Chapter 55

It seemed Senior Tototo wasn’t lying about being used to cleaning. Combined with Cerulia’s high cleaning specs, the community center was made habitable enough to spend the night in just thirty minutes.

“Phew, how’s that? I live alone, but I’m not a slovenly woman.”

“Senior Tototo, standing there with your chest puffed out doesn’t exactly scream ‘dignity’ when you’re naked. Actually, please stop puffing out your chest while naked.”

Since she was so unashamedly stark naked, it strangely lacked a sense of eroticism, which was a relief. It’s tough to be constantly turned on while trying to clean…

“Alright, we’re going to walk through the settlement now, so please put some clothes on.”

“I know, I know! I’m not so eccentric that I’d walk around outside naked!”

Once we got Senior dressed, we set out to explore Fantland. As we walked, a kind-looking elderly man approached us.

“I am the village head of Fantland. Might you be the new lord of this land?”

“Yes, that’s right. I look forward to working with you.”

Perfect. I should ask this man more about the local area. To us, it just looks like the countryside, but a resident might have a unique perspective.

“Are there any highlights or sights to see here in Fantland?”

“There is an abundance of rich nature.”

“In other words, it’s just the middle of nowhere,” Mary chimed in. No need to be so literal, Mary.

Indeed, the only thing that stood out was a large marsh at the bottom of the basin; otherwise, it was just a spread of idyllic farmland. If he had tried to claim this was a major metropolis, that would have been even scarier.

“As a resident, do you have any goals or visions for how you’d like this land to change?”

“None at all.”

A split-second response.

The fact that he said it with such a frank expression made it even more awkward. Since we aren’t close enough to be friends, it was hard to agree with such a self-deprecating reaction.

“You see, there simply aren’t people who want to live in such an inconvenient place. This district isn’t exactly thriving, but people move to the district capital because it’s at least ‘better’ there. There are shops and such. To be honest, if you fell suddenly ill here, you’d die before you reached a doctor.”

That was a problem I couldn’t do much about. Living deep in the mountains naturally increases the risk during emergencies. It’s often said that urban areas are safer for the elderly to live long lives, but ultimately, it comes down to how long it takes to see a doctor.

“To be blunt, there is no possibility of this land developing. Long ago, many more people lived here, but…”

The village head wore a lonely smile. I suppose no one can truly go against the flow of time.

“Wait, there was one thing.”

As if remembering something, the village head tapped his left palm with his curled right fist.

“There is a way to develop Fantland. It’s not impossible.”

“Really?! Please, tell me!”

Since I am the lord of this land, I’d like to make it something respectable if I can.

“No… actually, we ourselves are conflicted about whether that method is a good one. There’s a feeling that it might be better to just let it slowly fade away.”

It was a dry laugh, as if he had given up on everything. People in his position get far too used to making expressions like that. No matter how much someone blusters about reforming the countryside, it rarely goes well.

“Besides, the decision rests with you, the lord. The residents here will likely accept most things you decide.”

With that, the village head walked away. It was a cryptic remark, but judging by his tone, it wasn’t something he wanted to talk about much.

However, after a few steps, he turned back.

“Ah, since you’re here, please allow us to host you tonight. It has been the custom since ancient times to welcome the lord when he visits.”

“Can we drink?!”

Senior Tototo was the first to take the bait.

“Yes, we have some. Though I don’t know if it will suit the palates of city folk…”

●

That night, we were invited to a banquet at the village head’s house. The alcohol served was a stark white, cloudy liquid produced locally.

“This is our homemade brew, called Doburon.”

It sounded like a somewhat unappetizing name…

“Is this… safe to drink?” Mary asked, looking a bit apprehensive. It’s rare to see alcohol with such low transparency.

“It does have a poor visual impression…”

The village head didn’t seem confident either. It really must be something consumed only by the locals.

“If it’s alcohol, it’s not poison. I’ll go first,” Senior Tototo said fearlessly as she took a gulp. She swallowed and her eyes went wide.

“I’ve never tasted anything like this! It’s not refined at all, but that’s actually the good thing about it… Anyway, it passes! Give me more!”

Relying on our alcohol-loving senior was a bit scary, but it really was delicious.

“Master, this is actually good!”

“You’re right! I feel like this will be a good kind of drunk!”

“Hmph. Everyone’s being way too agreeable. I’m going to give my honest opinion. If it’s gross, I’ll say so. As a demon, I won’t flatter anyone—oh, this is great!”

Is Mary’s long-winded buildup just a natural part of her personality?

We were soon tipsy. The food served felt generally over-seasoned, but that only made the drinks go down easier. The village head and the other villagers seemed to breathe a sigh of relief at our reactions.

“We were terrified you’d say countryside food is too smelly to eat,” one of the women in charge of cooking said. You don’t have to think so lowly of yourselves…

“The drinks are great, and it’s a nice place, isn’t it, Village Head?” I said, my face flushed with a good mood.

“No, no. Usually, it’s a boring life with little entertainment. That’s why the population is dwindling.”

As expected, the village head was pessimistic. I wanted him to speak more about the future, but perhaps that was difficult.

“I’m the lord, even if only in name, so I’d like to do something for this land.”

“No, you don’t need to worry about it that much. Things that are meant to perish, perish. That is fate. So, this Doburon will likely disappear eventually too. Only this settlement makes it now.”

Many foods must have vanished over the course of history; I suppose Doburon was destined for the same path.

Feeling a bit sentimental, I stepped away from the banquet. Thinking about whether there were any good ideas for development, and also to sober up a bit, I took a walk near the large marsh.

“Master, please don’t fall into the marsh.”

“I’m fine, I’m not that drunk.”

They say watersides are picturesque, but the marsh was dark and eerie, even beyond the fact that it was night.

Suddenly, I felt something grab my leg. I looked down—and a hand was actually clutching my ankle!