CHAPTER 2 (Part 4)

(One hour later.)

After an hour of travel (honestly pretty boring; I even took a nap), we arrived at the poor village, and I did the same thing as before. I got out of the carriage and walked beside it as we headed to the center of the village.

We reached the poor village, and it looks bad. The houses are made of dirt, and very few are made of wood. The kids wear tattered clothes, and it smells awful. It really stinks horribly. I can compare it to the smell of a dead animal… Ugh, the kids' heads are covered in grime, like they haven't bathed in weeks… This place is very unhealthy, full of diseases… I'm sorry for thinking it, but this place is disgusting.

It looks really ugly… I feel bad… I lived almost like this, except I lived a bit better than them. My grandma was a very clean and organized woman, and I inherited that from her. Even though we were poor, our house was very clean and tidy.

… Ouch, that woman has a tumor on her neck.

Huh? I-is that family…? Blegh! Ahhhhhhhh! I feel like vomiting! Are they cooking dogs?! They're skinning dog and cat corpses! Ahhhhhhhh! I want to puke!

… Ugh… No, Daniel, don't judge. They don't have money; they do what's necessary to survive… They do what's necessary… Ugh… I'm definitely doing the right thing by giving them my money.

"This is fine. I'll give them the money, and we'll go to the King."

"Daniel, hurry up, please," Sara said, covering her nose.

Yeah, it smells disgusting, I admit, but I won't cover my nose. I don't want to make them feel bad. I don't want them to feel humiliated or anything like that.

It stinks, and the smell grosses me out, but I don't want my actions to be misinterpreted.

The carriage stops, and I take down the bags. Alright, it's time to do my good deed of the day.

I feel like I have to do this, and if I feel it, I must do it.

I always wanted to do this. Give money to the poor… But I was poor too, so I could never do it. I only did it a couple of times, but I gave food to vagrants… And two vagrants threw the food I gave them in the trash because they wanted money to buy alcohol… That infuriated me, and I promised myself I'd never drink alcohol.

I stopped being poor because now it's easier for me to earn money, but my way of thinking won't change. And it never will.

"I'll do my good deed of the day," I said to Sara, giving her a thumbs-up.

Alright, I've reached the village; it's time to take action.

I see kids playing and women washing clothes… It sounds a bit sexist, but I only see women washing and kids playing. I don't see men. Are they working or do they have some role elsewhere in the village?

"Good morning, Christmas came early!!" I shouted so everyone could hear me.

I drew a lot of attention with the carriage, but now I got even more attention with my shout.

Though… I don't think Christmas exists in this world… I think I said something stupid… Oh well, doesn't matter.

Everyone looks at me strangely. I wonder if they think I'm crazy or something.

"I see you're poor, so I'm here to help a bit!! Come, no fear!! I don't bite!!"

Trembling and scared, some women approach me.

They're adult women; I guess that's why I scare them less. The other women, especially the younger ones, are more nervous about my presence.

"Y-you'll help us?"

"How?"

… Oh…

Wow, wow… I just realized, but the women in this world are exaggeratedly beautiful… Is that a feature of this world? I guess so. I wonder if magic has something to do with it.

"Yes!! Call everyone in the village, please!!" I shouted so everyone could hear.

"Right away!" one of them replied, and they left. Probably to gather all the villagers of this small village, or rather, hamlet.

It's too small to be considered a village.

I'm surprised they obey me so quickly without asking too many questions. I think it has to do with the fancy carriage.

Well, coming in a carriage had something good after all. It saved me a lot of explanation time… Ouch!

Huh? Oh. Wow, wow. A ball, pretty hard by the way, hit my head.

What game are they playing with this ball? I turned toward where the ball came from. Oh, I see. They're playing a game to knock down some kind of stick, but I think it's made of dirt. I guess they destroy it with the ball and then do something else, though I don't know what, since they all ran away when I looked at them. And considering the stick is far from me and lower down, they threw the ball at my head on purpose.

Wow, wow. That was rude, but I guess they think I'm someone bad… Huh?

"W-wait!"

