143 - The Freed S*aves Became Obsessed

The Lake Fortress was bustling more than ever before. This was because people from the Seolun Association had brought a plethora of goods. Compared to what Bipen had brought, the quality and quantity were far superior. The variety of items was also diverse. The eyes of the people encountering new things sparkled with curiosity, much like a child who had only known toy cars and then discovered cars that could combine into robots. Of course, they were as expensive as one would expect, and just as a child's toy could bend their parents' backs financially, parents desperately wished their child remained a frog in the well when it came to toys. Yorn was exactly like that right now. He was extremely wary of the things he had never seen before. He glared at me for bringing in those items. “What do you think you're doing?” “What could it be? It's all for the tribe members. Do you have any idea how much effort I've put into this for today?” “Our tribe doesn't need these things. Send them all back.” “What? Is it something like, 'I'd rather perish than open up'? Shall I bring some paint for you? I'll make sure it's the type that washes off easily with water, so there's no trouble if it doesn't.” “I don't know what nonsense you are talking about. Those things will only disintegrate the tribe’s discipline.” I could roughly guess Yorn's concern. It's not about lacking money, rather it's the anxiety about new technology. Once you taste convenience, it's hard to return to the old ways. That's what he's worried about. ‘That's why my monitor is still 60hz.’ I completely understand where Yorn is coming from. “Don't worry. I have considered everything. I've specifically selected items that are just a bit sturdier and slightly more convenient than what they were using before. The concerns you have will not transpire.” “…….” Yorn, who had been looking at me intently, turned his head away. It was clear he reluctantly conceded. Yorn is quite old-fashioned, yet his love for the tribe is unrivaled. Seeing the joy among the tribe members, he couldn’t possibly come out strongly against it. ‘That’s exactly what I'm aiming for.’ ‘Something slightly more convenient’ can be quite terrifying. People tend to seek convenience, more convenience, and extreme convenience. That's human nature. This small crack will develop into a large chasm. It's not a distant future. “Sir, regarding the Terrapin you requested, where would you like it planted?” A merchant from the Seolun Association approached me with a question. In his hand was a small green sprite, about the size of a palm, with a tiny sprout protruding from its head like a tuft of hair. “There is a potato field behind that tent over there. Please plant it beside the field.” “Understood.” The merchant disappeared in the direction I pointed, with the sprite in hand. “What is that now?” “A Terrapin, a sprite of the earth. When planted in the ground, it helps the surrounding plants thrive. You’ll be amazed at its effects.” In Taosul, this is an indispensable sprite for operating farmland. The tiny creature is so adept at helping plants grow that it's also called the sprite of agriculture. It's quite expensive. I showed a generous spirit by purchasing it. Of course, it’s the branch manager’s money. “I’ll now go and meet the chieftain. I have something to show him.” “What exactly is it that you wish to show? It cannot be brought in without my approval.” “It’s a ring that Chief Zeke was wearing. After the battle, isn’t it tradition in Nosgarde to report to the chieftain? This is the prize of victory.” “No matter how great the achievement, I cannot allow you to meet with the chieftain alone. I will accompany you.” “Suit yourself if that’s what you want.” *** I entered Darka’s tent accompanied by Ashies. The moment we stepped inside, Darka’s face lit up completely. “Oh, there you are! You’ve been all over the place these days, I haven’t even seen your shadow! Come, sit beside me!” “Haha, who would have thought the chieftain waited for me so eagerly? I’m touched. I won’t refuse.” “Not you!!! Who asked you to sit?” “….” Correction. ‘We’ didn’t make Darka’s face light up; it was ‘Ashies’ entering that did it. Ashies naturally took the seat next to Darka. Since Darka possesses the Rozelight, she wasn’t much affected by the cold. “Yes, my dear. Come over here. Just look at your pale face. Don’t wander outside in this cold weather and stay by my side.” This senile old lady. Look how warmly she speaks. Compared to me playing the role of a friend’s son, or Yorn, the tribe leader, she treats Ashies, a complete outsider, like a granddaughter. Even though she forgets who I am each time we meet and