Reincarnation into the Barrier Master

The massive explosion that occurred at the Lace volcano on the island of Rwazan had caused extensive damage here in the Grand Duchy of Foal.

The Grand Duchy of Foal was an island country located about 150 km west of the island of Rwazan. The land area of the country is about 6000㎢, which is about the same size as Yamaguchi prefecture in Japan. Surrounded by the sea on all four sides, and with Mount Carat rising in the center of the island, most of the land was covered with mountains and forests, and the plains were small, with the people living shoulder to shoulder in the capital city of Bougueray.

At first glance, this seemingly poor small country was able to produce tasty crops by utilizing the abundant underground water from the mountains to build terraced rice paddies. In addition, the country was able to maintain a self-sufficient lifestyle thanks to the marine products from the oceans surrounding the country on all sides, as well as the mountain products from the mountain forests.

The climate was mild, and the country was rarely subjected to wind and flood damage, and was managed in a relatively stable manner.

However, the eruption of the volcano Lace changed the country's situation drastically. The volcanic ash that rained down on the country caused all the crops in the terraced rice paddies to wither, and the spring water that was used for drinking was undrinkable for several days.

The Grand Duke Taste, who ruled the Grand Duchy, immediately took countermeasures. He distributed all the food and water stored in the palace to the people. The small size of the country itself, coupled with the well-functioning cities, meant that the support of the Grand Duke was immediately extended to all the people of the country.

Once the crisis was over, however, the future of the country was still shadowed by a deep darkness. All the crops that were to be harvested had already suffered catastrophic damage, so that this year's crop failure was certain, and it was even estimated to last for several years. It was only a matter of time before the self-sufficient lifestyle that the Grand Duchy had maintained for so long would collapse.

Then, a huge ship appeared on the horizon.

I had never seen such a huge ship before. And without warning, it was heading toward the Grand Duchy of Foal. Upon hearing the report, Grand Duke Taste immediately ordered his soldiers to form a defense line along the coastline.

As if to mock them, the giant ship snatches the coastline of the Kingdom of Foal and turns to the east.

"Look!　That's the ...... Crest of Klimiana!"

One of the soldiers shouted loudly. The sails of the ship were indeed inscribed with the coat of arms of the Church of Crimiana. Despite the soldiers' agitation, the ship turned to the east.

"What!　The Church of Crimiana?

As soon as he heard the report, Grand Duke Taste rose from his throne in anger. These are the same people who have appeared in the towns many times during the past ten years to proselytize their god. Fortunately, the people of this country have been reluctant to communicate with people of other lands. Because of this, few of them leaned toward the Church of Crimiana. They built a small village in the eastern end of the country, where they huddled together to make a living.

The ships of the Crimean Church pointed their bows toward the towns where their brethren lived. It was clear that the Church had come to their aid. And the information that came in one after another infuriated the Grand Duke even more. The news that the ships were bringing in vast quantities of foodstuffs.

What the hell are you doing?　You're going to start a war with us!"

No, I don't think that is the intention at all.

One of the retainers steps forward before the Grand Duke and says reverently, "I am the Grand Duke. He glares sharply at the man.

"This time," he says, "you are simply on a ship to rescue your people. They are hated by the whole country as snobs. Perhaps they contacted home and asked for relief supplies."

"I have ordered that all the people living in this country be given supplies equally and without exception. Is there anyone who did not obey that order?

"No, sir. No, sir. We have indeed delivered supplies to all the people of Klimiana, as ordered by the Grand Duke.

So, what is the nature of your service?

"It's ....... They must be anxious. This time, the Grand Duke has granted them mercy, but who knows what will happen in the future. ....... I suspect that they may have thought to contact the home country first to get support."

"......"

"Anyway, Crimiana's ship is simply transporting food supplies. I do not think they intend to have anything to do with us.

There was a touch of uneasiness in the Grand Duke's heart. There must have been less than twenty people in Crimiana. Would he go to the trouble of building a huge ship and making an expedition to the Grand Duchy of Foal for less than twenty of his countrymen?

Tow the horses!

The Grand Duke, having nothing to lose, mounted his beloved horse and rode to the village where the people of Klimiana lived. There, nearly a hundred strong men were carrying goods from one ship to another into the village.

......That much cargo is too much to give to the people of this village, don't you think?

I can't see what's inside, but it's probably wheat or something. There are already more than a few dozen of them being brought in right in front of us. In this village of less than 20 people, it would take a year to eat up that much. When he thought about it, something flashed through his mind.

...... If our country runs out of food, are they going to offer up that food? That would make them look good to their people. It will make it easier for them to proselytize.

Cold sweat broke out on the Grand Duke's back. The voices of his retainers who had followed him fell on deaf ears. In his mind's eye, he had a vision of the people surrounding the palace, carrying the banner of the Crimean religion. That must be avoided at all costs. .......

"Grand Duke!"

Suddenly, a loud voice rouses me. He finds that more than a hundred soldiers are standing by his side.

"Look, Grand Duke! Not a single one of the men of Crimiana is ready for battle. This does not mean that they will attack our country. ......

"No, they are going to fight us. We must drive them back now."

"What do you say, Your Highness?　If you do this, Klimiana will not keep quiet! She will surely raise a huge army and attack us. If that happens, we will have no choice but to perish.

"......"

"I'm afraid I'm not as concerned as you, my lord. We have no proof that Klimiana intends to do anything in our country. Let's wait and see, shall we?

"......"

At the urging of his retainers, the Archduke Taste turned his horse's head toward the palace, unable to shake off the uneasiness that welled up in his heart.

A few days later, however, an incident occurred in the capital.

Late at night, a few people were walking through the streets of the capital. When they came to a house, they took a bag the size of a fist from their pocket and threw it carelessly into the house. Then they leave immediately. They repeated such a thing many times.

When night fell, there was a commotion in the capital. In some houses, bags of money had been thrown into the streets. Some of the people who got hold of the bag were so surprised that they were even stunned.

Inside the bag were about 50 pieces of gold, each about the size of a thumb. With this much gold, one could easily live for about a year in this city. It was no wonder that some people were stunned.

On closer inspection, we found that the houses where the gold was thrown had one thing in common. They were people who had been relatively friendly to the Crimean community. When the Grand Duke Taste heard this report, he looked up to heaven.

...... This is a provocation from the Church of Crimiana. How dare you provoke me so openly!

Despite his thoughts, the Grand Duke could find no way to resist. The worst scene he had imagined a few days before was once again flashing through his mind. .......