New chapter of May Our Village be Happy is out (2/2 chapters)

 

 

Looking Forward

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

At the end of December, the Howellz territory, located northwest of the Melders territory and comprising five villages, was the seat of its lord, Raymond Howellz. He was receiving reports from his advisors in the council chamber of his keep.

“Both the Townsend and Pierce Households have responded affirmatively to participate in the invasion. Each intends to send 20 soldiers as reinforcements by the end of March. Regarding the terms of recompense, they have agreed without issue to those proposed by Your Excellency.” (Advisor)

“…I see. Well done. You have my thanks for your efforts.” (Raymond)

After dismissing the advisor, Raymond leaned back in his chair and contemplated. At the onset of spring, he intended to lead his own forces, those conscripted from his villagers, and allied reinforcements borrowed from related lordly houses in exchange for money or future privileges, to initiate a military campaign.

His target was the former Dondando territory, a small village located south across the hills from Howellz lands.

Raymond was a man driven by ambition. He dreamed of expanding the power of the Howellz Household until it became the central lordly house of the region. He cultivated his lands, strengthened alliances through marriage, and even annexed neighboring territories under the pretext of border disputes, thereby increasing the size of his dominion. His population approached 1300, and the Howellz Household had become a prominent power in the area.

When rumors arrived of a lordless village occupied by a wandering magic practitioner claiming authority, Raymond dismissed them as absurd. Such an unknown individual could not be recognized as lord. With the previous lord absent, the acquisition of the village was a matter of expediency. Its location to the south of the hills was convenient, as it allowed Raymond to establish a second strategic base within previously unreachable territory.

The Melders, Collette, and Fontanier territories, all minor lords themselves, had refrained from interference due to fear of the practitioner’s magic, but Raymond viewed the matter differently. Even if he were a magic practitioner, he was still human. Humans could be slain with sword or arrow. Any tales of fending off 50 brigands were surely exaggerated. With a population of barely 100, only about 30 might fight. By combining this with reinforcements from kin and Howellz Household magic practitioners, victory would be assured.

The self-proclaimed lord would be removed, and the village would then be at Howellz discretion. Spring could not come soon enough, and Raymond diligently prepared for the campaign.

 

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In the Dariander region, the calendar in use was the Seireki, a system dating back to the era of the Romel Empire. It was in Seireki 1042 that Mika departed his natal household, acquiring both his magic talent and his territory. Several weeks after the arrival of winter, the land entered Seireki 1043, and with it, January 1^st and it was the first day of the new year.

“Very well, has everyone received their share of the wine?” (Mika)

In the front yard of the Valentine lordly mansion, the villagers responded cheerfully. Though the Radeshion faith, widely practiced throughout the region, reserved grand festivals for early spring, a new year celebration existed as well. In rural districts, villagers often gathered to drink together, a custom Mika remembered from his home in the Carossa territory.

In wealthier territories, the lordly household might provide wine to the villagers. This year, the Valentine territory had produced an ample barley harvest, allowing Mika to offer wine, thereby strengthening relations with his people. The beverage provided was a fruit wine fermented from apples grown within the manor grounds, previously sold outside the domain for profit, yet now distributed among the villagers in a hundred cups.

The villagers, unaccustomed to the sweet wine, expressed bright and joyous faces. Some conversed merrily, others inhaled its rich aroma, and a few mischievously attempted to sip before the official toast, only to be gently admonished by their peers. The festive atmosphere filled the grounds.

“Hahaha, everyone seems so eager to drink that I shall speak just a few words… last year was wonderful for me. I was overjoyed to become lord of this village. I believe you are all pleased as well.” (Mika)

The villagers voiced their agreement. Jeremy’s exuberant “Of course!” was particularly noticeable.

“Thank you, everyone. To repay your joy, I aim to make this year even better than last, to enrich the Valentine territory and bring greater happiness to you all. For that, your cooperation is indispensable. Let us all combine our efforts and strive together this year as well. Cheers!” (Mika)

Raising his cup, Mika was met by the villagers lifting theirs in spirited response. The feast began. The sky was clear, the day pleasantly warm, and the villagers drank the fruit wine, then ale, while consuming bread and soups brought from their homes. From the manor, Ivan prepared, and Helga baked three chickens to be shared among them. Watching the villagers enjoy themselves, Mika smiled proudly, feeling truly happy.

Several young villagers approached him.

“Mika-sama! Your cup is empty! I shall pour ale for you!” (Villager)

“No, allow me!” (Villager)

“Then, I will follow next!” (Villager)

“My, how much ale do you intend for Mika-sama to drink?” (Villager)

Dimitri said with slight exasperation, and Mika chuckled quietly.

“Very well, very well. It is the New Year, after all. I shall take a little from everyone.” (Mika)

In Dariander, common ale was mild compared to the alcohol of Mika’s previous life. One could drink a fair quantity without becoming intoxicated. Mika drank in turn from silver cups offered by each villager, remaining composed throughout.

“…Dimitri-san, your cup is empty as well. Allow me to pour ale for you.” (Bianca)

Bianca, infatuated with Dimitri, approached, causing their arms to brush as she poured.

“Here you are.” (Bianca)

“Ah, thank you, Bianca.” (Dimitri)

“…! Y-you’re welcome.” (Bianca)

Although Dimitri had not intended any such effect, Bianca’s cheeks flushed, and she quietly gasped at having her name called. The group dispersed as villagers continued to serve Mika.

“Dimitri, when shall you marry Bianca?” (Mika)

“Uhn!?!” (Dimitri)

As Mika watched Bianca’s group leave, Dimitri, still drinking, sputtered a little ale.

“Cough, cough… I-I am not exactly….” (Dimitri)

“Dimitri, that is impossible to deny. Bianca is so obviously fond of you, and you clearly enjoy her attention. Both of you are unmarried and of similar age. I assumed your match was decided… is it not so?” (Mika)

“…Yes, I wish to be with Bianca.” (Dimitri)

With this admission, Dimitri finally accepted his feelings.

“Then, the remaining question is only timing. Surely, she waits for you to express your intentions as well.” (Mika)

“Yes, that is… correct. Therefore… by summer. By summer, the barley harvest will be abundant, and life in this village will be easier. Bianca’s family as well. Thus, I intend to propose before the harvest concludes, seeking permission from her parents to marry her.” (Dimitri)

His expression bore determination, which Mika acknowledged with a nod and a gentle pat upon his back. Dimitri smiled sheepishly and nodded in return.

 

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