The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I'm a "Farmer", Not a Demon King! ~ - Chapter 106

The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I’m a “Farmer”, Not a Demon King! ~

Chapter 106   Selfishness and Its Consequences

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“Ugh, seriously! What’s wrong with that person!”

Father told me to stay in my room, but there was no way I could agree with that.

So, to complain to that person who dared to belittle me and to make them understand who’s superior, I slipped out of my room the next afternoon and headed into town.

Honestly, I was anxious since I had never ventured into town alone before. But I couldn’t just let it slide without finding them. I was too unsettled. So, I went to search. Normally, I’d just order them to be found and that would be it. However, even if I ordered the knights, Father would object, so I had no choice but to go by myself.

I thought I’d probably find them if I kept an eye on the main street, but I was able to find them earlier than I anticipated. This just proves that my instincts were right.

But the actions of that person after I found them only infuriated me further.

I found them, but they noticed and ran away from me. I mean, they noticed that I was coming towards them, so the sensible thing would be to come to me obediently, right?

And you know what? It didn’t stop there. Not only that, but I tried to use magic on them as punishment to make up for their disrespect so far—no, I tried to, but they had the audacity to interfere. They even threw a stone at my face. My face, of all things! I can’t believe how audacious they are!

Peasants like them should just stay quiet. They should obediently listen to me, take their punishment quietly. But resisting is just plain insolence.

“But then again, a contest…”

Yes, a contest. After that person interfered with my magic, they somehow came up with excuses and challenged me to a contest. How ridiculous.

However, even if I’m challenged to a contest after being ridiculed, I can’t just run away. Even if it’s from a commoner… No, precisely because it’s from a commoner, I can’t run away.

Of course, if we consider common sense and the law, I’m in the right, and there’s no need to accept a contest. But I don’t like the idea of being seen as running away and having rumors spread about me.

So, I needed to break that arrogant person’s nose, who was getting too confident.

…However, I can’t say I have no worries about accepting the contest. Well, it’s not exactly worries, but more like concerns.

Being a resident of this town, it’s not like I don’t know about the town and its surroundings, even if I couldn’t deny it when people said that. However, the truth is, I’m not that familiar with this town.

It’s true that I live here regularly. But I never went to where the commoners live, and I hardly ever ventured outside the town. The recent patrol I went on was only because Father occasionally tells me to see the outside world, or I wouldn’t do something so inconvenient and dull.

But those people are clearly commoners. Moreover, from what I heard, they seem to have come from a nest of quite low-quality orphans and vagrants. Even if it’s their first time in this town, they have some advantage.

Furthermore, since there are two of them over there, although I’m superior and won’t lose, I might struggle a bit. They challenged me to this contest precisely because of this numerical difference.

But that won’t do. This contest is to demonstrate the difference in status between me and them, so I can’t accept a close win. It’s meaningless unless I win by a wide margin.

However… yes, that’s right.

“They’ve got two people on their side, so it’s only fair if we prepare our own troops. Well, in the first place! It’s not like this contest was supposed to be one-on-one. Having the military at my disposal is well within my capabilities! It’s perfectly fine to showcase the splendor and might of our household by winning with the aid of our soldiers!”

If they’re going to have two on their side, then we should challenge them with even more troops.

“The contest is set for a week… so, there’s no need to act right away. I’ll inform the troops, and they should be ready to move by tomorrow. They’ll gather quickly since I’m the one giving the order.”

With that in mind, I instructed the maid and dismissed all the servants in the room before collapsing onto the bed.

When dinner time arrived and I headed to the dining hall, it felt a bit lonely considering there used to be older brothers and sisters here. However, both of them are serving admirably for the country as nobles, so it can’t be helped. My older brother will graduate from the academy this year, and then he’ll return to the domain. So, let’s endure until then.

Well, next year, I’ll also have to go to the academy in the capital, so I’ll be apart from them.

“Eris. I heard from the knights what’s going on. Care to explain?”

As I pondered these thoughts and finished dinner, Father, for some reason, approached me today.

It’s unusual. Normally, it’s a brief greeting and a casual report for the day, and Father would say “I see” and that would be it. That’s our usual routine.

I don’t hate Father, but I can’t say I particularly like him either. That’s my honest feeling. Even yesterday, when I was in the right, he imposed a suspension without making any sense. Still, I can’t complain to the head of the family, so I won’t say anything, but of course, there’s dissatisfaction.

However, it’s not like I clearly dislike him, and it’s not that I don’t want to answer his questions.

“What do you mean?”

But I can’t think of anything that might concern him.

This isn’t a continuation of yesterday’s scolding, at least not in this manner… so what could it be?

“…It’s about going outside the walls. I heard a rumor that you’re gathering knights to hunt monsters. Is that true?”

