Two hours ago, when Lloyd was still conversing with Bibeong near Lake Kapua in the middle of the eastern mountain range, Raphael the angel was showing his characteristic kindness to the citizens of Frontera Estate beneath the hills.
Rub! Pinch!
"Alright. One more."
Raphael's hands were busy carrying the bucket full of cow milk to the side while handing over the empty one to the cowherd, who was just as occupied.
Rub! Pinch! The steaming cow milk began filling the empty bucket again, bringing a satisfactory smile to the herd's face.
"You really didn't have to," said the cowherd graciously. "I hope I'm not causing an inconvenience, lord angel."
"Please don't say that. I'm helping because I can, and I know you hurt your back last month," replied the angel of thrones with a benevolent smile. "Carrying heavy buckets full of milk is going to aggravate your injury. That may lead to chronic back pain since you tend to get hurt in the same area."
"Common folks like us get hurt and injured all the time."
"Please don't degrade yourself. You must love yourself and cherish your own body."
"Hahaha, I understand. Thank you so much. How can I repay you?"
"Hmm. If you're going to invite me to a meal, I wouldn't decline."
"Awesome, because the potatoes I dug up recently are really nice and big."
"Potatoes. That sounds wonderful."
Raphael's smile became more apparent, making the labor under the sun all the more enjoyable. The breeze was just adequate, and the sunlight was appropriately warm. The occasional shade cast by clouds in the sky made this a delightful day in the village.
The blemishes in the human realm are what make this world a beautiful place, Raphael thought.
It wasn't always perfect. Rainclouds would sometimes fill the skies, causing unexpected, heavy rains to fall shortly before the sun would shine again. It was definitely different from the heavenly realm, in which everything was always flawless and perfect.
Same with potatoes. Some are ugly in appearance, some taste bad, some are poorly maintained, while others have sprouts. But that's what makes perfect potatoes valuable and astounding.
Raphael carried the buckets full of cow milk and headed to the cowherd's home, genuinely appreciating this world a little more.
"By the way," said the cowherd all of a sudden as they walked. "I don't know if I'm asking the right person, but have you heard the news about Master Lloyd?"
Raphael turned his head and noticed the cowherd was staring at him.
"Lloyd Frontera?"
"Yes, lord angel."
"Hmm. That is a peculiar question. You and I both know he recently returned to the estate."
"That, I am aware of. It's just that I found something... strange."
"Strange?" The angel asked.
"He supposedly loves and cares about all citizens of the estate from the bottom of his heart," replied the cowherd with an awkward facial expression.
"Oh. You're talking about the message that was shared through the Jewel of Truth."
"Yeah."
"Was it that surprising?"
"Haha, I suppose so," said the cowherd with another awkward chuckle. "I always knew how much Young Master Lloyd cared about the estate since he despises being in the deficit. But to find out he truly cares for people like us... I really did not see that coming."
"Why, though?"
"Because there is no need for him to," said the cowherd immediately to the angel's question. "People like us were born to work hard, pay taxes, and get conscripted to fight in battles in times of war. That is our duty in life. We are nothing more than cattle, if not worse, in the eyes of noblemen and women. We are mere numbers that enrich their estate by providing labor and other services as necessary, and easily replaceable."
"But Lloyd Frontera was different."
"Yes. Count and Young Master Frontera were all different. Young Master Lloyd actually used to be rather... mean in the past, but he changed suddenly one day. He began treating us like humans and even stepped up to keep us safe in times of crisis. We thought he was just taking care of his assets so he could gain something from us later on, but we were honestly grateful to serve a nobleman who was still miles better than others."
"Haha. So none of you knew how he genuinely felt about you."
"Yes. We really had no idea that he truly cared."
"You must have been delighted to find out."
"No," the cowherd shook his head adamantly, staring at the angel. "Quite the contrary. We actually are worried."
"Worried?"
"Because it feels like Young Master Lloyd keeps pushing himself to take care of things all alone."
"Lloyd Frontera is...?"
"Yes. I actually saw this morning, too."
