We went to the market in the new town and walked around the large market
looking for Bison-san.
Although I've been asking around merchants who sell various products, I
couldn't seem to get any convincing information.
[…Hmm.]
[We can't find him.]
[Ha? Yeah. ]
The reason why I was groaning is because I can't find Bison-san.
I've been trying to get in touch with God many times since hearing that
indescribable voice in the morning, but no matter how many times I press
the call God button, it wouldn't connect.
At that time, the other side one-sidedly cut off the communication, so I
couldn't get what I wanted to ask.
It is possible that the sooner the information about the great flood is
conveyed, the more lives will be saved, so I think that it is necessary to
inform people as soon as possible, but I would like to be careful.
I might be considered crazy if I make a fuss about it since I'm not a priest.
Worse still, I might get arrested for disturbing public safety.
According to Marl, the announcement will be sent to the priests of each
temple, so I think that the information will be transmitted even if I don't say
anything about the occurrence of the great flood.
That's what I think. But I couldn't get rid of my anxiety about that voice
that is difficult to describe.
So rude. I've properly informed the people in cities all over the world.
That's why I was so busy.
A dejected voice suddenly echoed in my head.
How many people did you tell? Did you tell the right person?
Umu, I've properly told adults over 15 years old living in towns and
villages.
Of course, you're in a position to disseminate information properly, right?
How many people did you tell in each village?
Anyone who is an adult should be fine, right? The threat of a Great Flood
must be deeply felt. By the way, I told only one person per town. I'm
tired.
[Oi!?]
[Hmm? What's wrong, Taichi-san?]
Marl looked at me with a puzzled look when I accidentally raised my voice.
[I'm sorry! I'm talking to myself!]
Are you stupid! Nobody would believe them if they are not someone in the
right position!
In other words, am I the only one who knows the information in this Royal
Capital!?
Umu, is there a problem?
[Big problem, you idiot!]
[Ta-Taichi-san? Are you okay?]
Marl was startled by my sudden loud voice, and she had a worried look on
her face.
No matter how you look at it, it seems strange, damn it.
[S-Sorry. Just a little, yes, I'm tired.]
People who heard my voice generally get that kind of expression from
other people, like you do now, hahahaha.
You know what you're doing!?
Fuck, fuck, fuck. This is not the time to look for Bison-san!
What should I do? Should I just inform the guild? No. Even if I've gained
infamy as someone feared, it will only worsen my reputation by adding
crazy to it. And I don't think anyone would believe me.
Then, should I just rush to the temple?
I heard the voice of God! In two months, a Great Flood will occur!
It sounded like something a madman would spout out. Thank you for the
example.
I don't know if there is such a thing as a confession room in any temple in
this world.
Well, from what I've heard so far, you're doing this on purpose, aren't you?
Tehee.
I'll definitely meet you in person someday and beat you up. Absolutely.
[Taichi-san, are you sure you're okay? We don't have to take a carriage. We
can just walk. So it might be better to wait a day and leave tomorrow…]
[Sorry, let me think about it for a minute. I'll be waiting here, so could you
come look for me around here?]
[Sure! Don't overdo it, okay?]
[Yeah, and thank you.]
I saw Marl off as she disappeared into the crowd, then fell into thoughts.
What should I do? Should I take Marl into the Royal castle? Even though
I've been certified as a hero, I'm still likely to get turned away. But, I feel
like this is the surest way to go.
No, wait? Is it possible to make an appointment with Zondark through Jacksan? That's right, this move is good. Zondark may look at me strangely, but
it's more certain than going directly to the Royal castle.
I don't think a letter will do, so maybe we should meet in person.
But, what about the Big Hornet? Should we split up?
Marl's sword mastery skills have also improved, and although her level was
still lower than mine, she's level 7 now, which is about the same as an
ordinary adventurer. She won't lag behind against something like the Big
Hornet.
But I don't know how many there are. It is dangerous to let her go alone.
And should I really meet Zondark alone?
Zondark is acting like an ally for now, but I don't know how much I can
trust him.
