The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I'm a "Farmer", Not a Demon King! ~ - Chapter 284

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

Chapter 284   Divine Soldier: Discussion at dinner

Elliot’s POV

However, it wasn’t feasible to disband right there, so the six of us, including His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, gathered for dinner and to discuss tomorrow.

Perhaps it was because we had set up the camp properly today? The dinner was a bit more lavish than usual.

Even though the taste of the dishes itself didn’t change much, the dinner was enhanced with the addition of fruits and drinks as dessert.

What appeared to be juice from some fruit? It wasn’t thoroughly strained, and seeds or pulp were present, but given the battlefield conditions, that couldn’t be helped. However, in exchange for that, the taste was quite exquisite.

I unintentionally let out a sigh of admiration for the sweetness I hadn’t experienced during our journey so far.

Despite this being a battlefield, I shouldn’t let my guard down this much. Nevertheless, a little relaxation at this moment wouldn’t hurt.

“Hmm. This is a top-quality item that doesn’t often appear even in the royal castle.”

“It’s delicious!”

“Could this be a local specialty? Reports from the troops we dispatched mentioned that the soil around here is well-suited for growing fruits.”

“For being controlled by criminals, it’s surprisingly peaceful around here.”

“…”

Not only was I surprised and sighed at the taste, but everyone else also expressed their thoughts. Even Barbados, who showed a rough demeanor when we first met, seemed satisfied, indicating that he must have really liked it.

“Even if you say ‘control,’ I wonder if they have any intention of governing properly? Even if they manage to consolidate one city, it’s unlikely they can govern the surrounding areas.”

His Highness responded to everyone’s words, but no one paid attention.

Well, I think that’s typical of these individuals, but it’s not something I can just overlook His Highness’s words.

However, when I tried to admonish them for that, His Highness gestured to stop me.

“Now, let’s discuss the plan for tomorrow.”

Even though His Highness started the conversation, the atmosphere in the room didn’t change. However, the gazes of the other four turned towards His Highness, so they probably intended to hear his opinions.

Under His Highness’s gaze, I took the lead in explaining the overview of this war and the strategy for tomorrow. At some point, amidst my explanation, I was asked for an additional serving of fruit, and I almost raised my voice, but I managed to finish my speech.

“That’s how it is. Depending on how the enemy moves tomorrow, our basic plan is to conquer it with just us. However, considering there might be a Tenth Rank on the enemy side, there’s no need to force an attack. We should also consider the option of taking our time to crush them.”

“Are you being too cautious against just one Tenth Rank? Let’s finish them off quickly with a big bang. Then, we can get what’s in that city and return triumphantly.”

“I want to go home soon too.”

“As long as I can do what needs to be done, I’m fine with anything.”

“…”

I can understand what everyone wants to say. Even though Lancia doesn’t say anything, her thoughts are probably the same as the others.

A Tenth Rank is a force that could potentially conquer a city or even a country on their own. It’s abnormal for a group of such individuals to gather and try to capture a single city.

However, there’s a reason why we’re doing it in this city.

“I understand your feelings, but the ‘Sword Saint’ has been killed. We should approach this with the utmost caution.”

Addressing the complaints and grievances of the others, His Highness spoke in that manner.

Yes, those words are true.

Doban, the ‘Sword Saint,’ was not only my swordmaster but also killed by the residents of Karakas. Moreover, it wasn’t a surprise attack or assassination; he fought openly, face to face.

It’s impossible not to be cautious when facing such circumstances.

“Well, wasn’t that guy just careless? With nuisances around and the need to protect the king from behind, he probably couldn’t afford any openings. If you’re up against an equal, wouldn’t it be strange not to die? But this time, we don’t have any openings! If we all attack at once, there’s no way we’ll lose. Right?”

I understand Barbados’s point of view. I also don’t think that person lost so easily. Protecting the king from behind, he probably had no choice but to fight without showing his true strength. If he had tried to go all out, the collateral damage would have been severe.

Even if he couldn’t go all out, Black sword must have possessed the strength to engage with a Tenth Rank in the first place. If such an opponent exists, there’s also the possibility of facing someone on par with the Ninth Rank or even another Tenth Rank.

If we get caught off guard, we could be in real danger.

Moreover, even if we defeat them, if the army suffers catastrophic losses, it would still be considered a failure.

“However, it’s impossible to eliminate the possibility of some damage.”

“Tch. You’re an inflexible brat.”

