The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I'm a "Farmer", Not a Demon King! ~ - Chapter 469

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

Chapter 469   Disappointing

“…”

“Silent, huh? Well, I guess so. I mean, even I would be troubled if someone said things like ‘I will definitely protect’ or ‘I won’t let that happen’ to me just based on enthusiasm.”

I didn’t go so far as to say that, but if someone had said that to me, I would have been more disappointed in this hero than I am now.

“Your words lack substance. Certainly, enthusiasm and determination come through in your words. You’re a hero, right? Thinking about the best way for everyone to live happily and putting it into action.”

Doing something for someone else is a commendable act. However, it becomes truly meaningful when those actions stem from genuine personal convictions

“I can’t quite put my finger on it, but your ‘heroic actions’ feel like they’re only on the surface. It’s like you’re doing it because you have to as a hero, or because that’s what a hero should do.”

Why do I understand something like that? Well, it’s because I feel the same way.

I am the Demon King. However, originally, I’m not the kind of person destined to be a king or be called one. I was reborn but was originally an ordinary person—a mere commoner, nothing special. Such fundamental aspects don’t change even with reincarnation.

Still, because everyone expects it, because everyone calls me a king, I just behave accordingly.

This guy gives off a similar vibe.

Because he is a hero, he feels compelled to act like one. That’s the impression I can’t shake. Well, whether he himself understands that is debatable.

However, whether due to the years spent living in this world or the environment, in this guy’s case, it seems even ‘worse’ than me.

“You can save many people just by acting! Can you ignore everyone’s suffering?”

“I can. Do you think someone who calls himself the Demon King cares about people from other countries? No, even if not a Demon King, the majority of people living in other countries would ignore it. They may express concern in words, provide support in diplomacy, but ultimately, it’s someone else’s problem. That’s how the world works, and that’s what being human means.”

To laugh for themselves, humans tolerate the pain of others or even enforce it. That’s how humans are.

The most important thing is oneself, and what needs protection are only oneself and one’s companions. This guy doesn’t seem to understand that.

“Besides, as I mentioned earlier… even if, hypothetically, saving others is a good thing, my safety is not guaranteed. Do you think I’d want to go save someone in such a situation? Even if I hypothetically save someone from the Holy Kingdom, there’s no guarantee they won’t attack us afterward.”

Let’s assume that due to the persuasion of the heroes, we manage to enter the Holy Kingdom safely. The leadership and citizens don’t attack us, and we successfully resolve the anomaly!

But do you think it will end there?

The anomaly is gone. Great. Thank you, goodbye. … It’s not going to end like that.

For the Holy Kingdom, being saved by the Demon King is nothing but a disgrace.

So, there’s a considerable possibility that, to erase such shame, they might try to kill me.

The meaning of the ‘goodbye’ from the Holy Kingdom could turn into something entirely different.

“So, anything else you want to say? What about the Holy Maiden, the Knight, and the Mage over there? If you have something to say, speak up. The words of that hero were disappointing, so I’ll hear you out for some entertainment.”

In a sense, it exceeded expectations, but as far as my evaluation goes, it was a disappointment. If asked what I was expecting, I wouldn’t know, but anyway, he was a ‘miss.’

Well, if you think of it as the pure and righteous ‘Hero,’ it’s quite a ‘heroic’ statement, so in that respect, it’s not entirely disappointing.

“Wait, my story isn’t over yet!”

“Huh? …Alright, fine. Whatever, you. In a way, you’re as expected, but you’re disappointing. ‘Hero.’ Just go away and don’t interfere anymore.”

As I waved my hand as if driving him away…

“W-What?! Don’t mess around! Whether I’m interfering or not is for me to decide!”

“No, this is my country, and to an extent, my home. Moreover, I am the king, and you are a guest who is not exactly ‘formal.’ In terms of location and position, whether you are an interference or not is determined by me, don’t you think?”

Certainly, I granted permission for him to enter this place, but if someone who is not a formal messenger, without even a proper invitation, comes from a hostile country, demanding to ‘meet the king’ without prior notice, isn’t that quite disrespectful?

On top of that, if I meet him, he might draw his weapon, utter insults, propose a condescending negotiation, and start yelling if his opinion doesn’t get through… Treating him as a criminal would be acceptable, I think, except killing, as that would be troublesome.

“Naa, naa.”

“Hmm?”

Flora? Why now?

As I pondered about the Hero’s response, suddenly Flora appeared. Even though I say she appeared, she’s in spirit form, so only I can see her here—oh, wait.

That mage is looking at me with widened eyes; she definitely sees Flora. But thinking about it, it’s natural. After all, that mage has the name “Twin mage,” and she is a magic user, so it wouldn’t be surprising if she has the passive skill of “Mind Communication (Spirit).”

“Flora, wants to go over there.”

—By ‘over there,’ does she mean towards the Holy Kingdom?

Since I can’t speak directly, I ask Flora in my mind.

“Yeah~. I’m curious about everyone over there.”

By ‘everyone,’ she probably means not humans but plants. If I think more about it, could it be the sacred tree over there?

Well, we know that the sacred tree over there has been cut, and we believe it’s the cause of this incident. As Flora, who is the sacred tree, she might be interested in events related to it.

But what should I do? I can’t refuse Flora’s request, but that doesn’t mean I should go myself…

I was considering going there directly once, but that was with the intention of secretly infiltrating. However, if I go with the Hero after this conversation, I won’t be able to act freely, and it will bring about complications…

However… hmm. Flora mentioned it, and if I leave these heroes alone, there’s a possibility they might cause problems. They might even launch an attack, like defeating me and taking me with them. Or perhaps they might abduct the elves.

In that case, it might be better for me to go to the Holy Kingdom with these guys right now.

“—Hey, Hero. For now, go back. This decision isn’t something to be rushed, and I’ll listen to your story again in three days.”

However, thinking that deciding this alone might not be appropriate, I decided to put this on hold for now and discuss it with everyone before making a decision.

“Really!?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s a relief.”

It seems he’s relieved since it’s not a complete rejection. But… this guy doesn’t even say a word of thanks.

I don’t particularly need gratitude, but I can’t help but feel once again that this guy isn’t a true “Hero” in the real sense.

“Well, until three days later, enjoy sightseeing in the town… Oh, and make sure not to cause any trouble, Hero.”

Hearing my words, the Hero slightly furrows his brow and then leaves.