For People Who Are In The World
Chapter 33: Life in the Village Part 3
Two weeks had passed since Rio arrived in the village. Although he had not spoken to all the villagers, his presence was widely known to everyone.
Yuba, the village chief, acts as a guardian and Ruri, his granddaughter, shares a good relationship with him.
Rio was assigned to the vital position of supplying meat to the village.
Since his arrival, the village's meat supply has increased substantially, even earning praise from Dora.
Furthermore, her popularity among young women soared1.
As a result, even the more conservative villagers accepted Rio as a temporary resident.
Although assigned to help with hunting, it was not an everyday activity.
Ecosystems will collapse if hunting is done every day so they have to be careful.
Therefore, Rio regularly took the day off.
It is autumn, meaning the village is preparing for the harvest season.
The total population of the village exceeds 300.
However, the men in the village who are not the eldest sons of the family pursue jobs away from home, such as being soldiers.
Therefore, not many young men remain in the village, as many of them are looking for work elsewhere.
It became common for those who finished their work early and had little time left to be tied up to help others.
As a result, in the days when Rio stopped hunting, he helped with farm work.
However, when he came to help and saw how their farms were managed, he recognized the various areas that could be improved.
After that, Rio decided to discuss his idea with Yuba.
「You know how to increase crop yield?」
After hearing Rio's proposal, Yuba gave a dubious response.
If there was a better method, one would have already tried it before and if it worked, the idea would have spread.
As Rio's grandmother, she wanted to believe his words but as the village elder, she couldn't accept his words easily.
It was understandable that Yuba was skeptical.
"Indeed . However, it is impossible to change the method now when the plants are ready to be harvested. However, it will be possible to increase crop yields starting with the next crop cycle. 」
「Mhm ..」
Yuba groaned while thinking hard.
Since Rio could easily understand her worries—
「Well, for now, how about I give you a brief overview of this method?」
Rio spoke to Yuba in a carefree manner.
「True, you can ... Then, can you explain to me what you will do to improve our crop yield?」
It seemed like he finally let himself listen to his explanation.
「First is land. We can improve the soil to enable better plant growth by adding a solution called fertilizer. 」
Rio suggested the repair to the ground first.
"Fruit? Is it medicine for the soil? Fumu, well, it's like a good luck charm for a good harvest, right? 」
That's right, every year in the village, a harvest festival is held to thank the land and blessings are performed.
Although they only sprinkled meaningless objects on the ground, at least they understood the act of soil vitalization.
Since that is the case, it will become easier to promote the use of fertilizers.
「Dan, is there any special land needed?」
Perhaps due to his background as a doctor, Yuba showed interest in the subject.
「True, special ground is required. 」
Rio smiled faintly at Yuba's attentive reply.
「Special land? Whahuh? What'sthat?"
'It is made by breaking the leaves of deciduous and broad-leaved trees into black-colored soil. The soil appears naturally in the forest but can be easily made with enough leaves. 」
That's the so-called fertilizer.
Fertilizer is widely used in modern agriculture.
Natural fertilizers usually have an unbalanced nutrient composition. However, when compounded, a person has control over the balance of nutrients.
「Is there anything like it? I've never seen anything like it before. 」
It seemed that even Yuba was unaware of its existence.
「Crue. Mixing it with soil will greatly improve soil quality. 」
"Is that so? Following what you said, can we try it out right away? 」
「Of course. If you are still anxious, can I suggest that we test it in the vegetable garden first? 」
To ease her worries, Rio suggested to test her in the familiar vegetable garden.
「No, if we want to do it, I want to use a piece of village farmland next spring. We can easily measure its effectiveness by comparing it to other plots. 」
Unexpected positive answers were given.
Rio's smiling a little.
「Then, I will prepare the selection and transportation of land. 」
"Do you need help?"
「No, it's okay, because I proposed the idea. I can strengthen my body with Spirit Art so that I will have no trouble moving large amounts of land. 」
「In hindsight, you did say that. All right, I'll hand it to you. 」
Yuba spoke with complete confidence to Rio.
「Understood. With that, we can move on to the next topic. Like soil, water is also an important factor. 」
「Indeed, water is important. 」
Yuba replied in agreement.
Even without explanation, the importance of water is understood naturally.
「Currently, there is a reservoir on the outskirts of the village, but only with this, depending on the weather conditions, will not the water in the reservoir be lost during the drought?」
Rio commented on the reservoir built on the outskirts of the village.
「Yes, but didn't you know there was a river near here? Since the establishment of the village, we will take water from there whenever the water in the reservoir dries up. 」
Yuba gave an explanation for Rio's question.
However, even if it solves the problem of water shortage, it is a very inefficient use of labor.
