[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-isekai-nonbiri-nouka":3,"chapter-isekai-nonbiri-nouka-isekai-nonbiri-nouka-chapter-916":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Isekai Nonbiri Nouka",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1395500,1848,"Chapter 916: The Fourth Secretary","isekai-nonbiri-nouka-chapter-916",916,"\u003Cp>My name is Messer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m a forty-year-old demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My job is serving as the personal civil officer to Youko-sama, the acting village chief of Village Five.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to village chief, my position is officially that of a “secretary”.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don’t quite understand the title, but it sounds special, and I rather like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, I’m not Youko-sama’s only secretary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s simply no way a single person could support someone like her, who represents a region as large as Village Five.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are about ten of us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While there isn’t a clear ranking among the ten secretaries… I’d say I’m around fourth place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Please take care of this Messer from now on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-0-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now then, as Youko-sama’s secretary, my duties are many and varied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, I find myself in one of the many reception rooms within Village Five’s council hall, attending to guests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s just past noon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My guests today are representatives of a certain religion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’re humans—apparently of some standing, given that they arrived with a group of over twenty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, regardless of how many they bring, only so many can fit into a reception room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The purpose of their visit? To put it simply, they want us to build one of their temples in Village Five.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not they will build it—but they want us to build it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, they’re asking Village Five to provide land and construct the temple at our expense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, I refuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This isn’t my personal decision, but the official policy of Village Five.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they want a temple, they’re free to build one with their own funds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s no need to rely on us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That should be obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So why bring such a request to us?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I understand their reasoning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They saw the shrine, didn’t they?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Village Chief had a shrine built.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, they assumed we might be open to constructing their temple as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were hopeful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, that shrine was funded entirely out of village chief’s own pocket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No public funds from Village Five were used in its construction or upkeep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, Village Five has no plans to fund any religious facilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I explain this, most visitors ask to speak with someone above me—Youko-sama herself, or village chief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I suppose they feel they’re not getting anywhere with a lowly secretary like me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I understand how they feel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But unfortunately for them, my superiors are even busier than I am and cannot spare the time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So I must ask them to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some, at this point, will attempt to offer a bribe…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let me make it clear—I am not seeking bribes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, assuming that I would be swayed by money is deeply insulting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My loyalty to Village Five is not shallow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, once again, I say:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Please take your leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-0-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were quite persistent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, at least they didn’t resort to invoking the name of their god to make threats, so I suppose that puts them in the more reasonable category.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Incidentally, as they were leaving, they happened upon the angel Reginleif-sama and attempted to petition her about building the temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their religion is apparently practiced in the Garret Kingdom as well, so perhaps they were already acquainted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or maybe they simply thought that someone like Reginleif-sama could sway Village Five into agreeing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Either way, standing just behind Reginleif-sama at the time—mostly hidden from view—was none other than our village chief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They never realized this fact, so I see no need to elaborate on how that encounter ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-0-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Village Chief had apparently been summoned by Youko-sama.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had a report to make to her as well, so I accompanied village chief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since I work here, I took the lead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As we passed through the halls, those we encountered paused and bowed upon seeing village chief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a time when people would simply walk past him without a glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems his face has finally become more widely recognized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s a good thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather—as it should be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he is the superior of Youko-sama herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-0-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon arriving at Youko-sama’s office, I knocked on the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the maids, who had been waiting just behind it, opened the door and gave me a puzzled look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, as a secretary, I would enter through the adjacent office next door and proceed into the main office from there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, today I was accompanying village chief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the maid saw who stood behind me, her demeanor changed immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After briefly announcing us, she opened the door wide and welcomed village chief inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I entered with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reginleif-sama, who had accompanied village chief as his escort….\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Remained by the door to stand guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Come to think of it, where were Daga-sama and Gulf-sama, who are usually always around?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I asked Reginleif-sama, she said they had gone to check in with the guards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, right—village chief’s children, Ririus-sama, Riguru-sama, and Ratte-sama, are all stationed with the guards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were likely just going to see how they were doing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, right—let me reintroduce myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I am Messer, Youko-sama’s secretary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Please take care of me from now on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-0-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The conversation between village chief and Youko-sama covered a wide range of topics, but everything wrapped up smoothly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The major points were:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– A request will be sent out to adventurers to locate a natural hot spring source near Village Five, as there’s a desire to develop a bathing facility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– A section of land at the base of Village Five will be reserved for vacation estates for Demon King’s Kingdom nobles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– A plan is underway for a recreational facility to be operated directly by Village Five.