Surviving the Game As a Barbarian [EN]: Chapter 632

After apologizing, I kept my head down, and the Marquis asked again.

[……Sorry? What do you mean?]

“……”

[Tell me. I don’t understand at all.]

Thinking it would be faster to show him than to explain, I took out the items I had acquired while exploring the first basement floor and stacked them neatly in the room.

And then……

[Why did you suddenly stop?]

“This is it.”

[What are you talking about? When I heard the report, I was told that there were over a hundred samples of the essence in test tubes.]

Ah, that.

“…That’s all there was.”

[……]

Only then did the Marquis realize why I had spoken in the past tense earlier, and he fell silent.

However, he must have still been curious about the reason.

[…How on earth did that happen?]

“Marquis, now that I see it, you’re the type of person who values the process more than the result, aren’t you?”

[I’m saying this because you could really get into trouble, so don’t answer jokingly.]

Okay, enough with the teasing……

I gave a long, pre-prepared excuse.

It was unusually detailed for a barbarian, but it could be summarized in one line.

[…You needed to increase your power to escape the city, so you distributed them to the explorers of District 7? Those precious essences……?]

“That’s what I did.”

[Goodness… I’m speechless.]

“What’s so speechless about it? If we had failed to escape the city and been captured by them, they would have taken everything anyway.”

Right, it’s better than it falling into the hands of the enemy, right?

As I muttered those words quietly, the Marquis on the other side of the video device rubbed his forehead as if he was dizzy and opened his mouth.

[This issue… I think it needs to be discussed again at the royal family meeting. It’s true that the Baron rescued the explorers of District 7. We need to discuss whether the merits are greater or the demerits are greater.]

In other words, it meant that they needed time to investigate whether what I said was true or not.

Well, even if they investigate, the testimonies will be the same.

[So please, until the situation is resolved, don’t cause any trouble and stay put.]

Anyway, the last comment didn’t sound like noble language, but rather like he was speaking from the heart……

“Okay. I’ll stay put, so don’t worry.”

[……I got the answer I wanted, but I don’t know why I’m getting more anxious.]

“Well, it could be because you’re narrow-minded, Marquis.”

[……?]

Ah, was this the timing to sympathize and comfort him?

That’s not my area of expertise, so I slowly brought up a new topic.

“Ah! So, what should we do with the explorers and my vassals who are in the plaza right now? Are you just going to leave them there in the plaza?”

[Even if it’s uncomfortable, they’ll have to stay there for the time being. The situation should calm down within a few days.]

“Within a few days……”

From the way he was talking, it seemed like he really believed that this whole situation would be more or less resolved soon.

Ah, of course, it’s not like I didn’t believe it.

Since the second-in-command of the royal family was saying that, it meant that there was a good reason for it.

“Okay. Then we’ll go back and wait for news.”

That’s how the conversation that day ended, and after that, I returned to the plaza and spent time living on the streets with everyone, and time passed quickly.

“Did you all hear? It seems that the Noark side has released most of the hostages due to the pressure from the royal army!”

One day.

“The Noark forces that occupied Districts 7 and 13 are being pushed back by the royal army!”

Two days.

“The recapture of District 13 is complete!”

Three days.

“I heard that the ground troops were pushed back from District 7 and fled to Bipron!”

“Waaaaaaa!”

Four days……

The urgent war situation was updated every day, but there were no explosions coming from Bipron.

However.

Thud thud thud thud-!

On the fifth day.

“Wh, what is that!”

We could intuitively tell.

Whatever the royal family’s plan was.

“Th, the protective magic circle of Bipron has turned black……!”

Something was clearly going wrong.

***

Lapdonia, the final fortress.

This huge city-state has a protective magic circle, a legacy of the Great Sage, spread throughout the city. [A magic barrier that protects the city.]

Even though the witch’s poison was a lie, it wasn’t like there were no doubts about whether the protective magic circle really existed……

‘It really did exist after all.’

