164 Pedros Idea: Using Trade To Rebuild Kagat Village! (1/2)

That said, Village Chief Antonio knew what Pedro trully meant, consequently making another layer of sadness in his heart.

Madame Soledad was close to the hearts of many Villages and Kingdoms because of the selfless acts that she did in order to help them. Be it economy, safety, or other things, she was the type of person who would try her best just to help people without expecting anything in return.

That is why her loss would be painful, especially to those people whom she has helped in a lot of ways like Village Chief Antonio.

On the other hand, Pedro simply stole a glance in response towards Village Chief Antonio without saying a word. He did not want to talk about Madame Soledad, what much more about her death.

At first, he just played the game like how he did in his past life. Kill monsters, do quests, level up, and get stronger.

However, Things just turned out different in this second life.

That feeling of being treated like a hero after saving the wife and daughter of Antonio, the bond that he was starting to build with Madame Soledad and his Seniors from the Karakoa Fleet, and even just listening to Faunia's storytelling...

These had all made him attached to the NPCs even more. As if they were his real-life acquaintances that had contributed well to his development as a person.

Thus, whether it Madame Soledad, or if it was just Faunia, he does not want to talk much about them. Because for him... Losing them is like losing a close relative in real life.

”I-I see...” Antonio said. Then, he averted his gaze to the ground and took a deep breath--releasing all the sad feelings he felt deep inside.

On the other hand, Captain Aks could only grip his hand and look down to the ground, thinking that humanity had lost a kind-hearted, strong, and helpful person--who helped those who are in need without expecting anything in exchange.

It took them a few minutes to process everything and to ease the sudden heavy feeling that they felt deep inside. At this moment, Village Chief Antonio walked out of the Village Chief's office and glanced around the desolated area.

'It was supposed to be lively.' Antonio remembered how noisy the streets were at night as the day shift soldiers cheered for another day passed, while the night shift soldiers would be teased for being unlucky. At the same time, women and children would have joined their laughter as they all eat dinner together.

With another sigh, he arrived at one of the chairs that Pedro had prepared and sat on it. Then, he remembered Pedro's offer to join the Karakoa fleet and said, ”Sadly... I am too old to join Soledad's fleet. So... I'll pass in your offer young man. But... Perhaps Aks might still be able to join.”

”Respected sires... Please forget what I said.” Pedro said--interrupting the discussion between Aks and Antonio that was about to happen. Then, he said, ”On second thought, I think that it is a good idea to have a village where humans could seek shelter in the west. It was just... For me... It was too troublesome to consider rebuilding this village.”

”You're thinking too much young man! It is my responsibility to take care of the village. There's no need for you to take that burden away from me.” Antonio said.

Pedro simply smiled towards him and said, ”I know! But... Tell me Village Chief... How do you plan to rebuild this village? Sire Aks had said earlier, the influx of monsters had reduced the number of people traveling towards the western land of the Aquari Continent. Other than my fellow adventurers... Who would stay in this isolated village?”

”That...” Antonio could only avert his gaze towards the campfire whilst thinking an answer to Pedro's question.

However, before an idea could come into Antonio's mind, Pedro said, ”I have an idea in mind. But... I do not know if the two of you would be interested.”

”What is it, young man?” Antonio said, ”Feel free to tell us what you had in mind.”

”I would like to establish a shop and attract the merchants from nearby Kingdoms.” Pedro said, ”I won't tell much about the specifics. But... You must know that I am using trade to attract people to go into this village. So... I need assurance that both of you would be able to establish and implement a governing system to avoid this tragedy from happening once again.”

”This...” Antonio and Aks were at loss for words.