The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I'm a "Farmer", Not a Demon King! ~ - Chapter 484

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

Chapter 484   What happened the next morning

In stories, the Hero is often depicted as someone who infiltrates the enemy’s lair with a small group, taking down the leader and high-ranking members. At least, that’s what I believe.

And it’s likely the same for this guy. After all, he came from the same world and the same country. Our base knowledge should be quite similar.

“…You’re kind, huh?”

Ignoring my words, he approached me, so in retaliation for being ignored, I decided to tease him a little.

“I thought you were a stalker.”

“That’s not true!”

“Just kidding. Don’t take it so seriously.”

Saying that with a smile, the Hero still had a somewhat displeased expression while looking at me, but after exhaling once, he shifted his focus toward me. His expression was serious, but there was a hint of hesitation.

Most likely, he’s pondering things like why the supposed ‘evil’ Demon King would share food with a child or whether I’m genuinely a bad person.

“Well, it was just a whim. It’s like feeding a stray cat, something on that level. After all, food is easy to come by.”

While it might be considered valuable in the current state of the country, for me, who can produce my own food, it’s not that precious. Well, baking bread can be a bit troublesome, but that’s about it. It’s not harmful.

“I’m powerless.”

“I know.”

He suddenly started a monologue for some reason, but I decided to cut it off. I didn’t really want to hear his story, and there was no reason for me to care about it.

He probably didn’t expect to get such a response. However, I had no intention of indulging in his self-deprecation or self-admiration.

“Sorry, but I have zero interest in your story. If you lament being powerless, try to do something about it before uttering those words. I’m not kind enough to pay attention to someone who just drifts through life, a worthless existence. I’m not that gentle.”

Leaving only these words behind, I turned my back on the Hero and walked away.

“It’s funny how someone like you says he’s not kind.”

As I distanced myself from the Hero, a voice came from behind the tent. It was Kyle.

The reason Kyle was here being simple – he was on guard duty. There was no way Kyle and Bell, who were my guards, wouldn’t notice me waking up. As soon as I stood up after being called by Flora, the two of them woke up and followed me.

Despite being from Karakas and having the ability to move quietly, they were not trained professionals. Still, even if they were, it was likely that they would have noticed us anyway, considering we were talking right nearby.

By the way, Sofia and Lilia are still sleeping. Even if they were trained, they are not specialized in stealth or dealing with attackers, so it can’t be helped.

Currently, only Kyle is here. As for Bell, she went to inform the surrounding guards. The message she conveyed was to ignore any noises and not to chase the fleeing boy. I made sure to communicate these instructions to the guards before meeting the boy. Otherwise, the sound of defeating such a thing or loud expressions of gratitude would have attracted attention.

After completing those instructions, I am now providing protection more than monitoring whether the boy who fled will safely return to the village. He should be back soon.

“That kind of thing doesn’t fall under kindness. It’s just a whim.”

“Some people are saved by such whims. For example, someone like Sofia. You understand that, right? Despite being just whims, you actions have made her worshipped. And, it applies to us too. Both Bell and I were saved by your whims.”

“…In any case, instead of talking here, let’s go back to the carriage. The Hero might come after us, and it could become troublesome if someone who doesn’t know the situation finds us.”

“Understood, Lord Demon King.”

Even though he doesn’t usually speak so respectfully, I frowned at Kyle’s courteous reply. Without saying anything, I returned to my carriage.

The next morning arrived, and after waking up and moving my body lightly, I had a quiet breakfast to avoid the villagers’ eyes. Then, I prepared for departure.

There wasn’t much to do in terms of preparation. After checking the luggage and carriage, discussing future plans, and greeting the villagers, we could leave immediately.

I didn’t have much to do, so I lazily passed the time, watching the activities of the villagers with occasional yawns. Despite having nothing to do, I can’t help but feel a bit guilty when everyone around me is working. I guess I’m still a coward. As I pondered these thoughts, I continued to gaze out the window without much purpose.

However, something felt different. Perhaps it was because we, as outsiders, were leaving after just one night, but the atmosphere among some villagers seemed a bit brighter. Well, if you’re staying close to someone who could easily cut your head off for a slight mistake, it would make you feel tense and fearful.

“Well then, let’s get ready to depart—”

“What’s that…!?”

As I observed the village while idling away time, the preparations seemed to be complete, and it was time to depart. Unexpectedly, I spotted something, prompting me to rush towards it.

“Hey, young master!?”

Although nearby guards called out to me upon seeing my actions, I paid no attention to their words in my current state.

“Oi, what’s going on?”

The destination of my sprint was a dim alley between houses. However, my business wasn’t with the alley itself; it was with the person—more precisely, the boy—who happened to be there. I use the term “business” loosely because I didn’t have any specific reason to talk or ask him for something; I had merely come over because I happened to see him.

If it were merely a chance encounter, I wouldn’t have come all the way here. I would have either ignored it or waved lightly and moved on. However, the reason I came to this place was that the boy had collapsed.

This boy is probably an orphan. So, it’s not unusual for him to sleep on the street, especially if he’s near a main street where someone might pity him and give him something. It’s not surprising for him to collapse in a conspicuous place if he’s hoping for someone to notice him. However, that’s just the story if he’s merely collapsed.

But this boy, for some reason, looks much dirtier compared to last night. No, it’s not just dirt. His clothes are torn, and there are marks on his body as if he’s been beaten.

At first glance, it appears as if an orphan is lying dead on the roadside. However, even in such a state, the boy is still breathing, and I let out a slight sigh of relief upon confirming that.

This boy is not my companion. Although I did take a liking to him, it doesn’t mean I should help him to the extent of saving his life. Our relationship is confined to this place, and once we leave, there shouldn’t be any connection. That’s how it should be.

However, I couldn’t turn a blind eye to this.

This boy is not my companion—but not unrelated.

Even though our relationship would end once we left here, I haven’t left yet, and I witnessed this sight before parting. It felt… unpleasant to see someone I liked die within sight.

So, I was relieved to see him alive.

“Ah… My lord.”

As I rushed over and called out, the boy, as if becoming more aware, let out a small sound and desperately moved his aching body to sit up.

In his hands, there was no food that I gave him last night, and there was nothing similar nearby. The amount I gave him wouldn’t be enough for one person to finish in just one night, and judging by his current condition, there must have been something causing him to lose his food.

And as for what that something might be…

“…Tch. Got stolen.”

“I’m sorry…”

In other words, that’s what happened. It seems someone saw this boy with a large amount of food. Or perhaps, he was trying to share it with his comrades or acquaintances.

However, the food that became known through such actions wasn’t shared but stolen.

“No, that’s on you. Even if it gets stolen afterward, it’s your mistake. It’s none of my concern.”

If you don’t have strength, it will be taken from you. If you lack strength, you have to use your head, or you’ll end up dead. That’s the common sense in my world.

So, if it got stolen, it’s this boy’s fault. …Yes. It’s his fault.