Chapter 60

"Hmm... then what should I talk about?"

"How about... you seem to know what kind of people we are, but what is the reason for that?"

Then the captain of the knights began to speak, carefully choosing his words.

"First, the forest you came to... the Melecia Great Forest, a legendary forest that even adventurers don't visit easily. Perhaps I should start by telling you about its legends."

"An unusual name for a forest, huh?"

"Yes."

"Legendary... it seems like quite a problematic place."

"It is said that there was a country in ancient times... but the issue is that it is said that people from another world appear from the Melecia Great Forest once every few decades. As for the principle, it's not very detailed..."

"That's pretty vague..."

I thought, but I don't know why we ended up in another world.

It doesn't feel like there's a summoner, and the people of this world are just as clueless.

I believe the story that there was a country in the Melecia Great Forest is true because there are ruins scattered throughout the forest.

"There are similar places in other countries, but in our country, the Melecia Great Forest is the most famous."

"So, there are people from other worlds in this world besides us?"

The captain of the knights shook his head.

"I haven't heard similar stories in recent years. We are here to welcome the people from other worlds who will eventually visit."

"Hmm..."

"Then, are there any records left by people from other worlds? Those who returned to their original world?"

"I'm not sure about the records, but there are stories about people from other worlds in various places. I think the researchers in the country know about the records."

"I see."

The captain of the knights sighed deeply in response.

"I never thought we would meet people from other worlds this year. It was said that there was a possibility, but..."

We tilted our heads at the captain of the knights.

"Only this year?"

"How did you know we would come?"

"Because it's a possibility, it's not certain... but..."

"Is there something going on?"

"Yes, according to the materials left by a certain researcher, something dangerous will happen in the world within a few years from this year. Specifically, there will be natural disasters in various places, and the monsters will become more aggressive, among other things."

"Is the visit of people from other worlds added to that list?"

The captain of the knights nodded at my mutter.

"Of course, we recognize this as a fortunate event. There are many records that people from other worlds have made great efforts to overcome various crises."

Ah, that's why they are trying to welcome us warmly and explain the situation politely.

The welcome is formal, but it's not lost.

But... I can't tell how the first person we met reacted.

It seemed like they were trying to hide their fear...

"May I ask about the situation of the people from other worlds? Are you all here?"

We looked at each other.

They suddenly asked about the number of people. It's natural to feel uneasy.

"May I ask a question again?"

I raised my hand.

The captain of the knights smiled and said, "Please."

The reactions around us didn't seem to be wary...

"What kind of treatment will we receive after this?"

"Would you be willing to come to the castle? We would like to welcome you with the whole country and, if possible, ask for your help with the problems happening in the country. Of course, we assure you that we have no intention of restricting your actions."

Is he being too smooth?

The captain of the knights answered in a friendly manner, sensing my caution.

"To treat you with respect is a tradition of the country and something that must be done. It is said that building a close relationship with people from other worlds is good in case something happens."

"I see... From what you said earlier, it seems that people from other worlds in the past made great efforts to overcome crises."

"Yes."

We are being treated with respect because of the people like us who came in the past.

At least, that's what they claim.

"What do you think?"

We whispered to each other, Morishin and the class representative.

It might seem a bit ridiculous to do it in front of them, but we had to consult.

"Would you like some time to discuss? Shall we step out of the room?"

"Ah... Yes."

They also considered us and left the room with the village chief.

It's not that they have ill intentions, but they are hiding something...

We can't pinpoint it because we haven't lived long enough and don't know much about their situation.

"What do you think?"

"There are some things that are concerning, but nothing that feels abnormal."

"Right. Honestly, I felt that they are trying to welcome us."

"Maybe the language was spread by people from other worlds in the past."

It's not impossible.

That's why Japanese is understood here.

"It's a generous offer, but it feels like there might be something hidden."

"Kousuke is cautious. But we can't leave everyone behind forever... I see, that's why Taniizumi was cautious about this issue."

"They seem suspicious, but being cautious won't solve anything. Since they are being friendly, it's probably fine."

"Is there a possibility that they are trying to trap everyone by keeping us here?"

I teleported to check on everyone.

There's no particular change, but it's better to be cautious.

"That's why being cautious is endless. Should we avoid people to protect everyone? That would be the same as what Taniizumi and the others are doing."

"...Right. But if something happens, we should be prepared to fight back. We have a combat team, after all."

"I understand."

With that decided, we opened the door and invited the captain of the knights and the village chief.

"Have you reached a conclusion?"

"Yes, to answer your question, we have many more companions."

The captain of the knights swallowed and showed a relieved expression.

The village chief had the same reaction.

What's going on? Why are they relieved?

"Then, you must have had a hard time getting out of the forest. I would like to invite you to the village as soon as possible... Are there any injured or sick people among you?"

"There are no injured or sick people."

"The outside of the village is the habitat of monsters. We would be happy if you could come as soon as possible. We can hear the details after you rest."

...Something feels off.

"Understood. I will bring our companions."

So, we quickly left the village, made a wide detour to check for trackers, and I teleported back to where everyone was.

Morishin was only keeping watch.

"Ah, Kousuke-kun."

Jitsu and Hagizawa spoke to me as representatives.

Bofun and Glove changed to Kumako.

"Gau"

"How was it?"

"They said they will welcome us, but something feels off. According to Morishin, being cautious is endless, and everyone is tired, so it's better to enter the village and rest."

"Well, if something happens, I can create a smoke screen with a smoke bomb, and we can escape together. We have Metal Turtle shells for a few people, so we can buy some time even in a direct fight."

"Right..."

Thinking about it, we have various useful tools.

If the worst comes to the worst, we can deal with it appropriately.

"Understood."

So, with a signal, we returned to the village.

The village chief and the captain of the knights welcomed us without any signs of being armed.

They were also preparing a hearty meal for us.

They even ate from the same dishes to show us that there was no poison.

When all our classmates entered the village, we looked at the captain of the knights.

"That's everyone. Ah, this Punching Bear is a tamed monster we encountered on the way through the forest..."

"A tamed monster is not a problem at all."

"Gau"

The captain of the knights sighed in relief and smiled.

"Excuse me... I'm relieved that you are not dangerous people."

There was no trace of the slight tension or caution from earlier.

He seemed to be speaking from the bottom of his heart.

It felt like he was confirming something.