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

Settlers

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Afterward, Mika gathered the principal figures and discussed how to handle Joel and others going forward.

“Everyone seems to have recovered to some extent. There are injured, but none appear to be in mortal danger. The account they provided aligns perfectly with what Knight Joel-san said.” (Marcel)

“That is most fortunate. Yet it is remarkable that sixteen people managed to survive and traverse that forest. Truly remarkable.” (Mika)

“Yes. There are still small children among them. It is nothing short of a miracle.” (Ayla)

Mika and Ayla spoke thus in response to Marcel, who had directed the villagers and taken responsibility for caring for the fugitives.

Although the great forest was generally considered inviolate, it was not without precedent for people to pass through it. Rarely, those who ventured too deeply and became lost managed to survive and emerge, reaching other regions. Criminals fleeing punishment or those burdened with debts, human conflicts, or other problems in their homeland have sometimes risked everything to traverse the great forest and successfully escape to distant lands.

Cases exist in which such people reached the eastern Fontanier territory or the western Colette territory, arriving from the east, west, or south of the great forest. Likewise, this village had, long ago, received someone who had arrived from the south of the forest only once.

Those who ventured into the forest willingly, as well as those who passed through it unwillingly due to misfortune, often did not return to their original homes. For people who had no money, could not read or write, and had never left their birthplace, traveling hundreds of kilometers through unfamiliar terrain to return home is extremely difficult. The likelihood of dying along the way was high. Moreover, no one would provide travel money or guides for a solitary unknown peasant.

Consequently, wanderers who survived the forest usually settle in the place where they arrive, unless compelling reasons such as a beloved spouse or child waiting in their homeland exist.

A wanderer who once reached this village likewise settled here. He claimed to have been lost while venturing deep into the forest. Whether that was true or not, no one could say. However, he was a diligent young man, and the villagers accepted him. He abandoned his past entirely, lived in this village, and married. Incidentally, he was the grandfather of Dimitri’s wife, Bianca. He has already passed away, so no one can hear his story firsthand.

Therefore, the fact that a group from the southern region of the great forest reached this village after several decades is by no means impossible. Even so, it was astonishing that a total of sixteen people, including children, survived and emerged from the forest.

“…They will probably want to remain in this land as well.” (Marcel)

Marcel murmured this, and Mika nodded.

“After all, they were expelled from their homes with almost nothing, and they seem to have no connections outside the territory. For them, this is unfamiliar land, and taking their children to another place would be extremely difficult.” (Mika)

“If those people said they wish to live in this village, would you accept them?” (Dimitri)

Mika, after a brief moment of thought, nodded again.

“I would wish to do so. That Knight Joel seemed to be a sincere person. Considering the story of how he carried the children, who were not his family, to keep them alive, there is no doubt he is a good man. Furthermore, if he was a knight of the great lord’s household, he must be capable. If he can use earth magic, he will greatly contribute to the future development of the territory. If he becomes my retainer, it will be a source of great reassurance.” (Mika)

When Mika had previously inquired of Joel, he learned various details about him. Originally born a peasant, he had awakened to a talent for earth magic at the age of twelve and was recruited as a retainer of the Strauch Household. He trained and was eventually appointed a knight.

Joel said that his talent for earth magic was not particularly strong, but even so, for Mika, who aimed to expand the territory, his abilities would be invaluable for construction of castles and houses as well as forest development. Since he had been knighted, he also possessed martial and horsemanship skills, making him suitable as an instructor for Mika, Dimitri, and the villagers in combat training. He could also serve as a combat force or lead a detachment if necessary.

“Moreover, the others. I have wanted to gather settlers this year, so if they become the first examples, it is most welcome. In particular, I have wanted skilled blacksmiths and woodworkers as soon as possible.” (Mika)

According to Marcel, who had directed the care of the fugitives, among them were a blacksmith, a woodworker, and a leatherworker. That they fled from Strauch territory is likely why there are more people of trades other than farming, which was most convenient for Mika.

“The villagers are also sympathetic to those who were expelled from their homes. If these are the first large-scale settlers, the psychological resistance among the villagers will be minimal.” (Marcel)

For the Valentine territory, whose villagers have had limited contact with outsiders over decades of history, welcoming a significant number of new settlers was unprecedented. Conflicts could arise between veteran villagers and newcomers, so population expansion should be approached cautiously, a view shared by both Mika and Marcel.

Even in Mika’s previous life, conflicts between original residents and settlers were a major social issue. Since ethnicity, language, religion, and culture are mostly similar, the hurdle for accepting settlers is lower than before, but concerns still remain.

Thus, as Marcel suggested, it was ideal to welcome Joel and others, for whom the villagers already expressed sympathy, as the first group of settlers. If the villagers and they integrate smoothly, subsequent population growth would proceed more easily.

“It is decided then. Of course, future interactions will matter, but we should proceed with the intention of having them settle in this village.” (Mika)

No objections arose to Mika’s decision, and the meeting concluded.

 

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A few days after the fugitives from the south of the great forest were taken under protection, some, including Joel, had fully regained their strength and could act. While caring for those still exhausted, they began helping with farming and construction as gratitude for the protection received.

The villagers approached them with sympathy, and Joel and his people were grateful. Peaceful interactions gradually fostered a cordial relationship between them. The Valentine territory had ample food supplies, so supporting 16 additional people posed no problem, contributing to the smooth formation of mutual trust. Had the fugitives threatened local sustenance, the villagers would not have been so accommodating. Mika, having decided to feed them from the territory’s reserves, confirmed in his heart that his judgment was correct.

After just over a week, all fugitives, including the most weakened and children, had fully recovered. In the now wintry air, they continued to assist the villagers with work.

“Everything, including our safe arrival, is entirely thanks to Your Excellency Valentine. We cannot thank you enough.” (Joel)

“Fortunately, my territory’s agricultural production is high, and the reserves are ample. I am glad we were able to save you.” (Mika)

Visiting the log cabin to observe them, Mika spoke with Joel while watching the children of both villagers and fugitives enjoying themselves.

“So, what will you do from now on?” (Mika)

“…I know it is presumptuous to make such a request after receiving your aid, but…” (Joel)

In response to Mika’s inquiry, Joel said this while kneeling.

“We have nowhere to go. If permitted to dwell in the Valentine territory, we will work diligently and repay the kindness of having our lives saved. We will devote ourselves fully to contributing to the prosperity of your domain. Therefore, we humbly request your permission.” (Joel)

Receiving these words, Mika smiled faintly.

“Joel, please raise your face.” (Mika)

Joel, still kneeling, looked up at Mika.

“I have long intended to welcome settlers and expand this territory. In this past week, I have come to understand that you are good and sincere people. If you are the first to settle here, I will be pleased as lord. I welcome all 16 of you to my Valentine territory.” (Mika)

Joel widened his eyes and then bowed deeply once more.

“I offer my heartfelt gratitude. We will respond with all our being to the mercy you have shown us, Your Excellency.” (Joel)

“I am counting on your work. I look forward to it.” (Mika)

Mika spoke with a satisfied expression. Knight Joel, an earth magic user, the various craftsmen, and diligent farmers, seeing that all had decided to live here as intended was most gratifying. Accepting them at their request, rather than soliciting their settlement, was advantageous. In this way, they would feel greater gratitude and loyalty toward him as lord.

Competent, loyal, and from observations over the past week, without personal issues. Mika silently thanked the gods for the fortune of securing the best settlers within the year.

 

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