episode_0204

-Turdle, trudge.

Chatelaine residents lead the heavy footsteps.

Because an unimaginable situation has occurred, there is only one thought on their mind.

‘How can this happen?’

‘I got to fight Ruthmeier, who I thought I would never fight with…’

‘This is my first time reacting like this… no, I never imagined it in the first place.’

The friendly Ruthmeier suddenly changed.

When it comes to human relationships, the relationship between Shatrene and Ruthmeier is like that of indispensable friends. Those who had helped in the past did not forget this and repaid the favor by remaining loyal, and they thought that they would continue to help each other in the future.

Although he did not do business with most of the fiefdoms, Ruthmeyer was an exception.

To that extent, the relationship between the two territories was close.

But today friction arose for the first time.

The cause of the friction was simple.

-Are you still human?! Even though you insulted the lord so much, you are still a resident of the land!

This is because he insulted and gossiped about Karsein in front of them.

I saw it for the first time.

Why does Ruthmeier go on such a rampage?

…no. It’s not at that level.

Ruthmeier was angry.

Why do you have such prejudice?

Because of this, some of the Shatren residents were once again engraving their angry voices in their heads.

-You guys said that earlier. Since 1/3 of the Chatrene territory was taken away, food ingredients could not be obtained, so they had to buy them from outside.

-Then it’s you who don’t know!

-Why did you take the land but give away the crops on that land? Why would I give it to you when I could have taken it all for myself!”

-It could be that they gave away food. Because you guys even throw away food ingredients and focus only on harvesting strawberries and grapes! It’s not like I was trying to stop you from overexerting yourself!

-Then why did you only take 1/3 of your land instead of all of it?!

-If you really wanted to ruin your land, wouldn’t it have been strange to take it all? Are you so stupid that you can’t even think of that?!

Did Karssein really steal the land?

Rather than stealing the land, isn’t it to prevent the phenomenon of running out of food materials due to excessive cultivation of crops?

If that’s true…

‘You really didn’t do that to help us, Master?’

If you dig a little deeper into that assumption, strange things are bound to emerge.

Even though Karssein became a temporary lord, he did not oppress the residents.

It is said that while the symposium is currently being held, there are cases where a few nobles push ahead with their plans without considering the situation of the territory. This was the case in the distant past, and even now, their names are coming up one after another.

However, Karsein was not like that.

From the moment we arrived at the territory on the first day, the engraving was engraved on the engraving stone. We do not oppress the residents, nor do we force our plans. It’s just released so that it doesn’t matter if you act freely.

This was also the case in places where 1/3 of the land is currently managed. According to the story heard there, Karssein was only using a very small amount of land and had given permission for residents to use the remaining land.

In that case, you may be wondering if you are just playing around as a temporary lord without doing anything… but is that really the case here? You tend to have thoughts like this.

Although this is just a guess… there is an example of a person contracting with another territory to catch someone who was spying, and even solving Ferdi’s false accusation. Since then, Shatren’s funds have now been used up, but losses have decreased noticeably.

In addition, they are showing deep interest in chatelaine by pointing out problems with farming methods and farming soil.

Problems with seed placement and spacing. A theory that explains the concept of soil pH and that there is an optimal index for strawberries and grapes to grow well.

No matter how you look at it, those actions seem to be contributing to the development of Chatelaine.

If we get to this point, we start to question our own actions.

‘What if it’s not a lie?’

‘What if you really came to help Shatrene?’

‘What if you sensed that this would be unreasonable and willingly claimed ownership of the land and provided food materials?’

‘What if the closure order was issued not simply but because there was a compelling reason?’

‘What if Karssein really wants to develop Shatrene, as the Rusmire territory said?’

-gulp.

At that moment, four letters appeared in the residents’ minds.

Ingratitude.

All the people here have committed a very terrible act, turning away and gossiping about the lord who came here to develop Chatren.

A woman who could not overcome her anxiety let out her voice.

“Hey… Shouldn’t we follow the lord’s words even now? If that’s true… we could be in real trouble.”

Let’s follow Carcein’s instructions before it’s too late.

Such opinions were leaked out of fear.

It seems that quite a few people who wanted to express the same opinion noticed it and cleared their throats.

At the lukewarm response, the action leader Maf snorted and stepped forward.

“Madam. Are you doing that because you’re scared?”

“Well… if you come a little sooner, you never know…”

“Ha. is it so. I know you’re anxious. Yes, I know that feeling.”

