Repeat Vice - The Villainous Noble Doesn't Want to Die, So He Swore to Not Die As One of The Four Heavenly Kings - Chapter 3 - The Fishing Village, Rougvelt

Chapter 3: The Fishing Village, Rougvelt

“Jostled by the carriage for two days, I arrived in Rougvelt.

Even from inside the carriage, the scent of the sea was discernible.

This truly felt like the frontier, the countryside.

As someone born and raised in the city, it was nothing short of unpleasant for me, but considering that my life was at stake, I had no choice but to endure.

Rougvelt was indeed a small-scale fishing village with no more than a hundred residents.

Being situated facing the main street, it should have a fair amount of travelers and merchants passing through.

It wouldn’t be surprising if it were somewhat prosperous… But…

“Hey, is this really Rougvelt?”

It was more dilapidated than I had imagined.

There was no sign of people in the village, and clearly vacant houses were visible in abundance.

Could it have become an abandoned village?

“According to the map, there’s no mistake about it…”

Even Carlos, who was holding the reins of the horse, was puzzled with the current state of this place.

Rougvelt appears in the story in Chapter One, a little while before the school life begins.

Entering the academy occurred three years from now, roughly speaking.

Even at that time, there were never so few people here.

What is happening?

“Carlos, stop the carriage.”

I instructed Carlos to stop the carriage, and I got off.

“What will you be doing?”

“Looking for residents.”

The situation in Rougvelt would be best understood by asking the residents of Rougvelt.

Well, the lack of people is the issue.

Accompanied by Carlos, I walked through the deserted village, and in one corner of the street, I found an inn.

There was a signboard that said “Open” on the door.

It seems they are still in business.

I stepped into the shop, but there was no shopkeeper at the counter.

Instead of a shopkeeper, there was a bell on the counter.

“Boy, ring that bell if you want the shopkeeper to come.”

“Are you mocking me? Of course I know that.”

At my arrival in a shop of my family’s direct control in the capital, ten staff members would line up to welcome me you know?

Hmph, this is why I dislike the countryside.

With a sigh, I rang the bell.

Then, a bald shopkeeper with a scruffy beard appeared at the counter without any sense of urgency, making lackluster footsteps.

And he spoke.

“A customer? Or just here to mock us?”

Should I decapitate this commoner for disrespecting my presence?

Sensing my anger, Carlos glared at the shopkeeper.

The bald shopkeeper staggered back as if intimidated and scrutinized me and Carlos’ attire.

Perhaps he noticed our fine clothes, as his attitude changed instantly.

“I-I apologize. How may I assist you?”

Rubbing his hands together, the shopkeeper, with an awkward grin as if unaccustomed, said so.

“What happened to this village? I can’t find a single person.”

“Uh, well… you see…”

The shopkeeper seemed hesitant and looked away as if avoiding eye contact.

“What’s the matter? Be clear.”

“I apologize, but are you a noble?”

To the shopkeeper’s query, I sighed.

Honestly, this is why I dislike the countryside.

Has this fellow never seen the crescent moon crest— the symbol of the Lightless family embroidered on my coat?

Even if this is the countryside, he ought to know that I am a noble of the Lightless territory.

Ignorance is indeed a sin, quite literally.

With my hand cloaked in dark magic, I forcefully grabbed the shopkeeper’s collar.

“W-What!?”

Facing the screaming shopkeeper, I leaned in closer.

“Did your parents teach you to respond to questions with questions? Your low education level as a commoner is apparent. You should simply answer when asked.”

“I-I’m sorry—”

“Spare me your excuses and answer. What happened to Rougvelt? Why are there no people?”

“T-They’re not here! Many residents fled from Rougvelt!”

“What did you say?”

Fled?

Why, and from what?

I released the shopkeeper and formed a Dark Ball of magic in my hand.

Of course, it’s just for intimidation.

“Why did they flee? What’s the reason?”

“P-Please!”

Seeing my magic, the shopkeeper became frantic, curling up and clutching his head.

