The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I'm a "Farmer", Not a Demon King! ~ - Chapter 281

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

Chapter 281   Arrival of the Eight Heavens

“Here they come! They’re here!”

About a month later, while spending time in the garden using ‘good fertilizer’ and giving instructions to the plants, Flora’s voice, now much clearer than before, could be heard.

“They’re coming — the kingdom’s army, perhaps?”

“Probably! Lots of armor and horses lined up!”

It took quite a while to gather information about the approaching enemy, apparently because they took extra time due to merging with another army on the way.

I was getting impatient, waiting eagerly for them, but it seems the delay was due to unnecessary detours. Well, during that time, I managed to replenish the ammunition and master some skills, so I suppose it’s not all bad.

“Is that so? Where are they now?”

“Here!”

Flora manipulated her hair to draw a map on the ground and pointed to show the enemy’s location.

It’s incredibly convenient. To be able to know the enemy’s location like this is great. We’ve put up some guards just in case, but it’s much more reassuring when she tells us ahead of time.

However, as much as I appreciate the functionality that informs us of the enemy’s presence, I’m even more delighted that Flora has grown so capable. To think she can draw and explain a map like this…

At first, she was trying to imitate Lilia, and not long ago, she was imitating thieves and harlots. The fact that Flora has grown so decently is incredibly satisfying.

Well, leaving that aside for now, it’s time to confirm information about the enemy.

“Do they attack villages along the way?”

“They haven’t! They’re coming straight this way!”

Straight, as in really straight? I wonder if they’re not making any detours, occupying villages or towns along the way?

“Have they split up?”

“Well, just a little?”

A little? Does that mean a few or thousands? Well, if their original force is around sixty thousand, they probably wouldn’t send a few thousand or tens of thousands to do something. Otherwise, their main force would be too diminished.

But even if it’s a small group, they’re still acting separately, right? And yet, they’re not doing anything? After all, they are an enemy nation, right? Even though they might see us as a territory rather than a nation, considering they haven’t recognized our independence.

“Do they believe that the villages and towns in this vicinity are under their control through coercion? Normally, they would conscript soldiers or seize provisions on the way, wouldn’t they?”

“It’s possible that they don’t see the need to extend their influence. At a glance, everything appears peaceful.”

Well, we aren’t doing anything reckless either. It can be considered a time of peace.

“Despite having lost territory, it seems they don’t see us as their allies.”

In that case, not treating us as their own citizens could lead to complications later on. Moreover, launching attacks might dampen the morale of their troops.

“And besides, aren’t these troops originally not meant for combat? They might already be engaged in tasks such as interrogations and procedures for post-war governance.”

“Ah, I see. That’s a possibility.”

While the number of troops this time is decent, their actual role seems to be more about carrying loads or serving as errand boys for the aftermath. They weren’t originally intended for combat, and Bell’s words seem to hold some truth.

Is it like counting your chickens before they hatch? Well, in reality, they’re not just planning; they’re already in motion, so it might be a bit different, but that’s not crucial.

The real issue is whether they’ve laid hands on “our” citizens, but it seems there’s no problem there.

“Well, never mind. We have visitors. Let’s check our preparations to ensure they receive a welcoming reception.”

And so, we began to take action to perfect our preparations in the few days before the enemy approached our town.

A few days later, the enemy’s army finally arrived within visible range.

——◆◇◆◇——

Elliot’s POV

“Have you seen it? It took quite some time. Even though we’ve reduced our forces.”

I am Elliot Gray. Despite my youthful age of thirty-five, I am one of the Eight Heavens and have been appointed as the chief assistant general for this army.

Granted the position of the Eight Heavens by His Majesty as one of the most powerful individuals in the country, I, unfortunately, received the somewhat inappropriate nickname of ‘God of War.’ Usually, such epithets are given based on the characteristics of the person, and by hearing the name, one can generally understand their style of combat.

For example, the ‘Witch of Misfortune’ and the ‘Ground Splitter,’ who came with me this time, would give you a fair idea of what they do just by hearing their names.