… That girl is blind; I figured it out from the bandages over her eyes. They abandoned her.

She wants them to wait, but no one waited for her… It's not worth having friends who abandon you. Especially since they don't even know who I am. They abandoned her without confirming if I'm a bad or good person. And since they hit me, they think I'm a bad person. They think I'm a bad person, and even knowing that, they abandoned her.

That's not fair.

I took a handful of coins and took a deep breath.

"Muslar Asio."

I started running and stood in front of the girl in less than 2 seconds.

She bumped into me and was about to fall, but I grabbed her arm and kept her from falling.

"Thank you, sir. And sorry for bumping into you."

"…"

I looked around… Everyone's watching me with fear, thinking I'd do something bad to the girl, but no one tries to help her… Ugh, this disgusts me, but I don't know the country; maybe the nobles are sick, evil people who'd kill anyone who insults them.

"Girl, if your friends abandon you, it means they're not your friends. I recommend you find new friends."

I took her hand and gave her the money… Oh, her hand is so small; she'll have to carry the money with both hands.

"Here, go to your mom and tell her to buy you new clothes and lots of candy. I need your other hand too."

"W-what are you doing?"

I took her other hand and gave her the rest of the money.

"Who's the mother of this little girl?! I gave her money for food and clothes!! If I find out someone stole her money or her parents used it to buy alcohol, drugs, or anything other than clothes and food, I'll punish them!!"

I knelt down and patted the little girl's head.

"I-is it money?"

"Yes. Tell your mommy to buy you clothes and food. If you're a good girl and behave well with people and your family, I'll come back and give you lots of toys."

"Really?!"

"Yes. Be a good person, and you'll be rewarded."

"T-thank you so much!!"

… She hugged me… Wow… This feels… really good… It feels nice.

"By the way, are you blind?"

"Yes, sir."

"Ouch. I'm still young… If you're a very, very good girl, I'll give you a big surprise the next time I see you. Deal?"

"Deal!!" she said happily with a big smile on her face.

"Go home and give the money to your mommy. Take care."

"Take care too! Thank you so much!"

I patted her head one last time and walked away.

If I find a spell that repairs body parts, I'll come back and restore that little girl's sight.

Grandma, I made someone happy today. I hope you're proud of me.

I'm doing this in your honor, Grandma.

I stood next to the carriage, and Sara offered me a handkerchief.

"That girl got your clothes dirty. Here."

"No, thanks, I'd rather not clean it yet."

The girl left her hug imprinted on my clothes; I want to keep this stain a bit longer.

Having this stain makes me feel like a good person… It makes me feel useful.

•

•

After a couple of disguised threats and a few minutes later, the whole village is gathered. Hmm… I think there are 100 people.

No adult men are in the village, huh?

What happened to them? Did they all abandon their families? No, that's impossible; maybe they're working somewhere or went hunting together.

"It's just kids and women?" I asked, confused, hoping they'd clear up my doubt.

"Our husbands are at the castle, working."

"Oh… Wow, wow…"

At the castle, huh?

They work at the castle… I don't know the King, but I already hate him.

How can he allow the families of his workers to live in these conditions? It's inhumane.

I swear, if the King lives like a millionaire and has unnecessary luxuries, I'll never trust him, and I'll leave this country as soon as I get the chance. I can't stand seeing these kinds of situations.

I'll definitely never trust any King or ruler.

"And I see they don't pay them well… They're rich, but they don't pay well… Tsk. Stupid King," I said, a bit angry.

"D-Daniel, don't say that! You'll get in trouble!" Sara said, worried.

"Don't worry, Sara, I only said what everyone probably thinks of him."

Maybe I'm making a mistake by mocking the King; maybe he'll send assassins to kill me, but I can't help saying what I feel. Besides, God is on my side; he'll give me a sign if things are about to go wrong for me.

Also, if the King lives so close and didn't eliminate the Black Demon threat, it means he doesn't have enough power to deal with it. If Sandro is the most powerful adventurer in the guild, I don't think I need to fear the King.

Ugh, whatever, let's get this over with.

