I talked to my father (in-law), but it was more complicated than just opposition.

The village has no entrance, and we walk along the path between cultivated fields. Some of the fields are overgrown with weeds.

"Since it's supposed to be autumn now, maybe it's time for planting wheat or rye?"

"Yes. To avoid problems, this year's plan is 60% wheat and 40% rye."

"What about that fenced, neglected field? Is it fallow land?"

"Yes. Currently, goats are grazing there."

"Are pigs not grazed here?"

"Pigs? They're too expensive to maintain in this village. Since they're culled in winter, breeding is difficult. Plus, wild boars are reproducing in the southern forest we visited earlier, so their importance is low. Goats are kept more for milk than meat."

So it's a three-field system of agriculture. I thought it was medieval culture, but this makes it even more likely.

But Rizatia is wearing a tunica, which I think existed around ancient Rome, and the fabric seems to be made of cotton as well.

"Do they grow cotton here too?"

"Yes, but on a larger scale in the neighboring village."

So they do grow it. I think cotton cultivation started in Europe towards the end of the Middle Ages. The civilization level is unclear. But if cottonseed oil is available, I might want to get some.

After passing through the fields, we can see about 40 houses. It's a village of around 150 to 200 people. Quite large in scale.

"All the houses are surrounded by farmland. Please stay at my house tonight."

I thought it would come to this. There is an inn-like place, but since I have no money, there's nothing else to do.

Inns, blacksmiths, churches, and general stores seem to be clustered around the village center. The largest and most prominent house in the center is probably the mayor's home.

"I'm sorry. Since I don't have any usable money here, please take care of me."

"No need to worry. You're the one who saved my life, and you were exceptional in today's hunt. My father will be happy too."

She says cheerfully.

We leave the village center and head towards a single house at the edge of the village. Next to it is a barn-like building.

"Welcome back. Is your father here?"

Without an introduction or being new to this house, I hesitate before the door.

"Welcome home, Riz. How was the trap situation?"

An older man with blond hair turning white and a stern gaze comes forward. He's muscular and probably over 180 cm tall. Though he has a slight limp from his back injury, he walks normally.

"Yes, it was tough. And... I want to introduce someone..."

Rizatia continues, her face red and looking down.

"Um, my savior... Akihiro-san, who proposed to me."

Father and I lock eyes in stunned silence. I wish she had been a bit more tactful with the introduction. Why so direct?

"Ahhh... Yes... Nice to meet you. My name is Akihiro."

Honestly, I don't know what to say, so I just state my name.

"Is that right...? Nice to meet you. I'm Ast. I'd like to hear more about this. Come inside."

Father also looks a bit awkward but invites us in.

We pass through the hallway and see a living room with a counter separating it from the kitchen and fireplace. The opposite side of the hall probably leads to other rooms.

For now, we sit at the living room table where Rizatia's mother, who seems calmer with age, is preparing tea.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Teisha. I can't offer much, but at least have some tea."

The tea is herbal, though I don't know what kind. Honestly, after Rizatia's bombshell statement earlier, I might not taste it properly either.

"Now, since the situation isn't clear, let's start with an explanation, Riz."

Rizatia explains about checking the traps, fighting wild boars, and my subsequent explosion.

"First of all, thank you for saving my daughter's life."

Ast starts speaking.

"Setting the trap and leaving was my responsibility. But being saved like this... Isn't proposing marriage a bit too soon?"

He asks Rizatia and then turns to me.

"No, it's not that I dislike you. From what I see, you seem like a decent person."

He continues with a deep sigh.

"You know, hunters are considered taboo in our village."

"Taboo?"

I've never heard this term before.

"Hmm. You're not from the Varanika Kingdom, are you? According to royal law, each village's tax is 50% grain for the state and 50% for the people. But it's based on population. Hunters can't produce grains as their livelihood, so they sell meat and hides to buy grains to pay taxes."

His face darkens as he continues.

"There's a limit to how much hunting one can do, making it difficult to fully pay taxes. Including tanning, time is limited, reducing the number of animals that can be hunted. Thus, hunters become a burden on the village while also supplying meat—a necessary evil. Moreover, many people have an aversion to those who deal with the deaths of living creatures. Above all, the high mortality rate among hunters has led to a strong reputation as being outside divine blessing."

From what I gather, it's not just about hunters but a tax system that seems foolish. It's too rigid and oppressively targets specific professions.

"Is it difficult for them to switch to other occupations?"

"Our family has been hunters for generations. As I said before, it's a necessary evil. People need meat to live."

He suddenly looks up and covers his eyes with his hand.

"The current tax system started under the previous king. Before that, taxes were based on income. The rates also increased then."

Constantly having to give 50% seems really tough. I think wheat yields in medieval times were around four or five times the seed planted. Giving half would leave only enough to eat after saving seeds for next year, with no room for emergencies.

"Hmm... Alright. I understand about the taboo now."

Since I don't know the current situation, thinking about it is useless. For now, I'll explain my side of things. Honestly, explaining that I was an IT company SE team leader is impossible. I’ll say that I was a manager at a trading firm. One day, suddenly enveloped in light and transported to the southern forest? Found the trap and waited until Rizatia came. It was dangerous, so I intervened.

"So, to sum up, I'm currently penniless. Putting marriage aside for now, would it be possible to ask for one night's lodging?"

I made a straightforward request without any excuses.

"A merchant, then? No, this clothing... Wool, and quite high quality at that. The spinning and weaving are intricate; I've never seen anything like it."

"Right. I don't even know how it was woven. I've never seen such fabric before."

Teisha sighs and mutters.

"My mother is a weaver."

Ah, I see. She's a professional then.

"A merchant? Well, if you're from a major trading house, this place is crude, but feel free to stay as long as you like."

Dinner was barley porridge with root vegetables and wild boar soup. The pepper surprised me. Rizatia’s brother is out hunting for another village's request, so I'll use his room.

I borrow some hot water and wipe my body with a towel. Lying in bed, I think about what's next.

"For now, securing livelihood is the priority. What can a 35-year-old do? Hmph, I miss the job center."

Sighing, I close my eyes.

"Rest for now."