Summoned by the Heretics – Even in Another World, the Zealot Who Worships Death Remains an Outcast - Vol 3 Chapter 55

“This is the young master’s domain, huh!”

The girl in front of me, Mei, the daughter of the inn where Sukui was staying, joyfully looked around the village, clearly excited.

“Yes, everyone here is a wonderful person who shares my reverence for death.”

Ignoring Sukui’s words, Mei dashed off toward the villagers.

With a sigh, Sukui reflected on how things had turned out so noisy.

It all happened yesterday.

For the first time in a while, Sukui had no plans.

Lately, his days had been filled with social gatherings, interactions with nobility, paperwork required for granting titles, and frequent travel due to the responsibilities of his given domain.

Though there were tasks to handle, there was nowhere he particularly needed to go. So, when Sukui decided to take it easy at the inn, Horo, and the idle Mei, joined him for a relaxing tea time.

“You sure are busy, young master! I heard you defeated some bad guys and got recognized by the lord!”

“Yes, it was a fortunate event.”

Mei’s eyes sparkled as she eagerly listened.

The villains Mei referred to were the ones who had bound her father with debt, and thanks to Sukui’s efforts and subsequent handling, her father was freed from his debt problem. But Mei was unaware of this.

Not to mention, she didn’t know about the organization either.

Even though the criminal group was infamous in the underworld, it wasn’t something a mere innkeeper’s daughter would know about.

“So, did you have a hard time with them, young master? What kind of strong people did you face?”

“Hard time? Well, if you look at it from a certain angle, you could say I lost.”

Sukui couldn’t remember parts of the fight with Ferte.

Considering the situation right before he lost his memory, it wouldn’t have been surprising if he’d been defeated.

A trip intense enough to lose memory. Even for Sukui, it was a first.

“Actually, it was more accurate to say Horo was the one who made the difference. She fended off three executive members at once. Horo always exceeds my expectations with her results.”

“You fought three executives?”

Mei was astonished. Of course, she didn’t quite grasp what an executive entailed.

She was surprised at the idea of facing three strong people at once.

“Well, I was lucky, too, in some ways.”

“Still, that’s incredible! Horo-san, you’re as strong as the young master!”

As Horo shrank back, Mei asked about the details of the battle.

In reality, Horo’s capabilities far exceeded Sukui’s expectations.

He understood that it was due to the power of her blessing, but Sukui also knew the challenge of mastering such blessings and wielding multiple spells.

In terms of magical skills, she surpassed Sukui. It was a bloom of natural talent and effort.

“I thought the young master was strong since he’s made a living defeating monsters, but he’s even stronger than I imagined! With someone as strong as Horo-chan, wouldn’t you be able to take down a Demon King?”

“The Demon King can only be defeated by the Hero.”

Just as Mei’s spirits were high, her father interrupted by setting food on the table.

This inn usually only provided breakfast. However, ever since Sukui took down the organization, Mei’s father had been making meals for Sukui whenever he was around.

The level of care in the food was far beyond anything previously seen at breakfast; for tea time, an assortment of sweets had been prepared.

Then, her father also sat down. Sukui poured tea and placed a cup in front of Mei’s father.

“I get it, I get it.”

Mei, in a bit of a huff, picked up a sweet.

The Demon King could only be defeated by a Hero wielding a holy sword.

It was a tale Sukui had heard often.

“See, Dad, it means they’re super strong! You don’t get it.”

“I don’t think I’m nearly strong enough to take down a Demon King, though.”

Sukui chimed in on their parent-child exchange.

The Demon King was a foe defeated by Heroes, who were accompanied by multiple A-rank mage specialists.

Sukui, who doubted he could even defeat a single A-rank mage alone, couldn’t imagine being able to win.

“Oh, young master! You two don’t understand jokes, huh, Horo-san?”

“Um, I…”

Caught off guard as the conversation turned to her, Horo hesitated briefly.

“Well, I believe that if it’s the master, he could even defeat the Demon King…”

“See!”

Mei looked at Sukui, as if to say, “I told you so.” Sukui, with a slight smile, replied humbly, “Horo-san tends to overestimate me.”

“Well, enough about the Demon King!”

Quickly dismissing the topic she herself had brought up.

“More importantly, what about the rewards? You destroyed an evil organization, received direct praise from the lord, and now you’re officially part of the upper class, right, young master?”

“Not to that extent,” Sukui replied, though in recent times, he had to admit that Mei’s observation wasn’t far off.

Once the conferment of his title was confirmed, Sukui would officially become nobility.

“It feels more like I’ve been saddled with something burdensome than anything else.”

“Well, for someone like the young master, who led a wandering life without roots, things like status and honor might just get in the way.”

From Mei’s perspective, given her history of struggling financially, it probably didn’t seem that way. Thinking about it, Sukui narrowed his eyes, wondering if his words might have been a bit careless.

“Getting the domain ended up being a good thing, though. There were people already living there, and they’re good people, so I think it will work out.”

“A domain! Does that mean you’re a lord now?”

“Well, on a small scale, yes.”

The lord had explicitly stated that he was giving the territory to Sukui. In the paperwork, it was not assigned to him in a supervisory capacity but transferred entirely to Sukui’s personal ownership.

In other words, he was now a lord.

“Still, I won’t be doing much as a lord. I only help out the locals occasionally and check in every so often. I wasn’t even told to collect taxes.”

Despite this, Sukui had been quite active for the village.