I open the bag, and all eyes focus on the coins.

"I'll give each family a handful of coins. I'll divide it equally."

They all look at me; some are confused by my action, others are excited and happy… I feel good doing this. Now they'll be able to live much better, at least for a while.

I can't help but smile, feeling so happy and satisfied with this.

"Line up, please."

Ugh… Most of the women are blushing… Even the little girls… Wow, wow… That feels awkward… Well, whatever, I-I just shouldn't pay attention to it.

"T-thank you!" all the women said.

Alright, it's time to distribute the money. Fortunately, Sara agreed to help me.

Cristal offered her help, but I flatly refused. She's not doing this for them; she's doing it to look good in front of me. Plus, she might steal the money; I can't trust her.

•

•

Done. I'm finished. It didn't take long, just about 10-15 minutes. Phew. I feel more than satisfied with this.

I feel great… I did my good deed of the day.

Well… I need some money too, so I kept a bit for myself.

"And a handful for me. That's it."

I really don't need much money; I can survive on 5 coins a day… Oh…

Some women are crying… Wow, wow… I feel good… I made several families happy.

Grandma, your grandson did something amazing today. I wish you were here with me to see it.

"Thank you so much!" they all said.

They thanked me… I like them… I like grateful people.

"You're welcome," I said, smiling.

I'd stay longer, but I have to go. I still need to visit the King and then research more about the country.

I get into the carriage… Alright, let's go to the useless and probably fat King. It's not that I think being fat is bad… Well, it's bad for health… I mean he's probably fat because he's a useless guy who does nothing; that's what I mean.

"We can go now."

"You're clearly a good person," Cristal said.

Am I? I like to think I am… Unlike you.

Don't try to suck up to me. You're a woman who discriminates against people, and I hate you a little.

I'll thank you, but only because it's polite.

"Thank you so much. I appreciate it."

Ugh… Alright… Let's go.

•

•

A few minutes later, we arrived at the castle and met with the King.

Before meeting the King, I took a good look at the entire castle. This guy has no shame! Paintings, Diamon sculptures, sex slaves…! Ahhhhhhhh! This King is horrible! Tsk… Diamon, its name is similar to diamond, but it's very different. It's the most valuable rock in this world. It's like gold or diamonds in my world. In other words… this King used that valuable rock to build sculptures instead of feeding the poor or creating new and better jobs for people! Ahhhhhhhh! He disgusts me so much!

But what disgusts me the most is his sexual harassment. Since all the maids refused to tell me the truth about whether the King abused them, I asked Cristal, and she confirmed that the maids are forced to satisfy the King's sexual needs… I hate him with all my being!! Disgusting rapist piece of shit!!

I'd kill him, but I don't want to get into trouble. I still don't fully control my magical power. But when I'm more powerful, I'll make him pay for his crimes. That's a promise!

Cristal tried to get me to change clothes before meeting the King, but I refused. He doesn't deserve me changing clothes just to see him. He doesn't deserve me wasting time on him.

And as I suspected, the King is a fat man with a big black beard, bald, and wearing a red suit. He's sitting on a throne, and 10 guards are beside him, protecting him.

I highly doubt those guards are just for show; they're probably powerful.

We're in a huge hall, the typical main hall of castles… So many paintings and sculptures… I feel like stealing one and selling it, but I can't get into trouble yet; I need to wait longer. It'd be safer.

It looks elegant… And it smells nice… Unlike the place where his workers' families live… Tsk. Damn it.

"Hello, Daniel," the King said, smiling.

Everyone kneels before him, except me… I don't want to… I have my reasons.

Sara looks at me nervously. Sorry, but I don't care if you ask me, Sara; I'm not kneeling before him.

"D-Daniel, you have to kneel."

I need to come up with an excuse… I don't want to kneel… He doesn't deserve to be admired.

"I'm too lazy. Sorry, what do you want from me?! I have more important things to do!"

I sound disrespectful, but I want to leave already. I can't stand being here any longer with that rapist.

"I just wanted to meet you. What family are you from?" the King said.