Maf, after briefly rubbing his face with his palm, suddenly asks:

“Then are you going to explain what we are doing? Let’s tell you in detail everything that happens in the fields?”

“…”

The residents calm down immediately.

That couldn’t be possible.

“If that were to happen, the truth about the Chatelaine strawberries and Chatelaine grapes would be revealed and no one would be looking for them. It is clear that crops that were once considered valuable will become something to be avoided. And yet, let’s say it out loud now?”

Chatelaine’s Secret.

The secret of chatelaine strawberries and chatelaine grapes.

Who can guess?

The fact that the strawberries and grapes grown in this land are prone to mutations.

Anyway, the moment the fact that no one knew becomes known to the world, this territory will not be restored to its past glory but will be plunged into the abyss.

You will definitely hear voices saying that you are growing something at the same time as crops.

“Ibo shows. Don’t be so discouraged. Ruthmeyer and I will be able to recover quickly. You just have to wait until next week for the subsidy to arrive.”

Maf spoke out loud as if encouraging him.

The rest, several powerful men who followed them, also said the same thing.

Let’s slowly resolve the deficit first.

When the time comes, a boom period will surely come.

After hard work, Chatelaine will regain its former glory.

With energetic voices, we pray for that day again and head to our respective seats.

but…

Despite what they said, the residents could hardly hide their anxiety.

“Over there.”

“…?”

“I guess… I mean.”

Some of the group that was walking around the field with heavy steps lower their voices and continue their conversation.

And Ferdi does not miss out on that valuable information.

-Sure. Ssuk suk. Okay.

Ferdi puts down his pen. There was a lot of conversation, but all I had to write was one sentence.

“It’s a while late. Aunties, uncles.”

Ferdi, who was frowning at the place where the uncles and ladies had gathered, left only after they had dispersed.

-Tiring!

▶Information was obtained from the agent.◀

[The residents of the central field are agitated. ]

▶Awareness within the Shatren Territory increases.◀

▶The recognition value increases significantly and changes to a reputation level.◀

▶Field reputation rank is displayed!◀

[Reputation value: 0]

[Rank: D-]

***

▶Episode VIII. Chattren’s Agent is on the way.◀

▶You must create a third agent to proceed with the next episode.◀

▶Meet Talpon, Count Lilpeten.◀

The status window flickers in the rattling carriage.

It was like that in games, and it’s still the same now.

The third agent needed for this chatrene is Talpon.

However, the Earl of Lilpeten belongs to the West.

Unlike when I went to Marquis Ipherus to find Pollux, I had to spend more time, more effort, and more worries to persuade him, so the road this time would not be easy.

‘There’s even randomness in Talpon.’

The perceived difficulty will increase several times. It’s on a different level from when I persuaded Pollux.

I waited without losing any suspense.

“Oh my.”

-Rock!

Is this the beginning?

If this is a start…

“Ike, I’m sorry. Since the ground is a bit uneven, I will drive the carriage more carefully.”

-Tiring!

[ 1. No. Stop the carriage at this spot. ]

[ 2. (Knocking lightly on the rear pillar) There is no need to rush. ]

[ 3. It’s a condition issue. Take a break and go. ]

As expected, with the rattling sound, the options started here.

Then we have to take the first step here.

[ 1. No. Stop the carriage at this spot. ]☑

“No. Stop the carriage at this spot. Right now.”

“Carcein? Why suddenly…”

“Shh. Please stay still.”

Lv. 51

▶The SP you have is automatically ??? Used for stats!◀

▶Strength 5.81

▶Agility 7.11

▶Endurance 7.33

▶Stamina 5.40

▶Immunity 1.50

▶??? 51%

‘The stats are sufficient.’

I carefully drew my sword and used my mana towards my hearing to focus on the sound.

-Okay, okay.

I can hear it. That damn sound.

This sound, like something being dragged and grunting, must destroy the core at exactly the right time.

okay. That’s when this grating sound is heard.

-bang! Wow!

“Grrr!”

[Mud Golem]

[HP: 0%]

The Mud Golem, caught off guard by the carriage door being suddenly opened, split apart at its core and disappeared.

▶Acquired 150 EXP.◀

▶The mud golem hanging on the carriage is released.◀

“Uh, what? The ground…”

It returned to its original state. The coachman must have been surprised.

“Mud Golem… It is a Western demon that hides in the ground, obstructs the paths of humans, and attacks them at night when they are tired. Is this why you asked me to stop?”

“That’s right.”

The road to the West is difficult.

There are devices hidden here and there to disrupt the smooth progress of the episode, and since this route is traveled by carriage, the carriage often shakes.

