Volume 1 Chapter 2 The Brave Is Going To The Royal Capital, But...
After a brief pause, the revived bishop cleared his throat and began to speak.
"──I'm talking about Brave."
Brave?
............
............
"It's about Relix!"
As I crossed my arms and scratched my head, the flustered village head came over to my side in a panic and whispered.
I clapped my hands.
"Oh, that guy became a Brave, didn't he?"
To be honest, I had no interest at all, so I had almost forgotten the next morning. Furthermore, the next day, I was busy exterminating monsters near the farm, so it had completely slipped my mind by then.
I see, I think this person came to this village to confirm that Relix was the 'chosen Brave'."
I tried to remember something about that area and asked the bishop.
"So, what's up with that 'Brave-sama'?"
"Since Relix-sama is destined to eventually fight the Demon King, he has to go on a journey to gain the power to oppose him. But it's clear that he'll run out of strength halfway through the journey before obtaining that power."
"Well, even if he's skilled, it's only limited to this village."
The men in this village, especially the young ones, also take care of monster extermination alongside their farm work. Relix and I are naturally part of that group.
The monsters that appear in this area aren't very strong. If a man has had some training, he can easily defeat them alone. In fact, the monsters can even be valuable ingredients for meat dishes, so everyone is quite proactive in hunting them.
Relix is the most skilled in the village. His sword skills are unmatched by any ordinary man. I've even challenged Relix to a test of skill, but I couldn't even come close to being his match.
Well, in the end, it all happens in a small village in the middle of nowhere. It's impossible to talk about defeating the Demon King if we just stay in the village and show off our skills.
"So, we want Relix-sama to come with us to the royal capital."
"Why though?"
"The royal capital has strong knights that the country is proud of, who train every day. If he train with them, he can at least gain some basic skills."
The royal capital, huh... I kind of long for it. After all, I was born and raised in this small village in the middle of nowhere. I had a feeling I would spend my whole life here, but I want to go to the heart of this country at least once. Well, it's impossible for now because of the farming work.
While I was daydreaming about the magnificent city, the bishop continued.
"But no matter how much he is a Brave-sama, he has lived as a simple villager who knows nothing until now. He wouldn't have any acquaintances in the royal capital."
Well, yeah, he probably hasn't left this village much, just like me.
"Going to the capital without any acquaintances or anyone familiar must be tough for Brave-sama. So, we came up with a suggestion for Brave-sama."
──How about taking someone trustworthy with you?
"──So you mean like a babysitter?"
"...Your way of speaking is a bit off, you know."
"Well, it's just my nature, so I hope you can forgive me."
I responded to the bishop's reproachful tone without any remorse. I've been living with this personality since I was born, and it's not something I can change now.
Anyway, considering the context of the conversation and the reason I was called here, the answer naturally comes to mind.
"Oh, I just remembered I have more farm work to do, so I should go──"
"Brave-sama said you are the answer to our suggestion!!"
Huhhh!? Just as I was about to hurry back, the bishop started rattling off at an even faster pace!!
The bishop is glaring at me intensely. If I were to explain it in words, it would be like saying, "I won't let you escape, you scoundrel!!" That's how strong his gaze was.
Reluctantly, I had no choice but to sit back down in the chair and face the bishop. It seemed like he relaxed a bit when he realized I wasn't going to run away, but his strong determination not to let me escape was clear in his gaze.
"It's a small village, and Relix and I aren't exactly strangers. But we're not exactly close friends either. I'm sure there are others who are closer to him than I am."
"It's Brave-sama's wish. If you're going with him, it's a direct order to you."
I'm not so sure about that... Relix-san.
"...I'm just a farmer. I have to sweat and toil the land for a living and to pay taxes, you see."
"We will handle the talk. We'll work to exempt you from taxes."
The bishop responded as if it were not a big deal.
"...Even if taxes are exempted, what about food and such?"
"We'll cover all living expenses for the time you're staying in the capital."
"Well, you know, humans need more than just food to stay mentally healthy."
"As Brave-sama's caretaker, we'll also provide you with a salary in addition to living expenses."
"...Um, okay."
Once again, I couldn't think of any objections.
And then, it suddenly dawned on me.
When I put everything together, it basically means,
"Will you cover all the expenses for the journey to the royal capital?"
"Of course. If Brave-sama decides to return to this village when leaving the royal capital, the church here will take care of all the arrangements."
──Upon careful consideration, does this mean that I can essentially go to the royal capital for free?
The distance from this village to the royal capital is almost two weeks by carriage, and the travel expenses during that time would be quite significant. Furthermore, there is also the risk of being attacked by monsters along the way.
In this village, people mainly sustain themselves and exchange goods through bartering with crops and other items, not with money. Taxes are also paid in kind. There are very few opportunities to earn cash here.
Occasionally, traders come to this village and transactions involving money do take place, but the amounts are minimal. I do some small jobs to earn a little extra, but most of it disappears in covering the travel expenses to the royal capital. Even if I were to hold onto every bit of money I have, it would all vanish in living expenses once I reach the royal capital, leaving me with nothing.
──So, that means I can leave all my savings and go to the royal capital What's more, I get some pocket money.
There is absolutely no reason to refuse. Rather, it is a project that should be taken on proactively.
To be specific, there may be a reason to refuse, but it's a minor issue compared to these amazing employment conditions. Compared to the advantage of being able to go to the royal capital for free, it can be ignored.
Above all, I have something to do in the royal capital! Yes, I will someday make that ambition I dreamed of come true!
"I understand. I'll take on babysitting Relix!"
I got up from my seat, put my hand on his chest, and made a loud declaration.
The bishop saw this and murmured.
"...I'm glad you accepted, but I don't think you have enough respect for Brave-sama."
"I mean, until four days ago, he was just 'Villager No. 2'. It's hard to change my attitude all of a sudden."
He's labeled as 'Villager No. 2', but his presence exudes a charisma that makes it feel inappropriate for him to be called villager. But to me, he's just "Acquaintance A", and honestly, there's not much about him that I really respect at the moment.
──Oh, wait, isn't he a "Brave" now?
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