"What did you see?"
"He was riding on the back of Sir Ggoming, and was headed towards the eastern mountains alone," said the cowherd, pointing at the hills. "The look on his face wasn't that of someone going on a picnic. He is most definitely planning to bear heavy responsibilities all by himself, as he has done time and again. That is what we common folks are unhappy and concerned about, as much as we're curious. Do you know what Young Master Lloyd is up to these days, by any chance?"
"Uh, well..." Raphael hesitated and was reminded of the fact that he was a being that could not possibly lie. In fact, he would immediately give it away if he was being deceptive. "...I do."
The fiery halo behind him was going to go out as soon as he spoke a lie, and the cowherd was going to notice it right away. The angel of thrones reluctantly nodded, causing the cowherd to open his eyes widely.
"I knew it. So Master Lloyd is making some sort of preparations again, without telling us?"
"Uh... Yes."
Raphael's head dropped. He knew he definitely played the cowherd's game and lost it. He hadn't expected the cowherd to elaborate on his guess and just ask for the angel's confirmation, completely disabling him from giving partially truthful answers.
"I will not tell you full details, because that's Lloyd Frontera's job," said the angel, letting out a bitter chuckle. "But to sum it up, demonic creatures are set to invade this estate."
"...What?!"
The cowherd came to a complete stop, as well as other cattlemen who were following them from the side. They all turned their faces to the angel and checked the fiery halo, which was still burning like a torch. The angel of thrones knew he was in a tight spot.
"Lloyd Frontera is doing his best in order to fend off the attack and protect everyone in the estate. Preparations are being made, the first of which was to evacuate every citizen of the estate to a safe place."
"Finding a way to evacuate us is the first thing he did?"
"Yeah."
It was true. The angel of thrones had coincidentally seen Lloyd and Solitas conversing about something, which was overheard albeit little.
"Lloyd Frontera has already prepared a haven to keep all of you safe. He seemed absolutely relieved. I suppose he had been really worried."
“...”
The cowherd became speechless, as did the other cattlemen. After a brief moment of silence, the cowherd spoke again, this time towards his brothers.
"I think we have to do something to help."
"I agree, big brother."
"Likewise."
"Me, too."
Other cattle-herding brothers nodded with a look of seriousness on their faces, putting down the buckets full of milk from their hands. The angel of thrones became a bit anxious at the sight.
Gosh, I hope I haven't made things worse.
Raphael wondered if he was supposed to wait until Lloyd revealed all this at the right time. He worried whether or not his rash responses would cause Lloyd some harm, and ultimately get in the way of his plan. The intense pressure and the looks on the faces of the cattle-herding brothers made the angel extremely uncomfortable, causing him to attempt to rectify the situation.
"Please don't act rashly, all of you. The first thing Lloyd Frontera ever did was to make preparations to evacuate the citizens and laborers, so don't be so terrified. Remain calm, and follow Lloyd's plan to-"
"We're not terrified, lord angel."
"Huh?"
"And we have no intention of acting rashly, either."
"I-is that so?"
"Yes," all of the cattle-herding brothers nodded simultaneously.
"I'm actually upset at Young Master Lloyd for this," said the oldest brother. "He's been trying to bear the burdens all by himself again, finding a safe haven for us. Do we get in the way that much?"
"Well..."
"Why couldn't he just tell us straight away and ask for our help? Did he really think we were going to abandon the estate and run away? I'd be so disappointed if he thought of us that way. Don't you think, brothers?"
The oldest cowherd turned his head and looked at the other cattlemen, who nodded and agreed immediately.
"I agree, big brother. I appreciate Young Master Lloyd's kindness and all, but this is not cool."
"That's right. If he really thought we were going to abandon him just because of the terrifying news, he's mistaken."
"Definitely. Why couldn't he just ask us for help?"
"Youngest is right. I don't think we can sit idly by."
The oldest brother glanced at the youngest and spoke again.
"Youngest. You're the quickest on your feet among us. Why don't you run to the village and spread this news?"