「Although you are not mistakenly relying on the river to get water, the problem lies in how you draw water. Facility for irrigation, called water wheel, used in Strahl to take air— —
Rio decided to give Yuba a brief explanation of the water wheel and how it was used to draw water efficiently.
Drawing water using a water wheel is a technique commonly used in the Strahl region.
If the legend is believed, it is said that the knowledge was passed down from the Six Wise Gods to mankind.
If the water wheel was done as Rio described, it could be used as an alternative or backup to the reservoir.
Seems It seems quite convenient if possible, but even if you say you can take water from the river and drain it into the irrigation canal, how do you plan to take water? How much water can be distributed? 」
Yuba could easily see the advantages of the water wheel from Rio's simple explanation.
However, the problem lies in whether such a tool can actually be realized.
「Begini, to draw water using air—」 wheel
To address Yuba's concerns, Rio described the construction and mechanism of the water wheel.
「Excellent, can you really make something like that?」
Aside from the construction, if the water wheel was done as described by Rio, it would greatly reduce the worries of water shortage for agriculture.
Yuba looked at Rio in great admiration.
「Yes, using Spirit Arts, I can build an irrigation canal and connect it to the reservoir within a month. 」
The village lacked the manpower to build an irrigation canal but the problem was solved with the help of Rio.
There was no shortage of asking him to try it as well.
「It's a very interesting proposal, provided I only hear the contents. But, is it okay to leave everything to you? 」
Yuba spoke in an apologetic tone.
「It's okay, I aim to build a tear wheel in the coming springs. With a lot of time on my hands, I will have no problems with producing fertilizer either. I have a lot of free time lately. 」
Engineering is an unexplored field in Yagumo.
If such technologies, which are pre-existing, are introduced, there is a risk of attracting unnecessary attention from the environment.
However, eventually, someone would definitely come up with the same idea.
In fact, this idea was already applied in Strahl and the spirit village of people using water wheels and windmills.
During the years of poor harvests, many villagers became weak from hunger. In addition to the extremely cold weather conditions, many fell ill which in turn led to death.
In fact, Ruri's brother, who was two years younger than her, died at the age of four from starvation and cold weather.
If the water wheel could help improve the situation, even by a small margin, then Rio would not mind if the village attracted unwanted attention.
That's his mind.
Although he had never met until now, Yuba and Ruri were his only remaining relatives in this world.
Rio could not just turn a blind eye to the obviously inefficient farming methods.
Moreover, if the design was stolen by an outside party, it would be very difficult for them to operate it without Rio's guidance.
Even if the village attracted attention, it would not cause serious problems if he let his knowledge be distributed among the village neighbors.
「In addition, I can also improve the design of agricultural tools, change the planting method, and cultivate the soil more effectively. 」
That's what Rio's planning to do for the village.
There are still many things that can be improved with respect to village farming practices.
Rio walked Yuba through each of them one by one.
「Fumu, testing the improved sowing method and soil at the same time seems like a good idea. Repairing agricultural tools at the same time should not be too much work either because there is not much. 」
After carefully considering Rio's suggestion for a minute, Yuba muttered an affirmative response to his proposal.
However, little resistance to agricultural reform could be felt from it as harvests would be reduced in the short term.
Well, it's natural to face some resistance to the sudden proposal for agricultural reform.
This is the result of a sudden change in one's lifestyle.
「Understood. I'll consult the village blacksmith about that farming tool. 」
「Mhm. I think I'll get you to keep an eye on agricultural reform next spring. 」
「Is it really okay?」
Rio will add "—for an outsider like me?" but finally shut his mouth.
Although only temporary, Yuba accepted him as a member of the village.
It is impolite to say something as insensitive as that.
「Don't worry about that. Instead, try to achieve some results at all costs, okay? 」
Yuba showed a gentle smile to her as she spoke.
"Of course . 」
Rio straightened his body and bowed strongly.
After getting permission, Rio quickly executed his plan.
He headed into the forest, which served as a village hunting ground, and dug up suitable soil containing compost. Collecting the collected compost, he returned to the plot of land entrusted to him.
Since the acidity level of the soil in the area was similar to the one in Japan, Rio decided to sprinkle some of the ashes of the burning plants into the soil mixture.
Although mixing in human and animal excretions will greatly improve soil quality, psychological resistance is likely to be too great.
Although rice crops can be grown in the region, it is difficult to plant. Fortunately, the bran can be used as a substitute.
By planting bran just before winter, fermentation should be completed by the time spring arrives which results in fertile soil.
Although it will take time for the results to become clear, like agriculture.
Rio did not know how long he would stay in the village, but at the very least, he would stay until his agricultural improvements yielded visible results.
If that's the case, it may be until around next fall.
