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

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In the latter part of February, when the harshest period of winter had passed and signs of spring gradually emerged, Raymond Howellz, lord of the Howellz Household, convened in a room of his castle with his martial retainers to discuss plans for an invasion.

“All the villages have finalized their conscription plans. Which residents will be conscripted has already been decided. Once reinforcements from the Townsend and Pierce Households arrive, we will have 60 men ready within three days.” (Retainer)

“Excellent. With this, we can launch a strike without giving the enemy ample time to prepare.” (Raymond)

The target village was defended only by a single self-proclaimed lord and psychokinesis magic user. On the surface, the enemy appeared fragile, yet early detection of an attack would afford them precious time to fortify defenses. A psychokinesis magic user could achieve far more in defense than ordinary men. Thus, Raymond intended to reach the village within a week of assembling his forces and commence the assault, believing swift action would secure an easier victory.

“Our total strength remains at 110 men, as planned?” (Raymond)

“Yes. 60 conscripts, 40 reinforcements, and 10 retainers. All according to your command.” (Retainer)

Raymond nodded in satisfaction.

“A lavish force for teaching a presumptuous wanderer a lesson… His name, if I recall correctly, is Valentine. Let us show him the consequences of overestimating his abilities, shall we, Sergei?” (Raymond)

“Yes, my lord. I shall demonstrate the might worthy of the Howells family’s trump card to that foolish youth.” (Sergei)

Sergei, a knight and physical magic user who had long served Raymond, had trained his body to superhuman strength, combining magical enhancement with martial skill to rival 10 ordinary knights. His existence was one of the reasons Raymond believed he could overcome the enemy psychokinesis magic user.

“Well said. I look forward to your performance. Victory here will further the Howellz Household’s power, and you shall share in the rewards. Prepare yourselves with determination.” (Raymond)

The retainers, including Sergei, responded with strong affirmation.

 

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With winter passed, in March, the Dariander region customarily celebrated surviving the harsh season. Valentine territory held a spring festival, with villagers gathering in the central square to celebrate with food and drink. Thanks to Mika’s magic-assisted hunting, abundant meat had been secured, and the festival was suffused with happiness, as none had suffered from winter hunger.

By mid-March, the sowing of barley commenced. Residents collectively planted barley in newly cultivated farmland, ready for summer to winter harvest. Fertile soil and magical plowing promised an abundant yield. A rich harvest would allow ample consumption of porridge and ale, and surplus could be sold for profit. The bright mood of the village reflected these expectations, reinforced by the noticeably bountiful autumn wheat and rye crops.

“We’ve been in this village for half a year already… It feels long, yet also short.” (Mika)

“Yes. It has been fulfilling. The time has passed quickly, yet it feels substantial.” (Dimitri)

“Haha, exactly. That’s the feeling.” (Mika)

Mika spoke to Dimitri while inspecting the healthy wheat fields. A bountiful summer harvest would increase cash income for both Mika and the residents, further improving village life and allowing Mika to pursue additional initiatives. Indeed, this year marked the true beginning of managing the territory, a prospect Mika eagerly anticipated.

“…Mika-sama, Ivan is coming here.” (Dimitri)

Hearing this, Mika turned, noticing Ivan running from the manor.

“Ivan, what is it? Did something happen at the manor?” (Mika)

“Yes. A messenger from Melder territory has arrived, so I came to inform you.” (Ivan)

Running briskly without exhaustion, Ivan explained.

“…From Melder territory? I wonder what it could be.” (Mika)

Recalling Lorenz Melder’s approachable face, Mika felt a twinge of curiosity about the messenger’s purpose and returned to the manor with Ivan and Dimitri.

The messenger was a young Melder retainer, likely selected for his ability to be recognized by Mika and to traverse the hills quickly. After being shown to a large room, he wasted no time with greetings and stated his purpose.

“A lord named Howellz, holding land northwest of Melder territory, is gathering troops from his territory and allied houses in preparation for military action. My lord Lorenz suspects that Valentine territory is their intended target.” (Messenger)

The current lord of Howellz was considered ambitious, yet previously had sought justification for any conflict. While there were no immediate disputes warranting war, his forces were mobilizing, and his target might be the village formerly held by the previous lord, now under Mika.

“I see… The Howellz Household does not recognize this village’s resident as the new lord. With the previous lord gone, the territory is legally unclaimed. By removing the magical user asserting control, Howellz gains legitimacy. That is their reasoning.” (Mika)

Mika listened, smiling wryly. He had assumed his initial safety came from being recognized by neighboring lords. Yet he knew Howellz possessed sufficient strength to mount a distant expedition. Nonetheless, as a psychokinesis magic user, Mika’s presence acted as a deterrent. The Howells Household would likely not risk losing valuable adult males or their physical magic user, their trump card, for a raid. If they nevertheless intended to attack, it suggested extreme ambition or underestimation of Mika’s power. Either way, he would need to respond.

“Do we know the timing or size of the Howellz force?” (Mika)

“Lord Lorenz speculates they will reach Valentine territory within a week. Considering contributions from the Pierce and Townsend families, the total will likely exceed 100, including Howellz’ trump card, a physical magic user.” (Messenger)

Upon hearing this, Mika quickly assessed the situation and smiled.

“Inform Lord Melder that we are grateful. Thanks to his notice, we have time to prepare defenses.” (Mika)

“…I shall convey your message. May the divine bless all in Valentine territory.” (Messenger)

The messenger departed, and Mika turned to Dimitri, adopting a resolute expression.

“Dimitri, inform Marcel. Gather all the residents in the square with the two of you.” (Mika)

“Understood.” (Dimitri)

Dimitri nodded gravely and ran toward Marcel’s home to carry out Mika’s orders.

 

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