Chapter 21: Refugee

Enjoy~

TL: Pengu

Two years have passed.

I have finally turned 17 this year.

Our current population is 130 people. As many as 20 slaves and 10 children are expected to have joined our family.

I dont understand how to treat slaves, but I wont do something like beating them with a whip.

It might be the wrong thing to do.

However To keep myself sane, I dont want to use slaves the proper way.

Since they have been with me for many years, their sense of ethics have also become similar to mine

Therefore, abusing them isnt an option.

The food supply is currently plenty sufficient

There is a lot in storage.

In the end, it was a good idea to buy a horse. The horse food consumption is the hard part, it produces a lot of feces. Its affinity with Norfolk agricultural methods is outstanding.

In fact, we had a huge harvest this spring.

In addition, we have recently been cultivating grapes.

If I have one complaint, it is that the slaves performance is poor.

Their physical ability is quite low.

That King Rosaith jerk

This is wine made from grapes grown in our village. Please try some.

Umu.

The Griffon thrusted its head into the large wine barrel jug that I had prepared and drank.

If it were us, it would be enough for 20 people, but for the griffon it is only one cup.

Not enough.

Even if you say that

The remaining tribute disappeared like this.

How are you all recently?

It is alright. You deserve the credit for this and that.

Were fine. Its all thanks to you for doing this and that for us.

Fun.Though I didnt do anything in particular.

The griffon snorted.

I think you should become independent soon. How about it?

Though I would like it if you would defend us if possiblewell, Id feel guilty if we had you protect us forever.

Ive already been blessed with such good fortune, I cant have the griffon help me so much.

However, the sense of security that we get from this guy is huge

Nevertheless, people may be cute as children, but why is it that they become ugly when they grow to adulthood?

Are you talking about me?

You were ugly from the start.

Thats rude. I am cute. Visually that is.

Its a joke. Though the fact that you werent cute was the truth you know? Since you were an adult from the beginning.

Haha. Because I had the body of a child and a brain of an adult, right?

I shrugged my shoulders. The reason for reincarnating was a mystery after all.

Its not such a big deal right now though.

However, even you arent getting support from me, you have to bring me alcohol every year anyways you know.

Of course. My feelings of gratitude wont change.

The griffon spoke with an air of superiority.

Then, shall I have you return the divine protection?

Yes. Please go ahead.

When I said so, I felt a sensation as if of something left my body. I lost [divine protection of Language].

Then, I will go home,Later.

I said so as I turned my back to the griffon. We will meet again on New Years.

Aah, I forgot to say something.

The griffon said so and I stopped.

When your group, or your groups descendants are in trouble, I will help depending on your behavior at the time.

As for thatThank you very much. I hope such a time never comes.

If possible, I want to overcome it with my own power.

Ah. Since its troublesome for me you know. avoid it as much as possible.

Oi,Im home now!!

Tetra ran up to me as I called out from the village entrance.

Welcome back, dear!

Since when did I get married to you?

This is no time to be senile. Come quickly.

Tetra pulled on my clothes while saying so.

Her face seems extremely serious.

What happened?

Leader! It is terrible, Big trouble!

Ron ran. Rons face has completely stiff, too.

What happened?

There is a group of about 30 people moving towards here.

30 people?

Whats with that large number?

When I walked to the center of the village, I saw the 30 people mentioned.

There were various men and women of all ages.

Are you this villages chief!?

One tall man ran up to me.

Yes, for the time being. You people are?

I asked back frankly.

My name is Yal. We are

The man began to explain their circumstances.

They seem to have been citizens of King Fermes country.

There are few magicians in King Fermes country so it is easily affected by curses.

That is why famines have frequently occurred, they say.

In addition, a large rapid increase in taxHowever, you will be killed if you cant pay. I actually intended to run away to King Rosaiths country, but he refused entrance. I was troubled of what to do and heard a rumor about this village.

In addition, every year the tax gets heavier But if you dont pay it you will be killed. We actually intended to escape to King Rosaiths Country, but he refused us entrance. We were troubled over what to do when we heard rumors about this village.

Rumors?

Yes. That there was a village deep in the forest that is under the griffons protection. Moreover, it is the forest where the abandoned children live. I did not think it could possibly be true.

Yes, It was said that deep within the forest there was a paradise under the protection of the griffon. Furthermore they said that it was where children who were abandoned in the forest are living. I never thought such a rumor could have been true.

No, thats wrong. This isnt a paradise at all. We do agriculture and grow our food normally, you know?

In short. You want to live here?

Please. I will do any sort of work so

The 30 refugees all lowered their heads simultaneously.

Now then, what should I do?

Lulu-chan!!

One of the refugees suddenly shouted

What on earth?

Lulu-chan! Its Lulu-chan, Isnt it?

The woman shouted with tears floating in eyes.

Could it be

Is it Mother?

As I asked her, Lulu nodded.

Lulus mother approached Lulu and tried to embrace her,

But Lulu brushed away her hands.

Wh, Why?

The mother stepped backwards displaying a shocked face.

Lulu scowled at her.

Youre acting as if you are my mother, even though you already abandoned me!

Lulu shouted and turned towards me.

Almis! Im apposed to this. Lets quickly send them back to Ferme. It would be stupid to make enemies of King Ferme for people like them!

At Lulus words, the refugees showed various expressions.

Angry expressions, sad expressions, expressions of resignation.

I also object. I hate this!

Ron pouted.

I agree with Ron. I mean, arent they outsiders?

Roswald said, looking displeased

I think that we should accept them! After all, isnt their reason for coming here the same as ours?

I agree with Soyon. I think that they are the same as us when we were in trouble. It is our turn to help this time.

The two said while looking at the children within the group of 30 people.

If anything, the two are concerned for the children rather than the adults.

Almis. I object for the moment. Because, they are untrustworthy. Possibly, it is King Fermes strategy to steal the village from us in the inside. First of all, lets take confirmation.

Almis, for the moment I am against letting them in. I mean, We cant trust them. Its part of King Fermes plan to steal the village from us from the inside. First we need to make sure that isnt the case.

Tetra said so with a composed expression.

In other words, she would agree to let them in if they were trustworthy.

Well, I guess thats right. Its important to make sure, isnt it?

Then, I will go to King Fermes country with Tetra to make sure they are trustworthy. In the meantime, you guys watch these people.

After I said so to my friends, I turn toward the refugees.

As such, I will have to make you to wait outside. I will offer a meal. I hope that you arent planning on doing anything.

Yes. Thank you very much for giving us a chance. At worst, it is alright for us to become slaves.

Yal said so and lowered his head.