C93
For some reason, a middle-aged man who looked familiar spoke.
[—It seems like you've hidden a treasure chest here. I see you coming every day.]
The old man stroked his beard in silence.
[—It's a treasure. Well. It's a treasure. Everything I see from here is my treasure.]
Naturally, my eyes turned towards the bottom of the castle wall. I could see a city built on vast terrain. A carefully paved road ran between large and small buildings.
[—This is how a land that was so poor in the past has developed. Also, look at the people there.]
After hearing the old man's words, this time I saw the people living there.
Traders and customers bargaining with sacks of grain, children running, and security forces patrolling the streets. Everyone was full of energy.
[—There is hope in this city. There is a future.]
The old man looked back. Only then did I see his face and convince myself of who these two people were.
[—Thank you. Everything is thanks to you.]
The middle-aged man shrugged.
[—It's also thanks to the efforts of the Count and the people of this city with one heart and one mind.]
[—Effort alone doesn't lead to good results.]
[—......]
[—Who brought new crops from a distant continent that can grow even in this arid land? Who predicted the Kingdom's attack, devised a strategy, and led to victory? Who successfully handled the influx of refugees here?]
[—Praise is generous today.]
[—Moreover, the things you've done for this region over the last thirty years are countless.]
[—If my ears don't fail me, it seems like you regret something.]
[—... I think meeting you is an unprecedented stroke of luck for our territory. But these days, I feel that way.]
The old man fell silent for a moment.
The middle-aged man patiently waited without urging his master.
[—Was it really luck for you? Did I bind a talented person who would have achieved great success by doing important work in the world due to my greed?]
[—What do you mean by important work in the world?]
[—Well, a place like the imperial family or a duchy.]
[—I wondered what you were thinking.]
The middle-aged man remained silent beside the old man.
[—I'm not interested in improving the situation of the rich. Because it's too easy. Improving the poor is something worth challenging and rewarding.]
He looked towards the city. With eyes that seemed to be looking at something very beautiful.
[—And it's not just the Count's treasure. It's my treasure too.]
[—......]
[—How many years have I dedicated to this poor land?]
[—You bastard! Who said the territory is poor now? At best, it barely impresses you.]
[—Stop worrying about unnecessary things and let's eat. If this continues, my mother's homemade cornbread will cool down.]
[—Oh God, has it been that long already? I can't keep Mrs. Molly waiting.]
The old man groaned and stood up from his seat. The two descended together from the watchtower.
[—It was thanks to choosing this small world that I could reunite with my mother, who worked in the lord's castle.]
[—I was surprised when I found out that Mrs. Molly was your mother. I never would have thought that you were the son who said he wanted to see but didn't have the courage to go see.]
[—I inherited my outstanding character from my mother, but the Count didn't even notice...]
[—You're being noisy, let's go quickly.]
Thus, they disappeared from my sight. Over time, the boundaries between objects became blurred, and the whole world was painted white.
"Did you see it well? Even if you don't remember anything when you wake up, you'll feel relieved."
I returned to the world dominated by that voice. I tried to make a sound with my mouth.
"Now, right now..."
However, perhaps because it was a dream, my mouth only uttered small syllables that didn't form words.
"Then I'll go. See you next time, if you can."
The blank space trembled as if it were about to disappear. My consciousness was about to wake up from the dream. If I leave it like this, I won't know anything.
"One moment!"
When I gathered all the strength I had, something that could be called a sound finally came out. I argued and listened to the unknown being.
"What kind of gift is... this?"
Somewhat timidly. I guess it's the goddess Miella, right? The first time I heard this voice was when I was praying to Goddess Miella in the temple.
Honestly, I was scared. Not an emperor or a saint, but a god! I had no idea how to deal with the existence of God, but I had to protest.
"There's not much benefit in waking up and not remembering anything, right?"
There was no response. But for some reason, that silence felt like God's will telling me to say more.
"After all, a gift should be something better."