Published: January 12, 2026
Meeting Kusala-sama changed my life dramatically.
Kusala-sama, a heroic-level adventurer, entered the adventurers' guild, which was like a den of ruffians, with great dignity. He casually reported to the intimidating guild master about the discovery of dungeons and the slaying of dragons.
It all sounded like a tale from a heroic saga.
When staying at an inn, he quietly arranged for a private room for me as well and even took me out for meals.
The next day, we bought a large carriage and two horses, stocked up on food and clothing, and left the capital city. Many adventurers followed from behind, but Kusala-sama drove the carriage on without concern.
“Still, I’m surprised. That dragon sold for 180 platinum coins... Is it because it had fewer wounds? Looks like the armored lizard will fetch a high price too.”
“That’s an incredible amount. I can’t even imagine.”
When I replied, Kusala-sama laughed happily and nodded.
“It’s thanks to the lord’s young master. Even though he’s just a child, he’s remarkable. He expanded the village in no time, and with the weapons the young master prepared, we achieved such incredible battle achievements. Familia-san is counting on us. The village we’re heading to now will definitely be interesting.”
Kusala-sama laughed without a care and shared stories that seemed unbelievable. Yet strangely, I believed every word without doubt.
After my father, Baron Stratos, died in battle, our family rapidly declined and was eventually taken over. I experienced despair as if it was the end of the world.
But thanks to Kusala-sama, I was able to smile genuinely for the first time in years.
“Yes. I’m looking forward to it.”
When I said that, Kusala-sama smiled shyly.
“By now, Kusala must have arrived at the capital city, right?”
Muttering that to no one in particular, one of the comrades laughed and replied.
“Who knows? He got a Mithril Dagger. Maybe he’s fooling around testing it.”
“That’s plausible. I’d definitely take detours if I were him.”
While they laughed, Pluriel spoke up.
“Hey, we’re almost there, so stay alert, okay? Last time, you guys were joking around and a forest dragon attacked.”
“Hey, that wasn’t our fault.”
“Don’t argue. Now, get back to your assigned positions quickly.”
“...Alright.”
I raised one hand and moved forward.
Lately, Pluriel has been speaking her mind a lot more. Thinking that, I looked around.
There were ten carriages, carrying elderly people and children with their belongings. Around us were probably over two hundred men and women, both middle-aged and young.
The carriages were drawn by thirteen oxen and two horses.
When we reached the neighboring village, we were shocked by the number of people. The elders we were escorting chatted for a while, then said all the villagers intended to relocate. That surprised us again.
Van-sama’s village was incredible. It was definitely a better place than other villages or towns.
But people born and raised in a village rarely leave their familiar world to venture outside. So deciding to go beyond the village, their entire world, is not easy.
I have seen many villages withstand harsh conditions, only to perish from starvation.
“So it was really a tough environment, huh.”
I muttered thoughtfully, empathizing with the villagers.
Though the cows mooed peacefully here and there, the villagers’ expressions were filled with grim resolve.
When spoken to, they looked regretful or sad, rarely uttering optimistic words.
A thin woman, perhaps malnourished, staggered near a carriage. She seemed weak and made me uneasy. Still, she was stronger than those inside the carriages.
“Are you okay? We’re almost there.”
I called out to her, and she lowered her chin with a pained expression.
“...Thank you. But honestly, I’m against it. Moving from a remote frontier village to an even more remote place...”
Her voice trembled, and I had no words to reply.
Words of comfort mean nothing to those in despair.
So I quietly nodded and spoke.