"To whom? Everyone I meet?"
"Yeah. I'm sure every citizen will react the same way."
"Okay. I'll be back."
The youngest cattleman was down the road towards the village even before the angel of thrones had a chance to intervene. The youngest reached the village center and began shouting out something, causing the villagers to murmur and head to other neighborhoods to share what they had heard. The news spread like wildfire, eventually reaching everyone in the Frontera Estate.
Most people of the estate responded in a similar way. They were upset because Lloyd hadn't asked them for help instead of trying to take care of the problem all by himself. They were complaining because they weren't given a chance to protect the lands they loved and cared for as well. Workers put down the eggs from the chicken's nest, stopped picking weeds from the field and dusted off the dirt, placed on the ground the axe and the saw they were using to cut down trees in the woods, and took off the blacksmith aprons. They gathered near the lord's mansion by the time Lloyd descended from the mountain.
"What the..."
And he was astonished. The estate developer had been taking measurements in various areas of the eastern mountain until only a moment ago when he saw unexpected messages pop up like spam in front of his eyes. He rode on Ggoming's back and quickly got down to the estate, only to see a huge crowd of people as if there was a revolt or something.
"Young Master Lloyd! Is it true that hell's army is going to invade?"
"Why didn't you tell us?"
"Did you really think we would abandon our homes and run away if you did?"
"We're so disappointed, Master Lloyd!"
"Why can't we ever help you for once?"
"Why do you always try to take care of things all by yourself? You're making us uncomfortable!"
"We don't want to be mere obstacles that get in your way!"
All citizens burst out and threw in one complaint after another, immediately upon seeing Lloyd. They clenched their fists, raised their voices, and shouted out that they could contribute to the welfare of the estate. They demanded him to stop bearing the burdens all alone.
"Wow…”
Lloyd was flabbergasted by the unexpected surprise. But he managed to retain his composure, albeit barely, and turned his head towards the angel of thrones, who was standing on one side with an uncomfortable smile on his face.
Did you tell them this...? Lloyd asked through his eyes.
I'm so sorry. This isn't what I intended, the angel replied awkwardly. Lloyd could tell what had transpired right away.
So, the Angel of Thrones spilled the beans about the invasion of hell's army because he couldn't tell any lies.
But the response from the public wasn't what he had anticipated. It wasn't unpleasant by any means.
I was actually contemplating how I could deliver this message without making them terrified. I really thought the majority of them would panic.
He had expected the citizens to lose hope in fear and chaos and confusion to ensue. He had thought some people would abandon the estate permanently because they had no faith in the evacuation plan. The fear could easily spread among them like a plague, Lloyd had genuinely believed.
But what's this…?
Lloyd took a good look at the crowd. Nearly all citizens of the estate from farmers, cattlemen, caretakers, lumberjacks, and smiths, to pub owners and maidservants of the lord's mansion, were there like soldiers laying siege to a fortification, grumbling and complaining about something he had never anticipated.
They want to help with the difficulties. They don't want to be seen as obstacles that get in the way.
They wanted to overcome problems together. They wanted to suffer together. They wanted to be a part of it all. That was what the citizens were asking in unity.
Why the heck would you want to suffer together? Is this some kind of a new, popular activity?
Lloyd was absolutely flustered. He actually couldn't comprehend.
Why, when this isn't going to benefit them at all?
Lloyd asked these questions despite having seen the answer from the pop-up messages.
It's probably related to the achievements and titles I have acquired thus far.
Lloyd suspected the accomplishments he had made thus far had all contributed to this and created synergy, causing the citizens to behave in a way he couldn't comprehend.
But I suppose I am truly grateful for it.
Lloyd inadvertently chuckled. He had actually been concerned about citizens fleeing before he could evacuate them, unwilling to cooperate with his plan, and causing difficulties in the plan. With this, however, Lloyd could rest assured.
Honestly, this works for me.
Lloyd took a good look at the citizens that demanded to stand together in a crisis like this and burned with the passion to make them work overtime like retail workers in the holiday season.