“I’m sorry. But, even so, I am the prince. I cannot ignore the possibility of the worst-case scenario. I thought it would be better to consider some damage rather than risking a situation where we could suffer even greater losses. I know it might cause inconvenience to all of you, but please, I’m counting on you. With you five, we can achieve the best possible outcome.”

Even if Barbados wanted to say more, when the Crown Prince spoke and made a request, Barbados clicked his tongue, diverted his gaze, and roughly picked up a piece of fruit.

It’s admirable how His Highness managed to wrap up the conversation without me getting confrontational, unlike Barbados.

But certainly, even if we survive, if we can’t occupy the city afterward, the meaning of this battle will be lost. So, His Highness’s words are correct.

“Question.”

After Barbados responded, surprisingly, the next one to raise a question was Lancia, who lightly raised her hand.

“What is it?”

“Is it true that there are elves in that city?”

“Elves? Ah, there is information that they are active in the city. It seems like they all return to the same place, so they probably live there. Presumably, they are enslaved from the nearby forest… ”

“Is that so? … I see.”

“After all, is that something you’re curious about?”

While Lancia is a half-elf, she is still an elf. Her territory is also in a location with elven forests, and, in the first place, she obtained the position of one of the Eight Heavens to protect her hometown.

Even though she generally remains indifferent to matters other than her homeland, there is a forest where elves live nearby. So, it’s likely something she’s curious about.

“… It’s part of the reason I came to this place.”

Lancia answered the Crown Prince’s question while shifting her gaze slightly… isn’t that direction towards the city of Karakas called the Flower Town?

Certainly, considering her stated purpose of coming here, it seems to be something on her mind.

However, someone confronted Lancia’s words. Needless to say, it was Barbados.

“Are you trying to help your fellow elves? What touching kindness. I wonder if they consider you a fellow over there. After all, you’re just a half-baked failure, right?”

His words likely refer to her being a ‘half,’ indicating that she is a half-elf. Discrimination based on being a half is generally not common among humans and elves, but there are some who mock or oppress in such cases.

In Barbados’s case, he probably doesn’t think much about it, considering it merely as a good excuse for provocation. Nevertheless, it’s not a pleasant thing to hear.

“…”

“Stop it, Barbados. I told you the same thing at noon.”

Lancia didn’t react to Barbados’ words, but that didn’t mean she could be left alone. If left alone, it might lead to another verbal dispute and eventually escalate into a fight.

“Yeah, yeah, that’s right. So don’t say anything more. It’s annoying. Unlike us, playing the fake and all.”

‘Fake.’ That word was directed at me.

The meaning behind it is probably that my profession as a ‘Martial Artist’ doesn’t focus on mastering one thing but learns skills from various professions. However, there’s another reason. I became the Tenth Rank using a method that others with different professions might consider ‘unfair.’ Barbados probably doesn’t like that. It might be frustrating for him, who has trained seriously, to see someone like me.

Certainly, from the perspective of others, what I do might seem unfair. But I have no intention of belittling myself.

“Tch… Tomorrow, I’ll let loose. I don’t need to worry about damage to the city, right?”

Seemingly displeased with my lack of reaction to his words, Barbados clicked his tongue, then stood up.

He probably intends to return to his own tent, but since the conversation is over, I don’t mind.

“To the extent that the city’s functions can be maintained—remember, it’s not permission to intentionally destroy.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll remember that.”

“If there’s nothing else, we can disband. No more topics to discuss?”

“…Yeah.”

With that final emphasis, Barbados left the scene, and following suit, the meeting concluded as the others dispersed.

“You’ve worked hard. I apologize for burdening you with such a task.”

“No, if I can be of service to the kingdom, this much is nothing.”

“I appreciate you saying that. Other Eight Heavens don’t often consider matters related to the country.”

“Now, I need to inform the other officers about the decisions we just made.”

“Your Highness, please rest. If it’s just that, I can handle it alone…”

“No, relying on you is significant, but I am still the overall commander of this army. I need to show my face at times like this; otherwise, my presence will be forgotten.”

“S-Such a thing would never happen!”

“Well, tomorrow is the start of the operation. It’s a good opportunity for a fresh meeting.”

After the meeting, I organized information about the enemy’s situation and the status of our gathered allies, discussing it with the officers. By the time the meeting concluded, it was quite late. It was time to get some rest.

Although a little sleep deprivation usually doesn’t affect much, this time, I must be at my best. I can’t afford to compromise my abilities due to staying up late.