Chapter 15: Heartless Saran

Saran’s proposed plan was terribly ambitious and, more importantly, it was fundamental. In essence, he suggested transforming the border village of Malhas into a pioneer city aimed at exploring uncharted territories. According to that man, it was “just right.”

Malhas was originally established as a village on the site of a research base for investigating uncharted territories. While a powerful and extensive safe zone was built as the former research base, it was not suitable for living due to its proximity to uncharted territories. This is where wanderers settled and formed the current village. Saran’s plan was to revitalize this place for its original purpose – exploring and exploiting uncharted territories.

Although the plan seemed overly elaborate and confusing, Saran claimed that there were similar cases in the eastern part of the continent. Apparently, a city named “Exploration City Yaje” had flourished under such circumstances. Saran aimed to create a “track record” based on precedents, necessity, and publicity.

It was quite audacious of him to try to turn the problems of our hometown into his achievements. However, if it was achievable, it might not be a bad compromise. Still, everything in Malhas was about to change.

“The kingdom cannot afford to incur damages to the dairy farming city Hilte with a large stampede, and exploring uncharted territories will expand our territory. If villages or towns can be established beyond this village in the next hundred years, this place will further develop.”

“What will happen to us?”

“You’ll have to adapt. If it functions as a pioneer city, officials will be dispatched from the kingdom. In other words, you won’t be the village chief anymore.”

The straightforward words left the village chief looking dismayed.

“The same goes for other villagers. Although you’ve relied on the blessings of uncharted territories for your businesses, the presence of numerous adventurers, armed merchants, scholars, etc., exploring the uncharted territories will make you less dependent on them. Many of you will be forced to change your lifestyles.”

“Th-that’s…”

“There are two choices: sacrifice many and face destruction soon, or abandon the current Malhas and accept my proposal. It’s one or the other.”

The way Saran puts it may be blunt, but he’s not wrong. No matter how strong the barrier is, if we don’t take action promptly, Malhas will likely be destroyed by nearby monster creatures. Even the Grayback Bear, which I brought back for some extra coin, would be the end if it enters the village. And in the unexplored areas, there are dangerous monster creatures lurking, ready to push it to the surface.

“So, so, isn’t that plan fine! Let’s go back to Advante! There’s no reason for us to be here!”

In the silence that followed, Albert spoke up.

Someone who hasn’t been of any use up to this point, why are they trying to take charge? Cut it out already──

“I agree. However, please go back alone.”

“Huh?”

Saran’s cold and calm voice pierced through Albert. Even though I was about to say something, Saran stole the lines right from me. Albert, upon hearing Saran’s words, was completely frozen.

“What’s going on, Saran? We’re a national select party, right? We need to return to Advante—”

“There’s nothing we can do in ‘Silhasta’ without additional members. On the contrary, I still have things to do here.”

“Then, I’ll—”

“No, since you’ve done nothing since arriving here. If that’s the case, it’s better for you to return to Advante.”

Wait, what’s happening? Saran is pushing it a bit too far, isn’t he? The atmosphere has become somewhat poisonous.

“I am the leader of ‘Silhasta’! I decide the party’s policies!”

“Is that so? Well then, I’ll withdraw from here.”

“—Eh?”

Albert was left dumbfounded by Saran’s response. Everyone, including me, was silent, unable to keep up with the situation.

“Saran, what do you mean by that…”

“It means exactly what it sounds like. My job isn’t to babysit disobedient children. I’m here to accumulate as many achievements as possible, become a loyal subject of the kingdom, and raise the name of the Zolark Count’s family.”

Saran squinted and turned to face Albert. In this regard, he’s solid in a different way from Rolo. It’s an overwhelming utilitarianism, a throwing away of humanity for intellect and reason. He really seems a bit crazy.

“Jurg.”

“Y-yeah…”

“For the time being, I will join your party ‘Mercia.’ Is that acceptable?”

“…Understood.”

This relentless feeling of acceptance. I’m not really good with it. Well, it seems to be shaping up the way I wanted, strangely enough.

“W-what about me!?”

“You’re the leader of a national selected party, aren’t you? Figure it out for yourself.”

“What nonsense!”

Albert, irritated, averted his gaze with disinterest, and Saran turned towards me.

“Jurg, now that it’s come to this, you’ll take responsibility.”

“What responsibility do I have…!?”

“The responsibility of meeting the expectations I set for you. Elevate ‘Mercia’ to a national selected party, and by resolving this difficult situation, I’ll gain favor with the upper echelons of the kingdom.”

With narrowed eyes, Saran calmly laughed at Albert. In a way, this guy is reliable for sticking to the deal. As long as I produce results, he’ll lend me his strength and wisdom.

“Now then, Village Chief.”

“Y-yes.”

“I’ll like to apologize for the inconvenience, but please discuss this thoroughly with the villagers. The sooner I receive your answer, the more likely it is to be helpful.”

With a noble-like nod, Saran left the village chief’s house. After that, the village chief followed suit. Probably, they were going to talk to the villagers. In the midst of this, Albert, who had been silently watching, suddenly turned towards us and screamed.

“Why… why is this happening? It’s your fault!”

“Hey hey, don’t blame us for this.”

“Jurg, it’s because you left! Everything went wrong because of you!”

Pathetic. It’s embarrassing that I let someone like him be the leader.

“Silhasta” became a national selected party. We represent the country! I won’t allow any selfishness, Jurg!”

“What are you talking about? It’s because you did whatever you wanted! Don’t scream just because things didn’t go your way!”

“…”

Perhaps frightened by my voice, Albert fell on his backside with a scared expression. Looking back, this guy’s selfishness always brought discord to the party and sometimes even led to crises. Should I just finish him off here?

“No, Jurg, don’t.”

“I haven’t done anything yet.”

“Your killing intent is leaking too much. It’s a bit scary even for me.”

To the troubled-looking Rolo, I let out a small sigh.

“You probably have some thoughts too, right?”

“A bit. But it’s fine now.”

With a small smile, Rolo patted me on the back. It’s a somewhat unusual gesture for him.

“Because Jurg is with us.”

“Is that so?”

“That’s how it is. So, Albert… I’m sorry, but can’t you give up on Jurg?”

While Albert looked around with an uncertain gaze, he glanced at me, Rolo, and then Fimia. It’s as if he’s seeking salvation.

“F-Fimia, Fimia… you understand, right?”

“I’m sorry, Albert.”

Next to me, Fimia shook her head. She has a strangely satisfied expression despite verbalizing a refusal. Lately, Fimia’s behavior has been suspicious.

“What the hell! Why is everyone…”

“We don’t understand, that’s why you’re hopeless. …Disappear. I won’t kill you as a service for now.”

Albert, standing up as if jumping, left the room spewing incomprehensible resentment. He left with incredible momentum. It would be great if he left the village like this.

“Now, the talk is settled… let’s see what happens.”

“Yeah. For now, let’s wait for the village chief to return.”

Patting Rolo on the shoulder as he said that, I headed towards the door.

“I’m here, and the discussion still isn’t settled. I’ll go back to keeping watch.”

“Wait, Jurg.”

“I’ve left the rest to you.”

Waving lightly, I hurriedly left the village chief’s house.

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