needs constant reminders, there is no such process with Ashies. Perhaps deeply etched into her mind, she recalls Ashies very well even after a long absence. “Yorn, maybe you should seriously consider giving up your seat as the tribe leader.” “……." Yorn remained silent. “So, why are you here? Want me to tell you an old story?” “I came for an old story, but today I’d like to hear something else.” “You damned fool. Let me talk to the girl, why do you keep butting in? Want me to crush your unattractive face?” Does she think I can’t take on a frail old lady in a fight? I don’t back down from a provoked fight. Unless it's a weak child, a weak woman, or a weak old person. “Understood.” But I’ll let it slide this time. I took out a jewel ring and handed it to Darka. She squinted her blurry eyes as she inspected the ring. “What’s this?” “It’s the ring of Chief Zeke.” With those words, Darka’s narrow eyes suddenly widened. “Zeke? That know-nothing young whippersnapper?” “That’s right. Our Ashies defeated Zeke and brought back the ring he was wearing.” “…I see. You captured that young whippersnapper Zeke.” The perpetual haziness that lingered on Darka's face disappeared, replaced by a solemn expression. With a serious tone, she began to speak. “Zeke, that fellow was the disgrace of Nosgarde. He couldn't restrain his ambitions and abandoned the honorable path of being the protector of the north.” Darka showed us the jewel ring. “Do you know what this ring is?” “Isn't it Zeke's ring?” “No. This was once worn by the old royal family. Zeke must have picked it up somewhere, proclaiming himself as the lord of the north.” “Is that so?” “The return of this ring means that scoundrel has paid his dues. Well done!” “Haha, it was merely the right thing to do.” “Not you!” Curse that old lady. “But this ring is just a small part. On the day the dragons attacked the kingdom, there were more than one thief who stole the royal treasures. It wasn’t just humans; even some fiends made off with them!” Darka’s fist trembled, her eyes burning with anger. “As the successor of the royal magician and the chieftain of Lake Fortress, I earnestly ask you. Could you defeat the fiends and retrieve the stolen royal treasures?” “With the chieftain making such a direct request, how could I──” “Not you!” “…Miss Ashies, the chieftain is asking for your thoughts. How would you like to proceed?” Ashies answered slowly. “I’ll… do it.” “Ah! Thank you!” Darka’s face brightened with joy. She dug through the leather carpet she was seated on. “Now, where was it... There should be a map here somewhere… Oh, here it is.” Darka handed the map to Ashies. “This is a map marking the locations of the fiends who stole the treasures. Defeat the fiends and bring back the jewels they took.” “Yes….” Ashies accepted the map. Relieved of her worries, Darka’s expression was much more relaxed. “Thank you. Thanks to you, I can fulfill my duty passed down from the ancestors….” With a look of faint bliss, Darka closed her eyes and muttered. Moments of silence followed. “Huh?” Darka’s eyes flashed open. She blinked and looked around with a bewildered expression. “What’s going on? Why are you all gathered here making such a ruckus?” It seemed Darka had finished her duty as the chieftain, reverting back to her usual state as an ordinary old lady with dementia. “Why are we gathered? We came to have a conversation with you, chieftain. After all, I’m the only one who can manage it, right?” “Who are you, and why are you in my tent?” “Oh dear, has my name slipped your memory? I’m Karami, an old friend of Baskal.” Darka pondered my name, mouthing it thoughtfully. “Karami…? Yes, I think I remember someone by that name. But what about Baskal? Why are you here without him?” “Baskal has gone on a short journey. It’s to bring a wonderful gift back for you, chieftain.” “What nonsense gift. I have no need for such things. Tell him to come back immediately. Who leaves on a journey leaving his mother behind? Leaving his mother, for heaven’s sake….” As she said this, Darka appeared somewhat bitter. There was an air of loneliness about her. “Don’t worry, he’ll be back before you know it. Until then, I’ll keep you entertained.” “Really?” “Haha, of course. I’ll do my best to make sure you don’t notice Baskal’s absence.” It appears you've pasted some content unrelated to the previous section about the web novel story. The text doesn't align with the ongoing narrative regarding Darka, Ashies, and the ring recovery mission. If you desire a translation or specific information related to a segment of the web novel "Liberated Slaves Become Obsessed," please provide the relevant text or specify your request so I can assist accordingly.