Chapter 13: Incident in Seneca Village
After finishing our shopping, we headed towards the southern gate.
Primeria has four large gates, located in the east, west, north, and south. The road leading to the city of St. Esté in the middle-eastern part of the kingdom stretches from the northern gate. As for the western gate where I entered, it connects to the granary region in the southwestern part of the kingdom and extends all the way to the capital with a well-maintained road. However, the eastern area beyond the eastern gate has become a dangerous territory infested with monsters, and only knights or adventurers of rank D or higher can use it.
The southern gate we are aiming for this time faces a vast forested area in the southern part of the kingdom, and small towns and villages are scattered around the outskirts of the forest. Seneca Village, where the request is located, is one of them.
The forest's periphery is not inhabited by strong monsters, and there is an abundance of beast resources such as horned rabbits. It seems that the materials such as meat and fur consumed in urban areas are mainly supplied from the southern forested area.
Furthermore, the land is fertile, and active development is being carried out. However, in addition to the constant emergence of magical beasts from the forest, there has been an increase in recent cases of monster invasion from the east, making it difficult to maintain the current situation.
We pass through the southern gate and head towards Seneca Village. We constantly pass by wagons filled with barrels of meat and fur. Just that alone gives a real sense of how abundant the resources of the southern forested area are.
"Chloe, should we go to Seneca Village first and meet the village chief?"
"Yes... Since it's our first request, it would be smoother to establish a connection and there might be details that we can't grasp from just the request letter."
If it's Chloe, a senior adventurer, then there's no doubt. First, let's talk to the village chief of Seneca Village.
***
Seneca Village is one of the closest villages to Primeria, and it's located within an hour's walk. While there are many towns and villages that make a living through hunting, Seneca Village focuses on agriculture as its main industry and is a medium-sized village with a population of about 2,000.
The village is protected by walls made of stone, although they can't be compared to those of Primeria. We enter the village and show our guild cards to the gatekeeper, who arranges for us to meet the village chief.
"So, you guys are the adventurers who took the request? I'm Antonio. Follow me, I'll take you to the village chief," says a man in his forties who appears in the waiting room, instructing us with a sour expression.
We silently follow the man. Since the village is close to Primeria, there is a lot of foot traffic, and it's difficult to walk without bumping into people. In the center of the village, a market is being held, and the voices of vendors and stallholders calling out can be heard.
At the food stalls, skewers of rabbit meat were being sold. The crackling sound of charcoal and the sizzling aroma of dripping fat were irresistibly stimulating to the appetite. It might have been a mistake not to eat anything in town to fully enjoy the delicious grilled rabbit.
I can endure it, but Chloe seems to be looking at the skewers with a resentful gaze. Maybe I should buy her one later. It wouldn't matter since we'll be exercising afterwards anyway.
After walking for about five minutes, we arrived at the largest building in the village. It was a splendid three-story stone structure. It stood out because most of the surrounding houses were single-story. Honestly, we didn't need any guidance. We could see it from outside the village.
"This is the residence of the village chief. Just wait here," Antonio said.
Saying that, Antonio disappeared into the mansion and soon returned with a man in his fifties. He must be around 190 cm tall with a well-toned body and sharp gaze. If I were a child, I think I would seriously cry.
Is that the village chief? Let's appraise him.
[Name] Diego Seneca (male)
[Race] Human
[Age] 50
[Status] Knight Baron
[Occupation] Seneca Village Chief
[Condition] Good
So this person is the village chief after all. He looks more like an adventurer than us. He seems quite strong too. Maybe he used to be an adventurer.
The village chief noticed us and approached, but his eyes widened in surprise when he saw Chloe.
"Oh, Chloe, is that you? Why are you here for an F-rank request?"
"Long time no see, Diego-san. I'm here today not as an adventurer, but as my master's attendant. Please don't worry about it."
"Yo-your master? I-I see. I don't know the circumstances, but it's probably better not to inquire..."
(Really... What kind of monster is that silver-haired demon of a master? It's true that I asked him to introduce promising adventurers to Claudia, but still...)
Diego-san and Chloe seem to know each other. It's my first request, so I have to do it properly. I take off my hood and greet the village chief.
"Village Chief Diego, nice to meet you. I'm the adventurer Kakero. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Could you please tell us about the request?"
"Huh!! Black eyes and black hair... Could it be... a person from another world? Ah, I apologize. It was about the request, right..."
Diego, the village chief, explained about the request while still showing surprise.
In summary, it's clear that it's unusual for horned rabbits to come out of the forest. Something abnormal is happening in the forest, and as a result, the horned rabbits are fleeing.
And Mayor Diego seems to be considering it and wants to request that investigation. It seems that it's not for elucidating the anomaly but simply for investigation, so it appears to be a Class F request.
"...That's the situation. I would appreciate it if you could go immediately if possible. It coincides with the harvest season, and the damage is serious. If it's a dangerous situation, we may have to request dispatching the Knights as a last resort."
As the village chief, he is also troubled by why it had to happen during this busy period when he could use all the help he can get. He is concerned about the anomaly and has to return to the mansion by dinnertime. It seems better to leave early.
"I understand. I will proceed with the investigation right away. By the way, is it okay if I hunt rabbits while I'm at it?"
"Oh, you're going! Of course, feel free to hunt as many rabbits as you like. We can even buy the meat and fur."
Mayor Diego raises the corners of his mouth in high spirits.
"I don't have high expectations, but make sure you work for the amount of the reward."
It seems that Antonio, the head hunter, was opposed to requesting the adventurers. They can handle something like horned rabbits themselves.
Certainly, if it's horned rabbits, the village hunters alone should be able to deal with them. If it's just horned rabbits. The fact that Chloe doesn't say anything probably means that the mayor's concerns are probably correct.
Antonio guided them to the place where the horned rabbits appeared. Even if they hunt them all, a new herd will come out immediately, so it seems endless.
They confirmed the damaged fields, parted ways with Antonio, and headed into the forest.
According to Chloe, Diego used to be a Class B adventurer, and his solid and trustworthy character, along with his many years of contributions, were recognized, leading to his appointment as a knight baron to govern Seneca Village.
Chloe seems to have been indebted to him during her time as a rookie adventurer, and she is showing her enthusiasm by saying that she will help as well.
"Kakeru-sama, about this anomaly, it is likely..."
"The high possibility of intruders from the eastern region, right?"
"Huh! As expected of my master. Please take sufficient care."
"Yeah, even though Diego said it was just an investigation, his true intentions are different. In that case, I'll live up to his expectations."
"Kakeru-sama... Did you hear what I just said?"
"Of course, I remember every single word you said, Chloe. I'll be careful and exterminate those intruders, so don't worry."
"I-I see... If that's the case, then it's good."
Chloe's face seems to be slightly blushing. She's really cute, this girl.
"Kakeru-sama, there are horned rabbits up ahead."
Alright, time to get lunch!