The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I'm a "Farmer", Not a Demon King! ~ - Chapter 455

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

Chapter 455   How to meet the Demon King

“By the way, how long have you been here?”

The hero, perhaps in an attempt to gloss over the previous blunder, abruptly shifted the conversation to an entirely unrelated topic.

“Whenever you ask… practically since birth, I suppose?”

“Practically? Does that mean you were born somewhere else?”

“Well, yes. There are circumstances surrounding that.”

In a place like Karakas, where everyone has their own set of circumstances, there couldn’t be a simple or positive reason for being here. The hero and his companions seemed to understand this, as they refrained from prying into the details of my situation.

“Anyway, since I’m guiding you to the inn, is there something specific you’re looking for? While the main street in Karakas has a variety of offerings, our garden here also has a decent selection of unique items. Anything particular on your mind?”

These guys might not be actively seeking anything, but as a standard part of guiding them through the city, it made sense to mention the available options. Additionally, if they happened to buy something from the unique items, I could gauge their interests and intentions. It might provide insights into their actions if they ever attempted something, and if they needed something specific, it could help anticipate their moves.

So, I thought of introducing them to the garden’s offerings, but…

“What… No way! Seeking illegal goods like that?!”

The hero raised his voice, vehemently denying my words.

“I see. I apologize for that.”

“Oh… no, I’m sorry too.”

Well, mentioning illicit items would naturally be something to avoid for someone raised in Japan. If they were summoned to a sacred country, their perception and attitudes would likely remain unchanged.

Yet, in this world, almost everyone, everywhere, had some forbidden items. In the countryside where there was little entertainment, it wasn’t uncommon to find people growing and enjoying their own substances. Of course, if taken to extremes, it could lead to criminal charges. Still, some nobles often bought such items discreetly. While stolen goods couldn’t be publicly displayed, they could privately enjoy them, and it wasn’t unusual to brag about it within their circles.

However, the hero seemed oblivious to such realities, reacting excessively to the mention of illegal items. Though, in terms of righteousness, he might be right as the hero. Nevertheless, he remained somewhat ignorant of the world.

“Alright, then… since we’re here, can you tell us about a shop that deals with magic-related tools?”

“Sure. For magical items, it’s this way.”

After the hero’s outburst and our mutual apologies, the atmosphere became a bit tense. Whether to dispel that tension or because she genuinely didn’t care, Lina brought up the topic and I decided to guide them to a shop that dealt with magical items, where I knew the owner and some other acquaintances.

“I walked around for a bit, but even though this is Karakas, it doesn’t feel too dangerous, does it?”

While having this conversation, we continued moving forward. It seemed that the scenery along the way was different from what they had imagined, as Canon showed a surprised expression. However, it wasn’t just Canon; the Hero, Lina, and even the usually nonchalant Darado all exhibited some kind of reaction.

Well, it’s understandable. If they imagined a place called ‘Karakas’ in the general sense, it’s not surprising that they would be amazed by what they found here.

“Well, this is a safe zone for customers. If you cause trouble here, you’ll be killed, whether you’re a resident of Karakas or not.”

As I mentioned the possibility of being killed, the Hero responded by redirecting his gaze towards us, but that was it. Although his expression looked more stern than before, he didn’t say anything. Perhaps he considered it meaningless to speak to me, or maybe he finally understood his role and decided to remain silent.

Well, it doesn’t matter either way.

“Hey. If I were to go to Karakas, do you think I could meet the Demon King?”

And as we continued walking, almost reaching our destination, the Hero asked such a question.

“Yuuki!!”

I wondered what this guy was saying, but it seemed that even the Hero’s comrades thought the same. Canon raised her voice, glaring fiercely at the Hero. Well, it couldn’t be helped. In this city, for the Hero to ask such a thing… I might start doubting my sanity too.

“Uh, well, you know, if you can ask, you might as well, right?”

Certainly, if you can gather information in advance, it’s better to do so. Their purpose, of course, isn’t just sightseeing. During the time it took to come here, I managed to eavesdrop on a few conversations with Flora’s cooperation, and it seems they want to meet the ‘Demon King.’ Moreover, their objective is not for a fight but for negotiations.

As for why the Hero came to do such a thing, he came to discuss the ongoing abnormal situation with the plants in the Holy Kingdom. Well, I don’t know if he has concrete evidence, but it seems like I’m considered a Demon King who manipulates plants. It’s not absurd for them to come for an investigation. Whether they suspect me of causing it or want help resolving the abnormal situation they’re facing, I don’t know how those in their ‘higher-ups’ are thinking.

That’s why the Heroes didn’t go directly to Karakas from the beginning but decided to come to the flower garden first for reconnaissance and information gathering before meeting the Demon King. So, the Hero’s question isn’t entirely unreasonable. Well, asking so directly might not be the best approach. They could have investigated more subtly and discreetly.

“Demon King…”

But, right… a Demon King, huh? Hearing it again directly from the Hero, it feels somewhat embarrassing or uncomfortable.

“Oh, um, is there something wrong?”

Seeing my reaction, the Hero seemed to sense something off and, perhaps to avoid Canon’s questioning, hastily asked me, looking a bit flustered.

“No, it’s just that the term ‘Demon King’ doesn’t feel very familiar.”

“…I see. Well then, what about it?”

Even though this is the Demon King’s territory, the Hero seemed to wonder about the lack of familiarity with the title “Demon King” and tilted his head slightly. However, in the end, he decided not to dwell on it.

To be honest, I’m not used to being called the Demon King. After all, everyone either calls me by name or uses some casual term like “young master.” Being referred to as the Demon King… well, that usually only happens during significant battles or when I’m seriously involved. It’s mostly a joke. Hardly anyone, except for characters like this one, calls me the Demon King during normal times.

But leaving that aside… Can they meet the Demon King?

If they can meet or not depends on the situation and my mood, I guess. I’m quite capricious.

Honestly, anyone can meet me anytime they want. Of course, it’s limited to when I’m in the castle, and since I usually stay in the flower garden, there are more times when you can’t meet me if you storm the castle.

However, if you let me know in advance, I’ll make sure to free up my schedule and wait for you, making it easy to meet.

“But why do you want to meet the Demon King? From an outsider’s perspective, sending armies or a ‘Hero’ would be like facing an enemy, right?”

“Huh?! Uh, um, well, you know, I just wanted to see what kind of guy the rumored Demon King is.”

“I see.”

Even though I knew the reason before asking, the Hero showed an amusingly exaggerated reaction when I inquired.

Now, let’s casually survey the others, wondering how they feel. Canon and Darado wear bitter expressions after witnessing the Hero’s response, but they’ve probably been making those faces since the Hero started talking. As for Lina… she seems unfazed. Instead of bothering with this, she’s casually looking around the town, seemingly enjoying the sightseeing. She’s unexpectedly thick-skinned.

“Well, if you boldly request it, it might not be impossible to meet. … Just say, ‘The Hero has arrived.'”

“Wha…?!”

Upon saying that, the Hero and his companions stiffened simultaneously, hands subtly reaching for their weapons. Although describing it as reaching for weapons may be an overstatement; they haven’t drawn them yet. It seemed more like they were on guard. However, reacting so defensively after coming here to infiltrate is a bit questionable.

“Maybe if news got around that a royal family member arrived or the head of the church came, you might get a meeting?”

“I-Is that so…”

Ignoring the Hero’s group’s attitude and continuing the conversation, it seemed they thought I hadn’t realized their true identities. They breathed a sigh of relief, releasing their grip on their weapons, considering it just a misunderstanding of their own hasty assumptions.

…It’s quite entertaining when it’s this obvious.

Well, there’s no need for such unnecessary trouble when the Demon King they’re looking for is right in front of them!

“There are quite a lot of elves here.”

Perhaps to divert attention from the Hero, Darado, who had been mostly silent until now, spoke while glancing around.

“Yes, well, we have formed an alliance with the nearby elven village.”

This place seems to exist for that purpose, and compared to a normal city, there are indeed a lot of elves here. Not only the elves from Lilia’s hometown but also those without a sacred tree and wanderers seem to gather here. Recently, for some reason, even those with sacred trees like the Half-Elves of the Eight Heavens, like Lancia and his uncle Randel, come here. They seem to be in a vacation mood. It’s fine, but it’s a bit strange.

“…I heard about it, but was it true?”

“The leaders of this country are pacifists. Elves would bring in a lot of money if sold, but it seems they didn’t like that idea.”

Elves could be immensely profitable. Immortal, forever beautiful beings are perfect for various “entertainments.”

At first, even I thought along those lines, and there were no strict prohibitions in Karakas. However, after meeting Lilia and the others, they became comrades, and I found it impossible to turn elves into mere merchandise. Doing such a thing would destroy any trust I had built with them.