Let’s Get to Work
I repeated the exact message from the stone slate aloud to the two of them.
“Wahaha, your blessing never ceases to amuse, Hardt.”
“Well, isn’t that great? The Vaash can relocate sooner now.”
… Couldn’t they at least offer a little sympathy?
“Hardt, where exactly did the slate mark?”
“Hurry up and get it done, Hardt. The Vaash are probably getting impatient.”
Despite my sulking, the two of them completely ignored it and just told me to start working.
Family sure can be cold...
The location shown on the tablet was about two-thirds of the way from the forest-side gate of the fort.
“Grandfather, since the hot spring temperature is quite high, how about we build two separate baths for the Vaash on the side opposite the forest?”
“Good idea. Since they dislike contact with humans, we can place one in the center and another further in the back.”
I used earth magic to create two hot springs exclusively for the Vaash.
As for the watering area, we agreed to build it according to the Vaash’s preferences.
All that remained was for me to turn this land into pasture.
The carpenters had finished the planned buildings and returned to the domain capital.
After a few days’ rest, they’ll start working on the hot spring town next.
So, without hesitation, I called on the blessing of the Plant God.
“Let this become a pasture the Vaash will love,” I said, walking around and sprinkling water with my water magic.
Wherever I sprayed it, the grass began sprouting immediately.
By tomorrow, it should be a fully formed pasture.
The next day, once I confirmed the fort had become a proper pasture, we returned to the mansion.
When I went to inform the Vaash of the completed pasture, I found that there were more caregivers than before.
I wonder if Father hired them?
Bale noticed me and walked over.
“Welcome back. How is the pasture coming along?”
“It’s pretty much done. I came to tell you.”
“It’s done already? As expected of the Knights’ magicians. I think the Vaash will be glad to move if they can—this place seems to stress them out.”
“You can tell how they’re feeling?”
“Well, the mana blockage treatment hasn’t been going as smoothly lately. I figured they might be getting irritated from being in an unfamiliar place. I can’t speak with them directly, so I’m glad you’re back, Young master Reinhardt.”
“I see. I’ll talk to them. By the way, who are the people helping with the milking?”
“They’re my family. It’s impossible for me to handle the milking and milk delivery all by myself, so I asked the Lord if my family could live at the fort too. He said it was fine as long as the Vaash accepted them, so I called them over to help.”
“Did you meet any of your former Black Lion companions afterward?”
“I checked with the Adventurers’ Guild—two of them had returned to the domain capital. I told them I’m leaving the group and submitted the withdrawal paperwork to the guild. The other two haven’t come back yet,” he said calmly.
I imagine it took a lot for him to face the two that abandoned him, but maybe by focusing on caring for the Vaash, he’s working through those feelings.
I hope the Black Lion members realize just how much they relied on Bale and come to regret it.
… Though honestly, I’m just grateful they gave me such a reliable person.
While we were talking, one of the Vaash—probably their spokesperson—approached us.
“Vaash, the pasture is nearly finished. I’d like to adjust it based on your feedback. Sorry for keeping you waiting.”
“Moo. (Finally. It’s hard to relax here with so many people. We want to move soon.)”
“And about the people helping with milking—they’re Bale’s family. Would it be alright if they lived with you at the fort?”
“Moo, moo. (They’re polite and seem nice, so it’s fine. Just don’t bring in any more people.)”
According to Atre’s translation, the Vaash really do want to move soon.
I had hoped to rest tomorrow, but it looks like it’ll be moving day.
I told Bale that the Vaash had given permission, so his family should be able to live at the fort.
When I asked if they’d be ready to move tomorrow, he said their belongings were still packed in boxes—if we could just provide a cart, they’d be ready to go.
I told him someone would come later with the details, and headed off to Father’s study.
After discussing everything with Father and Gerald, we decided that Gerald, the Knights, and I would handle relocating the Vaash.
Grandfather would accompany us up to the hot spring town, then part ways there.
What do you think about this chapter?
