#874 Chase the Saint

Lord Dalkish paid me a visit.

Given that the Human Republic was recently established, I thought he might be here to report on its progress. But his reason for coming was something entirely different.

“Saint hunting is becoming quite the rage these days.”

“Oh, really?”

A rather peculiar trend, I thought.

Saint hunting, huh?

What in the world is that?

I’ve heard of fox hunting, clamming, autumn-leaf viewing, and even mask hunting, but saint hunting? I wasn’t aware they were something one could so easily hunt.

...

Will I be caught in a lariat from both sides?

Wait, are there even that many saints around?

Are they like bunches of grapes?

“No, no, no… The only person worthy of being called a saint in this world is you. No one else.”

“And that means?”

“It seems that many are actively seeking you, the sole saint of this world. They’ve put a bounty on your head, are calling for tips from the public, and are combing through every nook and cranny to find you.”

“That much?!”

I’m their target?

But why are they pursuing me so relentlessly? Did I offend someone? I thought I’d been living a modest life.

“Of course, your behavior is beyond reproach. Your actions have always contributed to the greater good, never inadvertently causing resentment or opposing justice.”

Well, that’s flattering, but it makes me a bit sheepish...

But then, why am I wanted?

People are actually out to hunt me.

“Actually, your existence as a saint has been speculated about for quite some time, since the dragon incident on the battlefield during the war with the demons…”

Oh.

Right, that happened.

Some overzealous dragon exaggerated my presence, spreading my name as Saint Kidan far and wide – or so I hear.

“At least, possessing the power to command a dragon… That’s why you’ve been under scrutiny, especially from powerful leaders. But as time passed, even the general public began showing interest.”

“Why’s that?”

“It seems...rumors about you started surfacing everywhere.”

Well…

That does ring a bell...

Like when I started selling farm products through Pandemonium.

Or attending important events as a relative of the Mermaid Royal Family.

And then there’s Lord Dalkish, whose territory is rumored to be linked to me because of the annual events at Orkubo’s Castle.

Looking back, it seems my public appearances have become quite frequent.

I’ve been going out a lot more lately, after all...

“More and more people are hearing about you, Lord Saint. Among them, some earnestly wish to see you with their own eyes.”

“And why’s that?”

“They hope to meet the omnipotent saint and have their wishes fulfilled...”

Like a dragon emerging from seven balls?

“Seeking wealth, fame, power…”

Like I’m some sort of legendary treasure?

“Or just curious to see you…”

Or treated like a rare animal?!

“Anyway, for various reasons, finding you has become almost a pastime. Some are even competing to see who can find you first...!”

Lord Dalkish explained this with a pained expression, looking rather worn out.

“Actually, people have even started coming to my domain, suspecting my connection with Orkubo’s Castle and you. They demand, ‘Tell us!’ And since it’s true, it’s hard to deny!”

Things like that have been happening?!

I’m sorry my existence has been causing such trouble for you, Lord Dalkish!

“Some of these people are causing quite a nuisance, probing into places with potential connections to you. There have even been near-violent incidents – it’s becoming a serious problem...!”

My unintended influence caused all this trouble...?!

I had no clue.

“Being a feudal lord with considerable military power, I can hold my own against those who might use force to approach. However, there are still others who know you but lack such means of defense.”

“True... that is worrying...”

“While I can feign ignorance for now, come winter and Orkubo’s Castle, I’ll have to personally welcome you. At that point, if we’re assaulted, I’m not confident we can defend successfully. Moreover, managing Orkubo’s Castle will bring unnecessary security concerns.”

Th-That’s a valid point...

“This is beyond me alone, so I’ve come to consult with you, Lord Saint. I’m hoping for some ingenious solution...”

Ngh...

Given the situation, it seems like Pandemonium and the elves of the Elven Forest might raise similar complaints.

It’s disheartening that the people I’ve supported and who’ve supported me might suffer because of me.

If possible, I’d like to prevent such a situation.

But why has all this commotion started now?

I’ve been living in this other world for quite some time already.

You’d think these issues would have surfaced earlier...

“That might be because... you’ve been seen out and about more often as of late...!”

Right...!

I’ve been traveling a lot more compared to when I first started the farm.

Visiting the capital of the Demon Kingdom, the Mermaid Kingdom...

I’ve been everywhere recently in the Human Kingdom, from Dalkish’s territory to the elves’ forest and even to some nondescript regional cities.

...I guess I really have been traveling far and wide.

Maybe I’ve been too casual with my teleportation magic, and now I’m the talk of the town.

What should be done about this...

The most straightforward solution might be to come forward and reveal my existence.

But that would make me prey for those who treat me like a rare animal.

That’s not something I’d enjoy, and I must consider its impact on the world.

Why have I kept myself and the farm hidden from the public eye in the first place?

It’s because I wish to live a peaceful life and not unduly influence the world.

The technology and resources at the farm are extraordinarily advanced, generations ahead, and could easily be used for world domination.

If my and the farm’s existence became public knowledge, it could lead to conflict.

For all that, it seems like I’m quite carelessly hosting various events outside... I can almost hear the critiques coming. But rest assured, I am paying at least the minimum attention to propriety.

Revealing the farm might lead to uncontrollable chaos.

So, no public exposure!

It would threaten our laid-back, slow life.

Then, should we consider complete isolation?

Restricting all our leisurely trips, becoming recluses on the farm, cutting off from the outside world?

If we stay in, sightings of the Saint would cease, and over time, memories would fade, and we would be forgotten.

It seems like letting the issue naturally resolve might be best, but then our farm’s activities would be limited, and we wouldn’t see the people we freely met before.

Why should we have to endure such restrictions?

We won’t compromise the freedom we enjoy within the bounds of common sense, especially not for those who impose on us without consideration.

So, what other solutions might there be?

After much thought...

An idea struck me.

“All right! This should definitely work!!!”

And so, I’m about to put this brilliant plan into action.

Operation The Good Kids’ Promise.