Was it so we could fight in an emergency?
They issued us weapons and armor.
At first, I was given a set of iron armor, but I couldn't move properly once I put it on, so I had it swapped for leather. Even the leather set was a fine piece of equipment. It seemed every bit as good as the gear I’d seen on adventurers back in the city—though, to be honest, I wouldn't really know for sure.
There were various types of weapons to choose from. Like everyone else, I initially picked a sword because it looked the part. However, a few practice swings were all it took for me to realize the truth: wielding a sword required real skill.
I went to the Lizardman in charge of the armory and asked for something easier to handle. He handed me a spear. He advised me not to worry about swinging it and to focus entirely on the thrust. The old me might have bristled at the suggestion, but I accepted the advice readily. I tried a few thrusts.
Yeah, this wasn't bad. It was a simple motion, but it made me feel several times stronger. It was a good feeling. I wondered if the thugs who carried weapons in the city felt this same rush. But I was different from them. With this weapon, I would protect the village and everyone in it.
Then, they made us fight a Fanged Rabbit.
A Fanged Rabbit... that was a Killer Rabbit. The herald of death. A monster famous for making even veteran adventurers tremble in fear. I looked at the men around me. They were pale. Yeah, there was no mistaking it.
We didn't win, but I think we did our best. After all, we were still alive. We rejoiced together over our survival, and I felt as though the bond between us had deepened.
That was also when we learned just how strong the wolves were. To think they could take down a rabbit like that in a single blow... I made a mental note never to cross them.
After that, we were put through a variety of tasks. It was likely an attempt to see where our aptitudes lay. It was much better than being forced into a job that didn't suit us, so I gave it my absolute all.
I really, truly gave it everything I had. I don't think I'd ever worked that hard in my life. However, the results were underwhelming. The shack we tried to build collapsed immediately. When it came to making sake, I got dizzy just from the smell of the alcohol. As for pressing sugar and oil... I simply lacked the raw strength for it.
It was demoralizing, especially watching the Village Head build baths and storehouses in the blink of an eye. It was frustrating.
I tried my hand at making handicrafts next. I actually got praised for that, which made me a little happy.
Then there was the production of fermented foods. The smell was intense, but I could endure it. Besides, even if it reeked now, I knew it would eventually turn into something delicious. I’d been allowed to taste a prototype, and it was excellent. That alone was enough to keep me going. Whenever I felt like I was going to pass out, I just pictured that Killer Rabbit. Compared to fighting one of those, a bad smell was nothing.
Finally, there was smithing. It was far too hot and the labor was grueling. I pushed myself to the absolute limit until I finally collapsed. When I woke up, I was scolded—not for failing, but for overworking myself. I was told there was no need to rush.
Had I been rushing? I reflected on that for a bit. The Village Head and Mam, our caretaker, had both told us that our priority was simply to get used to life here.
Quite a few days had passed while I cycled through those jobs, but even now, I couldn't bring myself to say I was "used to it." No, I couldn't get used to this. We were fed three meals a day, and the portions were more than generous. Depending on the day, we could even have seconds. At night, I could sleep soundly without the constant fear of being robbed. The outhouses were clean. Water was right there whenever we needed it. Moreover, it was free.
I thought life at Fouche's place was incredible when we were learning to read and mind our manners, but this was even better. My life now was so far removed from my past that I was in a state of constant bewilderment.
I see. So that's why they told us to get used to it first. Fine. I’ll get used to this life if it kills me.
Oh, is tonight's dinner stew? Made from Killer Rabbit? That's delicious. I’d better work up a real appetite.
Now then... as I go about my business, I occasionally find myself looking back. Not on this village, but on a specific night in the village we first arrived at with Fouche.
After the welcome party ended and everyone had retired to their rooms, I was called out. I followed the summons and found all the migrants gathered back at the party site. I felt a surge of anxiety. There were more people waiting for us now than there had been during the feast. There was a hideously massive spider and a pack of incredibly intimidating wolves.
Yet, the Village Head wasn't there. That felt strangely ominous.
The person presiding over the gathering in his stead was his wife. She was young and startlingly beautiful. Her name was Lu. I chuckled a bit to myself, thinking it was the same name as the legendary Vampire Princess. Perhaps she was just trying to ease our tension.
But that wasn't the point. The Village Head's wife looked at us with a very serious expression and laid out the ground rules. These were the things necessary to survive in this village. There were three in total.
First: Keep out of the fields. Wasting crops will absolutely not be tolerated.
Second: Keep the outhouses clean. Specifically, never forget to wash your hands afterward.
Third: Never show hostility toward the Village Head. Relying on him is fine. Being strict with him is fine. Causing him trouble is... something I'd prefer you avoid, but it is acceptable. However, you must never act as his enemy.
She emphasized each point strongly. They were rules I could get behind. Staying out of the fields was obvious—anyone who wastes food is trash. I already knew about the importance of clean outhouses; that was just basic disease prevention. It would be pathetic to get sick just because I was too lazy to wash my hands. Since there was plenty of water, I swore I’d never skip it.
As for the last one... well, that was just about chain of command. It's the same everywhere. Nothing good ever comes from defying the man at the top.
Hostile actions? There was no way I’d ever do that.
"I'm making dinner tonight!" the Village Head shouted.
He came dragging a Headless Boar the size of a small house.
"The Village Head caught that?" I asked.
"Yeah. These guys lured it right to me," he replied, patting the heads of several wolves. "They're so lazy, they just made me finish it off. Honestly."
In other words, it was a boar that required an entire pack of those wolves just to corner it.
Right there in front of us, the Village Head drained the blood, butchered the beast, and started cooking. The meal he prepared was magnificent.
Hostile actions? Yeah... there was no way I’d ever do that.