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– There was also a discussion regarding the newly planned “Five Village Bypass”, which is meant to alleviate congestion near the teleportation gate. There’s a difficult stretch of terrain, and the decision was whether to reroute or press forward as-is.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Village chief opted to press forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apparently, he’ll personally handle the difficult area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected of village chief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reliable as always.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first- and second-ranked secretaries were present and recorded the entire discussion. They immediately began processing the necessary paperwork.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for me, I was merely present because I had a report to make—so I didn’t have any specific duties this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I’m glad I was here to hear such important matters firsthand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, very glad indeed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Present in the room were the first and second secretaries—but not the third.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would be Focke, the secretary I consider my rival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, I’ve gained the upper hand in terms of information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure, I’ll have to share the information with him later—but I was here for the actual discussion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I witnessed the reasoning behind the decisions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So if I’m assigned any follow-up work, I’ll be able to respond with much more flexibility and insight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And given that I was in this meeting, odds are good I’ll be looped in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fufufu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can already picture the frustrated look on Focke’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…That said, something else from the conversation is sticking with me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was frequent mention of installing a new teleportation gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But aren’t those teleportation gates under the jurisdiction of the Demon King’s Kingdom?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of village chief’s wives made them?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ano—am I even supposed to know that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank you very much for placing your trust in me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, I would never dream of leaking anything to outsiders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I was giving that solemn reply, a knock came at the door connecting to the secretary’s office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peeking inside was none other than Focke, the third-ranked secretary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fufufu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too late, my friend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’ll fill you in later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But not before you squirm with frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-0-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Focke was surprised to see village chief in the office and quickly offered a respectful greeting. Then he noticed I was also present—and looked surprised all over again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fufufu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, Focke managed to compose himself and flashed me a confident smile before turning to speak with Youko-sama.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Pardon the interruption during your meeting. I have a report to make, Youko-sama—may I proceed?」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hoh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What’s this, Focke?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is it something so urgent and important that you had to bring it up right now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Youko-sama’s permission, Focke delivered his report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「I bring good news. It passed.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It passed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something that would make Youko-sama this happy—wait a moment…!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>C-could it be… that issue?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one that faced so much resistance?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one that was considered nearly impossible to approve?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one everyone thought was a hopeless cause?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Focke managed to push it through?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Youko-sama was visibly surprised and sought confirmation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Yes. At today’s Village Council meeting for the village assembly hall, the “Youko-sama Special Set” was approved to become a regular item on the cafeteria menu.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Youko-sama Special Set—normally, this consisted of a kitsune udon with a generous slice of fried tofu, two inari sushi stuffed with seasoned rice, and a small side dish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The special version increases the size of the tofu and adds a second slice—making it a deluxe upgrade!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Up until now, Youko-sama had only been able to get this served once every thirty days, and even then, in limited quantities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now it’s becoming a regular menu item?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Furthermore, the inari sushi in the set will be increased to three pieces.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>T-that’s absurd!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inari sushi has always been two pieces, no matter what!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even when Youko-sama abandoned all pride and negotiated in the form of a child, she could only secure two!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now she’s getting three?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「This became possible because we’ve secured an increase in tofu production.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>OOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What wonderful news!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I must order it too!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wait—no.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s not the point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m furious!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Youko-sama is clearly overjoyed—more than I’ve ever seen her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gnnnnnnnnnngh!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I have to work harder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Much harder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-0-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My name is Messer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of Youko-sama’s secretaries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the secretarial duties span a wide range, I primarily assist Youko-sama with diplomatic affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My current goal is to rise to the rank of third secretary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Failing that, I’d settle for assisting with internal affairs—currently handled by Focke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether I’m suited for the role or not doesn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The truth is, in the diplomatic track, I don’t get many chances to interact directly with Youko-sama.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-0-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fourth Secretary: 「If anything, I end up talking more with village chief…」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third Secretary: 「That in itself is something to envy, though…」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second Secretary: 「To become second secretary, you need to be able to negotiate with Demon King-sama and tge dragons.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First Secretary: 「And to reach the first seat, you’ve gotta be able to give village chief or Youko-sama advice without flinching.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Youko: 「While the importance of each assignment may vary, there’s no formal ranking among the secretaries.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-0-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Village Chief: 「A few angels have agreed to help out with tofu production.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Youko: 「I’d love for Village Five to be able to produce its own tofu too, but the water situation is tricky…」\u003C\u002Fp>",1809,"2026-06-05T23:08:41.452Z",1,"novelbin.me","12657fda2f12c72e7a67268c3a30739a962330b2084a90bcf47b6de168d0049f","isekai-nonbiri-nouka-chapter-994","isekai-nonbiri-nouka-chapter-993",1036,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fisekai-nonbiri-nouka-cover.jpg"]