Chapter 22 : The Simplest Way To Solve The Problem (Part-1)

Eden wasn’t interested in the village’s problems.

Unlike the goddess, who took pleasure in the act of observing the world while existing in a human form and finding fascination in the intricate details of human life, or the Paladin,

Who was currently engrossed in a profound and meaningful conversation with the village chief about the issues affecting their community, he found the events unfolding around him mundane and tedious.

He longed for these uneventful moments to swiftly come to an end, disinterested in the discussions that involved the villagers’ struggles and concerns.

“It’s a small thing to ask of a knight…”

“There’s no such thing as a trivial matter when it comes to what people experience.”

“If that’s the case, I’ll ask you.”

So when the village chief mentioned the trouble with “thugs causing a scene in the tavern without paying,” Eden showed little interest.

After all, there were always delinquents in every village, regardless of its size or location. It was a common occurrence that could be observed in various communities, each grappling with its own set of challenges arising from unruly behavior.

He figured this village was dealing with a similar issue, one that mirrored the patterns seen in many other places where conflicts and misdemeanors could disrupt the harmony and peace of the community.

“Hey!!”

“Heh, look at that guy drinking.”

But they weren’t just your typical thugs who roamed the streets looking for trouble or petty crime.

To Eden, they bore all the hallmarks of “mercenaries,” individuals who are typically hired for their skills in combat and tactics to carry out specific missions for pay.

This perception sparked a sense of unease within Eden, as it made her feel that something was distinctly amiss in the situation at hand.

If they were indeed mercenaries with a professional purpose, then it stood to reason that they wouldn’t be spending their time idling in a rural village that seemed devoid of significant opportunities for employment or meaningful contracts.

“Hmm?”

“Hey, hey, everyone, stop drinking.”

The five mercenaries, clad in sturdy armor that glinted in the light, instinctively tightened their muscles and adopted alert stances upon noticing the approach of the Paladin, a figure of noble stature, alongside the imposing presence of the large barbarian, whose sheer size commanded respect and attention.

Typically, the mercenaries might have exchanged teasing whistles directed at Neb, who was situated just behind them, but in this moment, no one exhibited such carefree ignorance or lack of awareness regarding the potentially dangerous situation unfolding before them.

Fran, with a determined stride, advanced towards the group of mercenaries, his presence radiating authority and confidence.

The formidable hammer that he had carefully set down moments earlier swung slightly from side to side, exuding an aura of power and intimidation that underscored the seriousness of the encounter.

“Who’s in charge here?”

At the sound of his words, the attention of all the mercenaries present shifted decisively toward the bald man who was positioned at the center of their gathering.

He was a striking figure, his demeanor underscored by a prominent scar that ran jaggedly across his nose, a testament to battles fought and dangers faced.

In his role as a mercenary, his expression conveyed a sense of seriousness and determination, reflecting the weight of his experiences.

With a deliberate motion, the bald man set down his heavy mug of beer, the frothy liquid sloshing slightly with the force of his action.

He then took a moment to stand tall and assertive, exuding an air of confidence as he began to walk purposefully toward Fran, each step echoing his unwavering intent.

He took off a necklace that had been gracefully hanging around his neck.

It was a beautifully crafted necklace adorned with the Sun God’s emblem, intricately engraved on its surface, catching the light as he lifted it away from his skin.

“That would be me. You look like a fellow Paladin of the Sun God. What brings you to such a rural place?

And what’s with that grim expression?”

His attitude wasn’t very polite, but neither was it overtly disrespectful.

It seemed to convey a certain bluntness that, while lacking in courtesy, did not cross the line into outright rudeness.

It suggested an awareness of social norms yet displayed a reluctance to adhere to them fully.

He seemed to know that Paladins of the Sun God weren’t usually so rough around the edges, understanding that those who served in such esteemed and noble capacities typically embodied a higher standard of behavior, one marked by dignity and respectfulness that contrasted sharply with his own mannerisms.

Fran continued calmly.

“I hear the villagers feel threatened.”

That wasn’t an answer to the unsettling appearance of his disfigured face, which had clearly been the subject of many unasked questions and hidden stares.

The bald man shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, as if he were completely unaware of the implications behind the question or the gravity of the situation.

“We’ve just been drinking here. If you’re thanking us for increasing your sales, then you’re welcome.”

