"Because Mabeasts are active this season, small animals will avoid the main road." Rem paused for a moment, then continued, "But with Rem here, please rest assured."
"Mabeasts? Are there Mabeasts around here?"
Natsuki Subaru feigned a very surprised look.
As a transmigrator familiar with the original world, he actually knew more than Rem. The Mabeasts of this world were created by Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, who also indirectly created the three cataclysmic Mabeasts: the White Whale, the Great Rabbit, and the Black Serpent.
Of course, Daphne's original intention in creating Mabeasts was to alleviate food shortages, but due to her power going out of control, these Mabeasts instead became symbols of disaster, devouring life.
A benevolent intention, yet it brewed the deepest calamity.
It had to be said, it was somewhat ironic.
"This forest has a barrier set up by Lord Roswaal." Rem pointed to an ancient tree by the roadside, on whose trunk a green crystal was embedded. "These are the mediums for the barrier. The nearby villagers can live peacefully entirely thanks to the barrier's protection."
"So that's how it is."
Natsuki Subaru looked in the direction Rem's finger was pointing and found that at regular intervals, there was a similar ancient tree, each embedded with the same crystal.
It had to be said, the barrier around Arlam Village was established under Roswaal's leadership, aimed at resisting Mabeast invasions and ensuring the safety of the villagers. As a frontier margrave and a top-tier magic user, Roswaal possessed powerful magical abilities, and the barrier operated based on his magic system.
Natsuki Subaru leaned closer to observe the green crystals, curiously asking Rem: "What would happen if the barrier failed?"
"The Mabeasts would cross the border." Rem's voice suddenly became serious. "Because this forest is inherently the Mabeasts' habitat."
"That sounds really dangerous."
Natsuki Subaru rubbed his chin, thoughtfully surveying the surrounding deep forest.
"So, it's best for ordinary people like Subaru not to enter the forest." Rem looked directly at Natsuki Subaru and said, "It's full of ferocious Mabeasts inside."
"Being underestimated by Rem, huh." Natsuki Subaru immediately straightened his back, simultaneously waving a fist full of fighting spirit, "My current condition is good enough to beat an earth dragon to death!"
"Please don't make such unrealistic boasts."
"Seriously..."
Natsuki Subaru didn't argue, glanced at the 18-point strength attribute on his system panel, and was still filled with confidence in his heart.
With the system's blessing, his strength had more than doubled in just four days.
If another week, a month, or even a year passed... his strength would probably break through the sky.
At that time, let alone an earth dragon, even the legendary divine dragon might not be an impossible fight.
...
...
Located in the territory of Margrave Roswaal, the village called Arlam next to the mansion was very small, with only about two hundred residents.
The population was even smaller than that of a local kindergarten in Natsuki Subaru's original world.
"Maid-san! And... Manservant-san!"
"Are you here to buy ingredients again today?"
"The fruits from my orchard were just picked, they're especially sweet, would you like to try some?"
The residents seemed to recognize Natsuki Subaru and the others as a matter of course and greeted them kindly.
It was natural for the twin maids Ram and Rem, who often came to the village to make purchases, to be familiar to the villagers. However, it was his first time here, yet everyone seemed to know of his existence.
Natsuki Subaru noticed that even the children playing by the roadside were pointing at him, which made him even more confused.
How do all these people know me?
It's clearly my first time here... Could it be that my handsome face is already this famous?
Thinking this, Natsuki Subaru couldn't help but turn to Rem beside him and asked with some confusion:
"Rem, everyone seems to know me? Could it be that my wanted poster has been plastered all over the village?"
"Arlam Village is very small, and not much happens here." Rem glanced at Natsuki Subaru expressionlessly, then continued to explain,
"So, any little disturbance spreads throughout the village. Especially personnel changes at Lord Roswaal's mansion, which are a focus of the villagers' attention. Plus, you're wearing the mansion's uniform and traveling with me; to the villagers, this is information that needs to be remembered."
"So that's how it is."
Natsuki Subaru's mouth twitched slightly, and he nodded in sudden realization.
Isn't this just the otherworld version of a village gossip central?
Speaking of which, although Roswaal behaves strangely, as a margrave with vast territories, he is still a nobleman admired by the villagers.
Just as Natsuki Subaru was inwardly lamenting, a tender voice suddenly came from behind:
"Make way, please make way..."
"Eh?"
Natsuki Subaru immediately turned around and saw a tea-haired little girl, about ten years old, struggling to carry a large basket of fruit, wobbling as she trotted over.
The girl had a large red bow pinned to her head, which bounced up and down with her movements, making her little face look exceptionally cute.
"Ah~!"
Suddenly, the tea-haired little girl stumbled, her whole body pitching forward, and the bamboo basket full of fruit was about to fall to the ground.
"Careful!"
Natsuki Subaru almost instinctively rushed out, and in the nick of time, he caught the tea-haired little girl with one hand, while his other hand steadily supported the fruit basket that was about to hit the ground.
Thanks to these few days of relentless training, hmm... system-added points, his reaction speed and physical coordination had significantly improved.
"Are you alright?"
Natsuki Subaru looked down and asked the tea-haired little girl in his arms.
The tea-haired little girl had large, round eyes, pink lips, fair skin, and slender limbs.
Her reddish-brown hair glowed softly in the sunlight, fine and smooth, gently fluttering in the breeze.
She was truly an adorable girl.
The tea-haired little girl blinked her eyes, still shaken, and when she clearly saw the person who had saved her, she immediately broke into a sweet smile and said:
"Ah, you're the new big brother servant from Lord Roswaal's house. The adults in the village are all talking about you?"
"Er... My name is Natsuki Subaru." Subaru smiled and helped the tea-haired girl steady herself, casually adjusting her crooked bow.
"Next time, be careful when carrying so many things. Do you want me to help you carry it for a bit?"
"My name is Petra!" Petra introduced herself sweetly, then proudly puffed out her small chest. "But it's okay, Petra is a big kid now, I can carry it myself!"
"Petra?" Natsuki Subaru was slightly stunned.
So it's her, the little maid who will work at Roswaal's mansion in the future, and also Natsuki Subaru's little admirer in the original story. No wonder I feel so familiar.
"Is there a problem?"
Petra tilted her little head, curiously sizing up Natsuki Subaru.
"Nothing, I just think your name is very nice, Petra."
Natsuki Subaru replied gently.
"Thank you, Big Brother Subaru." Petra's little face flushed red, and she bowed to Natsuki Subaru. "These Appas are for Grandpa Gru to make jam. It would be terrible if they got broken."
___
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