Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 422: The Curious Neighboring Village
The day after Tauro met Haku, a messenger arrived from the chief of the boy’s village and invited Black-Gold Wings to visit.
Tauro intended to decline. The party had accepted a one-week request from Maine Village and still had several days of instruction remaining.
Before he could refuse, however, the chief of Maine Village approached them.
“Would you mind visiting the neighboring village?”
“What? I thought we were expected to continue teaching here for several more days.”
Tauro couldn’t understand why the client was suddenly giving another village priority.
“We owe that village a great debt. If its chief wishes to speak with you, I can’t simply dismiss the request. If your only concern is the agreement with us, you have my permission to go.”
The chief’s abrupt change in attitude contrasted sharply with his enthusiasm at the beginning of the week. Still, the client himself had released them from the remaining schedule.
“Very well. We’ll visit them. Should you still want us to finish the remaining lessons afterward, we’ll return and complete the instruction.”
After confirming with Ragune, Ankh, and Zion, Tauro accepted the invitation.
The neighboring village was surprisingly close—only a little more than an hour away on foot.
What made it unusual was its location. Hidden deep within the forest, it felt more like a concealed settlement than an ordinary village.
Tauro quietly warned the others to remain alert before allowing their guide to lead them to the chief’s house.
“Welcome, travelers. My name is Gaze, and I serve as chief of this village. I’ve heard a great deal about you from Maine Village. They say you’re both trustworthy and exceptionally capable adventurers.”
Chief Gaze greeted them with conspicuous humility.
Tauro moved directly to the purpose of the invitation. The neighboring villagers who had joined the lessons had mentioned wanting similar instruction at home, and the short distance meant the party could theoretically travel between the settlements.
“You’d like us to teach the people here how to defend themselves as well, correct?”
“Something along those lines. A man named Cross once taught our villagers swordsmanship, archery, and other forms of combat, but he was seriously injured.”
Tauro immediately recognized the name as Haku’s father. Even so, something about Gaze’s wording bothered him, though he couldn’t yet identify why.
He waited for the chief to continue.
“At present, no one in the village can fight as well as your party. I want our people trained quickly enough to protect the village and its children. Until then, I’d like you to serve as both guards and instructors. Naturally, we’ll compensate you well—twice what Maine Village offered.”
“It appears our abilities are held in very high regard.”
Ankh was pleased by the generous payment.
“But why is such urgency necessary? Is the village facing an immediate threat?”
Ragune’s question was reasonable. The surrounding region didn’t appear particularly dangerous. Cross had reportedly been injured protecting the village, but [Presence Detection] revealed no powerful monsters nearby.
“There are enemies in this world whose existence we don’t even know.”
Gaze’s ominous answer only deepened Tauro’s confusion.
“That’s too vague for us to understand. Are you saying this village is currently in danger?”
“I’ve heard from Maine’s chief that your party appears trustworthy. I’d first like to hire you and confirm that judgment for myself. Only two days remain in the period you originally agreed to spend here. Please stay with us for those two days and consider the longer arrangement afterward.”
Gaze was clearly serious, yet Tauro still found the situation suspicious.
The close coordination between the two chiefs was becoming obvious. Tauro began to suspect that Maine Village’s original request had been arranged partly to observe Black-Gold Wings and determine whether the party could be trusted.
Why they required trustworthy fighters remained unclear.
“You have definitely obtained permission from Maine Village’s chief?”
“Of course.”
The immediate certainty of the answer confirmed that the chiefs had coordinated the plan in advance.
Nevertheless, Gaze’s concern appeared genuine. Tauro agreed that the party would remain for the two days.
When they left the chief’s house, Haku was waiting outside beside an older man.
“Sensei! Will you be staying with us?”
“Haku, don’t press a guest for an answer the instant he appears. Please forgive my son. My name is Cross.”
The man walked with a pronounced limp as he approached.
“I’m Tauro, leader of the adventuring team Black-Gold Wings.”
Mindful of Cross’s injured leg, Tauro stepped forward and shook his hand.
“Where will you stay tonight? You’re welcome at our home. Haku has been hoping for an opportunity to speak with all of you.”
Cross rested a hand on his son’s shoulder as he offered the invitation.
Chief Gaze arrived before Tauro could answer.
“Cross, you’re still unwell. You shouldn’t move around more than necessary. The adventurers will spend the next two days instructing the village and will stay in the empty house at the outskirts.”
Gaze’s words sounded considerate, but the emotions Tauro sensed through [Presence Detection] told a different story. Beneath the concern lay clear irritation at Cross’s presence.
Haku had claimed that Cross was deeply respected by the villagers. The contradiction between the village’s words and its atmosphere left Tauro increasingly uncertain about what was truly happening.