The Cursed Forest Where I Was Exiled Had Somehow Been Designated As A Sanctuary. - Awakened to the Purification skill, I, Surrounded By Divine Dragons And Great Spirits, Become The King of A Nation - Episode 28

“Wow, this is really something! It’s a shame we can’t use it as a tourist attraction!”

After the fourth business meeting with the Silk Trading Company, the discussions for the trade have finally been settled.

In the meantime, he had become quite close with Star-Lord, and after their business meetings, Zess would invite him to the village’s hot springs.

An outdoor open-air bath.

Although not very spacious, it is a place surrounded by trees that somehow exudes a sense of being a hidden gem.

Soaking in a bathtub made of variously sized stacked rocks, Star-Lord, with a towel on his head instead of a hat, joyfully shouts.

I feel like I’ve somehow become younger since we first met.

While immersed in such thoughts, Zess, who was sitting next to him, replied with a smile to Star-Lord’s words, “That’s good to hear.”

“Ah, I really want to stay in this village, regardless of business negotiations. It’s nice here. There’s a calm and relaxed atmosphere. The outside world is so harsh, you know.”

“Kill and be killed?”

“Where there is power, there is conflict, you see. That’s also the background behind why I wanted to establish trade with this village.”

Star-Lord looked up at the sky while holding a towel.

It’s still daytime. The blue sky peeks through the gaps between the branches and leaves.

“The weapons crafted by the dwarves are already known for their high quality. Additionally, the fine ores from the Great Forest Sea. — Many people seek weapons made from these Great Forest Sea materials.”

“If we can monopolize the distribution of such weapons, we can control the power dynamics of the continent from behind the scenes—right?”

“Haha, I really can’t compete with Lord Zess. If we could have an influence both economically and militarily, the trading company could extend its influence beyond that framework to the continent. …Well, I don’t think that far ahead at the moment, though.”

“Why is that?”

At Zess’s question, Star-Lord gave a small smile.

And then, with an expression as if having realized something, they open their mouth.

“I’ve recently come to realize that I’m not cut out for that. Greed destroys oneself—it’s a merchant’s rule.”

“Sigh…”

Rather than an explanation, it was more like a self-reassuring remark, and Zess responded with a vague nod.

“More importantly, Zess-sama, there is something I would like you to decide regarding the use of the ‘Trade Route’.”

“What is it?”

Star-Lord cheerfully announced.

“This is the name of the village.”

◆　◆　◆

The Star-Lord skill, “Trade Route,” which allows the transfer of people and goods to the location where a trade was concluded.

To use it, you need to build a special formation at the destination point and register the name of the place.

It’s probably like choosing a destination in a game.

After hearing about Star-Lord, Zess, having understood the situation, conveyed his intention to consult with the villagers.

And,

“— So, what do you think?”

The location is Larrado and the others’ workshop.

The dwarves, who were busy with their blacksmithing work, paused and pondered Zess’s question.

“How, you ask?”

“Yeah, this land was originally discovered by Lord Zess. You don’t need to ask us.”

“Oh, how about Zess Village!”

“Hmm, Zess Village. Indeed, it’s quite nice.”

Larrado also goes along with one of the dwarves’ suggestions.

In response to the conversation, Zess grimaced and said, “No, no.”

Next, I ask the elves who are busy with their farming tasks.

“We are newcomers, so please decide, Lord Zess and the dwarves.”

Currently, in the case of Sonia, the only beastman in the village.

“Gall? Any name is fine! As long as I’m with my husband! …Oh! How about Zessonia Village? I’m a genius!”

“Rejected”

“Growl…”

Next, when I hear Peter’s opinion in the kitchen,

How about “Exciting and Relaxing Village”? I think it fits the village’s atmosphere perfectly!

“Hmm, I think it’s very Peter-like.”

And then, visit Flora at the clinic.

“Is it the name of a village? … Zess Village, or something like that… is that not okay?”

“If you understand, then don’t say it.”

Finally, I placed Haku on my head and visited Yggdrasil in the temple.

“Growl!”

“Haku says that as long as Zess is there, anything is fine. I agree.”

“Anything is fine, but does that really mean anything is fine?”

“I think everyone in the village feels similarly. Originally, village names are something that naturally get decided over a long period of time. Since that’s not the case, I think Zess should be free to decide.”

“I see… Well then, I’ll think about it.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Growl!”

In response to Yggdrasil’s smile, the white bird above spread its wings wide.

◆　◆　◆

A trading post has been established near the center of the village.

It’s a simple building, but there is also space to park the horse-drawn carriages.

Under Star-Lord’s advice, the exchange was well-equipped with everything it needed.

And then, in a corner of the trading post. On the ground of the outdoor area, something like a magic circle is engraved.

This is the formation needed for the “Trade Route.”

The delivery of goods takes place here.

“Alright, it’s done.”

Carve the ground with a small shovel, pour in the melted ore, and cool it.

Confirming that it had set properly, Star-Lord nodded with satisfaction.

He first places his subordinates on the battlefield and then turns back to Zess and the others.

“Well then, we look forward to your continued support of our Silk Trading Company.”

“Likewise, I look forward to working with you.”

Zess shakes the hand that Star-Lord has extended, representing the village.

Following his subordinates onto the battlefield, Star-Lord cheerfully announced.

“Then, we will open the ‘Trade Route.’ — Registered: Yggdrasil Village”

The formation shines, and its light begins to envelop Star-Lord and the others.

After a short while, when the light faded, there was no sign of the Silk Trading Company.

This is the “Trade Route”…… It resembles the “Teleportation” used by the castle’s wizard a bit.

As Zess reflects on a somewhat bitter memory, Yggdrasil, who appeared out of nowhere, calls out to him.

“Yggdrasil Village?”

“Ah, you see, this is where Yggdrasil originally was, and that great tree is the center of the village, right? So, I thought it would be a fitting name.”

“……So simple-minded. You just pushed it onto me because you hate Zess Village.”

“No, no! Look, it’s quite common for the names of spirits to become the names of villages!”

I hurriedly try to explain to Yggdrasil, who looks dissatisfied, but I get glared at with a deadpan expression.

“Grr, my idea for Zessonia Village was definitely better! Master, you’re so mean!”

“Well, that’s just too much…”

As I was wryly smiling at Sonia, who was once again looking dissatisfied, Yggdrasil’s eyes widened as if he had noticed something.

And then, with a small smile, she grabbed the hem of Zess’s clothes.

“I like Yggdrasil Village.”

“Huh, what do you mean all of a sudden?”

“Hehe, nice name.”

“Eh, eh…?”

Even though I was perplexed by Yggdrasil suddenly becoming cheerful for some reason, I let out a sigh of relief, thinking that if he liked it, then that’s good enough.

Ignoring such a fuss, Yggdrasil flew up to the great tree, twirling gracefully.