In addition, Yuba's words with regards to her parents also weighed on Rio's mind.
She was finally able to visit her parents' grave but her worries only grew.
That was the main reason why he chose to stay in the village for a while.
As a result, Rio prioritized getting used to the village.
Despite Yuba's permission to stay, he may be expelled by the other villagers if he cannot clear his suspicions with the rest of the village.
In order not to face hard resistance in such a remote community, he had to make a compromise.
Rio had lived in a rural area in his previous life and was very understanding.
Fortunately, he felt that the majority of the village treated him kindly over the past two weeks.
One day, Rio was walking around the village in search of those who needed help to repair their equipment or home.
Although there were some artisans in the village, they lacked manpower and were unable to help everyone's problems.
Therefore, many were very grateful for Rio's help on what would normally take longer.
A woman of perfect proportion spoke to Rio with a carefree laugh.
His name is Ume.
He is referred to as a village hero and holds a highly respected position in the village.
'It's okay, I'm happy to be used. Don't be afraid to call me if you need any more help. 」
Just a few minutes before, Rio had fixed the walls of his house and made sure there were no gaps left to catch a cold.
「You really saved us, you know. When I heard an outsider arrive at Yuba-sama's house, I was worried what kind of person he was. However, a handsome man like you is always welcome. 」
Ume thanked Rio while waving a refreshing smile on his face.
Afterwards, he passed several houses, greeted their residents and offered to repair the damage.
At first, a lot of it made him seem doubtful.
However, when Ruri came to testify about her repair skills, many allowed her to refine a small tool as a test.
After seeing the results of his extraordinary work, they were full of admiration and continued to ask for improvements for various other things.
It can be said that the result is very pleasant.
「Yeah, Rio is really versatile. You can cook, hunt, have knowledge of agriculture, and have agile fingers. You can also use compound drugs, right? Aren't you the one most wanted person in the village? 」
On the way home from work, Ruri said such a thing with a bright smile as the two of them walked back to the village chief's house.
"I'm just jack-of-all-trades. I am not suited for a single art master. 」
Rio answered her with a wry smile.
「Nnh, I don't think it's true at all. For someone who can do everything, this village is very grateful. 」
Turning her face a little, Ruri stole a look at Rio face.
「Although it is only a little, I am glad I used it. 」
He could tell from his words that it was his true feeling.
It was akin to placing absolute trust in a devout little brother.
With a little embarrassment, Rio thanked her.
「Oi. 」
Suddenly, a voice that could hardly be said to be good sounded from behind.
They both turned around.
There, stood a little boy who was slightly older than Rio.
He was about 16 or 17 years old.
「Ruri and older may have accepted you, but I will never recognize you!」
As soon as they faced him, the boy said those words with open hostility.
「Uhm ..」
Rio was at a loss for words as he stared at the young man who was not even trying to hide his enmity.
「Shin, what are you saying all of a sudden? You are being rude towards Rio. 」
When Rio was confused how to respond, Ruri took a step forward and said those words in Rio defense.
Rio already had some guesses as to why that brat was so hostile towards him.
Perhaps he thought that an outsider like Rio would disturb the peaceful life that the village led until now.
He wanted to protect that peace.
Maybe he took action with this thought.
Such people usually appear in remote communities.
In a sense, his worries were justified.
Although it was only a small village, it was an important home for them.
For that reason, Rio was at a loss as to how to respond to it.
「Cih, Ruri has nothing to do with this! That person is an outsider! 」
The young man by the name of Shin became angry and dismissed Ruri's reprimand.
「So what if he's an outsider? Obaa-chan has already given her permission to stay in the village. Besides, he's also helping around the village, you know? 」
With a look of disdain, Ruri glared at Shin.
「Heh— Hah! All the girls in the village fell head over heels because they were weak. 」
However, Shin spoke without hiding his disgust towards Rio.
The sneering nonsense was directed at Rio.
"Ara, Rio's not weak, you know. I've seen how muscular he is. 」
「Wha— you, and ******* that ...」
Hearing Ruri's easily misinterpreted words, Shin's face turned crimson as he fumbled over her words.
（I guess in a sense, I disturbed his peace ..）
Judging from his reaction, Rio could see why Shin was so hostile towards him.
「Also, since you were chosen as Dora's student, why don't you ask Rio for advice? You should know that he is quite skilled in hunting. 」
Although Ruri was trying to defend Rio, her words were fanning the flames instead.
「Ha— Hah! A— Who will ask for advice ******** it !? Just look, I will be a much better hunter than him in no time! 」
As expected, Shin seemed to have a strong sense of competition against Rio.
"Ha…"
Receiving such blatant hostility, Rio laughed dryly.
