The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I'm a "Farmer", Not a Demon King! ~ - Chapter 478

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

Chapter 478   Elf princess. ……that?

As I said that, Canon, for the first time, frowned with a look of regret, and Darado, as if about to attack at any moment, openly displayed hostility.

However, even in such a situation, the hero, perhaps not fully grasping the situation, showed a perplexed atmosphere.

As for Lina… well, normal? Despite being part of the team led by the Holy Kingdom, she didn’t seem particularly upset or troubled. However, she was silently observing Canon with a watchful gaze.

“…I understand. Then, it’s decided. We will depart for the Holy Kingdom tomorrow.”

After hearing my words, Canon spoke those words after a few tens of seconds.

As expected, or maybe inevitably, she chose to do things my way in the end. Well, there was no other choice.

“Yeah, that’s fine. Use the communication tools and report the current situation to your superiors.”

“Thank you for your consideration. Well then, if there’s nothing else to discuss, we will excuse ourselves.”

“I see. It’ll be tough starting from tomorrow, so take your time to rest. If you want, I can arrange a room for you in the castle. That way, there won’t be any delays in the morning departure.”

“No, there’s no need for you to go that far. Our belongings are already at the inn, and we have various preparations to make. Besides, we’re not formal guests, so it would be troublesome for you to take care of us to that extent.”

It’s not really troublesome, but perhaps to avoid further conversation, Canon left, saying, “Then, excuse us.”

Such an attitude might be considered disrespectful when dealing with a king, but I can understand the sentiments and thoughts behind it. It’s not something to criticize at this point.

However, there’s one more thing to do before they leave. I can’t let them return so quickly.

“Wait a moment. Take this.”

Saying that, I stood up and picked up several flowers from a nearby vase. With the skill “Throwing,” I threw the flowers toward the group of heroes.

Despite being just ordinary flowers, they flew straight towards the feet of the heroes, making a swooshing sound. The heroes picked them up and began examining them.

Observing that nothing unusual was happening, Canon picked up a flower at her feet, briefly inspected it, and then turned her face towards me.

“What is this?”

“Do you think you can enter the castle smoothly tomorrow without any proof of why you came here? I’ll give you a heads up, even with prior notice, there might be inconveniences like questioning or confirmation. So, consider these flowers as a substitute for a pass. I forgot to prepare them, but it should be fine. Wear it visibly when you come to the castle tomorrow. It will ensure smooth passage. Oh, it’s just for this occasion, so if you like it, feel free to take it with you after tomorrow.”

“If this is a pass, I appreciate it. Thank you. We will excuse ourselves now.”

Saying so, Canon bowed again and resumed walking.

However, the conversation didn’t end there.

“Demon King. Can I have a word?”

“Yuuki?”

Although Canon was about to leave the scene, Yuuki unexpectedly called out to her, causing her to stop and turn around.

Without paying attention to his companions, Yuuki continued looking at me.

“What’s the matter, Hero-sama? I thought our conversation was over.”

Why would he start talking now, as we were about to leave?

“I have something I want to ask about the personnel you’re taking with you. You’re bringing the elves for the investigation, right?”

“That’s right.”

“Then, are you also taking the Elf Princess?”

“The Elf Princess? …Who are you talking about? Oh, wait, you mean that idiot.”

The hero’s words momentarily puzzled me about who he was referring to, but it was probably Lilia. She technically fit the role of a princess.

But taking her along is one thing… or rather, even if we try not to take her, she’ll probably come along anyway. So, it’s safer to take her under my management from the beginning. However, why did the hero specifically inquire about Lilia?

He and Lilia shouldn’t have had direct acquaintance.

Or could it be he heard about the Elf Princess and decided to bring her along?

It’s not entirely implausible, but it should be considered as his own decision. After all, Canon didn’t seem to have any intention of discussing such matters. It should be seen as the hero going off on his own.

Well, maybe he wants to achieve some merit at this point. If he can bring a person all the way to the Holy Kingdom who is naturally recognized as a Holy Elf without being called so, it could be considered a merit, even though it’s unclear how useful it will be.

“Idiot? …Isn’t it rude to call the princess of an ally an idiot?”

“Huh? Well, you may have a point. But I don’t think someone unrelated like you has any right to say that.”

Certainly, calling someone an idiot is not a nice thing to do, but that’s a matter of perspective. If you’re close, a bit of teasing can be seen as a sign of affection. In my case, I didn’t just use it with malice; I simply see her as that kind of character.

In other words, outsiders who know nothing shouldn’t butt in.

