A Certain Village in the Monster Domain
"We have no intention of attacking. First of all, we didn't know anyone was here. Are you the descendants of the pioneers? According to the kingdom's records, everyone had died, so please let me speak with your representative."
"Y-Yes, you're right. Everyone, lower your weapons. It seems they mean no harm. I apologize. This is the first time anyone has come from outside the village. And recently, we've been on edge due to monster attacks. Please forgive us."
A man appeared from behind a muscular villager. He was barely wearing something that could be called clothing, and it was tattered beyond recognition. He didn’t look like a representative, nor was he muscular.
He had short brown hair and blue eyes, with a worn, rugged appearance.
"You don’t have to worry about it. We’re at fault too, for arriving so suddenly."
"Thank you. May I ask for your name?"
"Alicetia von Arland. I am the head of the Arland Kingdom's Viceroy family."
When I said that, his eyes widened, and he knelt with tears streaming down his face.
"H-Hey, Chief! Why are you doing that?"
"Listen to me. This person is royalty. They’ve finally come! You all mustn’t lay a hand on them."
He seemed to know at least something about royalty, as he restrained the bewildered villagers. Indeed, the Arland name can only be used by royalty. This has been true for a long time, so he must have known. It’s amazing that even after living here for so long, they remembered. Most people would forget.
"First, I’d like to hear your story. Are you descendants of the pioneers, or did you arrive here later?"
"We are the survivors of the 89th Pioneer Group. Could it be... Lord Zatt didn’t return? We’ve been waiting for rescue... for 200 years..."
Sigh... I knew it.
"According to reports, the pioneers were declared dead. I’m sorry we didn’t believe in your survival."
"That’s..."
"I’d like to hear more in detail, so could you show me to your home?"
"If my house is acceptable... this way."
They’ve been waiting for over 200 years. There was indeed no path to this place until we arrived. In the middle of monster territory, they couldn’t escape. It’s amazing they survived.
His name is Marza, apparently. His house... was not something you’d call good by any stretch, but there was space enough to talk.
After listening to him, it seemed that the 89th Pioneer Group had been protecting the eldest son of the Count’s family at the time.
These things happen occasionally. Nobles do it to build prestige. Of course, they hired an appropriate number of guards and prepared thoroughly.
At that time, there were few strong monsters in this area, so they managed to reach this basin relatively safely. Though traveling back and forth was difficult, the forest provided its bounty, and it seemed like a suitable place to live, so they built a village here.
Then, after about four years, monsters appeared. To make matters worse, a landslide from a recent downpour had destroyed the road they had painstakingly built, turning the place into an isolated island.
Perhaps the forest’s ecosystem had changed. Strong monsters, previously unseen, began to inhabit this area.
Naturally, they were attacked. The skilled guards managed to fend off several attacks, but after repeated assaults, the Count’s eldest son left the village with half of the guards, saying he’d call for help.
They likely knew he had fled. There was little expectation. The road had been destroyed, the forest was full of danger, and strong monsters roamed. With their living arrangements still being established, they couldn’t flee. While the men might have managed, the women and children would have been a burden. But they couldn’t leave them behind.
"Our ancestors learned how to fight from the remaining guards. By the time we managed to repel the monsters on our own, we no longer knew where the road had been. It was just a beaten path, and it had already been hidden by the thick undergrowth... We did explore a few times, but the losses were too great, and we had to give up. Fortunately, we have the Devil's Liquid here. The monsters seem to dislike it, and attacks have become less frequent.
We’re also lucky to have nearby sources of rock salt and low-quality iron. Thanks to these, we’ve been able to survive in this land."
Hmm, what incredible solidarity. Normally, people would break apart and flee.
"The Devil's Liquid?"
"When you light it, it burns intensely. The goblins often carry torches... Though, we’ve had some painful experiences with it ourselves. Wait a moment... here it is."
He took out a small vial from a nearby shelf and placed it on the table. I opened the lid and used Appraisal... Yep, it’s oil. So, it does exist here.
"I understand the situation. For now, I promise to recommend to my Father that the Count’s family be punished."
"So... they survived..."
"Don’t worry, they will be properly punished."
That Count is a wastrel now. How do I know? He’s on my list of disliked nobles. He has an irritating personality, so I never plan on meeting him.
I’ve grasped the situation. The kingdom is guilty for entrusting matters to a foolish noble. At the very least, they should have placed someone to monitor things quietly.
Sigh, more work is likely coming my way... Since I’m involved, Mr. Volken will happily send me more tasks.
As I pondered, Marza seemed restless, glancing around nervously. It looked like he had something else on his mind.
"Is there something else?"
"Uh, well... Actually, I inherited this from my ancestors."
He brought out a piece of paper. It said that upon successful settlement, the bearer would be granted the title of baronet. Of course, it had the official royal seal and the king’s signature from that time.
"Mm-hmm, it’s genuine. Understood, I’ll take care of this.
You’ll be made a noble. You’ve endured well until now. The kingdom will keep its promise... But you’ll need to come to the palace once for the formal procedures, so I’ll need you to accompany me."
"No way! We won’t let you take the Chief. You lot are just going to abandon us again, aren’t you?"
A villager, peeking in from the window, shouted angrily. Though spying wasn’t good...
"H-Hey! Watch your tone!"
"Shut up, Chief! They left us alone for 200 years! We should be suspicious. Besides, she’s still just a kid."
"Then why don’t a few of you come along too? In the meantime, I’ll leave half of my guards here, so you’ll be safe. And I’m not a child; I’m a fully grown lady... probably."
"Like we can trust you! My Grandpa said it too. Knights always flee first."
Though the Village Chief seemed somewhat educated, the villagers had no trust. That’s only natural.
Clearly, we’re at fault here, and in such a remote area, authority means little. Having been cut off from the kingdom’s power for so long, they likely have no idea what royalty or nobility represent. Normally, this kind of behavior would get them executed... but I won’t do that.
Now, how should I dispel their distrust? Negotiating patiently? There’s no time for that. I want that oil as soon as possible. Also, he deserves a reward for his efforts. If I don’t give him a reward commensurate with his hardships, it’ll damage the royal family’s prestige. If I leave this be and return to the capital... yeah, the nobles will be noisy once they find out. They’d complain to the royal family, even though they were the ones who fled. While it’s unlikely anyone would come to investigate this remote place, it can’t be ignored.
As I was thinking about what to do, the sound of a bell rang out.
"Monsters! Monsters have appeared! It’s those black goblins again!"
"Damn it, we’ll talk later."
The villager outside the window hurried off. For now, let’s help them to regain some trust. Those black goblins must be mutants, no doubt.
What do you think about this chapter?