Denying Rio's reaction, Shin clicked his tongue and quickly left.
「Yeah, he's such a kid even though he's older than me. Sorry about that, Rio. 」
"Ah, don't worry about that. When an outsider like me walks into your territory, it's only natural that you want to keep it. 」
Staring at the figure of Shin retreating, Rio let those words flow from his mouth.
It was the gaze of the troubled parent watching their child rampage selfishly.
「Yes. ... Thank you, you know? 」
Glad that Rio was not offended, Ruri thanked him with a faint smile.
After all, Shin was still a member of the village.
After that, they rushed home and had dinner.
In the middle of the night, only illuminated by the moonlight, Rio vigorously trained with the sword he received from Dominique.
The effects of delay for only one day will still be obvious three days later.
That was why ever since he came to this world - during his journey and even after settling in this village - he would do his best not to miss a day of training.
You could say it was his habit.
Continuously swinging his sword repeatedly, he made sure to insert a movement into his body so as not to become dull.
Every time Rio swung his sword, a sharp and distinct whirling sound from the blade hovering in the cold air echoed, like a chorus of crickets crying at night.
The cold breeze carrying the night mist brought a pleasant sensation to his skin.
The light trees trembled from a gust of cold wind.
After finishing his sword practice, Rio proceeded to polish his martial arts skills.
He focused on his practice for several dozen minutes without even taking a break before realizing that Ruri had been secretly watching him.
「Not really interesting to watch you know?」
He called out to Ruri with a wry smile.
「Ahaha, did you notice?」
Rio reacted to her words with a bit of embarrassment.
「Thank you for your hard work. I was fascinated by your movements, so I accidentally ended up watching. It's like some kind of dance. 」
Nothing Not like that, you know. After all, this was the art of murder. 」
Rio smiled wryly at Ruri's words of admiration.
「Uhm, that, could it be that Rio has killed someone before?」
Ruri timidly asked such a thing in a tense voice.
「... No, at least, not yet. 」
Rio answered her with a firm voice.
"I saw…"
Ruri spoke in a relieved tone after hearing Rio's reply.
A person's life is cheap in this world.
Many died from disease.
Many were killed during the war.
And many more were killed by bandits.
As a result, for someone wielding a weapon like Rio, it would not be surprising if he was attacked and killed his attacker in self-defense.
However, Ruri was relieved to know that her beautiful, dance-like movements were not developed for murder.
「Why did Rio learn martial arts?」
Suddenly, such a question came out of Ruri's mouth.
Rio martial arts brought about a stunning beauty.
Even from the point of view of an amateur, he can say that he is unlikely to get to that point only through superficial talent and effort; his motives weigh heavily on his mind.
「Haha, when I was a kid, it was for a very simple reason. 」
Rio answered her question with a wry smile.
「When are you small?」
Ruri questioned him further with obvious curiosity.
「There's a girl I love, I want the strength to protect her. 」
He awkwardly told Ruri about his initial motivation.
「Hee ~ so Rio has a person he loves?」
Ruri asked in an interested tone.
"Yes there . 」
From those words alone, he could understand her feelings.
Ruri looked at Rio, admiring how she could openly express her feelings without hesitation.
「I think that's a good reason. Does he still live in Rio's hometown? 」
「Yes, maybe. We were separated when we were young and probably foreigners now. I don't even know if we can meet again, even if I come back ... 」
Ruri thought Rio looked rather lonely when she said those words.
However, he hesitated to pursue the subject further.
「You may not be able to meet him, yet you keep practicing?」
「... I'm just afraid of losing something I've dedicated many years to. 」
Rio spoke with a distant expression on his face.
It was a relationship with her childhood sweetheart that she was really afraid of losing.
It was Rio who started martial arts.
Although he was the one who arbitrarily started it in high spirits, he was afraid that the only connection left with him might actually be cut off if he stopped.
「Then, surely you two can meet again someday! As long as Rio continued to believe, nothing was impossible. 」
Feeling her uneasiness, Ruri said a few words of support.
"You are right . 」
Rio lightly laughed at Ruri's sincerity.
「You'll be cold just standing there. You should return quickly. 」
The late night wind was already cold even though autumn had yet to arrive.
It is not smart to stay outside without exercising.
"Good . I'm going to sleep soon because I have to get up early tomorrow. 」
Rio nodded at Ruri's words.
Sensing the coldness of autumn, Rio wrapped his hands around her body.
"OK, good night . 」
"Good night . Rio can't stay up late because it's bad for you, you know. 」
When he saw Ruri, Rio subconsciously looked at the night sky.
At that moment, with luck, he saw a shooting star.
Fascinated by its beauty, Rio stood there observing the night sky for a while longer.
