Kays Translations

Chapter 9: Lack of Crisis Awareness

Riding horses along the highway with Fimia, it took us half a day to reach Malhas. Thanks to casting recovery and enhancement magic on the horses, we arrived in Malhas before the sun set. We didn't encounter any monsters on the way, but there were strange signs a few times. Although their forms were invisible, it was evident that monsters lurked in the forest adjacent to the unexplored area.

Dismounting from the horse at the arch in front of Malhas, I let out a sigh and turned to Rolo.

"Rolo, gather the village elders and ask for an explanation."

"What about you, Jurg?"

"If I'm there, they won't listen honestly to what I have to say."

Restraining Rolo, who was about to argue, I turned to Fimia and spoke quietly.

"Bring Fimia along. Rural folks are quite devout, so having a priestess makes it easier to talk. Especially if it's a young beauty, their spirits will be lifted."

"I can hear you, Jurg."

Fimia, sighing softly, looked at me with a moist gaze. Although she might give me another sermon about what I think of the divine authority, I'll take advantage of this situation. If we don't make them understand the potential danger the village is facing and our purpose for investigating, it'll be challenging to move freely in this backwater.

"In that case, Jurg, why don't you come along? I'm sure the title heavenly break striker can be useful in the tavern?"

"Here, I'm ‘Evil Jurg.' My bad reputation is too much; it's a negative just being around. Please, Fimia."

I pleaded, folding my hands. Regarding this as well, I was told not to make prayer gestures only when it was convenient... Fortunately, the "Saint"-dono nodded with a sigh.

"Alright, it's a favor, so please, Jurg."

"Act more like a priestess and offer your service for free, please."

"Really, only when it suits you. Well then, Rolo-san, let's go."

Prompted by Rolo, who sighed again, she nodded. He doesn't seem convinced, but I'll apologize later. For this village, Rolo is the one who returned as a "fine young man."

"I'll take the horse and Greg to the stable. Greg, got it?"

"Gregar."

"All right, let's go."

Fimia's white-scaled running lizard, a Raptor trained for riding, is a magic monster. Training them is quite challenging, but even small-sized ones are used by merchants for their speed and horsepower. This oddball with pure white scales, which I found an egg of during an adventure and, for some reason, became attached to Fimia, has become quite recognized as Fimia's, especially due to her popularity as the "Saint."

...Well, it doesn't matter.

"Then, I'll be back."

"Yeah, explain it well."

Waving to the two, I pulled the reins.

"Gregar."

"Hey, don’t eat me."

“Gree…”

As we walked side by side, Gregre bounced and playfully nibbled on my head. He doesn't do this to Fimia, so why me?

"Thomson, I came to return the horse. Also, I want you to take care of this guy."

"Huh, Jurg...!"

"I'm not going to do anything."

Due to various actions taken by my past self, "Evil Jurg," I understand that this is the reason for Thomson's fear, but being scared like this is somewhat disheartening. That's the price to pay for the various deeds of "Evil Jurg,"

"I'll disappear soon, so rest assured. Also, this guy is called Gregre, but please take care of him. I've left some meat for him."

"Uh, okay. Understood."

Handing over the reins to the frightened Thomson, I immediately turned on my heel. I've reconfirmed that this place has no comfortable atmosphere, and I've become aware that I have no place here. Honestly, the indifference of the city already feels nostalgic.

"Oh, that’s it..."

As I was about to leave, Thomson called out to me.

"Hmm?"

"Rolo said you defeated a monster. Thank you for that."

"Oh, yeah. It was more Rolo and me together."

"Thank you. A few of our chickens were also attacked..."

Hearing that, I felt a chill down my spine.

Chickens are kept and raised in the village. If they were attacked, it means monsters have invaded the village.

"Any other damages? Are you injured?"

"Huh? Oh, no, I'm fine. The other damages were just a few pigs and sheep."

"I see. If something happens again, tell me. If it's difficult for you to come to me, you can ask Rolo."

"U-Understood."

Nodding to Thomson, who seemed frightened, I lightly waved my hand and left the stable.

The situation was more serious than I thought. I need to consult with Rolo and Fimia about this.

Before that, I should check the keystone of the barrier protecting the village. Is it functioning or not? If it's not, we'll need materials and personnel.

Ah, damn.

Why didn't I study...!

I can't even remember if the barrier is a magic formula or a divine formula.

"Evil one, what are you mumbling about?"

"It's nothing, old man Tanto..."

"What's troubling you? Anything happened?"

I raised an eyebrow slightly at the old man, who was pointing to a tree stump serving as a seat. Is he really suggesting a seat for the "Evil one"? Is he losing his mind?

However, it's true that this old man is knowledgeable. Rolo and the others haven't returned yet, so I might as well borrow some wisdom.

"I heard from that Thomson guy that a vampire goat that was rampaging through the village, attacked the chickens. Did it manage to get into the village?"

"Yes. There have been several sightings."

Well, he's talking quite casually about it. Normally, if a monster appeared in the village, the immediate response would be a complete evacuation.

"Is the village barrier okay?"

"I don't know. It's been quite a while since the village was established."

"...Do they do maintenance or something?"

"...I don't know."

Ah, this is not good. I can't expect anything from the village sage at this rate.

"For now, luckily, a high-ranking priestess is here. Let's have her check the village barrier."

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