The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I'm a "Farmer", Not a Demon King! ~ - Chapter 256

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

Chapter 256   New way of city

“…I think it was a good decision for me to team up with you. But, wasn’t that a bit too much?”

Suddenly addressed, I was slightly… just a little startled, but I managed to respond with a calm demeanor, as usual.

“Well, did I do something that could be considered ‘too much’?”

Edward played dumb and tilted his head in response to my words, but he himself probably knew that he couldn’t fool me. It was just a jest, after all.

The purpose of this conversation was likely a small act to distract me. Even if it was a bit off-topic and deviated from the main issue, being able to talk even a little could help ease the tension.

I appreciate the consideration, but understanding the underlying idea that they might be underestimating me behind this intention makes me a bit uncomfortable.

“We certainly took down those who attacked aggressively, but who was it that took advantage of their weakness afterward and snatched territories?”

“Who could it be? I simply suggested to those in need to work under me. The result is merely the cooperation of those individuals.”

It’s a discussion about who created the troublesome situation in the first place. Threatening people and then sending them to weaken adversaries.

Well, it seems the land was originally impoverished, and for some, being employed by Edward and joining us might be a way to pursue happiness.

“In terms of results, from the opponent’s perspective, it probably doesn’t matter which side they lost to. Having people stolen from you is quite a significant loss in itself. Thinking about the future, it’s a headache both as a territory and as a country. I wouldn’t be surprised if we receive protest letters soon.”

The territory seizure incident this time, from our perspective, means we have gained more usable land, which is a positive outcome. However, for the country that originally owned it, it’s just an annoying act. After all, it was forcibly taken away.

Although we didn’t take all of the territory, it doesn’t change the fact that it was taken from them.

When I mentioned protest letters, I hope that’s the end of it. In reality, there might be some further action.

“I am not involved in those matters. If you want to think about it, feel free to do so on your own.”

However, Edward said this without any concern for the country’s response.

“What will you do if they get angry and attack again?”

“I am counting on your support in this matter. As a gesture of gratitude for the hard work of the laborers we have recently acquired, I am willing to share a portion of the earnings with you.”

And he just handed over that response to us. Well, we’ll deal with it if they attack. Since he’s willing to pay for fighting against a country, he’ll probably not only pay a fair price but also add some extra.

“So, can you handle the increased number of people? If they cause trouble, I’m not interested.”

As I sighed, my father chimed in.

“That’s already perfect. It’s foolish to oppress laborers. By ensuring that workers willingly engage in their tasks, the efficiency of the operations improves. Forcing and lowering efficiency, among other things, do not contribute to profitability.”

Being forcibly displaced and incorporated into the umbrella organization may sound harsh, but for the commoners who have been oppressed by the nobility, this person’s story seems positive. Working moderately, receiving a fair wage, enjoying life, and being protected from danger – in this world, it seems quite favorable.

However, in reality, it’s true. Forcing labor and lowering efficiency are counterproductive. Although the working conditions for commoners are good, it’s unsettling how they nonchalantly seize land.

I understand that various issues arise because of that, and this person should be aware of it. Some reflection or an apology might be appropriate. While I entrusted him, I didn’t expect such recklessness.

“I don’t care about your financial situation. Don’t bring trouble to us.”

“Well, that depends on the reactions around. Oh, rest assured, I won’t launch any attacks.”

“Sigh. It’s a hassle. Just return everything right now.”

“No, thank you.”

Upon hearing Edward’s clear and somewhat childish denial, Dad leaned back in his chair, appearing lethargic as he contemplated the unfolding events.

“Well, we did something foolish by seizing the land, but we can’t change what’s done. Instead of sulking about it, let’s not just talk about what happened and discuss how to handle it in the future.”

At that moment, Carmena, the boss from the south, spoke up, tapping the table to draw attention.

“Bringing it up like that means you have some ideas, right?”

“I don’t have nothing. But I can’t decide on my own, can I? That’s why I’m suggesting we discuss it. That’s why we gathered here.”

“That’s true. …Man, that glasses over there is a pain. Such a hassle.”

“Well, you did something foolish too, didn’t you? Regardless of your reasons, you ended up ruining the west, right?”

“I didn’t instigate it; it was that guy. It’s not my fault.”

Certainly, Dad had killed one of the Five Emperors. However, this time, it seemed the boss in the west had acted because the nobility attacking from the Flower Garden side had incited him. In this sense, Dad had merely defended his territory.

