第８１０堀：のんびりした田舎 (Part2)
That said, they are still monsters that can cause a world of hurt if you let your guard down.
While they may not be capable of wielding firearms like Steve and his kin, Goblins are a race that reproduces at a staggering rate by utilizing women, swarming their prey in overwhelming numbers. Furthermore, on the rare occasion that a superior variant is born, they can evolve into a formidable army.
Even if they are "just" Goblins, one should never underestimate them, and yet...
"Around here, they seem to be a gentle race; they hardly ever attack women, you see."
Indeed. The Goblins here are far from savage; they are classified not as monsters, but as a type of human.
"I wonder why that is?"
"Well, that’s beyond me. Honestly, it’s best to just accept it as the power of that Goddess. Or would you like to conduct some research with Narjia and her team?"
"I’ll pass on that."
I am deeply grateful for the research Narjia and her colleagues are doing, but helping them is out of the question. I wouldn't understand a thing. As Yuki says, it’s best to leave those types of matters alone.
"Well, I have other work to attend to, anyway... But, to steer us back to the topic: the people in this land have such a laid-back, pleasant air about them. Why is that? Usually, people are desperate just to survive. Surely it isn't just because Britt and his group provided significant aid, is it?"
"A month of aid wouldn't be enough to drastically change the village's situation. The reason is that this Jarna territory is, fundamentally, nothing more than a rural backwater. Because of that, it holds no strategic value for enemy nations. Plus, it’s surrounded by resource-rich forests, so the people living here rarely struggle for food. However, clearing the land takes time, so there isn't much profit to be found here."
I see. There’s almost no point in seizing this territory. Even with the wealth of resources sleeping beneath the soil, the initial investment required is high; under these conditions, such places are a dime a dozen.
"My, to think such a village exists in this day and age."
"It’s a wonderful thing."
"The biggest reason is that, thanks to the Goddess’s protection, there are no monsters on this new continent. At most, the dangerous creatures in the mountains are bears, wild boars, and the occasional venomous snake."
What a peaceful forest it is. Hearing things like this makes me realize just how incredible the miracle Hairen wrought truly was. It’s a far cry from our own continent, where you have to assume there are monsters in the woods at all times.
As I pondered this while gazing out at the forest, birds flew lazily overhead.
"I wonder why Mikos went through the trouble of attending the Magic Academy, anyway."
"Indeed. She could have spent her days here in peace..."
As the two of us murmured this, a voice suddenly called out from behind.
"Labyris, Shera! Why, Mikos-chan went to the academy to meet Teacher Yuki, of course!"
Mikos was standing there.
"Oh, it’s Big Sister Mikos."
"Sister Mikos. What has become of your father and the others?"
"They’re taking a break right now. Though, explaining the Gate was quite the ordeal."
"I imagine so. It’s a technology that would throw any ordinary person into a total panic."
"Exactly. I tried explaining it to Dad, but he wouldn't believe me for the longest time. It was only after Yuki-sensei, Kagura, and I explained it from every angle that he finally calmed down."
"That is only to be expected. If not for you, Mikos, it would have been even more difficult."
"That’s exactly why Yuki chose this Jarna territory as our base, isn't it?"
If we had tried to set it up in a Marcher Lord’s territory, we would have had to start with tedious negotiations and persuasion. In that sense, while it might sound rude to call the rank of Baron "low," it makes it easier to push things through, and the Haiden royal court is more likely to grant permission. A Marcher Lord is a key figure in national defense, so one has to be careful to keep them in good spirits. But more than anything, the fact that Mikos, the daughter of the Jarna lord, is here is the biggest factor.
"So, Mikos, were you able to achieve your goal of introducing Yuki?"
"I managed the introduction. The introduction, at least..."
"It sounds like it was a literal, simple introduction. Well, given the circumstances, I suppose you’ll just have to do your best from here on out."
"Do your best! You’re almost there."
"You can do it. Just a little bit more."
Aslin and the others offered their encouragement, but that "little bit more" is an incredibly long road, isn't it?
"For now, I’m returning to my duties."
"Yes. See you later."
And so, we spent a leisurely time in Mikos’s hometown. The countryside is so tranquil. It feels as though time itself is flowing at a slower pace. Surprisingly, the people of Mikos’s territory don't seem to struggle much; it’s a place where they don't have to worry about survival. Furthermore, Britt and his group have quietly begun providing support, and preparations for any emergency are already underway.
And yet, it seems Mikos’s goal remains unfulfilled.