“Well, we’ll bring her, so rest assured—”

Clang.

As I spoke, there was the sound of armor clashing, coming from some of the knights who had been standing without moving until now.

“?”

Making a sound itself can be considered unavoidable, I suppose. Some may not have experience guarding such a ceremonial occasion before, and mistakes are bound to happen.

However, it wasn’t just one knight who made the sound; there were several. Looking at them, something seemed off.

“How are you… doing…”

“?”

The heroes understood that something strange had happened in the situation, but everyone present, not just the heroes, seemed puzzled by my odd behavior, tilting their heads.

However, I didn’t have the luxury to worry about such reactions. My consciousness was focused on the outside of a large window.

“That idiot…”

Realizing that the situation with the knights had become strange, the heroes turned their faces to follow their gazes. To their surprise, there was Lilia floating in the air, seated for some unknown reason. Perhaps she was lifted up by an invisible barrier.

Not exactly evidence, but there were snacks and drinks prepared nearby. She didn’t seem to be floating as if flying in the air.

So, with Lilia seemingly well-prepared, judging by the presence of a cushion, she probably didn’t come to observe the situation but rather to make a spectacle of it.

Certainly, there was security all along the way to this place, and instructions were given not to let Lilia through even if she came. However, does that justify doing such a thing? She’s an idiot.

Well, it was already known that she was an idiot. Now, it’s about what to do with her. We can’t just let her continue floating like this… unavoidable.

“Flora, go in there and knock her down a bit.”

“Yes!”

Whispering to Flora, she responded and headed towards Lilia to intervene.

“Eh, wait! Ah, stop, no… gyaaaaaaah!?”

Seeing Flora burst in through the window, Lilia panicked. However, since she was just on top of the barrier, there was nowhere to escape. Lilia, who took Flora’s tackle, screamed embarrassingly as she fell.

Even though she’s a tenth rank elf princess, falling from this height wouldn’t be fatal. Flora would likely slow her down, and she might even create a cushion with plants. Well, if she falls in a strange way, she might break a bone or two, but she should be able to heal herself. It’ll be fine, fine.

“What just happened…”

“Elf princess…”

“Is that her?”

The sudden bizarre incident seemed to have caught everyone present by surprise. The hero responded to Canon’s bewildered words, and upon hearing that, Canon turned wide-eyed towards the hero.

Yeah, well… if she’s called a ‘princess,’ that reaction is expected.

“Eh? Oh, um, probably.”

“I’ve seen that girl before. Is she the princess… indeed, if she comes, it might bring us closer to a resolution. It’s not strange for Yuuki to mention her, given her power.”

While Canon and Darado were still shocked, and the hero answered Canon’s words, Lina, unlike them, showed a satisfied expression, understanding Lilia’s prowess.

“That much, huh…”

“I’ve mentioned it before, but it’s almost like infinite magic power. If she can manipulate plants with that, it feels natural that she can solve problems.”

“I see… then, incorporating her into the barrier… or something like that… the result would be… or rather, a new approach with her… instead of using other elves…”

Impressed by Lina’s words, there seemed to be a sense of awe, but what caught attention more was Canon’s reaction.

After hearing Lina’s words, Canon muttered something, looking lost in thought. It wasn’t possible to catch everything she said since she spoke softly, but judging from the voice picked up by the flower she handed over earlier, it seemed like she was saying something unsettling. At the very least, it didn’t sound like good news. After all, she mentioned ‘using elves.’ There couldn’t be anything good about it.

However, there were not completely unfamiliar thoughts regarding that matter.

But now is not the time to dwell on that. What should be considered now is how to bring this strange situation caused by Lilia to a conclusion.

“My head hurts…”

As I muttered while lightly pressing my head, whether he heard the voice or not, the hero looked over at me in surprise.

“Hey! We need to go help her!”

“Don’t worry, she won’t die from something like that. Just go back.”

Despite the hero expressing concern for Lilia and shouting, I had no intention of responding.

Since it’s already hopeless, I decided to forcefully send them back, even if it might not look good.

“Even if you say that—”

“Yuuki, despite being called the Demon King, this is the presence of another country’s king. Your attitude is too disrespectful.”

Just as the hero seemed about to go on another rampage, Canon forcefully restrained him, putting an end to his outburst.

However, he probably still had things he wanted to say. The hero’s gaze shifted between me and Canon, but being pulled back by Canon’s arm seemed to make him quietly retreat.

“Well then, we apologize for the intrusion.”

With that, the hero’s party finally left.