Chapter 191

▶In order to clear this sub episode, you need to harvest the specified number of crops.◀

[ Shatren Strawberries (0/25) ]

[ Shatren Grapes (0/25) ]

This kind of condition to clear a sub episode isn’t common, but it’s somewhat predictable.

From the numbers needed, one can guess their purpose. These items accumulate to create choices in the main episodes.

Right now, instead of choices, my autonomous actions are happening within the manor, but I can still infer the content.

These numbers were surely meant for the guards.

“H-How did you…?”

Daike looked quite startled when he raised his head abruptly. To avoid misunderstanding, it’s best to kindly explain this.

“The disease Helketa I requires Shatren Strawberries, and Helketa II needs Shatren Grapes. The guards who came here are mostly those seeking to treat these two diseases, and even if they were used elsewhere, I don’t think you would suddenly need more.”

“…”

“As you know, one of the festival managers was dismissed. The investigation was due to knowing there was an internal enemy, so I hope there won’t be any misunderstandings.”

Daike didn’t seem pleased by this addition.

In the game, when you found out about the investigation, your affinity would decrease and provoke backlash.

‘…Maybe that’s why.’

The more I think about it, the more pieces fit into place oddly.

“Alright, I understand the situation. If that’s the case, I’ll hand them over.”

“R-Really?”

“You know, I said that nothing is more important than human life.”

Even if this were reality, I would answer that way.

And there was one piece of information from Agent abilities that bothered me the most from what I heard from Ferdy.

“What about the poor ones? How poor are they?”

“Some have sold everything they had to come up with money, and some even cut back on food to save money.”

“…There are such people here too.”

“Y-Yes?”

“Nothing. I’ll deal with those guys first. This growth will take time. Can we wait until then?”

“C-Certainly!”

“If someone is starving, tell them to use the money they were going to spend on supplies to eat first. And make it clear that if someone collapses, they won’t get anything.”

Even though it’s a game, what I see in front of me are people.

The world is harsh, but I think the most cruel hardship for people is hunger.

That pain is unbearable, especially having experienced it myself.

“Thank you very much. I will pass this message along.”

-Beep!

▶You accepted the sub episode. <Guard’s Resolve>◀

▶Obtain Shatren Strawberries and Shatren Grapes within the time limit and hand them over to the guards.◀

‘This will resolve itself gradually, and for the rest, I’ll use my Agent ability.’

I handed Daike a note I had prepared.

“What’s this?”

“This is an order I give you as payment. Don’t read it now, but once I send you strawberries and grapes, read it then.”

Daike silently looked at the note before putting it in his pocket and bowing before leaving.

When Daike first used his Agent ability, original choices appeared.

Since giving a closure order to the guard responsible for Shatren Territory, the conversation could change with each dialogue.

I planned not to choose any options, but it seems right to carry out one now.

‘If the use of Agent ability happens at the wrong timing, it can lower rank and reduce efficiency. This seems to be the case.’

So, the correct choice was to write the contents of the note and pass it along, instructing to read it later.

Time is pressing.

As long as the next plan goes according to my method, there shouldn’t be any problems. For now, I should wait and face tomorrow’s problems.

***

Back in the guards’ quarters, Daike relayed Carsein’s response.

However, his colleagues remained skeptical.

Though they reluctantly accepted that Carsein grew the crops himself, they doubted whether they should readily hand them over.

But their doubts were completely dispelled in just two days.

“What’s this?”

“Strawberries and grapes…?”

The box Daike brought was full of strawberries and grapes.

Indeed, as Daike said, Carsein sent these crops directly to the guards.

“H-Haha, maybe my eyes are playing tricks on me. I must be tired today…”

“I feel like I’m dreaming. I need to wake up quickly…”

“These aren’t from Shatren? They’re just regular strawberries and grapes, right?”

But how could they immediately accept what they saw?

They rubbed their eyes, pinched themselves to check if they were dreaming, and questioned if these weren’t from Shatren but ordinary strawberries and grapes.

So stunned, they rambled.

After a moment of silence, life returned to their blank faces.

Daike simply smiled at his colleagues.

“It’s real. It hurts! My pinch is stinging!”

“Th-This… It’s real. Real Shatren strawberries and grapes!”

“Oh my God… He’s giving us this much?”

This box brought only one happy truth to the guards.

While everyone was rejoicing,

Daike vaguely recalled Carsein’s instruction.

‘Carsein instructed me to check the note now.’

He pulled out the note he had never read before from his pocket.

‘It’s…’

His eyes widened instantly.

