Negotiations Between the Herbivorous Spiders and the Village
We decided to descend the mountain with the Kiblinki Saltas.
Only one would accompany us for the negotiations.
If too many spiders showed up at once, it might cause the villagers to think their settlement was under threat.
After descending the mountain, we followed the Kiblinki Saltas to a nearby village.
It seemed there were villages other than the one we had previously visited—three in total in the vicinity, according to them.
Ideally, they hoped to be accepted by all three, though they weren’t overly optimistic about the negotiations going that smoothly.
First, we used the Lumite Grand Wing to stop by the nearest village.
Rumaja handled the initial persuasion, while the Kiblinki Saltas would take over during the formal negotiations.
In this village, the villagers appeared to accept Rumaja’s reasoning.
Now it was time for the Kiblinki Saltas to take the lead.
Together with the Kiblinki Saltas, we descended from the Lumite Grand Wing and headed to the village chief’s house.
The villagers watched the Kiblinki Saltas with a mix of fear and curiosity.
It must have been unusual to see such a large spider—about half the size of a human—calmly walking alongside us.
“Welcome, visitors. So, is this spider the one you mentioned?”
(That would be me. We are called the Kiblinki Saltas. First and foremost, I wish to apologize for my kin stealing vegetables from this village in the past.)
“I see. So, it was your kind taking the vegetables from the edges of our fields from time to time. By the way, was it also your doing that fruits and wild vegetables would appear in their place a few days later?”
(That was likely the work of my kin. We also grow vegetables to eat and understand how difficult it is to cultivate them. Stealing your vegetables must have weighed heavily on their conscience, so they brought other food as a form of reparation.)
“Hearing this, I must admit I was wary at first when I heard about spider monsters. But from what you’ve said, you’re far more honorable than many human merchants I’ve dealt with. So, your request is for some vegetables in exchange for protecting this village, correct? How much are you asking for?”
(Not much. Even a small amount will be shared among us. Protecting the village is a fair trade for the vegetables we’d receive.)
Listening to this, it struck me just how earnest these spider monsters were.
If only the foolish nobles of this country could take notes from them.
“I understand your position. However, it would still be difficult for us to openly accept wild monsters into the village.”
(I see. That’s unfortunate.)
“In that case, might I propose that one of you become someone’s tamed monster? Having the mark of a tamed monster would prevent not only villagers but outsiders from attacking you thoughtlessly. Additionally, it would make it easier for us to explain that we are not coexisting with wild monsters. What do you think?”
(Become a tamed monster, you say? I hadn’t considered that. Very well, I accept this idea.)
“We appreciate your understanding. Let’s continue these negotiations when the arrangements are made.”
(Indeed. I look forward to working together.)
Becoming a tamed monster, huh? That idea hadn’t occurred to me either.
… Wait a second.
Wouldn’t it make the most sense for me to be the one to tame them?
What do you think about this chapter?