It was proven that the protective magic circle existed through the arrow Erwen shot a while ago.

Although it is transparent and not visible to the naked eye, it firmly covered the city and still separated the outside world from the city based on the city walls.

‘At this point, I wonder if it’s a confinement magic circle rather than a protective magic circle.’

Anyway.

That’s not the important thing.

“Wh, what on earth is going on?”

“Does anyone know?”

“Is it because of the witch’s poison?”

Along with the vibrations that traveled through the ground, the protective magic circle covering Bipron turned black.

It was like aliens had invaded, put a dome over a certain area, and confined it.

Of course, there was a possibility that this was originally the royal family’s plan.

However……

“Yandel, the movements of the military are unusual.”

For some reason, the atmosphere didn’t seem like that was the case.

“Wait a minute. I’ll find out.”

Feeling a sense of unease, I requested a private meeting with the Marquis, but it was rejected due to him being busy, and in the end, I was able to contact him again after a few more days.

“You’ve become very gaunt.”

The Marquis on the other side of the video device, whom I had met after a long time, looked like he had lost at least a few kilograms, as if he had been very busy.

“Things didn’t go well, did they?”

[…I can’t tell you the details because it’s a military secret, but for now, that’s the case.]

“No, tell me at least a little. Bipron suddenly became like that.”

[…When things are a little more organized, you’ll be able to hear the news too. You’re also a noble with a title in Lapdonia. But if I were to tell you just one thing, the Noark forces won’t be able to come out of there for the time being.]

“That’s a relief then……”

Honestly, I was dying of curiosity about the details, but I gave up because it didn’t seem like he would tell me no matter how much I tried.

“Then what will happen to us? Do we have to keep staying here?”

[There’s no need for that. Even District 4 will be normalized starting tomorrow.]

“Does that mean we’re free now?”

[That’s right. District 7 has also been opened, so you can go there.]

“What about our vassals we brought from Bipron? Is everything okay on their end too?”

[Ah, that issue was also discussed in depth… For now, it’s been decided not to make it a problem. However, that’s only as long as you keep them as your vassals.]

“What if they stop being my vassals?”

[They’ll be executed. It’s not possible to send them back to Bipron.]

Execution if they cease to be vassals. It was an extreme measure, but still, it was a surprisingly cool acceptance, not what you’d expect from the conservative royal family.

Well, it’s not like they’re completely clueless.

[Oh, and since they’ll be staying within the city, they’ll also have to pay taxes from now on.]

Huh… I knew they were being too agreeable.

“How much do they have to pay?”

[The same as regular citizens. Minors are also exempt from taxes, just like everyone else.]

That was at least some good news.

If it weren’t for the conditions attached.

[Oh, and just so you know, Bipron residents can’t hold any jobs that require military training. Just in case you were mistaken, that includes the explorer profession.]

In other words, the strategy of turning talented individuals into explorers to have a small number take responsibility for the vast majority was also off the table.

[As someone who’s been in the position of chancellor for a long time, may I offer a piece of advice?]

“Go ahead.”

[Reduce them. As much as you can.]

“……”

[What value do such useless people have?]

It was advice befitting a chancellor.

This city has a prevailing attitude that those who can’t pay taxes are worthless.

From the perspective of the marquis, who is in charge of the nation’s overall finances, the Bipron residents would only look like trash.

But….

“Oh, thanks for the advice. I’ll let it go in one ear and out the other.”

It’s a barbarian’s belief not to allow such meddling.

[……]

After a few more words, the marquis left, saying he was busy, and that was the end of today’s conversation.

After returning to the plaza, I led the people from District 7 who had been living on the streets and the Bipron residents into the ruined District 7.

‘…So, I ended up back here like this.’

District 7, where we had fled to Bipron, lived as refugees in District 4, and now returned.

‘They really trashed the place.’

