The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I'm a "Farmer", Not a Demon King! ~ - Chapter 298

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

Chapter 298   Behind-the-Scenes Story of the Half-Elf.

“Is it because I mentioned that I’m your younger brother? Or is it because my attitude doesn’t seem fitting for a King? It’s fine if you get carried away or think of me as beneath you, but understand the consequences. Crown Prince.”

This guy is the ‘Crown Prince.’ That doesn’t just mean in terms of words and position; his way of thinking fundamentally doesn’t align with mine.

A little while ago, I feel like Edward mentioned before this battle started that, in the end, we have the power to turn everything upside down using force if needed. But that’s not ‘normal’; it’s an existence beyond common sense. Crown Prince, however, doesn’t take into consideration such supernatural beings.

Of course, he understands the existence of such beings and likely considers them as military assets. But he doesn’t comprehend how they operate, what thoughts drive their actions.

He understands having power, acknowledges the power disparity between himself and the opponent, and knows the likely outcome of a battle.

However, in diplomatic situations, that doesn’t matter. That seems to be his perception. Displaying force as a diplomatic means might happen, but it’s merely one method to advance the subsequent discussions favorably after negotiations. In other words, for him, war and force are just one of the ‘skills’ within the realm of ‘discussions.’

Perhaps this way of thinking stems from living as the Crown Prince until now. In negotiations, as long as he can talk his way through, he believes he can win—even if force is applied, the idea of being crushed by force isn’t considered. After all, ‘force’ is just one of the ‘skills’ in negotiations, and he’s already won in the realm of discussions.

Well, it’s a common perspective under normal circumstances, but unfortunately, we aren’t normal.

The way we think has always been different.

It’s like chessboxing or shogi boxing, maybe. It’s a sport where you play chess and boxing without understanding why.

While the opponent is thinking of winning with chess, I’m thinking about how to win by punching in boxing. It feels like that.

Against the Crown Prince, who believes he can win by talking his way through negotiations, I’m the one who thinks, ‘If I don’t like it, I’ll just punch and take it.’

With such differing approaches, there’s no way a normal, equal negotiation could take place between us.

“I didn’t intend to get carried away, but I seemed to have relaxed, thinking of you as family. I apologize for the rudeness until now, Your Majesty.”

“I see. I don’t think of you as ‘family,’ though.”

Maybe he judged that I have feelings for the concept of ‘family.’ That’s probably why he apologized like this. Well, that doesn’t mean I consider him ‘family’ in return.

“Also, no need for an apology. Just show it with your attitude and results. Besides, I don’t think you were rude. I don’t believe I have the ‘status’ fitting for a king myself. …But I just wanted to give you a little advice.”

Words are probably trivial for these royal nobles. Mouth promises or apologies without any binding force or value, and they’re not worth believing. If you want me to believe, show some benefit for us. If I were to trust you, it would be after that.

However, there was some advice about the hero, and in return for that, I’ll give him advice just once.

“Understand this. You better go home quickly and make your family feel at ease, don’t you think?”

“…Yes, that’s true. I appreciate your generosity. I hope we can meet again someday.”

With that, the Crown Prince, along with the escorts I arranged, left the room to return to his country.

——◆◇◆◇——

…Well, things got a bit delayed due to the presence of the Crown Prince, but I have to address this now.

“…Sofia, come here.”

Whether it’s due to talking with the Crown Prince or not, there’s a lingering discomfort, but it’s unrelated to what needs to be done now. With that in mind, I decided to have Sofia, who was waiting nearby, call the person I was keeping waiting.

Did you notice something? While Eight Heavens came to this city, I’ve only defeated four of them. Divine Soldier Elliot, Mad Spear Barbados, Ground Splitter Asbar, and Witch of Misfortune Adriana. Now, who’s the remaining one?

Last night, I mentioned leaving someone to prepare, and a problem occurred: the infiltrator I sent during that preparation was discovered.

However, by the next morning, it didn’t become an issue. Why?

Simple. There was no one to make it a problem.

I understand the situation because I observed it through plants at that time, but I never expected there to be an elf among the enemy forces.

No, to be precise, a half-elf.

“A half-elf, huh…”

One of the Eight Heavens on the enemy side turned out to be an elf, or rather, a half-elf. Although calling them an elf is accurate, they are a hybrid with humans, but that’s not the issue.

The problem is that the preparation operation was discovered by this elf. However, the elf— Lancia —didn’t make a fuss. Instead, she approached us for negotiation.

According to her, she won’t be hostile, so we shouldn’t attack. If she’s not going to be hostile, then why did she come here as one of the ‘Eight Heavens’? I wanted to ask, but the answer came easily.

Below is the account of last night’s events.

──◆◇◆◇──

“Wait. There’s no hostility.”

The infiltrator who had been discovered during the ‘preparation’ suddenly raised his weapon and attacked the approaching figure, but the person defended against the attack with a dagger without launching any particular counterattack. Without hesitation, she dropped the dagger and bow she had.

“I just want to talk with the elves.”

As she said this, she pointed to her own ears.

There, familiar but slightly different pointed ears were visible.

“…I don’t have the authority to decide.”

The infiltrator, who had been left alone, said so, but he moved his feet several times, crushing the grass.

It was a prearranged signal. I had communicated through plants to let them know to contact me if they were stepped on like this. It’s convenient to be able to converse with plants, isn’t it?

In case there was any anomaly during the infiltration, I had instructed them to send this signal before taking action, so even before the previous attack, I had already received the alert. Well, that’s why I could confirm the situation with such pinpoint accuracy.