It was a rundown place. While he had no intention of turning it into a grand town, there were still many areas where the villagers struggled in their daily lives.

Using the rewards he received, both funds and connections, Sukui visited the village often.

Incidentally, the village had no head. There was no hierarchy.

All were equal under the shadow of death—a belief shared among the villagers.

However, their gratitude towards Sukui was immense, and he was held in high esteem.

“It’s still impressive. What kind of village is it?”

“It’s a small place. About ten people mainly live there and sustain themselves through farming. I hope to streamline the process so they can sell what they produce to buy what they need.”

Rather than just giving aid, the idea was to raise their quality of life in their current lifestyle.

Sukui wanted to establish a structure where things would function smoothly even in his absence.

Maybe he’d ask Frame for help. Despite his new ties with nobility, having a reliable merchant would be beneficial. He reminded himself that before that, he’d have to help Frame revive his business.

That was when he noticed a change in Mei’s expression.

“What! You’re farming?”

“Yes, it seems the soil was still fertile.”

They had restored the used farmland, bought seedlings from passing merchants, and used magic for support.

Even though he described it simply, it wasn’t an easy task.

“Farming might not be the only potential industry for that village, but it’s probably the primary one.”

Other jobs could be introduced later, but that was a task for another day. Sukui’s musings were cut short as Mei raised her voice.

“I want to go! What are you growing? How big is the field? Do you have any of the same crops as us?”

Sukui was overwhelmed by her barrage of questions. Honestly, he still didn’t know much about the names of vegetables in this world.

The plant encyclopedia he’d received contained only a few edible species.

“We do have some, I think.”

“Forget the explanation! Just let me see it for myself! When’s your next visit? I can be helpful—I know a lot!”

Mei interrupted him right after asking her question.

Though Sukui had initially considered refusing, Mei’s background and knowledge could be valuable for the agricultural efforts.

Sukui himself had been introduced to a plant vendor, and the villagers didn’t seem particularly well-versed in farming either.

Mei, though her operation was small, grew enough vegetables for her family’s inn.

Perhaps bringing her along and discussing things could prove beneficial.

“Well, I can go anytime,” Sukui said, glancing at Mei’s father.

He caught his gaze, silently asking if it was okay to bring her.

“I’m coming too.”

“Eh, Dad, you’re coming?”

Her slight irritation was natural for a girl her age.

But Sukui empathized with her father’s concern about letting his daughter visit an unfamiliar village.

“It would be a good chance for the villagers to learn some cooking skills, too. Getting advice on cooking tools and equipment would be helpful.”

Since I’m not exactly skilled in domestic matters myself, your guidance would be valuable, he added.

With that, Mei relented.

Her face softened a bit. Despite everything, it seemed she was proud of her father’s cooking skills.

Ever since he’d stopped serving lackluster breakfasts, Mei had been genuinely happy.

“Well, I guess that’s fine!”

“How about two days from now? Mei-san seems eager to go soon, but I’m sure some preparation will be necessary.”

“I’ll teach them all I know about farming!” Mei said, springing to her feet, eager to get ready.

Her father gave a silent nod, signaling his approval.

“I wonder what kind of fertilizer the villagers use. They might be surprised if they see the handcrafted fertilizer from the plant vendor! I suppose they don’t use magical tools, though—they’re useful but pricey.”

Mei’s face lit up as she considered these things.

It was evident how happy she was to talk about agriculture so freely.

It was endearing to see her in a teaching role.

“A farming village, huh—I always had a bit of admiration for that. Inns are great, but there’s something about making a living off the vegetables you grow. The young master really did receive a nice place.”

Saying this, Mei’s expression shifted slightly, her joyful look giving way to something more reserved.

“Um, young master?”

“What is it?”

Avoiding his gaze, Mei seemed hesitant.

Sukui started considering what might be on her mind.

“Um…so, now that you have a domain and money, does that mean you…”

Mei struggled to finish her thought.

But by that point, Sukui understood her implication.

He glanced at Horo, who gave a small nod.

“Actually, it’s about time.”

Saying this, he took out a pouch from his coat pocket.

The weight was unmistakable.

He placed it in front of Mei’s father and untied the drawstring.

It was a hefty sum.

“I can’t accept this.”

How long would he stay at this inn?

Would he leave?

It wasn’t just about Mei being an innkeeper’s daughter—it was also loneliness.

Even after gaining status and wealth, would he still care about this humble inn?

Seeing the gold, Mei’s eyes widened, though she was further surprised by her father’s immediate refusal.

But his reaction made sense. Sukui had dismantled the organization, and as part of the cleanup, he had cleared her father’s debts.

Moreover, he’d arranged a job for him in Flip’s guild kitchen.

Considering the debt alone, this sum was less than what her father owed Sukui.

“Please, allow me to pay,” Sukui said with a smile, “I have the funds to spare.”

In reality, the amount wasn’t significant compared to what Sukui could access.

“Of course, other inns and homes are fine, and living on my own domain would be enjoyable.”

He listed all the concerns he imagined Mei might have.

“But, well, I do consider this a place I want to call home.”

As he said this, her father’s face tightened.

Hearing that, there was no way he could refuse.

“Oh, I see…” Mei stammered, sounding flustered.

Her face reddened, a mix of embarrassment and something unspoken.

It seemed as though she might burst into tears at any moment.

“I-I’ll go get ready!” she cried, dashing behind the counter and disappearing into the back room.

Sukui simply watched her go.