This is evidence that you have encountered a mud golem and are continuing to circle the same path, so you must deal with it quickly. If you make a mistake, once you’ve been exposed, it’s not easy to reveal yourself.

and…

This is the next option.

[ 1. Take the mud golem’s core piece. ]

[ 2. Take the magic stone contained by the mud golem. ]

[ 3. Apply the mud created by melting the mud golem’s body to your body. ]

[ 4. Place all of the mud golem’s bodies on the wagon. ]

It may be a random choice, but there is a reason why Lilpeten hates the imperial people.

[ 3. Apply the mud created by melting the mud golem’s body to your body. ]☑

-Chideok, chideok.

“Carcein? Why do you have that in your hand…?”

“Harnier. You should also apply this to your hands.”

“Yes? This is mud.”

A look in their eyes as if asking why they would apply something that is not good at all in terms of appearance, feel, or other aspects.

But you must choose this option.

“If you apply this, your skin will improve. It’s about becoming pretty, right? I like it when you become pretty.”

“…!”

She looked at me blankly and withdrew her hand.

“I’ll apply it myself! Well, why are you saying that again… Really.”

Then, grumbling for some reason, he smeared mud on his hands.

…Well, I applied it anyway, so it doesn’t matter.

When I tried to tell the coachman to apply the mud to his hands as well, he was already smiling happily and applying the mud to his hands.

Soon, other demon beasts would appear and interfere with the progress seen in the game, but thanks to the steadily accumulated stats, I could easily deal with them and move on.

and.

▶Arrived at Count Lilpeten’s house.◀

▶Warning! The risk level of the field is the risk level.◀

▶ Choices and battles may occur, and in the worst case, a dead flag may be created. Be careful what you do◀

I was able to arrive at Count Lilpeten’s house.

***

lately.

Talpon recalled the time when he headed to the party, remembering Claire Vagrand’s request while bowing her head.

At the place where the nobles gathered, all she wanted was to meet Karssein once again and ask him to change his mind.

But that request could not be granted.

This was because Karsein left first even before they could meet secretly at the party.

Should I say it was bad luck or good luck?

Anyway, I have nothing to say about the fact that the opportunity naturally fell through.

Just as I was about to return to Lilpeten.

Talpon turned his head to Rusmaier.

Karssein was an abandoned child.

As a Westerner who had always been ostracized, despised, and looked upon with disillusionment, he could tell at a glance.

Claire Bagland’s request to help him was probably a good thing.

Are you really someone who can help?

I wonder if he has such virtues.

I just turned my head in that direction because I wanted to check at least through the territory.

And surprisingly.

I could see that Ruthmire was a very rich territory.

The words of his friend Pollux were by no means exaggerated.

This barren land changed because of that man. It would not be an exaggeration to conclude that this was the case.

The residents of the estate are full of laughter and have a strong sense of trust towards the lord. Plenty of food and diverse cultural life. Children playing happily and being very active.

They had a strong scent of happiness.

“…”

Talpon still can’t forget that smell.

The people of the empire clearly smelled nothing but ugly and dirty mana, but the territory he ruled had a completely different smell.

How could this smell come from the territory ruled by the nobles of the Peselos Empire? He, too, is not another noble, but the Duke of Bagland.

Is he really different from other nobles?

Was it just because he was falsely accused in the past, and was he sincere in wanting to join hands with Lil Paton?

“…I guess you can’t make any conclusions to that point.”

You have to meet the man in person to find out everything.

Lilpeten are a race among westerners who are sensitive to smells.

There is no easier way to identify an object as accurately as the smell that comes from a person.

That’s why I wait.

That carriage coming from afar.

however.

“…This can’t be right.”

The smell of horses. The smell of the carriage.

And there are one man and one woman inside.

However, I can feel a slightly different smell mixing between them.

“Is this the smell of a mud golem?”

It is certainly. There is no way to mistake the smell, and even though the carriage is approaching, none of the other Lilpeten people are feeling uncomfortable.

Talpon laughed.

“Ha. Do you know that the smell of burnt mana from the hands of the imperial people feels like a terrible stench to us?”

Mana is erased by the same mana or magic power. Mud Golems are also magical beasts, so they can be erased.

Unless you know that, there’s no way you’d put that on your body, or even on your hands, which have the worst odor.

Interesting.

“That carriage is a customer. When you arrive, bring it in to me right away.”

-Tiring!

▶The intimacy of Talpon increases.◀

[Current figure: -11%]