The news that the royal army had driven them out wasn’t an exaggeration; District 7 was in a state that couldn’t even be compared to when we were last here.

The buildings along the ruined main streets were full of bloodstains and signs of battle.

Also, barracks that seemed to have been used by soldiers were left untouched and abandoned….

“Aigooo! My shop…! My shop…!!!”

“Mother! Mother! I’m here! Here! You’re safe!”

Residents who had fled and returned after District 7 was liberated could also be found everywhere.

“W-well, then I’ll be going now.”

“Me too… I’m curious if my house is still intact…”

“Thank you for saving us. I will never forget this kindness until the day I die, Baron!”

After arriving in District 7, the explorers from District 7 naturally dispersed, leaving my companions and 8,712 Bipron residents all alone.

“…Yandel, where are you going now?”

“To the Holy Land.”

“Well… I guess you need to check that place too, from your perspective.”

Amelia said, as if understanding my position, but the reason for going to the Holy Land was different.

It was true that I was worried about that place, but….

‘First, I need to find a place to sleep tonight.’

If worse comes to worst, it’s okay to sleep rough in District 7, but if that’s the case, it’s better to sleep rough in the Holy Land.

Well, that’s what I thought….

“Bjorn Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiim!!!!”

The moment I arrived at the Holy Land, I began to regret coming.

“Why did you come only nowwwwwww!!!”

“……It’s been a while, Shabin Emuer. How have you been? First, let go of this—”

“I won’t let go! If I let go, you’ll disappear again for months!! No way! I won’t let go even if I die!!”

Shabin, who was in charge of administrative affairs for our tribe, seemed to be extremely stressed, not only from managing everything alone for months, but also from being trapped in the Holy Land when the Noark invasion began.

But….

“I think it would be better to let go of my hand first.”

“…Huh? Ah… Yes……”

Amelia used a business-like tone and forcibly removed her hand, and she seemed to have regained her senses a little.

In a boss battle, it was a kind of groggy state.

Based on experience, it was the timing to quickly apologize.

“Shabin, I’m sorry. I really didn’t know I’d be back this late.”

“……I know the circumstances. That’s why I was so worried.”

“Sorry for making you worry—”

Just when it seemed like we were moving towards a warm atmosphere, Shabin suddenly interrupted me and asked.

“But then, who are those people behind you?”

Shabin’s gaze was now directed at the 8,712 residents standing awkwardly behind me.

It was quite embarrassing.

“Ah, uh, um……”

What should I say about this? Ah, let’s change the subject first.

“S-so, how’s the Holy Land? I-it looks like it’s changed a lot……”

“One-fourth of the Holy Land development plan has been completed while you were gone, Bjorn. Thanks to that, our finances have also become abundant.”

“Oh, it’s a relief that the finances have become abundant.”

No wonder, the roads were paved and buildings were lined up on the way here.

“So, who are those people?”

“They’re residents of Bipron. They became vassals of our Yandel family a few days ago.”

“All of those people…?”

I couldn’t help but lower my voice at her look that seemed to say, ‘What the hell are you talking about?’

“……There were circumstances.”

“……”

Shabin, who suddenly became silent as if sensing something uneasy, cautiously asked me.

“So, why did you bring them? These people you call vassals?”

“They had nowhere to stay. I’m going to have them stay in the Holy Land for the time being.”

“Wow, I see.”

Shabin nodded without any spirit and asked me back.

“Then, what about the land they’ll use when they live here? The clothes they’ll wear? The budget?”

Ah, that’s right….

The Minister of Economy will take care of that.

Ah, so if I roughly translate it into this side’s language….

“The Chief Administrative Officer will take care of that.”

“……Chief Administrative Officer?”

Shabin Emuer tilted her head, making a face as if wondering if such a position existed within the tribe.

And….

Tap.

I tapped her on the shoulder and said.

“Yes, Chief Administrative Officer.”

You just got promoted.