“…Hey, boss.”

A subordinate with a rat-like appearance approached and whispered in the bald man’s ear.

“We’ve fallen behind on our tab a little.”

“Ah, really? Has it already come to that?”

The bald man scratched his smooth head.

“Well, I can see how that might be confusing. I’m sorry about that, Paladin. The village chief over there too. He’s the chief, right?”

He turned to ask his subordinates, then pulled something from his pocket.

“We couldn’t exchange our money yet. We didn’t have any coins left. We didn’t even realize the bill was behind.”

It was a small, but exceptionally neat gemstone that sparkled with an extraordinary allure.

It was a strikingly brilliant shade of red that seemed to radiate with an inner light.

The village chief, a man who had lived his entire life in a remote area where such treasures were unheard of, widened his eyes in astonishment, unable to comprehend the beauty that lay before him.

“This size should be worth several dozen gold coins. So, will this settle the bill?”

“…Ah, yes! I understand!”

The chief carefully and deliberately pocketed the gemstone, ensuring it was secure within his clothing.

If he were to sell it in the bustling city, he would have more than enough to cover his food costs and lodging expenses, and perhaps even a little extra for himself to enjoy some tips.

With a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction apparent on his face, the chief left the scene.

The bald man observed the chief’s reaction closely and, casting a brief glance at the Paladin beside him, gruffly inquired,

“Is the matter settled now?”

“Mm.”

Fran nodded affirmatively.

There was no problem from her perspective either.

Once the matter was resolved, the bald man relaxed and reached for his beer.

“Alright, let’s get back to drinking…”

But then he stopped.

He looked at the barbarian standing in front of him.

Big and solid.

At first, he thought it was some kind of wall.

“…Who the hell are you?”

At that question, Eden smiled sharply.

“How dare you.”

“What? A slave? A preference?”

“Hmm?”

“That’s quite an insulting statement.”

So, Eden said with complete confidence,

“As a fellow Paladin who serves the Sun God, I can’t let that slide. Draw your sword right now.”

“…??”

Cotton looked confused.

Fran, who had been observing, quietly placed his hand on his forehead and, wiping his disfigured face, walked up behind Eden.

“…What exactly are you doing?”

“What else? I’m restoring my honor, which has fallen to the ground.”

“…Did you even have any?”

After traveling extensively with Eden and Neb for several days, Fran appeared to have developed a newfound sense of confidence in the belief that neither of his companions could be considered followers of the malevolent deity.

The weight of doubt and suspicion that had previously burdened him seemed to have lifted; his demeanor now exhibited a noticeable lightness and ease.

This change in attitude reflected a significant shift in his perspective and trust towards those he traveled with.

Meanwhile, Neb, who had effortlessly positioned himself between Eden and Fran during their journey, leaned in and whispered softly,

“That’s correct. However, I believe you should have demanded honor as a warrior serving the goddess, not as a companion to a Paladin of the Sun God.”

“No, it’s not that…”

Fran paused for a moment, then looked at Eden.

Eden, ignoring Neb’s nonsense, continued saying only what he had to say.

“If they’ve tormented innocent villagers for months, they need to pay for their crimes.”

“And didn’t they pay with a gemstone? The village chief seemed satisfied.”

“We need to check where that gemstone came from.”

“Are you implying they robbed someone?”

Eden shook his head at Fran’s words.

“Quite the opposite. The quality of that gemstone is far too good for mercenaries to have.”

“…Are you suggesting it was obtained forcefully?”

Just as medieval people often had prejudices about Eden, he too had a bias toward the mercenaries.

“They probably robbed a merchant or a noble. And they’re hiding out in this rural village to escape pursuit from the city.”

“…Isn’t that all just speculation?”

In an age without CCTV, Eden felt certain.

At least, that’s how he had adapted.

Cotton, who hadn’t heard their conversation, frowned and waited for it to end.

If it was just the barbarian standing alone, he might not have cared, but the heavily armed Paladin was a problem.

Even if he and all his subordinates attacked, they wouldn’t make a scratch.

Eden approached him and extended his hand.

“I told you. Draw your sword.”

“…Hey, boss. I’m really sorry for mistaking you for a slave, but do we really need to go that far?”

“What do you mean?”

Cotton, looking around nervously, spoke a little irritably.

“…Honestly, isn’t this a bit much?”