Chapter 7

The territory of the Kingdom of Halperia is vast. Most of it is flat land, well-suited for farming and livestock. The few undulations are mostly gentle hills, with mountains scattered here and there.

Despite this, a large river flows through the middle of the country, making it a blessed location.

The only apparent weakness is the scarcity of mineral resources and the lack of stone. However, considering the stable supply of mountains of wheat, these are minor issues.

Halperia, as its name and the emblem on its flag suggest, is a country that has developed centered around the large scythe, the size used by farmers. Many of its citizens are involved in agriculture in some form, and the large number of agricultural workers means that farmers are not looked down upon. They receive generous support from the government, and many successful farms are quite wealthy.

However, the vast territory makes maintenance and management challenging.

During the busy pre-harvest season, the number of people who think of petty crimes along the roads increases, perhaps targeting the festive atmosphere and the well-laden carts.

"Mirene, can't I handle the road patrol alone?"

"No, you can't. ...I told you this last year, didn't I?"

"Seriously? I have to team up with more than eight people? It's hard to focus with so many people around."

"The road patrol during this season also serves as a show of force against bandits. It loses its meaning without a sufficient number of people, and it's simply dangerous. Please accept the mission. If it's too much trouble, we can assign you to someone else."

I specialize in solo missions.

However, I can't do everything solo.

Because the guild is powerful, and I have to follow their decisions, no matter how regrettable.

Every year during the harvest season, it's the same story.

Military personnel and guild members are dispatched to patrol roads and assist in remote rural areas.

Harvesting is often a community effort involving everyone from adults to children, and in the Kingdom of Halperia, the entire population becomes laborers.

Well, it's not that bad. Road patrols and inspections around rural areas are not particularly strenuous.

The only downside is being forced to participate in the harvest festival under the guise of the village's hospitality, which is quite tiring.

I have to dance some bizarre and awkward dances.

Drinking usually leads to a strength contest.

I have to eat a lot of food that I don't particularly enjoy.

Why do old folks in the countryside insist on feeding people so much, even in another world? My stomach is getting old...

"By the way, Artemis has two spots open. Since you know some people there, should I put you in that group?"

"No way, it's all women there. Being the only man in a group of women is like a punishment, Mirene."

"That's a harsh way to put it... How about the Regal Guard team? You know Caspar from the third squad, right?"

"Oh, there's an opening in Caspar's party. That's perfect, can I join them?"

"There are several options for assignments from Regal."

"Since I have to do it anyway, I might as well travel and enjoy the unfamiliar scenery. Mirene, do you have any preferences for souvenirs?"

"The safe return of the guild members is the best souvenir for us."

I was a little hurt by her polite way of saying, "I don't need your souvenirs," which she has probably said to many men before.

"Hey, Mongrel. It's been a while... I'm glad to see you're doing well..."

"Hey, Caspar. It's been a while... But you look a bit haggard. Are you okay?"

Early in the morning, Caspar was among the old men huddled on a bench in front of the guild's archive room.

He is a skilled healer in the Regal Guard.

However, Caspar's body was trembling slightly, and he had dark circles under his half-closed, sleepy eyes.

I don't know how many all-nighters he must have pulled to look like this. If I were a healer, I would have let him rest on the bench, but unfortunately, Caspar is a healer himself.

This is a classic case of a doctor not taking care of himself.

"Last night, an emergency came from the noble district... I wanted to rest for today, but since they came to me specifically for my skills, I couldn't refuse..."

"Thank you for your hard work. Please don't overdo it. Are you sure you're okay today?"

"Yes, we'll be traveling by carriage... I plan to rest there. I'll be fine, I'll be fine..."

Caspar looks like he needs the most urgent care...

"Hey, Mongrel, right? Caspar has told me about you. I'm Tomason, the leader of the third squad. It's a group of older men, but I hope we can work together well."

"Nice to meet you, Tomason. I'm Mongrel. I've always been helped by Caspar. I look forward to working with you."

The guard team in my town, Regal, is like a group of old men from the neighborhood association.

They patrol together, knowing each other well.

Of course, they are official members of the guard, so their skills are reliable. At least, they were in their younger days.

Their skills are far more trustworthy than a group of new guild members.

Even Caspar, who looks like he's on the verge of death, was once an elite healer at the capital's church.

He was transferred to Regal after questioning the corruption and embezzlement of high-ranking officials. Despite his gentle appearance, he has a rather rebellious past. When I ask him about it, he just smiles calmly, so I assume it's true.

I fully trust their skills.

The carriage was loaded with essential supplies for a distant village and the nearly dead Caspar, and we set off as scheduled.

The speed of the cart is not much different from walking. We, including the old men from the guard team, walked in a formation surrounding the cart.

Well, "walking speed" means the pace of the old men in full gear, which is quite leisurely.

They laughed heartily at their well-worn inside jokes several times during the walk. I know it's best to stay on the periphery and enjoy the atmosphere from a distance.

"Good weather. I'm glad it's not raining."

"Truly, truly. It's a good harvest this year."

Along the way, we could see farmers harvesting wheat in the distant fields.

A sturdy man wearing a straw hat swung a long-handled scythe, gradually cutting down the standing wheat.

The unique movement of swinging the scythe, using the handle as a lever and the body as a pivot, is inefficient but also a cultural sight.

The great scythe, the Great Halper, has a handle with a grip in the middle.

It's said that the capital's mounted knights sometimes use this large scythe as part of their equipment. It sounds unbelievable, but in this world, it's not impossible. It's a romantic weapon, and I think it's not bad. Scythes are cool, though it's not my style.

"My back hurts. Sorry, can I rest on the cart for a bit?"

"Ha ha ha, you're getting old."

We had some delays due to the old men taking turns to rest, but we managed to reach the first checkpoint before it got dark.

We have to continue this for two or three more days.

Traveling in another world is tough, but it's also fun to see new things.