Chapter 21

Two years have passed.

Finally, I am seventeen years old by the count.

The current population is 130 people. Among them, 20 are slaves, which means 10 new children have been added.

I don't know how to use the slaves properly, but I haven't resorted to whipping them.

I'm probably doing it wrong.

But for my mental health, I don't want to use slaves the "right" way.

My companions' ethics have also become like mine after being with me for so long.

So, overworking them is not an option.

We have more than enough food.

We also have plenty of reserves.

Buying horses was definitely a good decision. Despite their poor fuel efficiency, they produce a lot of manure, which is perfect for the Norfolk farming method.

In fact, this spring was a bountiful harvest.

And recently, we've started cultivating grapes a bit.

If there's one complaint, it's that the slaves don't work well.

Their physical abilities are too low.

That damn King Rosais...

"Here, this is wine made from grapes grown in our village. Please enjoy."

"Hmm."

The griffin stuck its head into the large water jug I prepared and drank the wine.

For us, it's enough for twenty people, but for the griffin, it's just one cup.

"Too little."

"Well, what can I do..."

If I give too much, there won't be enough for us and Gong to drink.

"How have things been recently?"

"I'm fine. It's all thanks to you."

"Hmph. I haven't done much, you know."

The griffin snorted.

"I think it's time for you to become independent. What do you think?"

"I'd like to be protected, but I understand it's not right to rely on you forever."

We've been lucky and haven't needed much help from the griffin.

But the sense of security from knowing he can help us is significant.

"Still, why do people, who are so cute as children, become so ugly as adults?"

"Are you saying that to me?"

"You were ugly from the start."

That's rude. I was cute. At least in appearance.

"Joking. But it's true you weren't cute. You were an adult from the beginning."

"Heh. Child's body, adult's mind."

I shrugged. The reason for my reincarnation is still a mystery.

But it doesn't matter anymore.

"But I'll bring wine every year, even without your support."

"Of course. My gratitude remains unchanged."

The griffin said this with a sense of authority.

"Then, I'll return the blessing."

"Yes, please."

As I said this, I felt something leave my body. The 'Blessing of Language' was gone.

"Then I'll be going. See you later."

I said this and turned away from the griffin. The next time we meet will be in the new year.

"Ah, I almost forgot."

The griffin stopped me.

"If you or your descendants ever find yourselves in dire straits, I might help you once, depending on your usual attitude and how you ask."

"That... Thank you. I hope it never comes to that."

We'd prefer to handle things on our own.

"Yeah. I find it troublesome too. Try to avoid it."

＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

"Hey, I'm back!!"

I called out at the village entrance, and Tera ran over.

"Welcome back, dear!"

When did we get married?

"There's no time for that. Come quickly."

Tera pulled at my clothes, her face serious.

What happened?

"Leader! It's bad, really bad!"

Ron ran over, his face tense.

"What's wrong?"

"Thirty people are coming."

Thirty people?

What's with that number?

Walking to the center of the village, I saw the thirty people. They were of all ages.

"Are you the village chief?"

A tall man ran up to me.

"Yes, I am. Who are you?"

I asked straightforwardly.

"My name is Ial. We are..."

The man began to explain their situation.

Apparently, they are from the Kingdom of Ferm.

The Kingdom of Ferm has few sorcerers and is easily affected by curses.

So, famines often occur.

"Every year, taxes keep increasing... If we can't pay, we get killed. We thought about fleeing to the Kingdom of Rosais, but they refused us. While we were at a loss, we heard about this village."

"Rumor?"

"Yes. They say there's a paradise protected by a griffin deep in the forest. And that children abandoned in the forest are alive. I never thought it would be true."

No, it's not true. It's not a paradise at all. We do regular farming too.

"So, you want to live here?"

"Please. We'll do any work..."

The thirty refugees bowed in unison.

What should I do...

"Ruru!!"

Suddenly, one of the refugees shouted.

What's going on?

"Ruru! Is that you, Ruru?"

The woman called out, tears in her eyes.

Could it be...

"Your mother?"

When I asked, Ruru nodded.

Ruru's mother approached and tried to hug her.

Ruru pushed her away.

"Why now? After abandoning me!"

Ruru shouted and turned to me.

"Almus! I'm against it. We should send them back to King Ferm. It's foolish to quarrel with King Ferm for these people!"

Ruru's words elicited various reactions from the refugees.

Anger, sadness, resignation.

"I'm against it too. I don't like it!"

Ron pouted.

"I agree with Ron. They're outsiders."

Rosward said unhappily.

"I think we should accept them! After all, their reason for being here is the same as ours."

"I agree with Soyon. We should help each other in times of need. This time, it's our turn to help."

As they said this, they looked at the children among the thirty.

Their hearts seemed to be more with the children than the adults.

"Almus, I'm against it for now. We can't trust them. They might be King Ferm's plan to infiltrate and take our village. We should verify first."

Tera said calmly.

In other words, she would agree if we could trust them.

Yeah, that makes sense. Verification is important.

"Then, I'll go to the Kingdom of Ferm with Tera to verify. In the meantime, keep an eye on them."

I said to my companions and turned to the refugees.

"Since that's the case, please wait outside. We'll provide food. Don't get any funny ideas."

"Understood. Thank you for the opportunity. Even if we become slaves, it's fine."

Ial bowed and said this.

The situation is heating up.