Kays Translations

Chapter 82: New Villagers

175th Day of Life in Another World

Four Days After Kyoko's Villager Admission

In recent times, the reinforcement of personnel in the village had been somewhat delayed, but today, finally, Merinard returned to the village accompanied by slaves.

These new arrivals were scheduled to become villagers approximately 20 days after the previous batch of 20 slaves became villagers. It seems they gathered slaves of the same four races as before. Although the gender ratio has reversed compared to last time, the number of individuals is still 20, which maintains the population balance between the races, as Merinard explained.

Regarding their acceptance into the village, there were no significant issues thanks to the support of the existing villagers. It seems that the words of their fellow kind resonate in their hearts, and hearing about village life directly contributes to their loyalty. Personally, I only exchanged brief greetings and granted them permission to reside; the rest was efficiently handled by Haruka.

For the work distribution, we followed the same allocation as last time, aiming to help the newcomers adapt to the village quickly. As a result, the division of labor among the four races looked like this, and all the teams experienced a significant increase in workforce.

====================

"Nekojin Tribe" - 10 people

Adult males: 3 → 5 (Mining)

Adult females: 2 → 5 (Farming)

"Inujin Tribe" - 10 people

Adult males: 3 → 5 (Mining)

Adult females: 2 → 5 (Farming)

"Ōkamijin Tribe" - 10 people

Adult males: 3 → 5 (Combat, Hunting)

Adult females: 2 → 5 (Farming)

"Kitsunijin Tribe" - 10 people

Adult males: 3 → 5 (Construction)

Adult females: 2 → 5 (Weaving)

====================

In addition to reinforcing the mining and combat teams, we expanded the construction and weaving teams. Most importantly, the strengthening of the farming team, which is the village's main industry, was highly appreciated.

With this many villagers, we can promptly respond even if we suddenly need to increase farmland. It's highly unlikely that the village will experience a food shortage, but it's reassuring to know that we can easily handle an increase in trade volume with the city.

The number of villagers has also increased to 94, just a little short of reaching three digits. I have long considered "Achievement: Reach 100 Villagers" as one of the conditions for unlocking abilities, so I'm eagerly looking forward to that moment.

"Keisuke-san, the reception went smoothly."

"Good work. Please hand it over to Tsubaki."

"Understood."

Tsubaki manages the resident register and housing arrangements. Since she coordinates well with Melimas, the logistics manager, my involvement in those matters has become minimal.

◇◇◇

After the lunchtime rush, Merinard and I had a meeting in the dining hall, where vacant seats were more noticeable. We had already finished delivering the traded goods.

"I ordered the magical tools, and you managed to gather them in such a short time."

"We had some unsold items, so it wasn't too difficult."

"Still, it's surprising to see such magical tools available. You got them at the perfect timing."

"Well, I thought they might come in handy eventually. I'm glad you're pleased with them."

Among the magical tools, the one that caught my interest was the device that separates salt from seawater.

It was about twice my height, resembling an enlarged drum can, with an injection hole at the top and a drainage pipe at the bottom. The main magical device was attached to the side, and it seemed to operate by inserting magic stones. I couldn't fully understand its internal structure, but it seemed to involve some kind of heat treatment to separate the salt from the water.

Every time I see magical tools in this world, I wonder what inspired the inventors to come up with them. With such technology and creativity, other industries should have also reached a high level of civilization. Yet, why is this technological revolution limited to such localized areas? Could it be related to the involvement of people from other worlds? Even if it's confirmed, it wouldn't change anything, but personally, I'm quite curious.

—Returning to the topic, if Hayato and the others go to the city, we won't need to hesitate to extend the barrier all the way to the southern sea. This would allow us to produce salt in addition to fishing. I'm truly grateful for Merinard's skill in handling these matters.

"Now, regarding the matter of the heroes."

"They are scheduled to arrive in the village tomorrow morning. We have prepared a carriage, so they can depart anytime."

"When the heroes go to the city, it's bound to cause a commotion. I want to entrust you with monitoring the situation."

"Leave it to me. I will provide regular reports, including their movements."

"Ah, that's a relief."

Whether they enjoy themselves freely under the hospitality of the parliament and the feudal lord or get caught up in troublesome interference from ill-intentioned individuals, they are heroes after all. They will inevitably get involved in the main storyline of this world, no matter what. At the very least, I should ensure they won't have any food shortages and send them off with plenty of rice and potatoes.

"Village Chief, before we move on from the heroes, I have a question for you."

"Hmm, what is it?"

"I would like to know the reason they decided to venture into the city if you don't mind sharing."

"Ah, that. Well—"

I also learned about this recently.

It happened when the two of us were talking about the village's history and the heroines the day after Kyoko arrived in the village.

"After all, what is the purpose of Hayato and the others going to the city?"

"In short, it's because they are not satisfied with their current lifestyle. If I may add, it's mainly the women other than Hayato."

"Hayato accompanies them because he wants to fulfill their desires?"

"Yes, and Rikka and Hazuki are not as keen on going to the city, but the other girls' longing for the city has been growing day by day."

"I wonder if my support made them more materialistic. Perhaps I acted too rashly."

"When they learned about the city's existence, I knew it would eventually come to this. I genuinely appreciate your support."

"What about Kyoko herself?"

"Keisuke-san, if possible, please call me Kyoko. I feel a sense of alienation when others use honorifics... I want to integrate into the village as soon as possible."

"I understand. So, what about Kyoko?"

"From the beginning, I believed it was best for everyone to migrate to the village. Of course, I didn't think it would be so easy to accept us."

"Why is that?"

"Because if a harem-like group like us were to come to the village, it would undoubtedly create tension everywhere."

"Yeah, I thought the same thing initially."

"And the fact that we are a hero's party could become a cause of trouble. It's a classic fantasy pattern."

"That's true. I can see it that way too."

"Hayato is a likable person, but depending on the circumstances, it's unavoidable to get involved in various incidents."

Indeed, our way of thinking aligns quite well. It's not surprising since we share similar interests and thoughts.

"Do you despise someone like me?"

"Not at all. This world is uncertain, and we don't know when we might die. If we don't do what we believe is right, we'll regret it."

"Sakura-san said the same thing. I'm sure you would say the same, Keisuke-san."

"As long as it doesn't bring any disadvantages to me or the village, Kyoko, you are free to do as you please. You have the Sage skill after all, so make the most of it."

"Thank you."

———

Well, that's how it went.

"I see, indeed, living in the city has its conveniences. It's a natural choice."

"But that doesn't mean we need to provide excessive protection. Under no circumstances should you sacrifice yourself to help them."

"Yes, I fully understand."

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