When Can We Get It?
A week later, I was scheduled to visit another round of villages—but until then, it looked like I could finally relax for a bit.
Honestly, things had been so hectic lately.
All I wanted was a slow, peaceful life. With that thought in mind, I headed toward the greenhouse.
Being able to sit there and read was one of my greatest pleasures.
I pulled out my slate, about to pick a book, when—ding-dong!—that ominous message sound chimed.
Ugh… I didn’t like where this was going.
I opened it reluctantly.
[Come immediately to the chapel in the mansion.]
… A summons from the gods?
What now?
If it was another troublesome favor, I was going to refuse.
I hurried to the mansion’s chapel and knelt before the altar of the Three Gods.
“Plant God, Sage God, Earth God—I've come as requested,” I said formally.
And then—all three of them appeared at once.
Wait, all three!?
That’s… honestly kind of terrifying! My brain short-circuited for a moment.
“See? I told you it’d have more impact if we all appeared together.”
“Totally. When it’s just one of us, Rienhardt tends to ignore us.”
I don’t ignore you! I protested silently.
“If you’d just check your slate a little more often, we wouldn’t have to wait so long,” said the third.
A woman this time—with green hair and pale green eyes. The Plant Goddess, surely.
But—hold on—I had opened the slate about a week ago!
“Only to read the library books,” she said, smiling. “You haven’t looked at anything else, right?”
Ah… she read my mind again.
“You should check your mana levels and blessings now and then,” said the Sage God. “I get that you’re busy, but still.”
“… Did you all descend just to tell me that?” I asked.
“Of course not,” the Earth God chuckled. “We wanted to say the exhibition was great! Keep contributing to this world’s progress, okay?”
“I don’t want to overwork myself,” I said firmly. “Moderation is best.”
“Hah, you never change,” the Sage God said, amused.
“By the way,” the Plant Goddess leaned in, smiling sweetly, “about those exhibition entries—you haven’t offered them to us yet. When can we get them?”
“… I’m sorry, what?”
“The rule says all new works must be offered, remember?”
“Wait! I thought that only applied to the new dishes!?”
“The exhibition dishes were new dishes, weren’t they?”
So it wasn’t just my developed recipes, then…
“The crafts, too,” the Earth God added cheerfully. “The Forge God and the Art God loved them. They’ve been eagerly waiting for their offerings.”
“And also,” said the Plant Goddess, “the sweet bean buns and red bean buns—when do we get those?”
… Wait, didn’t I already offer those before?
“You didn’t,” she sighed. “From that face, I can tell you completely forgot.”
“… See?” the Sage God said. “Told you he’d forget unless we talked in person.”
No, really, email is fine! I don’t need this level of divine attention!
“Hahaha, says the guy who talks to us so casually like we’re old friends,” the Earth God laughed.
I am not that familiar! I revere the gods, thank you very much!
“It’ll be tough to offer everything from the exhibition,” I said.
“You awarded first eight, right? Up to that point is fine,” the Plant Goddess said breezily.
“You’re well informed,” I muttered.
“I’ll prepare them as best I can,” I said carefully, “and offer them in batches as they’re ready.”
“Make plenty,” she added. “We don’t want the gods fighting over their favorites.”
Wait—the gods fight over them!?
“Those rainbow fish hair ornaments and brooches were so beautiful,” said the Plant Goddess. “Everyone wanted one.”
“And that black lacquerwork,” said the Earth God. “The Art God adored it.”
“Were the previous food offerings not enough?” I asked weakly.
“They were good,” said the Sage God. “But we wanted a bit more.”
“If you make them more often, the same amount’s fine,” said the Plant Goddess.
“And as for food,” added the Earth God, “include any dishes you particularly like from now on, okay?”
Wait a second—you just casually added more conditions, didn’t you?
… And they’re ignoring my silence as consent.
Fine, fine. I agreed in my heart and tried to change the topic.
“I heard the dungeon started producing small crystals and gems like tourmaline. Was that… a hint for me to make charms?”
“That’s part of it,” the Plant Goddess said. “We’d like ordinary people to enjoy pretty accessories too. We thought you’d come up with something clever.”
Ah. So basically—more work for me.
“I’d really like some rest,” I muttered. “I barely have time to read anymore.”
“That’s exactly the problem,” said the Sage God. “You haven’t leveled up at all lately—it’s getting boring!”
Then please, convince the other gods to stop overloading me!
“Can’t be helped,” sighed the Earth God. “Everyone’s excited again because progress in this world had stalled. They’re all counting on you, Rienhardt.”
Please don’t.
I don’t need that kind of attention!
Just let me have a quiet life, I beg you!
“… Fine,” said the Plant Goddess at last. “If you offer the same dishes as before—including the sweet and bean buns—soon, we’ll agree not to rush you for the rest.”
…… A bargain with the gods, huh? I suppose that’s the best I can hope for.
What do you think about this chapter?
