"This place really looks like what you would expect from a village, huh..."
I murmur while doing a quick look around the place as we were walking. The beige dirt roads that created clouds of dust when the wind blows were there. There's also easy to build and easy to fix wooden and stone houses everywhere I look, some bigger and some smaller, but alas, they look almost the same. The little central plaza you can see down this main road has a simple fountain, and it seems that it also serves as a market for travelers. But not so much for the villagers since they share the products among themselves given their situation.
"...it's surprising to hear you say that they do not fight amongst themselves for food and so on, Erevain."
I say to the black-haired woman walking a step behind me to the right and she nods. By my Goddess, she really adapted quickly to her role, even her way of walking is quite the proper one for a lady, closely tied with her is Gabrielle and then Luca, with Kris in last place. But you could say that is part of her charm as a warrior.
"I am glad to say they do not hold such thoughts, my lord. The villages that surround the Kyrie Kingdom are a source of pride for it since they show the essence with which the Kingdom was founded."
I glanced at Erevain intrigued.
"Hoh~~ pray tell me what it is."
"Family, my lord. The villages that surround the kingdom remind us of how it all began with a place just as this one, full of people that put others before themselves and thus, overcoming the great trials the Goddess put before them."
"Yes, I can see that they are the pride of the Kingdom since all their problems have already been resolved."
I say sarcastically. The redheaded woman behind Erevain does a pained expression after listening to me.
"Ouch, that was harsh, my lord."
Yes Kris, it sounded harsh, but I must keep the image and it wasn't a lie. If what Erevain says is true, then what the hell is the kingdom doing not taking care of the problem?
"Kris, it is the truth. My lord is showing his trust in us by not wasting his time in sugar coating."
Says the blonde woman at my other side, her curls bouncing lightly at the sides of her face with every step she takes.
"Gabrielle is right Kris, do not worry. My lord did not offend me, it is as he says."
I'm glad you take it that way Erevain, because I seriously didn't mean to offend you. Sorry anyways, even though you can't hear my monologue/narration. And Gabrielle, it sounds as if you are scolding Kris. She didn't do anything wrong; she was being considerate! That is a nice trait to have! Don't worry Kris!! I'm with you at least in my heart!
"..."
Luca at least try to say something! You look cute fidgeting and such, but I can feel you have something to say even though I'm not even looking at you directly!
Oh, I forgot to say that I left my helmet back home after Erevain said to me in a really polite manner that it made me look as nothing but a villain, and then I used my [Shapeshifting Touch] skill to hide my horns, change my eyes' appearance from draconic to human, as well as humanize my ears. I can't help the villagers if they start running away because of a Dragon Lord suddenly visiting.
"It is a matter to be proud of. That type of thinking was uncommon in the places I—"
"Umm...excuse me..."
Suddenly, a new voice interrupts me. Well, I knew she was approaching us, but it would have been weird for her if I suddenly stopped talking and turned around to look at her before she had the chance to talk.
Yep, yep. First impressions are important.
I can also say that I just need to act polite with her. I bet she thinks we are foreigners because of our appearance and so, I'll go with that.
"Yes?"
I say as I move to face her slowly with a polite smile.
Oh! She got embarrassed! Did I just made someone fall in love?
"Are...are you travelers?"
The teen girl asks while innocently looking at my eyes. I'm glad that none of the maid-knights started saying something cliché like 'how dare you approach my lord so...' and the like though. That shows that they are waiting to follow my lead aaand that they are not rude.
"Indeed."
"I-I see...amm, I could guide you to the inn if it's not a bother."
She kind of reminds me of how my little sister acted when she met one of my co-workers. Now that I think about her, I hope she is alright and that she managed to enter that college she wanted. Go get them you, dwarf imouto!
"Not at all, please, lead the way. But is it alright? I saw that you were plowing the field right there."
"Ye-Yes, it is fine. I needed a break anyways, so no problems there."
She sounds more relaxed, good, that means we can start with the information gathering right away.
"Very well then, my name is Auros. And from right to left, they are Erevain, Kris, Luca and Gabrielle."
I say so while stepping aside and extending my arm towards my maid-knights.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance."
Erevain politely bows, in a way that looks as if she were a noble, while holding the ends of her dress on both sides. Noble indeed. Her black dress with grey metal armored accents just fits her image completely. It also has the effect of hiding Erevain's longsword as if it wasn't there on the right side of her hips. Well done all around, Nerinne!
"Yo'! Nice to meet ya!"
Contrary to the one who came before her, Kris just winks at the girl while showing her a wide smile and a light nod with a familiar tone. Her dress is mainly red with white in the chest area and metallic shoulder guards. She looks quite imposing and strong with that anime big sword on her back while not losing her maid appeal. It is the one that more resembles a classical maid look. Umu.