Family…? I guess noble families have some prestige.

"I'm a commoner who doesn't even know how to read; that answers everything."

He doesn't believe me. I can tell by his expression.

Yeah, I know, it's hard to believe, but it's true. I can't read, and I'm a commoner.

"A commoner with those clothes?"

Wow, wow… Can't commoners wear these clothes? Is it forbidden?

"Just because I'm a commoner doesn't mean I don't have the right to dress well?"

The King starts laughing… His laugh is kind of annoying… He laughs too loudly.

"Hahahahahaha! Yes, you're right! I like you a lot!"

I don't like him… And that's rare… I feel like I need to stay away from him… Yeah, I definitely need to stay away from him.

"Is that all? Sorry, but I have pending matters. I have a date with a girl named Library and then with a woman named Food."

"Don't you want to have breakfast here?"

"No, thanks."

Sara gets more nervous… Did I say something wrong?

"D-Daniel, no one can refuse the King."

Wow, wow. I see… Now I like him even less.

"Why? Aren't we in a free country?"

The King stands up from his throne.

"I need your help with something. My daughter was kidnapped by some 'chicken men' while she was on a walk, and I need you to rescue her."

Huh? That sounds really weird… It piqued my curiosity.

Also, his daughter was kidnapped, and he's acting so calm…?! Oh… Wow, wow…

I'd say he's a horrible father, but he has lots of paintings of his daughter… Hmm… Oh… Wow, wow. I see… A test.

"Chicken men? What are chicken men like?"

"You don't know them? They're like giant chickens, but with the size and intelligence of a man."

…

…

What?!

That sounds really weird, but awesome! This world is so strange!

"Oh… Wow, wow. That sounds weird… Aren't they called rooster men?"

"They're called chicken men because it sounds better… I guess. They've been called that for centuries."

I guess he's right.

"Wow, wow… I see."

"Will you help me?"

I think for a few seconds. I need to carefully consider what I'll do.

The princess isn't in danger; this is most likely just a test to confirm my power… I should take this opportunity to get something valuable.

Hmm… Maybe… Maybe I should use this to get more spells.

If I help him, he might teach me some spells.

"Alright, but on the condition that you let me see your most important spell books. Or is your daughter's life not worth it?"

"Of course, no problem."

… Oh… Well, that was easy… Too easy… This doesn't make logical sense… Wait a second…

It's rare for someone to learn even a simple spell, which means the special spells the King has can probably only be used by special people or something like that.

It's very likely the King agreed so easily because he thinks I wouldn't be able to use any of those spells.

Fufu. King, King, King, you don't know who you're dealing with. But thanks for making that mistake. I won't say anything more and will accept. Those spells will be mine.

"I accept."

"Thank you. The chicken men's base is in the center of the Silent Forest."

Wow, wow… He said thank you… I think I misjudged him, at least a little. That doesn't erase the fact that he's a rapist.

He takes advantage of the maids, and I'll never forgive him for that.

"Let's go, Sara. An adventure awaits us."

"C-clearly."

Sara stands up.

"I-it was an honor to meet you, Your Majesty!" she said nervously.

She said it with a red face, and I laugh a little. I'm not mocking her, but she looks kind of funny.

Ugh, Sara, why are you acting like that? Are you really that scared of the King? I wonder what kind of reputation the King has for someone as cold as Sara to act so nervous.

Don't worry, Sara, I'll protect you from him. I won't let him lay a finger on you.

"You look funny… Alright, let's go."

Sara and I leave. An adventure awaits us.

But I'm not that stupid. I know this is a test to verify my power. The princess couldn't have been kidnapped that easily. The King knows the location of the chicken men's base. Why didn't he send more experienced adventurers? Because he wants to know my power.

I'll play along… I might be wrong, but I doubt it.

•

•

When Daniel and Sara left, Cristal approached the King.

"My King, will you let him read the spells?"

"Don't worry, only my family can use them, and besides… he can't read!"

The King and Cristal start laughing. They clearly enjoy mocking others.

But he would soon regret that decision.