The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I'm a "Farmer", Not a Demon King! ~ - Chapter 494

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

Chapter 494   I am the Archbishop —

“So, that’s enough about that, right? There was a fool who said something rude, but we’ve dealt with that, and the discussion about food is also over. But, the reason I came all the way here is not to decide such trivial matters.”

For this country, the most immediate and significant issue was food, so that topic is likely crucial. However, for me, discussing food was merely a pretext for coming here.

Bringing food would make it sell, prevent them from unreasonably driving us away, and improve their impression of us. It served as a justification and a side benefit for our visit.

However, the real reason I came to this country is…

“Is it related to the anomaly occurring in our country?”

“That’s right. I have a clue about the cause of that anomaly.”

It’s just a clue, but among us, there’s almost certainty.

I came to this country to be taken to the Sacred Tree’s location, which we believe is the cause of the anomaly.

“I’ve heard that story from the Holy Maiden. The remains of the so-called Sacred Tree that once existed are the core of the current disaster.”

“It’s just a possibility. I’ll add that you yourselves are responsible for turning the Sacred Tree into ruins. We believe that cutting down the tree revered by the elves has resulted in the current plant withering anomaly. Well, it’s your own fault. Trying to blame it on the Demon King and shifting the blame… Don’t you think that’s rather unbecoming?”

Whether the Hero was just informed about it or genuinely believed it, these people attributed the cause of the current anomaly—plants withering—to me, claiming that the Demon King had attacked.

Certainly, that would be the most convincing reason for the citizens. They weren’t cursed for no reason, nor abandoned by the gods; it was simply the Demon King’s fault. By saying that, the bitterness and resentment would be directed towards the Demon King instead of the Holy Kingdom.

If this continued for a year, then the question might turn into, “What is the Hero doing about it?” The king and the church might become the target of resentment. However, it hadn’t been that long since the anomaly occurred, and the citizens’ resentment hadn’t shifted towards the Hero yet.

However, blaming others, or rather, one’s ancestors’ failures on someone else, especially claiming to be holy figures, wasn’t something befitting. It certainly wasn’t an act of ‘righteousness.’

“I did have suspicions, but we wouldn’t have doubted you if you hadn’t claimed to be the Demon King. Let’s get that straight.”

“I’m saying it’s a mistake to blame others, especially if they’re the Demon King… Well, if you can’t admit your own mistakes, that’s fine. Just remember, if something bad happens, think that someone other than yourself is to blame. It’s a fitting act for those impostors who call themselves righteous.”

When I said that, apparently unable to endure it any longer, a man from the church stepped forward.

Wearing a robe with seemingly meaningful characters written on it, multiple layers of ornate belts, and various unnecessary decorations, the man presented the appearance of a flamboyant clergyman. He looked down at us with a dignified attitude, and from his demeanor, one could sense arrogance.

At first glance, you wouldn’t notice such arrogance. He seemed like a good-natured person with a gentle expression.

However, just like with the Holy Kingdom’s king, it was the same. By looking into his eyes, you could understand what kind of person he was.

From his appearance and behavior, he was probably in a relatively high position. If he were a high-ranking clergyman effectively controlling a country and a high priest spreading across the world, it wouldn’t be surprising for him to become arrogant.

With that, the man looked down on us and opened his mouth.

“King of Karakas, aren’t you going a bit too far with your words? This meeting is informal, initiated by the Holy Maiden and the Hero who belong to our faction. However, this is a meeting between kings. Shouldn’t there be some minimum decorum to uphold? I understand that, considering your background, there may be unavoidable circumstances. However, as a king standing in this situation, I believe you can comprehend whether your behavior is appropriate or not. What do you think?”

It’s like… what should I say? I understand they’re being polite, but there’s something off about their choice of words here and there. Does this person even realize it? They are clearly belittling us, and that attempt to conceal it unintentionally surfaces.

For someone in a high-ranking position, one would expect them to be well-versed in the art of diplomacy. Revealing these flaws so openly makes me wonder how much they actually disdain us. But, well, if the other party is a fool, that’s even better. Let’s just ignore it and continue the conversation.

Now, how should I respond to this person…?

“In a discussion between kings of different nations, I think someone who barges in without even introducing themselves is more ill-mannered. What do you think?”

I’m aware that the church holds a high position in this country. I know this man occupies a considerable status. I also understand that, under normal circumstances, this isn’t someone you can afford to treat this way.

