The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I'm a "Farmer", Not a Demon King! ~ - Chapter 451

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

Chapter 451   Sofia and Vesnar

“Don’t become a ‘doll.'”

That was the plea from Sofia, who had once been a ‘doll.’

I didn’t know how to respond to such words and could only remain silent.

However, perhaps thinking she had said too much, Sofia, with a startled expression, opened her eyes wide. Apologetically and somewhat helplessly, she wore an expression with a touch of melancholy.

“But still, you wish to change, don’t you?”

“…Yeah.”

Even after hearing Sofia’s words, “Don’t become a ‘doll,'” I hesitated for a moment about whether it was okay to nod. Honestly, I felt that those words were correct.

Being willful, selfish, and arrogant, in other words, having ‘individuality,’ is a form of expressing one’s will outwardly, giving rise to uniqueness and creating one’s own ‘likeness.’ That’s what makes us human. It’s the diversity in individuality that defines our humanity.

Suppressing such individuality and constantly considering others may lead to losing one’s uniqueness.

That wouldn’t be human-like, and as Sofia mentioned, the term ‘doll’ would be a more fitting description for such an existence.

However, it was a fact that I felt something needed to change about myself as I was until now.

Even if I didn’t become a ‘doll’ constantly thinking about others, just focusing on myself would eventually lead to a breakdown.

I might not need to discard all the arrogance within myself, but the current state might be excessively arrogant.

I hesitated because I felt this way, but still nodded.

Even if I didn’t need to change everything, it was true that I wished to change.

“I see. Well then, let me offer you a piece of advice.”

Sofia stood up, met my gaze, took my hand, and then spoke after gently enveloping it with both of her hands.

“Vesnar-sama, you say you want to change. However, no matter how much you try to change, the nature you were born with and the personality already formed are not easily altered. I won’t say it’s futile, but changing exactly as you envisioned might be difficult.”

Although I expected some stern words from the term ‘advice’ and the atmosphere around it, I never imagined she would say something like this.

Ignoring my surprise at Sofia’s words, she continued with her advice.

“Moreover, even if you change, differences in values are bound to arise between yourself and others. Please understand that. Don’t think foolishly that if the other person becomes uncomfortable, it’s your fault.”

“…But what if I’m rejected? I don’t expect to get along with everyone, nor do I intend to. However, if I were to be rejected by someone close to me, that would mean something for me—”

“A child would reject someone just because the other person doesn’t match their imagination. What matters is not adapting to the other person but accepting them and making them accept you. If only you change, nothing will really change. The desired change won’t happen. Let’s start by understanding each other and making ourselves understood.”

Her last words, accompanied by a smile, conveyed an overwhelming sense of reassurance. Though I couldn’t explain why I felt that way, the burden that had lingered in my heart seemed to dissipate, leaving behind a sense of tranquility.

“Making myself understood, huh?”

“Yes. Let’s start by talking. What you like, what you dislike, what you want to do, and what you don’t. We might not have had that kind of relationship, and we might have known enough about each other without needing it. Still, if we don’t put it into words, it won’t truly be conveyed. Humans are creatures that exchange words.”

Until now, I had hesitated and come up with answers on my own. It felt like I forced those answers out due to the compulsion to have an answer. However, being told by Sofia like this, I felt like this was the right way.

“…I think I’ve somewhat understood why impressive guys fall for women.”

In response to my sudden statement, Sofia tilted her head, but holding her hand, I continued to express my feelings.

“Drowning is incredibly comfortable.”

No matter how impressive someone is, there’s no way they can keep moving forever. That’s why they fall for women. During that time, nothing painful happens.

“Will you drown me?”

The gaze and words filled with affection directed towards me. The moment I heard those words, I didn’t understand what was being said. But after a few seconds, I grasped the true meaning behind those words.

Sofia’s words weren’t about relying on me or wanting me to pour out my inner thoughts. It meant something entirely different.

That was evident in the tension embedded in affection and the visibly blushing face, even in the moonlit darkness.

Understanding the meaning behind those words and her feelings, I found myself wavering on how to respond. My awkwardness unfolded in repeatedly opening and closing my mouth, struggling with hesitation and contemplation.

After much deliberation…

“…No, just drowning all the time would be uncool. So, occasionally, when the opportunity arises, I’ll lean on you a bit.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yeah, so… if you ever feel like leaning on me, I want you to be able to do that anytime.”

I may be a bit of a wimp who can’t even clearly convey my own feelings, but for now, I hope she forgives me for this much.

“Yes, I’ll be by your side forever.”

And so, Sofia and I gazed at each other—

“Bam!”

…With a weird exclamation, the door was forcefully thrown open.

Caught off guard by this sudden turn of events, both Sofia and I reflexively let go of each other’s hands and reached for our respective weapons.

However, upon seeing the idiot who rudely burst into the throne room, we lowered our hands.

“…What are you doing here?”

With an expression twisted in annoyance, we glared at the foolish intruder—Lilia—whose abrupt entrance suggested that something interesting might happen soon.

“Ahh! Is it okay to say that~? Flora called me, so I came all this way just for you!”

“Flora did?”

Giving her a stern look, Lilia expressed her dissatisfaction at being on the receiving end of such glares.

“Yeah!”

As her name was called, Flora, as usual, discarded her host’s body and materialized naked in mid-air.

For some reason, after the recent conversation with Sofia, having a naked woman in front of me made me feel uneasy. It almost felt like I was cheating… but it must be just my imagination. We’re not even married, let alone in a relationship, and Flora is just like a daughter to me. It should be fine.

“Naa felt a bit lonely, so I brought Mommy for her.”

In this situation, being referred to as ‘Mommy’ by someone other than Sofia felt strangely uncomfortable. It almost gave the impression of infidelity. It’s peculiar. Even though there’s no such relationship or fact, it still feels that way.

“Thank you, Flora. But it’s okay. The issue is resolved… at least, I think so.”

“Hmm? Do you have some kind of problem?”

“Well, sort of.”

“I see… Oh, I got it! You’re worried about something like, ‘Could I have used better words in today’s speech?’ or something like that, right? Yeah, your speech was kinda crappy. There were probably better words, more popular phrases, and actions that would’ve resonated with everyone. If you had called me, I could have taught you plenty of those. Well, it’s already over, right? It’s too late to ask for help now!”

…Certainly, my speech as a king might have been passable. There were probably better ways to phrase things, words that would resonate with the citizens. Thanks to Lilia, who is constantly thinking of stupid things, she might be good at coming up with those kinds of lines… but I don’t need that.

I told her, “I don’t need your advice, so just go back to your room.”

“Then, what were you worrying about? Speak up. If you do, I might consider coming back!”

That’s definitely something someone who has no intention of coming back would say. …But for the sake of organizing my thoughts, maybe talking to Lilia wouldn’t be a bad idea after all.