‘Temporarily close Shatren Territory. Do not slacken surveillance on anyone entering or leaving the territory. Also, warn anyone entering Shatren that they cannot enter without my permission.’

-Gulp.

This was a direct command sent to Daike.

An order that could only be given by someone in charge of security.

Considering the timing and conditions within the territory, it might have negative effects. It could also cause trouble for the guards.

But Daike wasn’t afraid.

“Everyone, pay attention!”

Deep in thought, Daike shouted, and the guards who were celebrating turned to him.

Amidst the cheers, a solemn silence fell.

“Everyone’s happy, but may I ask something of you?”

“What?”

“Lord Carsein gave me this order as soon as he delivered this box.”

Daike added seriously.

“The order is this: temporarily close Shatren Territory, do not ease surveillance on anyone leaving, and thoroughly inspect and report on what they did. And do not allow anyone entering Shatren without permission. That’s what Lord Carsein ordered me to do.”

“Isn’t that dangerous?”

“That’s a complete ban!”

“If we’re not careful, it could affect us…”

As guards, they all reacted the same way.

Given the obvious situation for residents of Shatren Territory, they expressed concern about this order.

To which Daike honestly shared his thoughts.

“Did any of you receive a separate payment or compensation from Lord Carsein?”

“No.”

“There wasn’t any.”

“We wouldn’t… We suspected something like that from the beginning. If there had been, we would have noticed it sooner.”

“Right. What do you think? Lord Carsein didn’t want any compensation from us. It’s not strange to accept, and he even gave up his own benefits. He gave this to us. Does that make sense?”

Then, what is this order?

Summarizing his argument:

“I don’t know what happened in Shatren Territory in the past. All I knew was that we needed crops for my sister’s recovery. Even that I only learned after hearing it from you. But do you really think Lord Carsein deserves such bad criticism?”

“…”

“Whoever received the proposal before me, the Lord Carsein I saw… Never put down his pen. He never took his eyes off Shatren. Sometimes he even shortened his sleep to work. Isn’t this the true image of a lord?”

“Come to think of it…”

“Even just working in the fields and growing crops…”

It wasn’t just that.

As vague memories of Lord Carsein’s true form emerged, the other guards nodded.

“Perhaps the residents are mistaken. So, this is how I see it.”

Even considering the risk, this is something we should do as payment.

After all, the worst that could happen is being blamed.

Given the responsibilities of the guards in Shatren Territory, paying this much seems reasonable.

Daike strongly argued.

He still doesn’t understand why Lord Carsein is criticized in Shatren.

From every angle, he has no flaws. Lord Carsein Bargrand was an excellent lord in Shatren.

However.

“…”

All the guards closed their mouths simultaneously.

‘I see, I can’t just jump into this.’

Fortunately, Prict and a few others who approached Daike with nods started pushing the box towards the center.

A division formed around the box, separating supporters and opponents.

With this many people, even if it’s difficult, they can manage somehow.

By reducing rest time and taking turns on watch, they could pull through.

Even if they can’t match the amount received, they’ll do their best to fulfill the order.

Daike decided to follow Lord Carsein’s order with his chosen comrades.

Just then.

-Slither.

“Prict, why create such boundaries? Idiot.”

“It’s natural. How is this harmful?”

“Better than those old men who kept raising prices and only sold to nobles! Lord Carsein is better!”

“I agree. Maybe the residents are mistaken, just as Daike says.”

“Guys…”

Daike realized then.

Not just the box, but everyone in the room was united in helping Lord Carsein.

“Daike, counting by the time spent here, you’re the most senior. Let’s hear your plan.”

“…For shift work, we need to split into teams first.”

“Agh- Shift work?”

“It’ll be tough for a while.”

“But we have plenty of people. It might be worth trying.”

Seeing what they received, they gathered to start planning shifts.

-Beep!

▶This message is not displayed for the player.◀

▶Successfully triggered results beyond simple choices.◀

▶Completed the sub episode. <Guard’s Resolve> for Daike character. Daike’s Agent ability has awakened.◀

▶Agent rank has increased!◀

[ 2. Daike ]

▶Rank: A-

▶Ability: Controller

[ You can check visit and entry records of Shatren Territory. With higher rank, you can control and block visitors.]

▶Affinity with Daike, Prict, and other guards has greatly increased.◀

[ Individual values ]

[Daike: 35%]

[Prict: 31%]

[Senn: 28%]

…

…

▶Trigger activated by meeting conditions.◀

▶Guards become aware of the reality of Shatren!