"Hello..."
Luca tries her best.
Her outfit is the opposite to Kris', as in Nerinne clearly took some liberties with this one. Her dress is short and looks more like a skirt, it also has a hood with a really complex design on it. The weapon hiding effect can also be found here. I guess that is how she imagines how a stealth specialized maid should look? It's cute though.
"It's a pleasure to meet you."
Finally, Gabrielle. She does the same as Erevain with a polite bow, but she chooses to end it with a gentle smile. Her dress is green with golden accents here and there and the classic white in the chest area. Her massive gauntlets changed into ones that are slimmer, refined, but look even more solid. At first glance it looks like something an ojou type of character would use instead of a maid, that is until you see the little maid tiara on her head. Nice little touch!
But...wow!!
They talked in perfect timing, order and character type!! I want to smile so much right now, but I can't! I'm controlling myself, but just knowing that I'm traveling with 4 of my maid-knights in their outfits like this makes it so damn worth it!!
"Nice to meet you too. Ah, my manners! Sorry! I'm Sylvie!"
"No need to apologize, Sylvie."
I say so while smiling gently.
"P-Please come this way."
While I already know where the inn is, thanks to Erevain giving me a detailed map of the village, it is better this way. After all, we would look more suspicious alone than with one of the villagers guiding us. Thank you again Sylvie.
We have walked for a few more minutes and I have to say that I was expecting the bad smell medieval times used to have, but there is none here. It is actually pretty clean. Why? Magic, duh.
Now, onto the important part.
Visit the village of the beginning, check!
"If I may ask Mister Auros, are you from the Empire?"
Mister? Really? Another one? Does my face really look that masculine or androgynous? I think it looks feminine and hot though...? Is it because of the deeper voice I'm doing for the sake of being in character? My hair? My full armor that hides my chest? Can everyone see my soul's original appearance, and no one is telling me?! Now I really want to know why!!
Do I need to walk without the breastplate on and expose my waist and under boobs for it to be clear?
I. AM.NOW. A. WOMAN!
*sniff* *sniff*
So sad...Tristan play you know what...
Aaaaaand there's that too...
The obligatory 'Empire' that always has to be next to the 'Kingdom' on isekais, I had totally forgotten about that. They usually are assholes, so I really hope that expectation is wrong here. Because if not, I might just turn their emperor into a maid and make her stop their assholery.
If you just felt a chill down your spine, consider it a warning to change your ways, unnamed emperor. I mean it.
"No, I come from a more distant place that you probably haven't heard of."
As in it is another world so you obviously haven't heard of it.
"Oh, then Miss Erevain and the others too?"
Heh, Erevaine twitched a little when she heard the 'Miss' added to her name.
"No, they are actually your fellow citizens of this kingdom."
Sylvie makes a surprised expression and a double take on them after hearing me say that.
"No way, they are too beautiful for them to be women of this kingdom and I say it as one!!"
Right?! They are gorgeous!!
Umu.
Now I see that you are a fellow woman of culture.
"My goodness, thanks for the compliment, Sylvie. But you are beautiful too, do not belittle yourself."
Oooooh!! Gabrielle is resting her face on her right hand while her other hand supports her elbow! Truly an ojou-sama type of pose!!! Not only did she handle the compliment well, she is once again showing her mature and dependable personality!! Yes!!
Let's see how the others—
Ara, not only Luca but even Erevain is blushing and fidgeting a little.
"..."
"..."
Wha--What's this? WHAT'S THIS ADORABLE SCENE?!
"Ha-ha...! You think so? Thanks! Hahaha..."
Kris do not try to hide your blushing face while laughing and looking the other way. You are even scratching your cheek!! Good!!
"*ahem* Thank you for the compliments...and yes we lived in the kingdom, but we now serve our lord, as you can see."
Now, now Erevain, don't go changing the subject. You look quite beautiful all embarrassed like that.
Wait...I think I get Nerinne's new hobby now...
"Aaah...that must be nice, being able to leave the kingdom and travel."
Village girl who wants to travel. Check! Also, flag raised!! I hope it is a good one!
"Indeed, one of my objectives is to travel the world and see its various wonders."
I say so while looking up to the sky. It is so blue, it used to be like that in my world, but the days where it was gray started growing in number when I was alive there and not because of rain. To the point that a blue sky twice a week became an oddity. It's just another thing that reminds me that I'm seriously in another world.
"Oooh! Seriously?! That is amazing! I wish I could do that!"
I bet. Now that she knows a bit more about us and she has switched to a more familiar tone, I can start asking some questions. Why? Because the setup is as important as the questions themselves! Thank you, work!!
"And why is it you can't? If I may ask, of course."