Judging from his past history and attitude, I don't think he's going to turn
on me immediately, but I'm still worried about letting Marl go alone.
No. It's too scary to let Marl act alone.
[Taichi-san! I've found Bison-san!]
[Oh, let's go.]
I followed after Marl, who said that she found Bison-san.
[Oyaa, are you Taichi-san? You certainly seem to be quite a strong person.]
Marl led me to a man who was probably older than Jack-san and had a laidback atmosphere selling vegetables from a cart.
There were still a lot of vegetables left in the cart, is this possible?
[Yeah, I'm Taichi Mitsuba. This is Marl. Are you Bison-san from Viet
Village, who is requesting the Big Hornet subjugation?]
[Yep, I'm that Bison.]
[I heard that you were planning to leave the Royal Capital at noon, but isn't
it likely that the schedule will be delayed?]
I'm begging you, please.
[Well, it's true that I haven't sold out all of my stuff. And here I am
planning to buy some stuff after selling out all my stuff before returning
back to the village.]
Saying that, Bison-san looked at the vegetables on his stall with a troubled
look.
Yo, yosh yosh! Thank God!
Don't mention it.
It's not you, get lost.
[Then, we'll come again later. Would that be fine?]
[Sure, sure. But it's dangerous when it gets dark, so I can only wait two
more hours, okay?]
[Okay, got it. I'll be back as soon as possible, so please wait for me. Let's
go back to the mansion, Marl!]
[Huh! Oh, yes! Please wait a moment, Taichi-san!]
I hurried back to the mansion.
It would be nice if I could make an appointment with Zondark without any
problems.
=====
[Welcome home, master. How is it going? I received the message from the
messenger.]
When I arrived at the mansion, Jack-san greeted me calmly.
Okay, let's break through the first barrier.
[Jack-san, can you make an appointment with Zondark? I have something
to tell him, it's urgent.]
[To His Excellency Marquis Zondark? I cannot be so sure whether I can
arrange a meeting. But if it's a letter instead, I shall definitely deliver it.]
Since Jack-san seemed to be up for it, I guess a letter would be fine?
No, I would be better to tell Zondark face to face if possible.
[I'm sorry, but I'm going to ask you to try and arrange a meeting
immediately. Also, I'll write a letter in case we can't meet, so please
prepare a pen and paper.]
[Of course. Please wait a moment.]
After saying that, Jack-san went back inside.
Marl, looking exhausted, finally caught up to me.
When she entered the entrance, she put her hands on her knees and heaving
her shoulders, panting in pain.
[Tai, chi, san…ee, haa, you're, too fast.]
[Sorry, it's urgent.]
I stroked Marl's back and waited for her breathing to calm down.
Meanwhile, Maybel arrived with a jug of water and a cup on a tray.
It must be Jack-san's consideration. A man who can do it, really that
person. Respect.
[Thank you, Maybel.]
Maybel smiled at my words. Don't be so calm yet.
I received a water jug and a cup from Maybel, poured water into it and
handed it to Marl.
Marl, taking the cup, gulped down the water and let out a sigh.
[Haa… What happened all of a sudden, Taichi-san.]
I received the cup back from Marl, and drank some water as well.
Finally I managed to catch my breath.
Now, what to do? Should I tell Maybel to return inside for the time being?
[Thank you, Maybel. Now, get back to work.]
[Yes! Excuse me!]
Maybel ran back inside carrying the tray with a cup and jug of water with
her.
Jack-san returned with a paper, an envelope, a quill, and ink.
Will it be fine to ask Jack-san to write the letter for me? I don't think Jacksan will divulge on what he heard, but… no, he'll find out eventually.
[Listen carefully. In two months there will be a Great Flood.]
Wait, what!?
Are you still here? Get lost.
I'm watching because I thought it's going to be funny.
Die. Seriously, die. Well, even if you're a God, you're definitely an Evil
God.
No matter what you say, I've decided, you're an Evil God.
Look at this runt.
[Taichi-san, I mean, how did you know that?]
[God's oracle. Look, I'm a Hero.]
An indescribable silence filled the entrance hall.
Yeah, that's right. That's the reaction I expected. I knew it.
Jack-san looked at me without changing his complexion. That's a nice
poker face.
[There should be one person in each town who is over fifteen years old and
has heard the same message as I have. If you could look into it at the same
time…there would be too many to track.]
[That's right. It's difficult to prove. If you carelessly spread that story, you
could be charged with causing a disturbance.]
Yes, the troublesome thing about this revelation is that it's difficult to prove.
Even if you find multiple people who have received the same message in
other cities and use that as evidence, there are too many subjects to
investigate.
Moreover, the person who actually heard the revelation may not tell the
truth, as they may be charged with causing a disturbance.
It's possible that people who haven't heard the revelation will lie, so even if
they gather witnesses, they won't be credible.
[In any case, telling His Excellency alone would probably do no good. But,
using His Excellency's connection, we can also contact the temple.]
[Well, if it's a temple in the Royal Capital, there should be a lot of priests
who can receive oracles from the Gods! If it's Taichi-san who said it,
Marquis Zondark shouldn't be able to ignore it!]
Jack-san nodded in agreement to Marl.
[Master and Marl-sama were in the middle of completing a request, yes? I
will definitely inform His Excellency Zondark, so please leave this to me.]
[Are you sure?]
[Yes, leave it to me.]
Will it be okay to leave it to him?
Jack-san is a butler arranged by Zondark, so I guess Zondark will at least
listen to him.
Which makes it easier for Zondark to trust Jack-san instead of me. I guess
it's just suitable.
[I'm counting on you.]
[Understood.]
It's a simple thing, but it feels like a weight has been lifted off of my
shoulders.
I felt so tired. I'm glad I checked.
I wanted to punch myself at that moment when I thought that the temple
would announce it without me having to do anything.
It's a little late, but as long as it gets through to Zondark, it should be much
more efficient than making a fuss around by myself.
It would be better to ask for progress confirmations one by one. Also,
Zondark would call me if he thinks it's necessary, so it's better to be
mentally prepared.
[So, that is why when we went to the market, Taichi-san was acting weird. I
understand now.]
Marl nodded.
It kinda hurt, since I actually already knew the first thing in the morning.
I don't know anymore. Let's be more careful next time.
[Anyway, let's do what we can do now. Hunt monsters, earn money, and get
good equipment to become stronger.]
[Yes! Let's do our best!]
=====
When we went to the market in the new town again, Bison-san had just
finished preparing to leave.
It's eerily good timing. Almost artificial.
It seems that I have made things difficult for you, so here is a little service
from me. No matter what you think about me, I'm still a good God with
perfect aftercare.
Okay, you're a good God. So don't lose it. I'll call you when I need you.
Actually, if you're a good God, then you should focus on others as well.
Hmm, that's fine. I hope you did your best.
And then communication with God was cut off.
It's kind of strange, but I'm sure of that. What kind of mechanism is this? I
wonder if the same thing can be done between me and Marl.
[Oh, oh. We come at the right time huh? Are you ready? Let's go then, shall
we?]
[Sure, no problem.]
Marl also nodded. We got into the empty space of the carrier and left the
market.
The wagon rattled and swayed along the highway.
It seems that the cargo is loaded with salt and household goods.
It seems that they sell the agricultural products produced in Viet Village and
buy the necessities that they cannot supply themselves with.
In a way, this carriage is the lifeline of the village.
[Bison-san, isn't it dangerous to travel on the highway?]
[It's okay, because the knights and soldiers have defeated the monsters
around here. Occasionally, there are those who get lost, but when that
happens, this guy drives them away.]
Saying that, Bison-san took out a crossbow that was larger and seemed to
be more powerful than the one that Marl was using. However, it seems to be
a fairly old item, and the paint is peeling off here and there.
Seeing that crossbow, Marl's eyes lit up.
[So, Bison-san also uses a crossbow! Me too!]
While saying that, she proudly took out her light crossbow.
Bison-san saw that and let out a hoof.
[Miss, you use a crossbow, too. I can't even use a bow on a carriage like
this, so a crossbow is better than a bow for me.]
Bison-san began to demonstrate his knowledge on how to handle
crossbows.
Marl listened to the remarks with sparkling eyes. It's often said that
seniority is better than tortoiseshell, and Bison-san's story about fighting in
the carriage was really helpful.
In the past, they traveled around the world in a fairly large caravan.
He retired after being injured in the previous great flooding, and now seems
to be plowing a small field in Viet Village and going back and forth
between the village and the Royal Capital during the harvest season.
[I may not be able to survive the next Great Flood, but before I die, I plan to
smash out as many monsters as possible with this guy.]
His crossbow skills seemed solid even in his old age, and his shooting skill
was level 3.
Bison-san himself is also level 26, so it must be true that he used to
participate in the caravan.
[If a great flood occurs, don't overdo it, please escape to the Royal Capital.]
[Hahahaha! I'm too old, so I'm going to protect the village until the very
end.]
For some reason, Bison-san seemed dazzling as he laughed.
=====
[Here you go! Marl, I'm going right in! Be careful!]
[Yes! Taah!]
As soon as we arrived at Viet Village, we jumped out of the wagon and
drew our weapons.
This was because multiple big hornets had entered the village and were
flying around freely.
The villagers seem to have abandoned their jobs and taken refuge in their
homes, and no one was in sight.
[You fucking bees! Get out of our village!]
Bison-san stood atop of the wagon and shot down the Big Hornets one after
another with a crossbow like a fixed turret.
Marl and I were intercepting the Big Hornet that Bison-san failed to shoot
down around the wagon.
Bison-san's shooting level 3 was showing its effect.
It's not 100% accurate, but it's still hitting the targets reliably.
[You're better than me!]
[It's the difference in experience. Let's do our best.]
[Yes!]
While doing so, Bison-san stopped shooting.
[Damn, I'm out of arrow!]
[Bison-san, take this!]
[Oh, I appreciate it, young lady!]
Marl handed over the bolts for her light crossbow to Bison-san.
A few minutes after Bison-san resumed shooting, the Big Hornets
withdrew.
There were many big hornet corpses scattered around, including the ones I
crushed, the ones Marl cut down, and the ones Bison-san shot through.
About half of them were shot down by Bison-san. The old soldier is
formidable alright.
[It's refreshing! Reminds me of the old days!]
While I glanced at Bison-san who was laughing happily, I collected the
corpses of the big hornets one after another.
A Big Hornet is about the same size as a seagull, or a little larger.
It rushes forward with an extremely unpleasant buzzing noise, so it's quite
impressive when there are a lot of them.
There were a total of 37 corpses here. I'm worried about the rest that stay in
the nest.
I loaded some of them into the wagon as battle results.
[Oooyy! We're back! We got rid of the bees!]
When Bison-san shouted in the village square, the doors of the houses
opened and several children rushed out.
Then, came the adults and the small children who seemed to have been
caught by the adults so as not to jump out.
The first to appear were probably the older children of the village.
[Wow! Wow! Did grandpa do this!?]
[Who is that sister?]
[Oh, you're an adventurer! As expected of Bison-san, I didn't expect that
he'll be able to bring one immediately.]
It's already a big fuss.
Marl and I were surrounded by children and bombarded with questions,
while Bison-san was proud of being praised by the adults in the village.
It was discussed that it would be better to spend the night in the village
today and exterminate the nest tomorrow morning.
Big hornets seem to be diurnal and quiet at night, but if you approach the
nest with a light, they will rush towards the light, which is actually
dangerous.
In addition, it seems that there are also nocturnal monsters wandering in the
forest where the big hornet's nest is supposed to be.
I thought that would be dangerous, but nocturnal monsters around here
don't attack or damage the fields unless they go outside at night, so it seems
there's no problem.
Is this also a kind of coexistence?
=====
TL Note: This is likely the conversation between Jack and Zondark.
[…..Are you serious?]
[At least that person looked serious.]
[…..Alright, I'll try working things out with the temple]
[Understood.]