Father said that after listening to my words, but for some reason, he was pressing the corners of his eyes. Well, he’s been staring at documents for a while, so maybe his eyes are tired. It can’t be helped, I suppose.

“Yes. Father must be pleased too, right? If we reduce the number of monsters, it’ll be safer.”

“Why the sudden interest in this?”

What should I do? If I tell the truth, I’ll probably get scolded for going out during my suspension and for breaking the order not to meet that person…

“It’s nothing, really. I just suddenly felt like using magic.”

“…I see. Fine, I’ll allow it.”

Father glared at me for a moment, but in the end, he let out a big sigh and gave his permission.

For a moment, I thought he had caught my lie… but I’m relieved. Now we have ensured the securing of troops.

“Thank you.”

“However, don’t be reckless. Listen carefully to what the escort knights tell you. If you attempt a solo mission, there will be restrictions on your subsequent actions.”

“You don’t need to worry that much. I won’t be reckless.”

In the first place, there’s no one around here that I’d have to be reckless against. Unless they do something cowardly like throwing stones or splashing water on me during my incantations like that person, there’s nothing my magic can’t burn.

If I had to force an answer, it might be burning the forest, but even that might be a good thing, as it would get rid of the monsters and thieves’ hideouts.

The following day arrived. Leading the assembled knights and soldiers in the estate’s garden, I boarded a carriage and set out beyond the town.

“Let’s go! When it comes to monsters, I’ve got this under control! I’ll hunt them down to the last!”

Arriving at the hunting grounds, I declared this to the knights as I got off the carriage, and they immediately sprang into action at my command.

Yes, this is it. This is how it should be. When I speak, they understand my intent and act promptly. That’s the right way. They should never show defiance or resistance.

“I suppose it’s about time for me to take action too.”

About an hour after arriving at the hunting grounds, I said this while facing the forest with my staff in hand.

I could leave it to the soldiers, but somehow, I feel like it wouldn’t be right to claim victory without doing anything… No, it would be boring. That’s why I’ll fight too.

Well, with creatures of this level, I can easily handle them.

“But still, Father could have sent more troops.”

This time, Father had arranged only five knights and twenty soldiers for me.

Currently, the twenty soldiers are scattered around, hunting the monsters, but the five knights remain by my side.

In reality, it would be unthinkable for a daughter of the marquis to have only five guards, but if we leave the soldiers behind, it would be an inefficient use of resources.

Well, let’s accept that it was sudden this time and move on. Just having five of them should be enough for this area, and even with just about twenty soldiers, it’s sufficient for a contest against that person.

“Lady, can you still continue?”

“Of course! Didn’t I say we’re hunting them all down? Let’s hunt more!”

While riding on horseback and progressing through the forest for the hunt, one of the knights foolishly asked me this question, so I reprimanded him sharply.

However, the knight who spoke to me continued without flinching.

“But everyone is getting tired. We might not be able to handle unexpected situations if we go on.”

How sloppy. How could they say something so weak-kneed and listless?

Honestly. Getting tired from something like this is truly pathetic. Do you even realize who’s paying you? At least work for the money you receive.

…But it’s true that the sun is starting to set, and I’m starting to feel hungry. Dinner time hasn’t come yet, but I’d like to have a little tea time with some snacks or something.

“…Well, whatever. There’s always tomorrow.”

“Ah, tomorrow too, you say?”

In response to my words, the knight seemed surprised, but honestly, how foolish. The competition lasts for a week. We need to establish a significant lead, so of course, we’ll continue tomorrow.

Oh? Come to think of it, I didn’t mention the competition, did I? Well, it doesn’t really matter. All you need to do is listen to me and hunt the monsters. That’s your job, isn’t it? I don’t see a problem.

“Obviously, right? We’ll do it tomorrow and the day after. Any complaints?”

“No, understood.”

After hearing that response, I ordered them to return to the carriage and lead the horses back.

“Ugh…”

Around the carriage lay the carcasses of the hunted monsters, and the sight and the accompanying stench were anything but pleasant.

I understand that proof of defeating the monsters requires their remains, but at least place them a bit farther away from the carriage. It’s common courtesy to put them at a location where I can’t see them, at the very least.

Absolutely useless. Show a bit more consideration, please.

Due to these thoughtless soldiers, I found myself grimacing, displaying an expression unbecoming of a lady.

But trying to say something would only let the stench infiltrate my mouth, so I returned to the carriage without a word. The carriage then set off to return to the mansion.

Sigh. They’ve left me in a foul mood. It’s tough dealing with inconsiderate subordinates. I’ll have to tell Father firmly about this.

But at this rate, with hunting the monsters progressing like this, my victory is assured.