She seems surprised for a moment, but I can see in her eyes that she started trusting me, at least enough to warrant a response. I'm sure the [Royal Presence] and [Sublime Charisma] skills are helping with that too.
"I...well, there's a lot of reasons you know...like money and the education needed so that I could feel safe traveling, you know? But the most important reason would be my family. I...can't leave them. At least not until the village gets out of this...tricky...situation..."
"Commendable, to have that sense of responsibility at your age is truly commendable, Sylvie."
I said so while nodding. She is blushing. That is a good prompt.
"Indeed, money and education are needed too, but those are less important in the face of one's family. You are a fine woman, Sylvie."
Erevain joined in, her voice showed that she had regained her composure and her face truly looked like one of a noble praising someone from the depths of their heart.
"Thanks, Miss Erevain..."
She smiles warmly looking at everyone who nodded in agreement.
"Sylvie, could you tell me about these problems you mentioned? I have heard the rumors but listening to someone who actually lives here is better."
I ask directly. No need to beat around the bush anymore.
She opens her eyes wide open and her smile goes down for a bit but then she nods.
"It is as the rumors say, the crops stopped growing here and the cattle dies on the first night they get here...no matter how much we try it keeps happening."
She says some depressing words, but her tone tells me she is not giving up. Her eyes too, those are some good eyes you got there Sylvie.
Umu, you got me even more motivated.
We have arrived at the humble central plaza of the village; some people stare at us but when they see Sylvie guiding us, they go on with their day. At the same time, Luca signals me with her hand in an inconspicuous way. She detected someone. I nod and tell her with my hand that there is no problem.
I love that my blessing includes signal languages. So useful!
"Do you have any theories about why this is happening, Sylvie? My servants and I may be of help."
"Theories..."
Sylvie starts to ponder a bit. I can already see the inn, so our time is cutting short.
"No, I don't have one of my own but...the one almost everyone in the village believes is that this land has been cursed by the Goddess as a punishment for our sins..."
Huh?
What?
No, I can't believe that.
Nerinne wouldn't do something like that. She told me that her most recent intervention outside of her normal duties with the world is a miracle she did some centuries ago, my reincarnation in it and nothing else. I need to ask her but not now, there is still one more question I need Sylvie to answer.
"I see...was it an answer everyone came up with?"
"No, no. At least, I don't think so. I think it was an arch-priest that came from the capital who said that...but it was a year ago or so..."
She seems troubled while trying to remember. I can't pressure her, since she is no villain here.
"It is understandable if that is as much as you can remember. Thank you, Sylvie. I promise that I will do whatever I can to help."
I smile at her with sincerity.
After that she took us inside the inn and helped us with the process. As thanks, Gabrielle gave her some recipes for medicines that she might need in the coming winter.
I'm sure we will be seeing more of her until we leave though, so no goodbyes for now.
Time for our first strategy meeting in Illumbee village.
______________________________________________________
I know you heard all of it Nerinne and I know it is not your fault but...
"You still have to ask, right, dear?"
Yes.
"No, I do not do curses. I despise them. When I don't like something, I tell the priests and give advice in how to correct that if needed, or a very clear divine punishment. That village is not cursed, at least not by me."
Glad to hear you say it.
"Aren't you worried that I might lie to you? I'm a Goddess after all."
I trust you and I know you wouldn't lie to me.
"Trust not just faith...fufu...I love you Auros."
"...!"
You...making me blush out of nowhere...geez...
"Fufufu~~."
A-anyways, then that Archpriest lied. But why?
"That was not an Archpriest. I know all of them by name, and when every one of them speaks on my behalf, I can hear them. So, if anyone tries to do something like say I cursed the land, I will immediately punish that liar as per the internal law of my church."
So, a fake archpriest that came from the capital...
That's still someone with enough influence and power to try something like this. And my instinct keeps telling me that it is related to the kingdom in some way. With that, the two theories I had are still viable, but I need more information to pin down any sort of conclusion.
Thank you Nerinne.
"Anything for you, dear~~."
And...I love you too...
"Fufufufu~~~ I know."
I look up to the women that are waiting to hear the results of my conversation with the Goddess and explain everything she told me. Erevain had a serious expression throughout the whole thing and now nodded as if she just confirmed something.
Something that brought a change to that expression of hers.
"As I thought, the capital is behind this in some way."
Erevain's expression is now heavy and with a tinge of sadness. She is seriously worried about her country...
"And it stands to reason why everyone believes the story about the curse, since they had no way of knowing if it was a fake archpriest."
Gabrielle was making some tea with a smile while saying that. Where did she get that tea set? I honestly don't know.
"Indeed, Gabrielle, no divine punishment befell them, so the villagers believed him right away."
Erevain, seeing as I already had a teacup, finally accepted hers and took a sip. She let out a deep sigh, but then smiled a bit in approval of the tea. Hey, sometimes those little things can help even in one's darkest hours.
