Chapter 14

There is no entrance to the village, so I proceed along the path between the cultivated fields.

Some of the fields are overgrown with weeds.

"Well, it's almost autumn, so it's about time to start sowing wheat or rye, right?"

"Yes. I heard that this year, the plan is to plant 60% wheat and 40% rye to avoid obstacles."

"Is that rough, uncultivated field with the fence a fallow field?"

"Yes. Currently, goats are being grazed there."

"What about pigs? Are they not grazed?"

"Pigs? Due to their high price, it's not feasible to maintain them in this village. They are slaughtered in winter, making breeding difficult. Also, wild boars are breeding in the southern forest, so they are not a priority. The main purpose of goats is milk rather than meat."

So, it's a three-field system of agriculture. I thought the culture here seemed medieval, and now it seems even more likely.

But the tunic that Lizathia is wearing also existed in ancient Rome, and from the fabric, it seems cotton might be available too.

"Is cotton also cultivated here?"

"Yes, but on a larger scale in the neighboring village."

So, it is cultivated. I think the cultivation of cotton in Europe started in the late Middle Ages.

The state of civilization is unclear.

If I can get my hands on cottonseed oil, I'd like to.

After passing through the farmland, I can see about 40 houses. It's a village of 150 to 200 people, quite large.

"The area around the houses is all farmland. Please stay at my house tonight."

Of course, that's what I expected. There is an inn, but I don't have any money, so there's no choice.

In the center of the village, there are buildings that look like an inn, a blacksmith, a church, and a general store.

The most prominent and large house in the center is probably the mayor's house.

"I'm sorry, but I don't have any money to use here, so I'll have to impose on you."

"No, don't worry. You saved my life and were the hero of today's hunt. My father will be pleased."

She says this with a smile.

We move away from the center of the village, and a house stands alone at the edge. There is a shed-like building next to it.

"I'm home. Is Father here?"

Without an introduction, I can't just enter a stranger's house, so I stand in front of the door.

"Welcome back, Liz. How were the traps?"

An elderly man with mostly white hair, once blonde, approaches the door. He has a stern look and a muscular build, standing over 180 cm tall. I heard he injured his back, but he walks almost normally, though with a slight limp.

"Yeah, it was tough. And... I want to introduce someone..."

Lizathia continues, looking down with a red face.

"Um, he saved my life... and proposed to me. His name is Akihiro."

Father and I exchange glances, and I am speechless.

I thought there might be a more gentle way to introduce us, but why is it so direct?

"Ah... Yes... Nice to meet you. I'm Akihiro."

Honestly, I don't know what to say, so I just introduce myself.

"I see... Nice to meet you. I'm Ast. I'd like to hear more. Please come in."

Father, looking slightly awkward, invites me in.

Passing through the hallway, I can see a living room and a kitchen with a hearth. On the other side of the hallway, there are probably more rooms.

I sit at the table in the living room, and a woman who looks a bit older and more composed than Lizathia prepares tea.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Tisha. I couldn't prepare much, but at least have some tea."

The tea is herbal, but I don't know what kind.

Honestly, due to the bombshell announcement, I can't even taste it.

"Alright, I don't understand the situation yet. Could you explain, Liz?"

Lizathia explains from the status of the traps, the fight with the wild boar, and my subsequent self-destruction.

"First, I thank you for saving my daughter's life."

Ast begins.

"I set the traps and injured my back afterward, which is my responsibility. But proposing marriage after saving a life seems a bit premature, doesn't it?"

He asks Lizathia, then turns to me and continues.

"No, it's not that I don't like you. From what I can see, you seem to be a suitable person."

He sighs deeply and continues.

"You know, hunters are considered a cursed profession."

"Cursed profession?"

A word I've never heard before.

"Hmm. Are you not from the Walnika Kingdom? The tax rate for each village, as determined by the kingdom's law, is 50% for grain. However, this is a flat rate. Hunters, due to their profession, cannot produce grain, so they sell meat and hides in the village to buy grain and pay taxes."

His expression darkens as he continues.

"Given the limits on hunting, it's difficult to pay the full tax. With the time required for tanning and other tasks, the number of animals that can be hunted decreases. Thus, while hunters are a necessary evil for providing meat, they are a burden on the village. Many also have a strong aversion to the profession of taking animal lives. Most of all, the high mortality rate among hunters has led to a persistent belief that they are outside the divine blessing."

From what I've heard, the problem seems to be more about the tax system than the hunters themselves. It's inflexible and disproportionately burdens a specific profession.

"Is it difficult to switch to another profession?"

"In our family, we have been hunters for generations. As I said, they are a necessary evil. People need meat to survive."

He raises his head and covers his eyes with his hand.

"The current tax system has been in place since the previous king's reign. Before that, it was a percentage of income, and the tax rate was lower."

A 50% tax rate is quite harsh. In the Middle Ages, the wheat yield was about 4 to 5 times. If half is taken, there's barely enough left to eat after setting aside the next year's seed. There's no room for emergency reserves.

"Hmm... I understand the concept of a cursed profession."

Without knowing the current situation, it's pointless to think too much, so I explain my circumstances.

Honestly, I can't explain that I was a leader in an IT company.

I was in management at a trading company. One day, I was suddenly enveloped in light and transported to the southern forest. I found a trap and waited, and that's how I met Lizathia. I intervened because it was dangerous.

"So, that's why I'm currently penniless. Setting aside the marriage proposal, I'm very sorry, but could I stay for one night?"

I can't make excuses, so I ask frankly.

"You were in trade. No, this clothing... the wool is of very high quality. I've never seen such finely spun and woven fabric."

"Yes, I've never seen such fabric. I don't even know how it's woven."

Tisha sighs and mutters.

"Mother, it's a loom."

Ah, I see. You're a professional.

"You must be from a very large trading company. You can stay as long as you like, even though our house is humble."

Dinner was a rye porridge and a soup with root vegetables and wild boar meat. I was surprised to find pepper in it.

I have a brother, but he is currently hunting in another village, so I will use his room.

I borrow some hot water and wipe my body with a towel.

In the comfortable bed, I think about the future.

"For now, I need to secure a living. I'm 35, and I don't know what I can do. Ah, I miss the job center."

Sighing, I close my eyes.

"For now, just rest."