“In that case, a message will suffice. I’ll tell you the location tomorrow, so please refrain from attacking.”

“…If it’s just delivering a message.”

Even though I’ve already heard it, right? Besides, she genuinely wants to talk, so she extended a hand for negotiation.

“So. Thanks…? Spirits?”

Half-elf Lancia, who was trying to express gratitude, suddenly shifted her gaze toward Karakas.

“Spirits?”

“Over there.”

Suddenly, the infiltrator, while remaining cautious of Lancia after the mention of spirits, directed his gaze in the same direction. However, despite squinting his eyes, he seemed unable to see anything.

“…Kid?”

And then, it seems that the invisible spirit’s arrival led him to realize it was about me. How foolish.

“Kid? Your boss?”

“…”

Using the term ‘kid’ might seem trivial when spoken aloud, but even so, information is information. The fact that information has been leaked is more of an issue than the leaked information itself. However, the infiltrator seems to understand this himself. Realizing that he had accidentally revealed information about me, he frowned and fell silent as if regretting it.

“Here it comes.”

As Lancia said that, at the same time, a cheerful voice greeted them.

“Good evening!”

It was Flora, who clearly greeted them with such a bright voice.

Thanks to her more substantial growth compared to before, she could now assist easily as a simple messenger in the vicinity of the town. Really, Flora’s growth is something to be delighted about.

You might think that speaking in such a bright and energetic voice would attract attention, but Flora can choose who sees her and hears her. In this case, only Lancia can see her, so there’s no issue.

Not showing herself to the infiltrator is because Flora’s spirit form is naked. Although Flora doesn’t seem to mind, and plants are naturally naked from the beginning, it’s only obvious not to show, right?

“Good evening. Who are you?”

Lancia, without being surprised by the sudden appearance of the spirit, asked in a calm tone.

“I’m Flora. Nice to meet you!”

“Yeah. Lancia. Nice to… Sacred Tree?”

However, it seemed like Lancia sensed something, and she tilted her head as if realizing Flora’s true identity.

“A duplicate, I was asked by Naah to deliver a message.”

“A messenger?”

It seems Lancia doesn’t understand the meaning of Flora’s words, but Flora, perhaps due to her connection with me, can pick up my words. Utilizing that, she acts as a messenger.

Being able to move through the sky without being noticed, pass through walls, and deliver voices only to the desired recipient—the ultimate messenger role. That’s Flora.

There’s the question of whether it’s appropriate to use the Sacred Tree like this, but in this situation, there’s no choice but to use every available means. She seems happy to be of use, so it’s probably fine.

It might be troublesome if the enemy is wary of spirits and has observation or capturing tools, but bringing such specialized items to this battle would be unlikely, and I’ve already confirmed that. Even if something happens, it’s just a duplicate. There might be some reduction in the main body’s power, but it’s not a significant problem. Of course, avoiding capture is preferable.

More importantly, I need to ask various things.

We just had a brief skirmish earlier, and although there was almost no sound, She, as expected, should be cautious. If she has something important to convey to us, Lancia wouldn’t want to be discovered.

“Naah is asking, ‘What’s your purpose for wanting to meet the elves?'”

“…I’m an elf. If my kind is being oppressed, I want to help.”

An elf? Well, this is Karakas, and even though Lancia is called a half-elf, she’s still an elf, so it’s only natural to feel concerned and want to help.

In reality, she’s not doing anything specific. Rather, it feels like she came here on her own accord.

“Elves? Are they being bullied?”

“I know. No, I’ve heard. There’s a spirit of the Sacred Tree, so there’s no way elves would be oppressed without any action.”

Hearing that elves are being bullied, Flora tilted her head as she spoke, but Lancia nodded without any doubt.

In fact, if you know the relationship between elves and the Sacred Tree, and once you understand that there’s a Sacred Tree, you wouldn’t doubt the reason for the presence of elves. While the existence of the Sacred Tree is not widely known among humans, humans might only feel like there’s a ‘big tree’ in their midst.

Leaving that aside, it’s time for the next question.

“Naah is asking, ‘What are you planning to do next? Do you intend to fight?'”

“If my kind is safe, I don’t plan to fight. But I’d like to meet them at least once.”

Well, if the reason for coming is to help, there’s no point in fighting. Wanting to meet them in person is a reasonable thought.

However, the opponent is one of the ‘Eight Heavens’ belonging to the enemy’s army, and welcoming her outright is not possible.

There’s no problem with welcoming her in itself. Whether she realizes it or not, she’s already under the influence of my skills. I can handle it any way I want if she tries anything.

But if she leaves now, she might be found, and if the next day brings news of a traitor, the enemy might change their actions. Also, although I plan to let a reasonable number of soldiers return alive this time, if they return with the story of an Elf traitor, Elf discrimination might start.

That would be quite troublesome.

So, if possible, I’d like to welcome her peacefully, but let’s see…

“Naah says, ‘We’ll prepare a target in a conspicuous place, and when you attack tomorrow, attack that target to reveal your location. We’ll make sure not to involve you in our attack.'”

If we prepare a scarecrow and have her shoot it, we’ll know Lancia’s location. After that, we can make sure not to attack that location, and she can pretend to be dead. That should be fine.

“Got it. From me as well, a question. Is the Child of the Sacred Tree here?”

“Naah is here? …Ah! Also, Lilia?”

Before I could answer, Flora answered on her own, but well, it’s not wrong, and it’s fine if it’s known.

“…There are two of them?”

“Yeah. Ah… ‘That fool is just playing around from the nearby forest’… Huh? Wasn’t I not supposed to convey that just now?”