“Even so, the fact remains that the number of bosses, which was originally five, has decreased to three recently. Moreover, a new city has emerged outside the town. With the expansion of both land and population, can we continue as we have been? Don’t you think it’s necessary to change the way this city operates?”

The new city referred to is likely the Flower Garden. The old woman briefly glanced at me, and there’s no other place that fits the description.

Given that the number of rulers has dropped from five to three, it’s understandable that there’s a need to reevaluate the system. If the central region had disappeared, each could have simply expanded their controlled territory. However, when a challenging area to divide, like the west, disappears, the question arises: How do we distribute it?

While it’s possible to redraw lines on the map to divide the city into three regions, implementing it in reality would require rebuilding structures and other considerations. It doesn’t seem practical.

So, what should be done about these aspects? Should a new figure be added to the Five Emperors?

“Well, then what’s the plan? Is someone supposed to become a king or something?”

Dad probably meant it as a joke. However…

“You catch on quickly. That’s exactly right. Whether to be called a lord or a king is something we need to consider, though.”

Upon hearing Dad’s words, the old woman, with an expression that could be described as surprised or perplexed, nodded once and then responded.

“…Huh?”

In response to the old woman’s answer, even Dad, for a moment, widened his eyes as if at a loss for words, wearing a puzzled expression before letting out a questioning voice.

“Isn’t it a good idea? Regardless, we’ve been living here within the kingdom’s territory but not exactly as part of the kingdom. Establishing independence and declaring ourselves a new nation might attract more wealth.”

Unlike Dad, who showed a surprised expression, Edward agreed without displaying any particular astonishment. But, did this guy already have similar thoughts before? He nodded so smoothly.

“…Are you guys okay with that?”

“I am indifferent. Unlike Isaac, I never had an interest in territories, boundaries, or the boss’s seat. I used them because they were useful for making money. That’s all.”

“I’m in a similar boat. Prostitutes are easily underestimated. We organize and operate as a group because if everyone acted individually, we couldn’t compete with fools like them. That’s the whole story. If a sensible leader is going to govern, there’s no reason to refuse.”

In response to their words, Dad rested his head in his hands, his elbows on the table.

“…If you guys are the bosses, think more seriously about it.”

Dad unexpectedly said something sensible, it was probably just an illusion. Because if you had to treat Dad seriously among the assembled members, it would make the others uneasy.

“Now that the direction is decided, let’s move on to the discussion of who will be the king of this city.”

Ignoring the seemingly painful father, Carmena continued the conversation.

“How about becoming the King?”

“Huh? Me as a king? What a joke.”

Edward suggested, pointing at Dad, but Dad complained, looking displeased.

Well, considering father’s personality, that’s probably how he would react. But, if you talk about suitability, it might make sense. Both Edward and Carmena seem a bit different for the title of king.

“Isn’t it fine? If you’re going to be a king in this city, you need power, right? Do you think we have that much power?”

The old woman shook her head in response, but father dismissed her negation further.

“Well, it’s not like you don’t have any power. Glasses there can probably dominate a couple of towns with magical tools. And you, granny, being in the tenth tier of ‘prostitutes,’ must have something like ‘Charm.'”

In Edward’s case, if he spends money on magical tools, it may take time to prepare, but he’d be a sufficient force.

But understanding Edward is one thing; the issue is with the old woman. … Granny, was she in the tenth tier? Sure, she’s lived a long life, and being an actual prostitute might involve using skills daily. By simple calculation, using it around fifty times a day for sixty years would get you to the tenth tier. If she started using it at ten years old, reaching the tenth tier at seventy is understandable. Understandable, but… I never expected a tenth-tier to be so close.

However, Granny’s ‘Charm,’ huh? It might sound disrespectful, but I’m not sure I want to be on the receiving end of that… Maybe if I were younger, I might have fallen for it, but being charmed by Granny with her current appearance feels awkward.

Well, skills are meant to break down such thoughts and produce results.

“I don’t want it because it costs money.”

Yeah, Edward’s answer is as expected, or rather, it doesn’t deviate from expectations.

“In my case, it’s purely because of my age. Appearance is the only thing that changes the effect of Charm-type skills. For someone like me… well, if I can control a thousand people, that’s the best I can do.”

Charm works, huh? I wonder if it shows illusions or something. If that’s the case, it’s still better, but if it forcibly changes the target’s preference to mature women… no, old women. That would be too much.

“Even so, it’s still quite dangerous.”

Dad says it with an uncomfortable expression, but indeed, it’s dangerous. The fact that she can charm a thousand people with that appearance is already quite alarming, but the ability to control a thousand people freely is seriously dangerous.