The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I'm a "Farmer", Not a Demon King! ~ - Chapter 497

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

Chapter 497   Holy Maiden: Elf’s “Holy Maiden”

“That being said, please continue with your report.”

Even as I pondered about the cut-down sacred tree, the Pope addressed me. While there were indeed various new facts recorded, it would be disrespectful to immerse myself in thoughts in front of the Pope.

“I apologize. —Regarding the Elves present in the Flower Garden, it seems it’s possible to abduct them at will.”

The reason for abducting Elves ties back to the discussion about the barrier mentioned earlier.

Thanks to the barrier utilizing the sacred tree, the current capital is still thriving. However, even that barrier has its limitations. Maintaining a barrier covering the capital of a country constantly requires an enormous amount of power, something they don’t have in abundance. —Ordinarily.

We exploit the fact that Elves have the essence of plants within them and the ability to transform their bodies into plants upon death, burying themselves. Despite not being dead, we forcibly awaken the plant essence within them, turning them into plants, and incorporate them into the barrier.

The Elves that have undergone mutations are tampered with to become a source of power, which is then utilized. This keeps the barrier consistently maintained.

However, even with the ability to maintain the barrier, there are limitations. Continuously siphoning power eventually results in the mutated Elves, now serving as the power source, dying for real.

Therefore, there is a need to periodically replenish the Elves.

Though when we say ‘periodically,’ we’re talking about every few decades, and given that there are breeding facilities, it doesn’t seem to be too much of a hassle.

However, the situation is different this time. To prevent the current crisis, the barrier needs to be maintained at a higher output than usual. Consequently, the Elves incorporated into the barrier will be consumed more quickly. This means acquiring Elves in a different manner than usual is required.

The chosen method for this is the abduction of Elves gathering in Karakas. It’s a straightforward plan of taking them from where there are many, instead of searching in the nearby forests, towns, or using slaves.

The problem lies in the location where the Elves gather, the opponents protecting it, and the actual conditions of the Elves’ lives in that city.

I was tasked with investigating all these aspects and, if possible, bring some of them back. Of course, I only played a supervisory role, receiving reports and confirming the situation on-site, while the actual operations were handled by others.

“That city has enhanced security, but the Elves living among the results seem to have a lower sense of vigilance compared to those normally living in the forest. One of our undercover agents attempted to abduct one and failed but managed to take them to a temporary hideout. There was a lapse in information afterward, and when the local residents came for extortion, the situation was exposed. However, if we can have someone live there beforehand, build some relationships, and grasp the movements of the residents, it’s believed that we can abduct them without getting caught.”

Three days passed until the second audience with the Demon King. During that time, Darado and I walked through the Flower Garden city, conducting an investigation. On the second day, we attempted to abduct a few Elves.

In practice, the operation went smoothly up to a certain point. However, it ended in failure.

It was almost as if someone could see everything, orchestrating the whole thing. People arrived at what we thought was an empty house, which, in reality, had been watched. That’s why right after our people entered the building, an incident involving extortion occurred. Consequently, the abducted Elf was found, the undercover agent was killed, and the Elf was released.

The reason for the failure was that, despite the urgent and crisis-ridden situation, we underestimated the rules within the criminal city. Even among criminals, there are certain norms and regulations.

“If we were to do it again, we should try to involve those living in that place, get them to talk about it, and use that place as a base for our operations.”

“Do you have a plan after abducting them?”

“Darado and I roamed around the city, and although there are walls and security, it didn’t seem like there was a barrier underground. So, I think using an earth mage should be no problem.”

“I see. Well, let’s put that into action after this matter is resolved.”

Upon hearing my response, the Pope nodded with the same calm smile.

“There’s one thing I should inform you about that matter. Among the Elves accompanying the Demon King, there is one referred to as the ‘Holy Maiden’ in Karakas.”

“The Holy Maiden, you say… Do you have information about the reasons and background?”

“It’s a simple story. That Elf, like me, possesses the vocations of ‘Light Mage’ and ‘Healing Mage.’ She regularly provides medical treatment to the residents of Karakas. As for her crucial background, she seems to be a figure equivalent to an Elf princess, respected by the other Elves.”

Respected might be an understatement; it’s closer to worship. One could even say she’s pampered.

“An Elf princess? Elves were not supposed to have such titles… Ah, I see. It must be related to the Sacred Tree…”

“Pope?”

Seemingly realizing something I didn’t understand, the Pope muttered something and gradually deepened his smile.

Concerned about his reaction, I couldn’t help but speak up, despite understanding it was somewhat rude.

The Pope then returned to his original smile with a slight laugh, as if snapping out of a trance.

“No, what about her? Does that princess possess any special powers?”

“I haven’t seen her directly, but according to Lina, she supposedly has an absurd amount of magical power.”

“I see. …Is that so? Well, well…”

The Pope muttered, closed his eyes as if pondering something, and then deepened his smile once again.

“We’ll continue with the ‘attraction’ of the Elves in Karakas, but separately, we might as well target that princess,” he said.

If she possesses an immense amount of magical power, she could be incorporated into the barrier as an Elf, or she could be utilized as a healer for the church’s authority. With skills enabling enslavement or command, regardless of her will, she could be fashioned into a member of the church.

Alternatively, her status as a princess could be exploited to capture other Elves. Hence, the reasons for seeking that Elf can be understood.

However, something about this doesn’t sit well with me.

Not only do I share the same vocation as that Elf, but the fact that an Elf with the same vocation as me is in demand here feels like a denial of my efforts and worth.

I am the church’s ‘Holy Maiden,’ and I alone am the ‘Holy Maiden.’ There is no need for anyone else to be called a Holy Maiden. There is no need for anyone else with the same vocation as me.

I’ve struggled so hard to climb up to this point. I’ve fought desperately among the numerous Holy Maiden candidates sold to the church. After coming this far, I cannot allow my position to be taken away.

Of course, the Pope probably doesn’t share such thoughts. This is just my unwarranted imagination.

However…

“…Nevertheless, if this matter is resolved, wouldn’t it be unnecessary to forcefully abduct Elves? The current situation is being managed by transforming Elves using the plant spirits within them, averting the crisis. If the state of the country returns to normal, it seems we wouldn’t need to resort to such measures…”

Shaking off the fantasies that crossed my mind, I asked the Pope.

“Yes, that’s true. However, that merely resolves the issue concerning food. Due to this incident, we’ve managed to retrieve the Elven slaves owned by influential individuals within the country. We need to make up for that loss, and having surplus isn’t desirable. Besides, even if the famine is alleviated, the products obtained from Elves that have transformed into trees are of higher quality than usual. So, there’s no harm in having as many as possible.”

As a woman myself, I can’t help but feel a sense of disgust toward the nobles who keep Elves as slaves for ‘those purposes.’ However, considering that we’ve managed to endure the current situation thanks to them, my feelings are somewhat complicated.

Regardless of my feelings, if we don’t compensate for the recovered Elves, some within the church faction might turn against us. So, I understand the need for Elves.

“That’s the situation, so please provide a detailed report later.”

“Understood.”

Elves are ultimately considered livestock, similar to animals. Even if I have no sympathy for them, when I think about them ending up in the hands of nobles… No, it’s better not to dwell on it. Thinking won’t change anything.