Request for Cooperation
Regarding the curry powder, since I was the one who brought up the matter, Father said we must go to the Duchy.
I told him that although I have notes and know how to make curry powder, I don’t know which part of the ingredients to use, so Natalia would need to accompany us.
First, we’ll talk to Natalia and the others, then reply to the letter.
The next day, we rode on horseback to Helios, the beastkin’s village, arriving by evening.
This time, it was just Brother Gerald, me, and four knights assigned to me (Meyer, Wilson, Hamilton, and Kamuela) — a small group.
I apologized to Meyer and the others for calling on them the day after returning from the World Tree. Apparently, Hamilton and Kamuela have also been assigned to me.
Meyer kindly said, “Even though we’re going to the Great Forest, visiting the World Tree involves almost no monster extermination, so it’s not physically taxing. We’re fine.”
Still...
“I’m sorry for the sudden visit, Saphid. Something’s come up that we’d like to consult with you about.” Brother Gerald explained.
Saphid didn’t show any displeasure and replied, “If it’s something we can help with, of course,” before guiding us to a large building deep within the village.
Compared to our last visit, a large fence had been constructed between the Great Forest and the village.
It seems it was built to keep monsters from entering while securing farmland. Once that’s sorted out, they plan to begin constructing individual houses.
Brother Gerald explained the reason for our sudden visit to Saphid, and also mentioned that we’d like Natalia to accompany us to the Duke’s house.
“I see. So if we monopolize the cultivation of this spice, it could make us a target?”
“That’s not all,” Brother Gerald replied. “The abundance of blessings from the War God and Plant God is also part of the reason you might be targeted. And now there’s the curry powder. It's not well-known yet, but once it becomes known, we won't be able to protect it on our own. The Duke’s household is related to the royal family. If they ally with us, it would help restrain other nobles. Not all nobles are like us — some still behave as they did back in your homeland. That’s why we need your cooperation.”
After our discussion, it was decided that Natalia and Raul would accompany us to the Duchy.
Since we didn’t know when we’d depart and keeping in contact would be difficult, they would come with us and stay at our home for the time being.
However, two beastkin skilled in water magic would also be coming to our home.
Water magic is very useful, so Saphid requested that we teach them beforehand.
Apparently, there are still other beastkin who can use water magic, but if all of them left for our home, village development would stall.
It’s true — water is essential for watering crops and daily life.
Currently, they’re using magic stones from Skeleton Flowers to provide water for daily use, but they’re also looking for a well water vein.
Once we returned to the estate, I reported everything to Father.
Until we depart for the Duke’s house, Raul and Natalia said they’d like to join in the magic training, and the four beastkin would act together.
They’ll be staying in the knights’ quarters again like last time.
However, since they’re visiting the Duke’s house, Mother said it would be best if they had proper attire and learned at least basic etiquette, so Raul and Natalia also began etiquette training.
I asked Natalia about the tools we should prepare in advance, and we arranged for tailored knight and maid outfits for Raul and Natalia to wear during the etiquette training.
They’re spending the rest of their time on magic practice.
They were surprised to find an Alraune living at our home.
Well, it’s only temporary, but an Alraune who lives with the World Tree was currently staying with us.
I informed the Alraune that I’d be away for a while and told her to speak to Mother if anything came up.
Since she’s mostly been acting together with Mother since arriving, and when she returns to the World Tree, it’s been decided that she’ll ride back on Ciel, so I’m sure it’ll be fine.
I’ve been fairly busy myself.
I wrote letters to Raphael, took care of Tonmi and Uga plants, and had meetings and updates with Maria (ink stamp pads, punches, and coloring Skeleton Flowers).
I also reported the Skeleton Flowers to Father.
He agreed with trying them out, even if it’s uncertain whether they’ll work.
After all, if Skeleton Flowers keep being obtained at the current pace, their value might drop.
What do you think about this chapter?