“…Rofus-sama, isn’t this counterproductive?”

As Carlos inquired about my expression, I had no answer.

If he didn’t even recognize the Lightless family crest, this fellow deserves immediate decapitation for disrespecting me.

This is beyond mere ignorance.

I have no mercy for such impertinence.

“Shopkeeper, my patience is wearing thin. You have two choices. Either tell me the reason immediately, or meet your end.”

“I-I beg your—”

“Spare me your pleas and answer. What happened to Rougvelt? Why are there barely any people now?”

“T-They’re gone! Many residents fled from Rougvelt!”

“What?”

Again with the word fled.

But why exactly?

I released the shopkeeper and began forming a Dark Ball of magic in my hand.

It’s probably just a bluff

“Why did they flee? What’s the reason?”

“P-Please!”

The shopkeeper repeated the same words like a mantra.

…It seems he wishes for death.

With a sigh, I charged my hand with magic.

To at least spare him the pain, I intended to finish it with one blow.

“W-Wait, please!”

As I was about to release the magic, a girl suddenly intervened, rushing in with loud footsteps.

She stood in front of me, shielding the shopkeeper with her outstretched arms.

“Noble sir! Please, have mercy!”

Desperately pleading for mercy, the girl knelt down, pressing her hands and head to the ground in a gesture of supplication.

…Hmm.

It’s passable, I suppose, displaying at least some level of understanding and respect toward a noble.

This makes it so that executing them would just be a show of my arrogance.

Glancing at Carlos, who nodded solemnly, it seems even he finds this acceptable.

Quietly, I dissipated the Dark Ball of magic.

“Girl, if you remain like that, I won’t do anything. Stay quiet.”

I spoke quietly enough for only the girl to hear, and she silently nodded, perhaps sensing my intentions.

Well, she’s quite understanding.

Is she obeying just to avoid being killed, or does she genuinely comprehend my intentions?

“In any case, it’s somewhat better than defying the nobles, you foolish commoners.

I press the blade of magic against the girl’s neck and glare at those around.

“If you value this girl’s life, then don’t move.”

With that warning, the men surrounding us staggered back in astonishment and tension.

“H-How cowardly!”

One of the commoners babbles.

“Isn’t it cowardly for a bunch of adults to surround a child like me or an old man with weapons? I guess the commoners’ sense of decency is beyond me.”

I scoff while saying sarcastically, and the commoners glare at me through gritted teeth.

What, did they just surround us without considering the possibility that the tables could turn back on them?

It’s either impulsive decision making or lacking in planning.

As expected of commoners, they have the intelligence of monkeys.

“Talking to you lot is pointless. Isn’t there anyone here who can at least hold a proper conversation?”

As I look around, pushing through the men whose faces are turning red in response to my words, a middle-aged man who appeared to be their leader, stepped forward.

With a cross-shaped scar on his forehead, he’s a tough-looking man with tanned skin.

His sharp gaze intimidates those around him, and the men shrink back in response.

This man with the cross-shaped scar must be the leader of this group.

“I apologize for suddenly surrounding you. Please, let Lilia-chan go for now.”

The man with the cross-shaped scar steps forward and addresses me directly.

This girl seems to be named Lilia, but I couldn’t care less.

“I apologize. I’m Greg, the leader of the sailors. As you can see, I’m just a country bumpkin. Don’t expect any manners from me.”

Greg introduces himself with a playful laugh.

Of course, he doesn’t bow his head, and to add, his eyes are not smiling.

He doesn’t let go of the handle of his sword at his waist, and it seems like he’s more focused on Carlos, who is holding a sword, than on me.

Is he wary of Carlos, who holds a sword, more than me, a brat?

“I’m sorry, we’ll make sure these troublemakers keep quiet. Hey, you guys, get out of here.”

At Greg’s words, the men try to protest but immediately turn their sharp gaze towards Greg and reluctantly leave the store.

“You seem to be able to hold a proper conversation, at the very least.”

I extinguish the blade of magic in my hand and turn to face Greg.

Greg looks somewhat surprised at me.

