The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I'm a "Farmer", Not a Demon King! ~ - Chapter 542

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

Chapter 542   Defeat the Holy Maiden

Some of the people present began to shout and utter words of condemnation against the Holy Maiden.

And the commotion gradually grew, to the point where almost everyone visible to the Holy Maiden and her followers began to express animosity towards her and the church.

Normally, such a thing would never happen.

But the current situation is what it is. Everyone harbors grievances and seeks an outlet to vent them.

And right now, the most fitting targets for that outlet aren’t the castle that helped us, nor the Karakas that assisted, nor even the elves who provided free treatment, but rather the church, which has done nothing but demand faith and money.

Some of the voices seem familiar, but it’s probably just my imagination.

Their faces also seem familiar, but that’s also just my imagination.

These individuals with familiar faces and voices probably possessed skills like manipulation, hypnosis, or subconscious influence, but since I don’t actually know them, it’s all just a figment of my imagination, so that must be a mistake too.

“Everyone, please calm down! We don’t eat satisfactorily every day either! We’re currently in the midst of discussing the gathering of food—”

“That’s right! Everyone, we were just discussing with the church and the castle about the transportation of future food supplies! Our discussion with the castle is already settled, and plans are in place for new food deliveries!”

As Canon seemed about to say something, I shouted out in defense, trying to cover for her.

It’s not surprising that Canon looked at me skeptically, not the crowd.

But, well, that’s to be expected. After all, I’m the one who created this situation. Yet here I am, inexplicably defending them. It’s absurd.

Well, actually, I’m not defending them, am I?

“—Then what about the church? You mentioned the castle, but what about the church?”

One of the people in the crowd, reacting to my words, pointed out the inconsistency.

In response to such words, I frowned slightly, making it clear to everyone, and began to speak with a tinge of sadness.

“As for the church… Just like with the castle, it’s a business for us. While we can be flexible for events like this soup kitchen, providing enough food to cover the entire country for free isn’t feasible. However, it’s not as if we can just stand by and watch while our neighbors suffer. We’ve proposed the same terms for food transactions to the church as we have to the castle. But it’s true that negotiations are taking longer than expected. We apologize for that.”

Words that seem like a defense but aren’t. In other words, while the castle bought food, the church didn’t.

Even if I say this, there will still be those who condemn us for not providing food for free.

Normally, we wouldn’t impose such goodwill on others, but those who are cornered tend to do things that aren’t normal.

Moreover, this country has always prided itself on being superior to others. The church’s higher-ups have a similar temperament.

So, there may be resentment from the karakas people and the elves about not receiving food ‘offered’ by them.

But this time, it won’t happen. Why? Because it’s all part of our plan. The first person who shouted was among the karakas people mixed in with the citizens of the Holy Kingdom, and so is the one shouting now. It was predetermined that it would turn out like this.

And, of course, the subsequent course of events is also predetermined.

“So, does that mean the church has abandoned us?”

“No, that’s not the case. I’m sure the church must have its own reasons. They should prioritize the welfare of their followers.”

“But isn’t it true?! Because they can’t afford to spend money on our measly food, they’re dragging their feet on paying up, right?!”

I defended, and a Karakas person among the crowd vilified the church.

Well, ‘vilified’ might be a bit off. There might be issues with how it’s being conveyed, but everything being said is true.

Listening to our conversation, those around us, affected by the skills cast upon them, began to condemn the church one by one.

The skills cast on the crowd should have been so subtle that they wouldn’t notice being affected. But even then, the fact that it caused such an uproar means they were already close to their breaking point.

“Your Holiness, please step back for now. There’s nothing more we can do by staying here. We’re just agitating the citizens needlessly.”

“Do you say that?”

I suggested to Canon in a concerned manner, knowing that it wouldn’t be good for the symbol of the church to be among the angry crowd, bordering on riotous.

However, they probably already understand that I orchestrated this situation. Canon glares at me with animosity.

“Yes. I say that. After all… I arranged this situation for your sake.”

Since it’s already obvious, I decided to expose it at the end. And with a smile dripping with contempt like never before.

If you were to ask if there was any point to doing all this, well, technically there was. I thought that by provoking them like this, they might do something unnecessary and escalate the problem, which would suit me just fine.

But that was just a side benefit. I understood that, especially with this holy maiden, unlike that hero, causing trouble like this wouldn’t have much effect.

So, more than anything, it was just about wanting to annoy them.

“…I will repay this debt, without fail.”

“Yes. I look forward to you repaying it.”

With a smile, I replied to Canon, who spoke in a threatening tone while glaring at me.

After a few seconds of staring at each other, Canon turned to leave. But…

“Oh, but let me give you one last piece of advice. That’s a line typical of weaklings who get their comeuppance right away.”

“Ugh…!”

As Canon was about to leave, I called out to her back. She swiftly turned back towards me.

Despite my smiling face, she seemed to show more emotion than before. But for some reason, she didn’t like something. She clicked her tongue, averted her gaze from me, and turned back around. Ah, it’s sad when we can’t understand each other.

“You really stirred the pot.”

“This will make the upper echelons of the church move as well.”

By pushing things this far, that holy maiden will undoubtedly become our enemy in earnest. Once that happens, the Pope will surely act. All that’s left is to crush them.

——◆◇◆◇——

・Canon

“The above is the situation as it stands.”

I am currently in the Pope’s office, listening to the investigation results regarding the current state of the city with His Holiness.

Since that day… three days ago when the relief efforts took place, the scrutiny towards the church has intensified.

The church, unaccustomed to such events, was thrown into disarray. Coupled with an overconfidence in their position, they underestimated the situation, leading to delayed responses.

As a result, the relief efforts are still ongoing. Rather than diminishing, they have expanded under the guise of official support from the royal palace, with relief stations set up all over the city.

His Majesty, the King, who graciously provided aid, and the Karakas citizens and elves who cooperated in transporting supplies, were not as bad as one might have thought.

However, despite the church’s lack of assistance in such circumstances, they are condemned. Some have even resorted to throwing stones at the church, although there have been no casualties. Still, the mere fact that such incidents occurred poses a problem.

Normally, such events wouldn’t occur. And if they did, they would unfold more gradually.

Nevertheless, the widespread animosity towards the church indicates there’s someone behind the scenes orchestrating it. And it’s clear as day who that is.

The King of Karakas, who claims to be the Demon King, is the mastermind behind this.

It’s likely the king is collaborating with him. Otherwise, it would be strange for the king to participate in the relief efforts.

However, despite knowing the enemy, there are no moves to make. After all, neither the Demon King nor the king has done anything categorically “evil.”

“I see. Thank you for your report. Please continue gathering information.”

“Yes, Your Holiness.”

Receiving His Holiness’s words, the informant quietly left the room.

In passing, they glanced at me, with eyes that seemed to look down on me. Perhaps they think this situation is my fault because of my failure. In reality, such sentiments are easily heard within the church.

On that day, during the initial relief effort, had I not mishandled the situation, none of this would have happened. That’s what everyone believes.