I Was a Sword When I Reincarnated (Web Novel)
chapter-283

Hero or Idol?

Translator: SupremeTentacle

Editor: Exkalamity

The village chief danced around for a bit before settling down and guiding us into the village . A huge mass of people crowded around the area in front of the gate . There were at least two hundred black catkin gathered around us . Despite that large number, the crowd was awfully quiet . We could hear some murmuring alongside the occasional sob, but nobody was cheering or shouting . Most of the villagers were stunned in silence .

One of the black catkin in front of us knelt onto the ground . He clasped his hands together in prayer and stared fervently at Fran, as if she was the Messiah . One by one, the other black catkin around him followed suit . It didn’t take long for the entire crowd to begin praying, with Fran as the object of their worship . The bizarre atmosphere left Fran and I bewildered .

“People, people, stop it,” said the village chief . “Can’t you see that you are bothering the Black Lightning Princess?”

The people around Fran awkwardly got to their feet, though they did still continue to send her their ardent stares .

“I’m sorry about that,” said the village chief . “As far as we black catkin are concerned, you may as well be a walking miracle . Everyone’s just acting like this because seeing you has moved their hearts . Could you forgive them?”

“Nn . No problem . ”

As if Fran’s voice was a signal, the crowd started to buzz .

“Oh my god, she talked!”

“Her voice is so adorable!”

“She is truly divine!”

“Mommy, how do I become like her?”

The people around us were talking excitedly . They were treating Fran more like a famous idol than an adventurer or warrior . The crowd rapidly closed in on her . Everyone was trying to get a closer look at her all at once .

“Enough!” shouted the chief . He waved his hands, shooing the crowd away . “I must show her our village’s hospitality . If you would please follow me, Black Lightning Princess . ”

“Nn . ”

The crowd parted and allowed the chief to lead us to a slightly larger house in the middle of the village . A large group of black catkin trailed behind us . Most of them were kids, so I half expected them to call out to us . But none of them did . It was obvious from the looks in their eyes that they were too busy admiring Fran to remember how to use their voices .

When we got to the chief’s house he sat us down and then personally brewed Fran a cup of tea . A bunch of black catkin crowded outside the window, watching her drink . I could sense that a lot more had their ears pressed to the walls .

“I apologize for being unable to serve you anything better,” said the chief .

“Nn . Not problem . Tasty,” said Fran, after taking a sip .

“Ohhhh! That’s good to hear! Thank you for your kind words!”

The people outside the house cheered .

“These tea leaves were produced by this village . Everyone will be honored to hear that you enjoyed them . ”

“Nn . ”

I hope Fran wasn’t just providing them with lip service . What would they have done if she said it was bad? Probably have someone run off and buy expensive tea .

“Now then . ” The chief sat down . “May I ask the reason for your visit?”

“Not much,” said Fran . “Just wanted to see black catkin village . ”

“Oh I see!” The chief smiled as he nodded . “It’s an honor for you to show interest in us . Please let me offer you my home for you to stay the night . There are no inns in this village and my house is the biggest here . ”

“Don’t worry . Just a few days . Will camp outside . ”

“Nononono! How could I possibly allow the Black Lightning Princess herself to stay outdoors? Please, make yourself at home . ”

“Really? Thanks . ”

“If there is anything else you need, please feel free to let me know . ”

This is a little troubling . We didn’t come here to impose on the village . Rather, we came here to see if there was anything we could do to help .

“Tell if any trouble,” said Fran . “Will help with anything . ”

“I am truly happy to hear those words,” said the chief . “But we could could not possibly ask that of you, who has already brought so much hope to our tribe . ”

“It’s fine,” insisted Fran . “Tell me . Any monster problems?”

“We are in a secluded area that doesn’t see many monsters,” he explained, “so they haven’t been a threat for a while . We have the beast lord to thank for finding us this location . The land isn’t very fertile, and it’s hard to grow crops, but at least we can live here in peace . That said,” he paused, “could I ask one thing of you?”

“Nn . Happy to do anything”

“Can you show our young ones how strong you are?”

“Combat prowess?”

“Yes . It isn’t possible for us old folk to hunt 1000 evil beings . We’re just too old . But the younger generation has a chance . I would really appreciate it if you could show them that it’s possible for us black catkin to be more than just the weakest tribe . You may even be able inspire them to go out and hunt evil beings for themselves . ”

“Nn . Got it . Right now, tribe a little cowardly . ”

“Great! I’m glad to hear it!”

The black catkin outside of the house started kicking up a fuss right as we wrapped up the conversation . The commotion grew louder and louder until they were shouting with their voices laced with panic . And before long, someone began violently knocking on the chief’s door .

“Chief! Chief are you in? It’s an emergency!” the person shouted .

The chief hurried to the door and opened it .

“What is going on? You are being loud,” said the chief .

“Chief it’s bad! Goblins! We sighted goblins nearby the village!”

“Why are you so panicked? We have the guards . What are they doing?”

“This is more than the guards can handle!” shouted the man at the doorway . “There are over 20 goblins!”

“What did you say? That’s way too many! Schwartzekatze is doomed!”

Hmm? Is twenty goblins alot? Maybe for a small village, I guess, but their reaction is totally overblown .

Fran stood up .

“Will handle them,” she said . “Will show my strength . ”

“Will you really take care of it for us?” asked the chief nervously .

“Nn . Have some people follow . Will put on a show . ”

“Got it! I’ll send some promising fellows your way . ”

The chief nodded and dashed out the house in a hurry .