Published at 26th of December 2025 7:39 am

Chapter 459: A Pile of Gold Coins Is Not the Only Form of Reward

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

After passing by and getting lost, combining shared horse carriages and walking for about two weeks, we finally reached a small farming village at the foot of a small, forested hill. As we approached the village, surrounded only by a simple wooden fence, a middle-aged man in worn-out equipment challenged us.

Hm? Who are you people?

Were pioneers from the town of Antra, called Peony. Actually, we heard that rare medicinal herbs grow in the forests around here

Peony? Whats that?

The man who seemed to be the gatekeeper gave me a suspicious look as I introduced myself. It was a bit unexpected that hed get hung up on that, but not beyond our expectations.

Ah You dont know? Until half a year ago, we were called the [Lunar Silver Sword Brigade, Lunarion]

I know that one! Then why are you using such a weird name!?

Well, you see Its been half a year since the Demon King was defeated, and the Night Walkers have decreased significantly, right? Since fighting and defeating them is no longer our main job, our name changed. You really dont know anything about this?

Now that you mention it, I feel like I might have heard something like that.

The gatekeeper turned his face away, looking embarrassed, as I spoke with an ambiguous smile. Even in a small village, information should be spread by traveling merchants, but its a different story whether they remember it clearly. Especially the names of organizations, which ordinary people probably dont care much about.

Well, you see

Ah, whatever! If thats the case, go straight ahead and the biggest house is the village chiefs. If you have business, talk to him there! So, youre clear to pass!

Ah, yes. Thank you

We were let through easily and entered the village. As we walked along the ridge between rice fields, Tia spoke to me softly from beside me.

Its different from what we expected, isnt it?

Yeah. I didnt think wed only be questioned about the organizations name.

The [Lunar Silver Sword Brigade, Lunarion] was a group that held a position similar to adventurers in this world. This organization, which protected people from the Demon Kings minions, ended its role when the root cause, the Demon King, was defeated, and was forced to change its way of living.

And so, the newly created organization that we registered with on our way here was called the [Pioneer Peony Association]. Since it didnt exist in the first run, I asked about it in detail, and it seemed to be like adventurers with a stronger focus on odd jobs.

If strong beasts started appearing in place of the decreasing Night Walkers, it might become similar to other worlds but thats probably a story for the distant future.

At least for us, the current situation where our new registration doesnt stand out due to the organizations restructuring period was favorable. However, perhaps because the impression of the predecessor [Lunar Silver Sword Brigade, Lunarion] was too strong, the name of the new organization doesnt seem to have taken root yet.

I came up with various stories because Ed told me to, but

Hahaha, dont worry, I dont think itll go to waste. Im sure the village chief will ask us in more detail.

While its true that we registered as [Pioneer Peony] in the town on the way, the rare medicinal herbs are, of course, made up. Tia, who missed the chance to present the story she had thought up, puffed her cheeks slightly, so I shrugged my shoulders jokingly.

As we talked and walked as directed, we soon arrived in front of a large two-story house. Since all the surrounding buildings were single-story, this was undoubtedly the village chiefs house.

Hello! Is the village chief at home?

Yes, yes, who might you be?

When we called out from outside, a kind-looking woman in her early thirties appeared, opening the door. When we told her the reason for our visit, we were immediately shown inside. After that, we waited in a large room that was probably also used as the village meeting hall, and before long, a man in his forties, somewhat older than the woman from earlier, came.

Sorry to keep you waiting. Im Rohas, the chief of this village.

Nice to meet you. Im Ed from Pioneer Peony, who came from the town of Antra. This is my companion

Nice to meet you, Village Chief. Im Lunaritia, pleased to make your acquaintance.

Ed-san and Lunaritia-san, is it? The pleasure is mine.

The village chief Rohas bowed in return. In many similar small villages, many people are often cold to outsiders, but it seems this place isnt like that. This is fortunate.

So, what business brings you to this village with nothing?

Actually

Here, I finally began the prepared false story. Upon hearing it, Rohas crossed his arms with a difficult expression and began to groan.

Hmm, is that so I was born in this village, but Ive never heard such a story from anyone

Indeed, it would be difficult for humans to find. But you see, Im an Elf.

I see. Certainly, weve never had an Elf visit this village, so if you put it that way

Also, I dont like to say it this way, but the medicinal herbs are in the forest near your village, not within the village grounds. Were just finding something on our own that you couldnt find, so theres no reason to blame us.

Hmm

Rohas frowned at my interjection. Even though he understood it was sound reasoning and that they wouldnt lose anything, it was probably still unpleasant to have valuable things within their reach taken away by others.

Well, thats natural psychology. Humans dont move solely on pure emotions. But if we understand that, there are several ways to handle it well. For example

However, we need to stay in this village for a while to confirm when we can find the herbs, or if they really exist at all If theres no inn, wed like permission to pitch a tent in a corner of the village grounds, and to buy a small amount of food. So, what do you say? In return, if theres any trouble in your village, Tia and I will lend our help at a very low cost.

Saying this, I grinned. Yes, if they dont like valuable things being taken away for nothing, we can spend money in this village.

That said, theres no place in such a small village where we could spend a large sum of money, and it would be troublesome for them if we gave them money directly. A large sum of money with no use is troublesome to manage and can even become a disaster that breeds envy, grudges, and suspicion.

Thats why I chose a different method. By offering our skills at a price close to free, were indirectly paying money. At my proposal, Rohass eyebrows twitched.

The two of you?

Yes. I can do blacksmithing, and Tia can be of help in various ways with her spirit magic. Well accept payment in the form of the permissions mentioned earlier, food costs, and just a bit of pocket money. How about it?

In a small village with a population of less than 100, there would be several blacksmithing jobs, and in a farming village, Tias spirit magic could be utilized in various ways. This way, the villagers could directly request what they need, so Rohas wouldnt have to worry about distributing the benefits.

Moreover, people feel at ease when they can see faces and talk. Rather than having unknown outsiders lurking around the village, if its young people helping them and taking requests, the villagers reactions would be completely different.

In other words, it was a proposal with only benefits for both sides. Thats why Rohas thought for just a moment before raising his face and extending his hand towards me.

I understand. If thats the case, I look forward to working with you.

Thnk you very much. Likewise, we look forward to it.

Looking forward to it, Village Chief.

I firmly grasped his hand in return, and Tia said that with a smile. And so, we succeeded in infiltrating this peaceful village for the time being.

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