked. It seemed everyone else was curious too.

“Well then, I’ll tell you straight. That woman is not a saint. Her real occupation is ‘robber.'”

“Robber… Is there really such an occupation? I can understand if it’s a thief or something.”

“No, it’s definitely a robber. But what’s more important is her skills. According to my appraisal, it showed ‘Plunder Level 4.’ It’s the classic ability to steal skills from dead opponents.”

At first, it was certainly labeled as “Saint.” However, while she was talking, he finally succeeded in seeing through her disguise after testing her several times. If it were Haruka’s appraisal, it would probably be a one-shot, but in my case, the effect would be halved.

“Oh, it finally came out! I was sure there had to be someone, but to think it was the saint of the Empire… Ah, not a saint, but a robber.”

“I’ve made a note of it, so everyone, please pay attention. Please don’t get killed, okay?”

It wasn’t Touya, but I also felt, “So there was one after all.” Despite some restrictions, her ability was impeccable. The skills she had stolen from many people were all densely written in the notes.

==

Seiria Holylove: 

Level 67. 

29 years old

Occupation: Robber

Unique Skill: Plunder Level 4

Ability to steal skills from deceased individuals

Plunder Limit: 15

※ The maximum number of skills that can be stolen increases with level

※ If the skill has already been acquired, skill proficiency increases

※ Unique skills cannot be plundered

※ Once a skill has been plundered, it cannot be erased

Skills (14/15)

Disguise Level 3

Appraisal Level 3

Detection Level 3

Stealth Level 2

Sealing Technique Level 2

Swordsmanship Level 3

Body Strengthening Level 3

Dispel Magic Level 4

Water Magic Level 3

Fire Magic Level 3

Healing Magic Level 4

Telepathy Level 3

Negotiation Level 3

Spatial Storage Level 3

==

A lineup of capable skills lined up from top to bottom. The total number of skills is one less than the limit, probably as a precaution. Perhaps she intended to steal even the Sage’s teleportation magic.

“Healing magic and dispel magic might have been stolen from a real saint. I don’t know if she killed her herself… Anyway, it’s just amazing.”

Everyone, especially those familiar with otherworldly settings, was excited as they looked at the notes. They speculated this and that, discussing strengths and weaknesses. In the end, they poured in until noon, and even after lunch, it seemed like the discussion was far from over.

“Drago, it seems like they won’t stop talking anytime soon. As planned, I’ll leave the persuasion of the city’s residents to you. Don’t push yourself too hard, and come back soon, okay?”

“I understand. I’ll include telepathy along the way, so there’s no need to worry.”

From the occupation of the city by the Empire to dealing with the Sage and dialogues with the saint(fake), it had been a truly hectic two days, and it seemed like this commotion would continue for a while.

(Oh, right. We also need to have a welcome party for the samurai. He’s been the most meritorious this time, so let’s celebrate them grandly tonight.)

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter