The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I'm a "Farmer", Not a Demon King! ~ - Chapter 474

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

Chapter 474   Hero: Lost

“No one goes hungry; you can just strive to move ‘upward.’ Outsiders may call this place a ‘dump’ or a ‘city with a ruined future,’ but from our perspective, it’s a paradise. There’s no need to worry about hunger, and depending on how you do things, regardless of your status or power, you can go ‘upward.'”

The way the man spoke seemed somewhat proud and triumphant.

But that, too, could be understood.

In this world, food is an essential commodity. Unlike Japan, where overeating is common, for ordinary citizens, going without food for two or three days is quite common. In the villages I’ve visited so far, people have suffered from hunger, and though I’ve tried to provide support each time, I couldn’t solve the underlying issue. Moreover, the entire country is on the verge of a food crisis, to the point where they can’t even request assistance.

In reality, even I, invited to live in the castle as a ‘hero,’ found myself with reduced meals and less food. Despite being fortunate to have something to eat, not being able to eat as usual left me feeling hungry.

In a place where you don’t have to worry about such things, where you can focus solely on growing without thinking about food, it’s undoubtedly a place worth boasting about.

“Well, even in a city like that, there are folks like me who’ve given up on moving ‘upward’ and are making a little money.”

The man shrugged while saying that, but it seemed that he had abandoned the idea of moving ‘upward.’

“…By the way, what’s all that commotion about?”

Unable to figure out what to reply to the man’s somewhat self-deprecating words, I decided to steer the conversation in a different direction. Despite not having brought it up, I was genuinely curious about that, and it seemed like an appropriate opportunity.

“Oh, that. Well… let’s see. It’s probably about gathering subordinates to become ‘evil.'”

“Subordinates gathering? And ‘evil’? …Certainly, there are people kneeling, but…”

While what they were doing gave off a somewhat villainous vibe, the atmosphere seemed to be more than just ‘evil.’ Everyone was laughing, not with a scheming grin, but genuinely enjoying themselves, displaying smiles of joy.

“That princess, despite claiming to become a great ‘evil,’ is doing the opposite. Occasionally, she strolls around the city, healing the injured and sick. Of course, she takes money, but it’s just the price of a skewer per person. It doesn’t matter if it’s a serious illness or a minor one. It’s as if she’s making excuses, saying, ‘This is not charity.'”

A skewer costs as much as a child’s pocket money. Healing for that price? Moreover, regardless of the severity of the symptoms? It was hard to believe.

“There are churches elsewhere, and you can get healed if you go there, but it costs money. And not just a small amount—it’s ridiculously expensive. There seems to be a ‘Holy Maiden’ in the Holy Kingdom, but she wouldn’t make such a fuss and heal anyone indiscriminately, right? From our perspective, that princess is way more like a ‘Holy Maiden.'”

As the man described it, healing is available in the Holy Kingdom, but it comes at a considerable cost.

In this world where medical science hasn’t progressed, but magic exists, anyone can claim to be a doctor, yet places where they can provide effective magical treatment are limited. Moreover, in cases of severe injuries that don’t heal at once, it requires multiple visits. Without a competent doctor, it’s uncertain whether it will heal even after several visits. Therefore, everyone heads to a trustworthy church where they can receive safe and guaranteed treatment.

However, that ‘guarantee’ is only for those who can afford it. And that money is an amount that a regular household can barely save up over several years.

Despite that, the Elf girl charges almost nothing—practically a nominal fee—and, what’s more, actively goes around the city healing instead of just waiting at the church.

I learned the common sense to survive in this world in the Holy Kingdom, but from that perspective, it was unbelievable.

So, I couldn’t believe it right away and couldn’t help but be astonished.

“Well then, I guess I’ll be going.”

Saying that, the man packed up his belongings and stood up, but when he said he was going, he probably meant to the location of that parade.

However, going to the place where they are conducting treatments implies that this man might also be injured somewhere.

“Going there? Do you have some injury?”

“No? I’m not that much of a fool to do something like that.”

“Then why…?”

“Simply put, I want to meet the princess and the god. Even in a town like this, while I’m with those two, this place seems like the most enjoyable in the world.”

Saying that, the man started walking, but for some reason, he stopped and turned back towards me.

“Here’s a piece of advice. I don’t know who you are, what your purpose is for coming here, and you can do as you please. If you want something or if you want to kill someone, even if it’s the Demon King or the executives, it’s fine. But if you attack those two, the entire city will turn against you. Make sure to convey that to your ‘comrades from the Holy Kingdom.'”

“Huh!? Did you notice—”

Mentioning comrades from the Holy Kingdom, I was surprised that he knew about my identity, and I called out, but the man did not react to my words and headed towards the parade.

“Holy Maiden,” huh…

Certainly, I’ve never seen Canon strolling through the city and healing someone like that.

Of course, she performed healing for free when we stopped at places during our journey.

But, was that voluntary, or was it genuinely ‘free’? If someone were to ask…

“A city without hunger, huh… That’s probably something only elves and spirits can achieve. I wonder if they could come to the Holy Kingdom.”

I thought that things could somehow be managed if the Demon King came, but perhaps the reason the Demon King is famous for being a plant user is because of those spirits and elf companions. If that’s the case, instead of having the Demon King come, having the elves… or more precisely, those two on the divine palanquin, come might be a solution. If that happens, the current food problem could be completely resolved.

“Welcome back, Yuuki. It seems like you were exploring the city.”

“…Oh, Canon. And Darado, welcome back too.”

Upon returning to the inn, I coincidentally encountered Canon and Darado as they returned, just outside the room.

“Is something the matter? It seems like you’re a bit down.”

“Huh? Do you think so?”

Personally, I didn’t feel like anything was strange, but did I seem different from usual?

But honestly, there’s something that comes to mind.

After talking with the informant-like man, I observed the behavior of the elf girl referred to as the ‘Saint’ and the spirit girls called ‘God’ or ‘Goddess.’

During that parade, it seemed like they were genuinely offering healing services at very affordable rates. People who clearly appeared impoverished and even those with minor injuries that would typically heal naturally were seeking treatment. As compensation, some paid in cash, while others offered things like local street food or even handmade sweets. There were instances where the girl healed a child who had scraped their knee, rushing to them and saying, “It’s on the house,” all the while everyone present was laughing joyfully. Even the elf girl receiving compensation and the spirit girl next to her happily consuming the offerings displayed the same heartfelt smiles.

Have I ever seen a girl genuinely laughing so joyfully before?

Sure, I’ve had people laugh with me during conversations. I’ve even had girls show a cheerful disposition when interacting with me. Maybe it’s a bit self-centered, but there have been girls who expressed some form of affection toward me. Even with Canon, though it might not extend to being lovers, we got along more as close friends than just acquaintances.

However, wasn’t that because I was the ‘Hero’…? That thought inadvertently crossed my mind.

I began feeling a sense of discomfort around the time of defeating the Demon King. Initially, it was something trivial. Even though I said I felt discomfort, it might have been more of a fleeting sensation. But, with this recent incident of coming from the Holy Kingdom to this place, Canon’s attitude… no, her atmosphere felt different.

Still, even if I thought that, I couldn’t voice it. So, I had to come up with a quick excuse and utter it.

“…It was more of a ‘proper city’ than I expected.”

Although those words came out as an excuse, they were indeed something I thought.

If you were aware of the reality and foundation of this city, you couldn’t call it a ‘fantastic city.’ However, it wasn’t accurate to label it a ‘dump’ as others might say.

“That is…”

“Yuuki, don’t be deceived. While it may have seemed that way on the surface, it’s just a façade. The true nature of this place is a haven for criminals, merely a cover for unforgivable deeds.”

Canon tried to say something, her brows furrowing slightly, but Darado stepped forward, interrupting her, and delivered his reproachful words.

“Yeah, you’re right… Sorry. I might have overthought things, expecting a smoother resolution than I should have.”

Since arguing here wouldn’t lead to anything productive, I evaded the topic with those words.

But yes, perhaps this wasn’t just a diversion; maybe it was something I genuinely pondered deep down. With the Holy Kingdom currently facing difficulties, I was concerned about how to resolve those issues. Now that the problem seemed closer to a resolution, strange thoughts crossed my mind, and I felt an unusual sense of discomfort.

So surely, once this issue is settled, I’ll be able to laugh again with everyone, just like before.

Because, in stories, isn’t that how it’s supposed to be for the ‘Hero’?