The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I'm a "Farmer", Not a Demon King! ~ - Chapter 468

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

Chapter 468   Suggestions from the Hero

“However, if you end up fighting against the Holy Kingdom, your global reputation will worsen.”

“That’s hardly a concern now. The neighboring countries already have the worst opinion of this country. Falling below this point would only add one more negative reputation. Moreover, even if you suddenly express a positive opinion about us, representing a nation that could be considered a villain, it would likely be perceived as us manipulating and spreading false information.”

Representing a country that could be seen as a symbol of evil, if a nation representing justice suddenly defended us, they would likely suspect some manipulation on our part. In that case, the assistance we provide would be deemed too insignificant.

“That may be true, but if you make it clear that the Holy Kingdom has become your enemy, you might be targeted by the entire world next. Isn’t that something you’d want to avoid?”

“Normally, your words would be correct. However, how about the current situation? This country is sandwiched between the Kingdom to the west and the Holy Kingdom to the east, with Bastok in between. Currently, the only one who can move is the Holy Kingdom. The Kingdom is dealing with rebellion and is weakened, and Bastok remembers the events of the previous war. Back then, despite the Holy Kingdom, Bastok, and the Southern Union attacking from three directions, they couldn’t conquer this country. Even if we were to fight again, would the Kingdom participate seriously? My estimation is that even if the Holy Kingdom requests assistance, they would hesitate to fully engage. In that case, we just have to deal with the Holy Kingdom. If we repel them, seeing no chance of victory, Bastok will likely retreat without engaging.”

In the case of the Kingdom, even without the fatigue of rebellion, they would not engage in hostilities with us. They would find various reasons not to participate.

“…I see, but isn’t that a scenario where an immediate conflict occurs? If the Kingdom can regroup after some time, we can potentially launch a simultaneous attack on all three countries while garnering support from others.”

“Certainly, that would complicate matters a bit. However, do you have that much time? You’re facing a shortage of food. That’s the root of the issue, right? Buying food from other countries or begging for it, as you’re doing with us, how much time can you secure? Meanwhile, the Kingdom might have the opportunity to regroup.”

The Holy Maiden may believe that they could persuade the Zaviet Kingdom to cooperate since she likely doesn’t know about the covert collaboration between us. In reality, it’s impossible since our relationship is more like this country being a vassal to ours. Nevertheless, she might try to negotiate, and eventually, the Kingdom might be forced to cooperate. However, how much time would that take?

While we play around with negotiations, their food could run out, and the Holy Kingdom could face ruin.

“Does this mean you have no intention of helping us?”

“Oh no, not at all. We are willing to assist. Didn’t I mention that we would provide it at a lower cost than the market price?”

Edward continues to speak with a more cheerful smile than before, perhaps deriving enjoyment from the situation. He might be reveling in the satisfaction of putting down an arrogant fool. Well, that’s only natural. After all, their proposal is essentially equivalent to that of bandits. Even from a non-merchant standpoint… No, especially from a non-merchant standpoint, such behavior is deplorable.

“Your Majesty, the Demon King. May I understand that this is your genuine intention? It seems somewhat beyond the authority granted to a subordinate…”

Whether unable to reconcile with Edward through conversation or hoping for a different outcome, the Holy Maiden shifts her focus back to me.

However, it’s regrettable. I’ve left all these matters to Edward. While I do need to confirm major decisions concerning the country, it’s mostly just a formality. I trust him to handle everything as it would be most beneficial for the country. If I were to intervene unnecessarily, it would only complicate matters.

“Yeah, those words are mine. If you want something, pay for it. That’s how normal people operate, right? Threatening others with force just because you want something… Oh well. Were you guys trying to become our allies? Welcome then. You should fit right into this city of criminals. Living off begging suits you, I think.”

“You bastard!”

It seems my words were particularly displeasing. Darado reached for his sword while shouting, attempting to draw it. However, he stopped halfway, freezing in place.

…And rightfully so. The intimidating old man standing right next to me is radiating an aura of danger.

That intimidating old man—my father—may not have his hand on a weapon, but the killing intent emanating from him is undoubtedly genuine, no joking matter. Honestly, even I, not being the direct target, feel a threat just from being near him. If it were directed at an ordinary person, I wonder if their heart and lungs would stop functioning?

In addition, the surrounding knights have drawn their weapons, poised and aimed at the heroes. If any signal or indication were given, things could turn dire very quickly.

That’s precisely why the heroes who reacted to my father earlier are refraining from unsheathing their swords. They understand that arming themselves here would likely escalate into a bloodbath.

“Now, let’s acknowledge that as your opinion. So, if you were to sell us food, how much would it cost?”

This person, after all that back-and-forth earlier, still intends to make a purchase. Her audacity is impressive… She’s definitely not just a gentle ‘Holy Maiden’ as portrayed in stories. There’s probably a fair share of politicians mixed into that character.

“You’ll discuss that with my subordinates later. It’s not something to be talked about here.”

Talking about it here would only expose our weaknesses, so I’ll leave that matter for later with Edward.

“So, is there anything else to discuss? If not, we can conclude here—”

“Demon King. Would it be possible for you to come to the Holy Kingdom?”

“…Huh?”

Just as I was about to end the conversation, the Hero’s unexpected request left me momentarily dumbfounded. Naturally, right? I didn’t expect the Hero to invite me to their stronghold.

Certainly, I heard discussions about it before. But I thought it was still an unsettled matter among them. To bring it up here, it’s quite unexpected.

“Yu-Yuuki!? What are you…!?”

“Even if you don’t understand now, coming to the Holy Kingdom might shed some light on things. Besides, if the Demon King could come and resolve the situation, wouldn’t that prove that the title ‘Demon King’ is just a name and not an actual enemy to humans? Darado said so, right? If the Demon King himself goes to the Holy Kingdom, he’ll believe those words.”

The discussion should have been along the lines of ‘It might be somewhat believable,’ but whether they are lying to convince me or it became a consensus among the heroes, I lean towards the latter.

“Even if I call myself the Demon King, I am still a ‘king.’ You’re telling me to directly go like that?”

“Yeah.”

“Normally, if you said something like that, you’d be treated like a fool, right?”

Indeed, glancing around, there are knights exuding an irritable atmosphere.

Not an official envoy and more like a messenger boy, being told “go there” by such a party, even if it was said in the heat of the moment, it’s only natural that it might be perceived as ridicule.

“Moreover, if I go to your country, won’t I be killed without any negotiation? Look at your knight. He’s staring at me as if he’s about to attack any moment.”

While pointing at Darado, I said it, but it’s not just staring—it’s more like glaring. Not an attitude to be directed at the king of another country.

“We won’t let that happen. Even if Darado tries to move, I’ll stop him.”

“How are you going to stop him? You won’t be awake the whole time I’m with you, right?”

“Well, that’s…”

If, hypothetically, I were to go to the Holy Kingdom, it would probably take about a month. However, it’s impossible to stay awake continuously for that long, especially for a human. Even managing a week would be challenging, and during that time, his reaction speed and cognitive abilities would be compromised compared to being fully rested. In such a state, He can’t guarantee protection against a rank ten expert.

“Besides, even if hypothetically he could be stopped, what about the Church and the Holy Kingdom itself? It’s not like they’ll all obediently listen to your words, right? Even if you try to stop them, there should be those who will ignore it and come to kill me. Those who think along the lines of ‘evil must be vanquished’ might be secretly working against your orders. You can’t possibly protect me from all those ‘enemies.'”

No matter the title of ‘Hero,’ it doesn’t grant control over the entire country. Even if they can influence opinions to some extent, there will still be those who operate behind the scenes, going against orders from the country. There might be zealous believers who think “evil must be vanquished” and act on their own accord. Protecting me from all these ‘enemies’ is an impossible task.