"But only an idiot would impersonate an archpriest and put that big of a target on their back. The Paladins of the church are no pushovers, Erevain. Don't you remember me always challenging that friend of mine who was Paladin? He handed me my ass on a holy platter every time. Heh, now I want to fight him again...I hope that he has gotten stronger."
Kris' eyes were shining with fighting spirit. She sure loves fighting, I like that side of her, but I hope she is not the type to pick fights not caring about the context of the situation.
"Not...necessarily..."
Luca talked! Great!
"As Luca says, Kris, not necessarily. If that someone is backed by powerful enough people, they can hide them until they are useful again or they need a scapegoat."
Erevain sure looks like she knows what she is talking about, and in a first-hand experience type of way. The others too, make a pained expression when she said that.
"Certainly, Erevain. It is easier to use an already trained dog for those tasks than train a new one every time the need arises."
Hmm, this tea is good. Gabrielle you get a gold star.
"Yes, my lord. That also means that they surely have eyes and ears on this village to supervise that their plan is going well."
Says Erevain while glancing at the room's door.
I smile at Erevain, then I signal her and the others to keep talking while I silently get up from chair. One of those eyes and ears has been following us since we entered the central plaza. Luca and I noticed immediately while the others took a bit to do so.
And now they are outside the room. Let's welcome our new informant. So, I start my chant in a low voice.
"Darkness heed me and let me walk through you. [Shadow Walk]."
As I finish my chant, I fall inside my own shadow and come out silently from the shadow of our peeper. He is so focused on listening in that he fails to see the two-meter-tall woman behind him.
So, I go for the whisper type of greeting.
"Quite the foolish one you are for trying to spy on me."
"...!"
He doesn't have enough time to react properly before I overwhelm him with my strength while covering his mouth and pushing him inside our room.
A few minutes after that, Luca has tied him on a chair and he is now moving furiously trying to get free, but he can't. Luca even used an interference spell on him so that he can't use magic to escape.
Luca, you are awesome.
"Before I start with him, I shall give you your tasks. Kris and Gabrielle, you both go and talk to the villagers. Obtain as much information as possible from them. If we can piece together the motive for all of this, we would be a step closer to solving this problem."
"Yes, yes, my lord."
Says Kris with a big smile on her face.
"As you wish, my lord."
They both nodded and bowed lightly before leaving the room.
"Luca, collect information the usual way you do."
"Y-yes, my lord! I-I won't disappoint you!"
So cute. She said that and left quickly.
"Erevain, stand guard outside. Deal with any others who might come to commit the same foolish mistake as him."
"Yes, my lord."
She nods and leaves the room.
"Now, space heed me and do not let any sound out of this place. [Silent Room]."
I take off the gag that covered this guy's mouth and he starts shouting. Because of course he does.
"You won't make me talk!! No matter what you do to my body!!"
Heh.
"Hoh~~~, those are big words for someone tied up to a chair with no hope of escaping."
I smile at him and reveal my draconic eyes and horns. It seems I can undo my skill's effect with just a thought if they are changes to my own body.
He looks at me baffled and starts shaking. He is not just scared, he looks terrified. Even his legs started shaking a bit.
"Do not worry. When I'm done with you, you will talk out of your own volition."
I extend my hand to his face. He desperately tries move away but it is of no use.
"[Shapeshifting touch]."
He is swallowed by the light of the skill for a few seconds. Then, the new additions to his body are made clear to him, as well as that characteristic emptiness down there.
"Aaah...aaaAh...wha-what have you done to me?!"
She screams in a female voice. Yes, she.
"As I said. Do not worry, you will talk."
I caress her face, she is clearly afraid, but that is something she had to consider as a risk of the life she chose, being part of something as shady as trying to starve a whole village while desecrating Nerinne's name.
On a side note, I did a pretty good job on her giving her this cute of a form if I do say so myself.
"[Pleasurable Hands]"
"Ahn!"
I start to take off her bindings until she is 'free', but she isn't moving. Her legs are trembling, and it is clear she doesn't have the strength to move now, so I carry her to my bed and put her face down. I then put my hands on her back.
Her breathing is already ragged and heavy. Her ears are a bit red too.
"Don't...haayn! Stop...ahn! Ammmh! Hnnnn!! Don't...stop...don't stop...ahmmn..."
It is super effective and I'm only giving her a back massage...
Goddess, these are some knots!
To be continued...(cue DOUBLE CHAPTER DAY. ENJOY CHAPTER 19 TOO!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!)
Glossary Entry #15:
Imouto: Japanese for "little sister". They normally appear as tsunderes or the overly attached ones in anime and manga. But there are some that are...worst than that...let's just leave it at that. *shuders*