No Time to Go
I got summoned by Raziel again.
"Two summons in a row from Raziel? That’s rare."
"I would rather not have to call you either, you know."
The meeting room of the firm I was led to contained a reclining chair, a long bench like those used in hot springs, a small round stool, and some teacups.
"A reclining chair!"
I immediately went closer to check it out.
"Wow, it even has a pillow, and the backrest angle can be adjusted in three stages. The knee area’s slightly raised and slopes gently down toward the feet."
I lay down right away, adjusting the backrest each time to try it out.
To think they managed to make this in such a short time just from my simple sketch—that’s amazing.
"This’ll make reading in the greenhouse a lot more comfortable. Maybe I should make some cushions so I can use it longer," I said excitedly.
"I assumed this was for the new district. So it’s for your own use?"
"I might put one in the bath rest area too, but honestly, I just wanted this one—and the one Grandmother took—from the start."
"What was that about me?"
"Grandmother? Why are you here?"
I sprang up from the reclining chair even though I’d been lying down.
"I heard something was sent here addressed to you, so I came to take a look."
Grandmother sat down on the reclining chair and stretched her legs.
"My, I’ve never even thought about sitting with my legs stretched out. But this feels wonderful."
I had her lift her back a little so I could adjust the backrest angle.
"You can change the back angle."
"Yes, it can even recline flat like a bed."
"That explains the pillow. Where did you plan to use this?"
"In the greenhouse and the bath rest area."
"Considering we’ve got the bedrock bath and sauna now, this would be perfect for taking a break before going in."
"Exactly."
"Then let’s put this one in the women’s bath area."
"Grandmother!"
"Ohoho, I’m only joking, dear. I wouldn’t want my grandson to hate me."
Looks like I’ll need to order more.
"Then, about this long bench and the round stool—should I assume they’ll go in the dressing room by the bath?"
"Please do. They should stay comfortable to sit on even if they get a little wet, as long as they’re wiped with a towel."
"I see. We’ll install them in the bath area for testing then."
Next, I turned to the teacups. They resembled matcha bowls from my previous life, but with a pouring spout attached.
"Hardt, what’s this unusual teacup for?"
"It’s for whisking milk with a tea whisk."
"Ah, that’s why it has a spout."
"It looks easier to foam than the rounded-bottom bowl types."
"Maybe we should have the head chef try it."
"Hardt, is heat-resistant glass possible yet?"
"I doubt it. We’d need to find the right materials first."
"Then probably not this year. But we should still show off the matcha latte, don’t you think?"
"Are we holding a tea party at our house?"
"I think we must this year."
Probably something to do with Brother Gerald’s engagement.
I should make sure I’m not in the capital when that happens.
At least this time Raziel didn’t make any snide remarks or complaints.
Maybe because Grandmother was there.
Thanks for coming, Grandmother.
Since I’d secured my reclining chair, I took Atre and Lucas to the greenhouse.
We placed the new chair where the sofa used to be, then moved the sofa to the opposite side of the table.
I sat down on the reclining chair.
"Being able to stretch my legs and have back support—it’s such a comfortable position."
Atre was sprawled out on the sofa, while Lucas sat at the table with his personal teacup in hand, sipping tea.
"It’s been a while since I’ve seen you this relaxed, Hardt."
"Atre, I’d prefer you say I’ve returned to my natural state."
"We’re not getting any benefit from this, though. Isn’t there something for us?"
"Something you two would enjoy? You’re already building the bedrock bath, right?"
"You’re not going to cook?"
"Impossible. I don’t know how."
"Then I want some petit barley dishes."
"That’s a good idea. I didn’t bring any souvenirs."
"You remembered that well."
"And some petit barley bread too."
"That means we’ll have to visit the town and the village, but there’s no time for that."
"Then have someone else go buy it."
Mother and the others said they wanted some too, so I was thinking of asking someone anyway—and conveniently, Edgar was heading to Lanan Village.
So, I asked him to stop by the bakery in Zwei Town and then Savai Village to pick up enough petit barley dishes for 500 people.
His face twitched when he heard “for 500 people,” but all he had to do was carry them back in a Magic Bag. And trust me, even 500 portions disappear fast.
Well, it’ll take a bit of effort to transfer them all into my own Magic Bag, but yours are included too, so I’m counting on you.
I sent half the payment and a letter ahead, told him to handle the rest when receiving the goods, and left the firm before he could refuse.
What do you think about this chapter?
