Chapter 17: Sweet Talks

The next morning…

The decision had been made.

Most of the residents supported Saran’s proposal.

Well, it’s not surprising.

Hardly anyone would answer “Yes, I’m willing to die” when asked if they want to live or die.

He behaved as if there were choices, but there never were from the beginning.

There were some opposing opinions, though.

For instance, Kent, the village chief’s son and the future village chief, was among them.

However, even the village chief was appointed simply because it was convenient, not because the lord specially appointed him. If the village is developed as a city, it’s inevitable that the position will be lost.

Moreover, opposing just because you want the village chief’s chair, when the lives of the villagers are at stake, is not suitable for a community leader from the start.

“Now, onto our first task.”

Saran, who gathered us, announced with an expressionless face.

“All of us in ‘Mercia’ will head to the dairy farming city, Hilte, first.”

“Is the village’s defense okay?”

“Fimia-san’s barrier is functioning, so it’s fine. If monsters attack and break through it, there’s nothing we can do even if we’re here. We’ve already taken some precautions.”

Saran continued to explain, directing his gaze towards adventurer-like men standing at the edge of the village.

“I will leave the adventurers and mercenaries who have accompanied me here. The mercenaries are my guards and Zolark’s protegees, so they are not only skilled but also adept at fighting retreats.”

“I see. And? Why are we all going to Hilte?”

“We’ll inform Viscount Hillte and have a talk. This is Viscount Hilte’s territory, after all.”

It was only then that I realized where we were.

Adventurers like me wouldn’t sporadically defend a place like this.

Permission from the owner is required for large-scale development.

“They also wouldn’t want monsters overflowing into their territory.”

“In that case, wouldn’t it be enough for you, a noble, to go?”

Fimia’s words made Saran shake his head slightly.

This was his way of saying, “You don’t get it, do you?” We’ve been acquainted for quite some time, so I understood.

“You need to have persuasive power. Unfortunately, I lost the banner of the national selected party, ‘Silhasta,’ so I need to raise another banner.”

“So, you mean, it’s me and Fimia?”

“Rolo as well. Rolo Mercia, with the nickname ‘Mysterious Illusionist,’ is a popular adventurer in the streets.”

Rolo, suddenly mentioned, had a surprised expression.

I see, I’ve figured it out.

If a scholar, who is a ‘named’ adventurer, brings along three adventurers with names, and proposes something related to the movement and countermeasures of monsters, Viscount Hilte would recognize its importance.

Moreover, the person talking is the son of Count Saran Zolark, a scholar well-known within the kingdom.

Even in various research records, that comes with authority and trust.

Pushing authority to the forefront to quickly get things done.

I don’t like this approach, but it’s fitting for Saran.

He must have already set up things in other areas. Otherwise, there’s no way he could get that fool Albert to lead the party selected by the country.

“Any other questions?”

“Um, what else do we need to do?”

“It’s a good attitude, but you’ll be asked to do the tasks at the right time. For a while, you’ll work like a workhorse, Rolo Mercia.”

Despite his always brusque and polite speech, I know that if he gives instructions, following them is quick and certain. For now, I have no choice but to believe and follow.

“Well then, let’s go. Oh, wait, is this something the leader should do?”

“Don’t say it after all that have been said, really.”

Sighing, I clapped and turned to my comrades.

“Because of that, let’s hurry to the dairy farming city first. The preparations for the horses and the carriage are ready. It’s a race against time… we’ll use Rolo’s strengthening magic and Fimia’s healing magic on the horses to run through it in a day. Everyone, I’m counting on you.”

Everyone nodded, and then Rolo let out a small chuckle.

“What’s wrong, Rolo?”

“No, it’s nothing. I just thought, despite all your complaints, Jurg you’re really ‘leading’ properly.”

In response to Rolo’s words, Fimia also burst into laughter, and Saran averted his face.

… You guys, remember this later.

◆

Unexpectedly, the meeting with Viscount Hilte proceeded quite smoothly, despite no prior notice. Saran must have taken some measures for this as well.

“While it’s just a suggestion for now, I want to develop Malhas as an exploration base for the unexplored area.”

“But there are precedents…”

“There are precedents. Do you know of a town called Yaje in the east of the continent?”

Saran’s calm words cornered Viscount Hilte, who seemed reluctant.

“That exploration city, called Yaje, saw a significant increase in tax revenue due to a large influx of adventurers. Furthermore, it is said to be quite prosperous thanks to the products that can be obtained in the surrounding area.”

“O-oh…”

“The noteworthy point is that, thanks to that, a station for the ‘Transcontinental Railroad’ was installed right in the middle of the wilderness.”

Hearing Saran’s words, Viscount Hilte’s expression changed.

“Is that ‘Transcontinental Railroad’…!”

“Yes. Currently, you can’t ride it unless you go to the neighboring country, but if the unexplored area is developed, there is a possibility that the route will extend to our Sardin Kingdom.”

Ah, jeez… he’s making such a wicked face.

It’s not necessarily a lie, but if it comes to cutting through that extremely dangerous unexplored area, there’s a possibility it won’t happen even in a hundred years, yet he was able to put such a favorable story on the table.

Looking at my side, Rolo had the same expression as me.

Yeah, it’s the kind of face you’d make.

Fimia was smiling with a composed face, though.

“…And so, the first station in our country will be built in… this Hilte territory, right?”

Like wooing a woman, Saran skillfully piles up favorable circumstances.

And then, like a woman who has been successfully courted, Viscount Hilte melts with a pleased expression.

… The deal is sealed.

“Understood. I, Donsa, will fully permit and cooperate with this matter. It is for the sake of the development of my territory and subjects.”

“Yes, please let us assist you in this matter. Although we are still relatively unknown, both adventurers hold titles that are well-known in Advante. Many adventurers will follow them to overcome the dangers of the unexplored area.”

“That’s reassuring! Hahaha!”

Viscount Hilte laughs in a good mood, making me feel a bit weary.

Even so, Saran is using us quite cleverly.

“Now that we have reached an agreement. I will inform the King’s Council through my father immediately. We will move quickly. So…”

“We understand! We will immediately dispatch people to Malhas from our side. If there is anything you need, please inform Donsa right away.”

“Thank you for your cooperation. Well then, that’s it for today.”

Saran, having exchanged noble pleasantries, stands up from his chair and looks at us.

In response, we also stand up.

It feels like the most wasted use of time in my life.

“Now, let’s go. Next, we’ll visit the Adventurer’s Guild, the Merchant Guild, and the Carpenter’s Guild.”

With the lord’s authorization letter fluttering, the sly glasses lift the corners of his mouth slightly.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter