Fun Territory Defense Chapter 200 (Patreon)

Discretionary Assignment 2 [Other Viewpoints Included]

Arte's words set me back on track, and I decided to talk about the future again.

"Oh, you can only talk about this with the people in this room, Dee, Arv, and Big Brother Murcia, okay? Who can keep that promise?"

"Yes, yes!"

"...I'll keep it."

The five of them promised to keep the secret together. There seemed to be no hint of a lie in their eyes. After confirming this, they nodded and opened their mouths.

"Now then, I will make an announcement. First, we will increase the population of Seat Village in the near future. When the population increases, I will select 10 people who can be deputies and 10 people who can be knight commanders. While encouraging their growth, we will invade the territory of the Jiernetta Kingdom in a short while."

When he announced this, the eyes of the five men rounded and immediately tightened.

"Yes, Jiernetta..."

"We are at war, so we are prepared for that."

Each replied discretely. However, no negative opinions seemed to be expressed. I looked back at the expressions on everyone's faces and nodded my head in satisfaction.

"...We will invade toward the coastline within Jiernetta Kingdom, and we will capture at least four large cities or Fortresses, and finally, we will fall the royal capital. I believe that several of those cities will be mine. I will eventually ask you all to manage those new cities."

He explains the plan well, watching everyone's reactions. The story will seem outlandish, but he speaks with surprising confidence.

Incidentally, the expressions on the faces of the five people turned increasingly serious.

"Oh, let me tell you, it's not that I'm crazy, okay?"

I said this with some anxiety, but the five of them were more flustered than I had imagined, shaking their heads and hands from side to side.

"Well, that's not..."

The five deny it with the air of sinners before being punished. They laugh lightly and cower their shoulders as they hear the denial.

"Well, it's like, what's a new baron against a great power? As for me, I have a passion that others can't match. Yes, until I eat curry and rice, I can't lose to anyone else."

The last part was muttered so small that the five of them were in a silent meeting. Ignoring the situation regarding the five of them, I continued talking.

"...That is why we are going to implement activities to increase the population of Seat Village. If any of them can become deputies or leaders of knighthoods, we will promote them regardless of their birth or race. Well, the most important thing is character. We will appoint someone who is sincere and earnest as the first requirement. So, please all of you work hard so that you will not be overtaken by the junior members."

When he told them this, the five tightened their expressions and straightened their backs.

[Emira]

It had been a long time since I had been able to speak directly with Van-sama, since the first time I came to Seat Village and gave a brief greeting to each of them one by one.

At the time of my enslavement, I was in despair, feeling as if my future were lost because of my father's death and the downfall of the Cormie family, and because I had sold myself for my family. Perhaps the environment in which he was kept in a cage and fed like livestock also had an effect.

I was told by other caged slaves that I was privileged because I was a slave to be sold as a centerpiece in the slave market, but I doubted that was very true. He lamented that he must have been the most miserable of all.

The existence of slaves is shown with cruel clarity as to the value of each one. As a result, my price was four gold coins. A high price for a slave, apparently, but still, I was deeply wounded.

When I was bought by the Bellrango Chamber of Commerce, it was also a bulk purchase. It was like buying more bread for a meal. I thought my self-esteem had been shattered, but apparently I had a shred of self-respect. I remember how hard it was to hold back the tears.

How serious a sin had I committed? How miserable do I have to be forgiven?

While I was thinking about this, I found myself at Seat Village, where I met Van-sama, a boy of only eight years old.

A boy of only eight years old. He was just an eight-year-old boy, but he seemed to be an aristocrat, a refined and calm child. That was my first impression. However, that impression quickly vanished as I listened to his story.

I thought that Espada and Dee must have given him the best education, but I still could not believe it.

Van-sama said he would make Seat Village stronger and richer in the future, and further assured us of the quality of life of the residents. Most of the newcomers to the village had no assets, so they were provided with food, clothing, and shelter for now.

I couldn't believe everything. Although he had been born and raised in an affluent town before becoming a slave, his life and standard of living were unparalleled.

And Van-sama has always been a man of his word. When he decided to fight in the war against the Jiernetta Kingdom, I wondered what would happen, but he really came back without killing anyone. In fact, according to what I have heard, Van-sama's strength contributed greatly to the victory.

Perhaps because he grew up in a knight's house, he felt more loyal to Van-sama than ever after hearing that story. I must work harder than ever before and be of help to Van-sama. That is what I thought.

But that was not the end of the story.

About a year later, I had a chance to speak with Van-sama, now nine years old. Other villagers often had a chance to make small talk with Van-sama, but we had no time to do so because we were directly educated by Espada-sama.

Anyway, it had been a long time since we had seen each other.

Van-sama, whom we had not seen for a long time, looked different from before. It was not that he had grown taller after a year.

It was the way he looked at me. They were powerful, strong-willed eyes. Van sama was told that he was going to "attack Jiernetta Kingdom, which has invaded our country.

In other words, he would take on a powerful enemy to defend his homeland.

Hearing this, I shuddered. I wanted to go around boasting about my master to anyone and everyone. I clenched my right fist in front of my chest, feeling my heart pounding.

"...I see. I have lived all this time to serve Van-sama."

It may be cliché, but I felt such a destiny. After realizing this, the world seemed to shine brightly, as if color had entered it for the first time.