Even so, I intentionally confronted this church-affiliated man with an attitude that ridiculed him.

In response to my impolite demeanor, the man briefly twitched his eyes, showing a momentary strain. However, that was the extent of his reaction. He then wore a gentle smile, gave a light nod, and began speaking.

“… I apologize for my rudeness. I hold the position of the Archbishop at the Alfreya Cathedral. My name is Alectos Zaland. However—”

“I didn’t ask you to introduce yourself in the first place.”

However, without letting him finish that introduction, I interrupted.

I’m being quite rude, but in this context, I am the one in the right, and he is the one in the wrong.

“Seriously, who said you could introduce yourself? Normally, it’s the higher-ranking person who initiates conversation. Or at the very least, you should whisper to your own king, seek permission, or obtain approval as a matter of courtesy. But here you are, announcing yourself without any regard. Do you want to stand out that much? In that case, just stroll through the streets naked. Probably everyone will take notice.”

In ordinary countries, it’s customary for those of higher status to address those of lower status. If someone of lower status were to initiate a conversation with someone higher, they would likely be ridiculed and, in some cases, punished. Perhaps, until now, this person, although not a king, has been able to act as the de facto leader of this country without anyone objecting when he spoke. However, this ‘family-only common sense’ doesn’t apply to me, a foreigner.

“… Haha. Indeed, you have a point. However, I have received permission from His Majesty the King to express my opinions during this meeting, as he believed it would be better to have more voices —”

“I didn’t hear anything about that. Bringing in an ‘unrelated person’ as an advisor is fine. But, what I said holds true; this is a discussion ‘between kings,’ right? At least introduce yourself before you start talking. That’s common courtesy, isn’t it?”

Emphasizing the ‘unrelated’ part, I probably hit a nerve, likely within the church faction. A few individuals among those gathered took a step forward, seemingly unable to contain themselves.

However, realizing that taking further action would be problematic, the only noticeable movement was that initial step.

Simultaneously, the king of the Holy Kingdom appeared to have a slight distortion around his mouth. Probably not a misperception. But it makes sense, right? The guy who was holding his head down is now being made a fool of without being able to retort. From the perspective of the oppressed, it must be quite enjoyable to watch.

“Well, whatever. Unlike you guys, I’m quite forgiving. I’ll gladly overlook the impoliteness of this ‘underling’ from the church. More importantly, let’s get back to the discussion.”

Having said that, the Archbishop couldn’t endure it any longer. He dispelled the previously gentle atmosphere, clenched his fist, and stared at us with a tense expression, seemingly glaring.

But being glared at doesn’t frighten me at all. I might even return the glare if I feel like it. After all, they can’t lay a finger on us, and even if they tried, we’d turn the tables and be done with it.

“Tell me the location of the Sacred Tree. Also, provide a pass or something that allows us to move freely within the country.”

I averted my gaze from the Archbishop, whose trembling fist suggested agitation, back to the king of the Holy Kingdom.

In response to that gaze, the Holy Kingdom’s king let out a small chuckle before speaking.

“I don’t mind revealing the location of the Sacred Tree. However, since it happened a long time ago, it will take some time to investigate it accurately.”

“That’s fine. Considering you had advance notice and still haven’t looked it up, it seems quite leisurely. But, it’s not me who would be troubled by the delay, it’s you guys.”

Having received prior notice, not researching it already is an excessively slow response. After all, it’s a national crisis, right? Yet, not looking into it despite having a clue – that’s just unthinkable. They probably have already investigated, and the results are likely available. Delaying the revelation to us may be a strategy to prepare for surveillance or to take action against us. If we have permission to stay, I’ll use that time to thoroughly investigate this city.

“Additionally, regarding the domestic travel permit, I will have to limit it. Specifically, it will only cover the area from this capital to the Sacred Tree.”

Although I wanted a free pass to roam the entire country, as I had no specific use for it, having one would make things easier, wouldn’t it?

“Are you in a position to limit it? Shouldn’t I be the one looking into things here?”

“If it’s just for investigation, a limited permit should be sufficient, right? Don’t you also want to examine the situation around the Sacred Tree and the plants?”

I tried to negotiate a bit, hoping to get a more extensive pass, but the outcome remained unchanged. Well, they wouldn’t grant a free pass to people like us. Getting permission just up to the Sacred Tree is already quite a concession, I suppose.