Berserk: The Prophet

Chapter 301 Heading to the Kingdom of Midland

Green's knights also took stock of the bandits' equipment and money bags, which totaled 57 silver coins and several hundred copper coins. There was a lot of equipment, with chainmail and plate armor being the most plentiful, as well as a considerable number of crossbows and swords, which looked like they could be sold for a good price.

That's a huge sum of money, worth over 20,000 dinars.

Although the knights' maintenance costs were a bit high, they never embezzled during battles, and all the spoils went to the leader himself. This war deal was still more profitable than loss-making.

"...Thank you so much for your help, sirs. Otherwise, our village would have had an even harder winter this year." Village elder Allen, with his hunched and thin body, thanked Green and the others.

Green smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Elder Allen, there's no need for such formality. This is what we should do. However, I have a suggestion: besides the armor and weapons, we should distribute some of the spoils of war, including cotton armor and clothing, to the village so that everyone can get through the winter comfortably. My soldiers are injured now, so I estimate we'll have to stay here for a few more days before we can leave."

Elder Allen's eyes flashed with surprise, and he nodded hurriedly: "Sir, you are truly kind-hearted. The village is indeed lacking these things. You have helped us so much this time, and the villagers will be eternally grateful."

The village's soil was barren; Green didn't even see flax or other crops. The villagers' clothes were also worn and faded, suggesting they also lacked winter clothing.

These clothes weren't valuable, and they were too heavy to carry, so leaving them to these materially impoverished villagers was a good deed.

In this way, he could stay here without spending any money and at the same time gain favor, which was a worthwhile deal.

So Green had the knights distribute the linings of their clothes and some of their cotton armor to the villagers, whose faces beamed with gratitude.

[Your relationship with the unknown mountain village +20, increased favorability with a key figure in this world detected, Casca's favorability +10]

"Huh?" Green was slightly taken aback, looking into the crowd for a girl of similar age to himself.

Is Casca in this crowd? So this village is that woman's hometown.

It seems that only the village chief Allen's granddaughter looks like she's a few years old; she's dark-skinned and thin, but doesn't appear to be malnourished.

Those dark, sparrow-like eyes were curiously looking at him. Green smiled slightly, walked over, and patted the girl's head.

It seems he's made a good impression on his future sister-in-law; Green doesn't have any intention of taking Casca away for the time being.

After all, the journey is not safe, so it's better to follow the development in the anime. Although the village is poor, it is not dangerous. Griffith will save her.

It wouldn't be too late to pick her up when I'm strong and stable enough, but I wonder how Guts will get along with her then.

“...Huh?” Casca was a little confused when her head was touched.

...They're all children, so why does that knight-dressed kid act like an adult? He even patted her head like Loran did. [Cassica's Favorability +10]

Seeing this, Village Chief Allen had a new idea: Could it be that the young master was also interested in his granddaughter?

Green, on the other hand, hadn't thought of this at all. How could he possibly have feelings for his future sister-in-law?

"...Lorraine, we have to leave in a couple of days. See if you know of any families that have extra handcarts or wooden planks to transport supplies."

“Alright, there’s not a shortage of timber in the mountains, so this should be easy to get. The carpenters in the village should have some ready-made.” Loran accepted the order and went off to inquire about handcarts and wooden planks in the village.

Green continued talking with the villagers to learn about the village's current situation and sent Silver Mist Rangers to patrol the area around the village. Casca followed Green around like a little shadow, listening to their conversation with curiosity.

"...Sir, the crops in the fields are often looted by these bandits, and it's not the busy farming season right now. Could you teach the men in the village how to take up arms and protect themselves during these few days?"

Green pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the villagers' eager faces, and nodded in agreement: "Teaching some self-defense techniques isn't difficult. However, brute force alone isn't enough. For safety's sake, it's best to take care of the enemy from a distance. Where are the hunters in your village?"

Elder Allen quickly replied, "There are a few hunters in the village, but their bows and arrows are rather rudimentary."

Green thought for a moment and said, "Hmm... it's not very realistic to arm the entire village with crossbows. My Silver Mist Rangers are all top-notch archers. You can ask them about bow improvements and archery techniques."

"...Corribo, Dui, I'm leaving this to the two of you." Green handed the task over to the two of them and then stepped out from the group of villagers.

At this moment, Loran also rushed over and said excitedly, "Sir, the village carpenter has handcarts and wooden planks on hand. They can be put back into use after a little renovation, but it will take some money to buy them."

Green nodded. "Yes, money is not a problem. You go and get this done, and I'll negotiate the price."

Soon, after deciding on the arrangements for the next few days, the Silver Mist Rangers began patrolling around the village. With the help of the knights, the villagers repaired the wooden houses that had been ravaged by the bandit mercenaries, and the carpenter helped to make two wooden sticks and two wooden swords for training.

Several hunters followed Dui to hone their bows and arrows, improving their archery skills.

Casca watched with sparkling eyes, eager to try as well. Green smiled and patted her head, "You can learn when you're a little older."

Casca nodded emphatically, her eyes filled with anticipation. In the days that followed, Green taught the villagers self-defense techniques while also having the Silver Mist Rangers increase patrols. The atmosphere in the village gradually became peaceful and full of hope.

Lorraine has also found suitable handcarts and wooden planks, and everything is in preparation for departure in a few days.

In short, it would be strange for a team to be without supplies. Loran's addition is laying the groundwork for the future; if ordinary people find it odd to be here, it wouldn't be fun if they were labeled heretics by those lunatics in the King's Hall.

A few days later, as the morning light pierced through the mist and shone on the village, Grimm's Knights were ready to depart. Handcarts were piled high with essential supplies and spoils of war, and the wooden wagons had been repaired and renovated.

Loran was already dressed in relatively suitable mercenary scale armor, a sword hanging from his belt, and a kite shield on his back. He was carrying a simple bag and bidding farewell to Grandpa Allen and Casca.

The villagers gathered at the village entrance, their faces filled with reluctance and gratitude. Old Allen, trembling, held a basket of wild fruit and handed it to Green: "Sir, this is a small token of the villagers' appreciation. Please accept it."

Green took the fruit, his gaze sweeping across the crowd before settling on Casca.

In the past few days, Allen had mentioned sending little Casca to his side as a maid, but Green refused, saying that his army didn't have time to take care of a little girl, and besides, the journey wasn't necessarily safe.

Casca was also in the farewell party, gazing longingly at Loran with eyes full of reluctance. Loran squatted down and gently pinched her cheek: "Be a good girl, and I'll come back next time to see if you've grown taller."

Casca nodded vigorously and stuffed a straw bracelet she was holding into Loran's palm.

"Let's go, kid, keep up with the group."

Loran stood up, gave Casca a bright smile, waved goodbye to the village one last time, and then turned to catch up with the group.

...What awaits them on their journey to the Midlands?