“You’re letting Lilia-chan go so easily.”

“Because it would be a hassle to wipe out a whole village like this just for that reason.”

My words make Greg’s sharp eyes even more severe.

“What’s with that look? Listen, when commoners surround nobles, that’s what it entails. This time, those same commoners even pointed weapons to a noble. Such actions go beyond disrespect and constitute treason. Naturally, not only the criminals but their families will be executed, and it’s only natural that the entire village will be sentenced to the same punishment.”

“…I see. So, you took Lilia-chan hostage to restrain us?”

As I understand, Greg nods.

As expected of a leader, he understands things well.

Since it couldn’t be helped if we were to be attacked.

“Listen, I’ll let it go this time. But there won’t be a next time. Even if it’s the Cardinal of the Church, they wouldn’t show such mercy with such disrespect.”

“So, should I thank you then? I’ll bow my head as much as you want, Your Lordship.”

“What’s the value of your head? It’s a head that should naturally bow, so just bow it.”

The air between Greg and me is tense.

Lilia is fluttering around trying to make tea at the corner of my vision.

Don’t bother, just stand there quietly.

“Geez, what a foul-mouthed kid… Well, I’ll thank you. You let us off for our mistake. You may be a noble, but it seems you’re not as rotten as the scum of Clinton.”

Greg spits out without bowing his head.

No, bow your head.

And who’s this Clinton?

As if answering my question, Carlos speaks up.

“Clinton Foe Serpente. He’s in charge of this area’s management.”

Ah, a magistrate.

Serpente… if I remember correctly, it was the Marquisate on the border.

Is he from a lower noble family in Rougvelt?

…Huh? The magistrate of Rougvelt?

Could it be that this Clinton is the official who imposed heavy taxes on the protagonist’s faction in the story? It might be possible, but his name never appeared in my dreams.

“It’s not just bad, it’s not just that. That guy, he’s the worst scum, the enemy of us Rougvelt. It’s not about treason or anything anymore. If he shows his face again, I’ll kill him for real.”

It seems that Clinton is very much disliked here.

The men outside the store are also getting angry, and if Clinton were to appear in front of them, it seems like a riot would really break out.

Moreover, this guy boldly declares rebellion in front of the future heir of the Lightless family.

Certainly, he didn’t introduce himself, but doesn’t he realize who I am?

Can’t he see the Lightless family crest adorned on my coat?

Or perhaps, he really doesn’t know about this crest?

Even though there are so many people here, why can’t they recognize it?

No one?

Are you kidding me, are they really not aware of the Lightless family?

To such an extent?

This ignorance of the commoners is making me dizzy, but I manage to hold back and turn on my heels.

“…Let’s go, Carlos.”

“…Huh? Y-Yes, sir?”

Carlos asks in surprise.

That’s right, under normal circumstances, I would have executed everyone who acted rudely to me.

But it’s fine now.

I’m just tired of the low level of these commoners.

“Alright. My head hurts being here.”

“…Sorry, young master. It’s rude to turn you away like this.”

Greg says with a sorry look on his tough face.

Shut up, don’t talk anymore, or I’ll kill you.

Ignoring Greg, I board the carriage with Carlos.

And another deep sigh, I don’t even know how many times today.

Come to think of it, in the story, the protagonist meets a new companion—a heroine—in Rougvelt.

Rougvelt’s heroine, just thinking about her makes me nauseous.

Chronologically, it wouldn’t be strange to be in the village, but fortunately, she didn’t show up today.

If she had shown up, I might have killed her out of frustration.

“Let’s go back.”

I give Carlos the instruction to return to our capital.

I can’t stand being in this vulgar backwater any longer.

It’s likely to become a long journey to the capital from here.

And just as my peace was about to come to an end, the angry voices of the commoners drowned out everything else.

“It’s Clinton! Clinton’s lackeys have come!”

The commoners scream and make a commotion.

I look outside the carriage window with dead eyes.

The road ahead, the entrance we were trying to leave the village from, was blocked by a group of armored men.