However, the name I received doesn’t reveal much about what I do. That’s because my fighting style lacks distinct characteristics.

My vocation is a ‘Martial Artist.’ Unlike other vocations like ‘Swordsman,’ ‘Spearman,’ or ‘Warrior,’ which learn several basic skills relatively early, a Martial Artist only learns the fundamental skills of other vocations. While it allows me to do various things and adapt my fighting style to different situations, it’s convenient, but the lack of a specific strength is a fact.

Still, I managed to attain the position of ‘Eight Heavens.’

I’ve fulfilled my given tasks adequately so far, but I haven’t been called upon to shine as one of the Eight Heavens. This time is the first major stage for that.

The Crown Prince is the overall commander this time, but I will be the effective leader on the ground.

That’s why, with the enemy’s base in sight, I remind myself not to fail.

…Although, in terms of military strength, there’s not much to worry about. After all, this time, there are five of the Eight Heavens, including myself—individuals of the tenth rank. We understand from the preliminary information that the opposing side also has formidable individuals, and caution is warranted. However, I have confidence that we’ll be fine. If there’s anything to worry about, it’s more about our allies than the enemy.

The Eight Heavens accompanying me on this mission to eliminate the bandits are strong, but my strength is proportional to theirs. Although I’ve come at His Majesty’s command, I’m here, not for His Majesty, but for myself. I won’t easily follow others’ orders.

Back in my territory, I live somewhat like a king, so my high pride is understandable.

But I have to coordinate with such individuals, so I decided to go around to each carriage and call out to convey that the enemy’s base—the town—is in sight.

First, I’ll go to the Crown Prince, the leader of this army. The other members of the Eight Heavens can come later.

Contacting the Crown Prince aside, considering the current status, such tasks should normally be delegated to subordinates. However, considering who the opponent is, if a messenger were to displease them, there’s a chance they might get killed.

Besides, despite not being very enthusiastic about it, one purpose is to talk a little and deepen our friendship before the operation. Honestly, I don’t think it will be successful, but anyway, let’s head to the Crown Prince’s location for now.

“Your Highness, the enemy’s base is in sight.”

And so, I headed towards the carriage carrying the Crown Prince—Lucius—calling out as I approached, my horse beside the carriage.

“I see. We’ve finally arrived, haven’t we?”

I spoke through the carriage window, and I could tell from the response that the Crown Prince’s voice had become stiffer than usual.

But I could understand that feeling. Even I feel tense. Despite having undergone combat training, the Crown Prince is not a warrior. It’s only natural for him to feel anxious.

“Don’t worry. Since we’re together this time, I won’t let anything harm you, Your Highness.”

“…Ah, I appreciate that.”

After saying that much, I bowed and decided to head towards the other members of the Eight Heavens.

“Oh my, what’s the matter~?”

The first person I approached was Adriana, the ‘Witch of Misfortune,’ who was closest to me.

Her response to my words sounded somewhat lazy, and her expression conveyed a lack of enthusiasm. Despite her youthful appearance and disheveled clothing, which might make her seem like a harlot, she’s actually a formidable woman who has surpassed eighty years old and reached the tenth rank.

It’s said that at higher ranks, the strength of the body increases, making it difficult for one to appear aged. However, maintaining that appearance is likely not solely due to that reason. It’s unclear by what means, but that mysterious aspect might be why she’s called a witch.

“The enemy town is in sight. We should start preparing for the camp soon.”

“Oh, really~? Well, I’ll leave that to you then~”

Even though I attempted to engage in conversation and call out, she withdrew her face into the carriage without giving much attention.

After sighing at her demeanor, I tried calling out to others, but none of them provided a decent response.

“…Is there no one in a decent state?”

I tried calling out to all the members of the Eight Heavens, but as expected, I received no satisfactory responses. With another sigh, I returned to the original formation.

Well, never mind that. Right now, I need to give instructions for what comes next.