Present
“Young master Hardt, please wake up.” Georges said, shaking me roughly awake.
“Georges, it’s earlier than usual. That’s mean.”
“More importantly, there’s a big problem. Fiamma is in the garden. Please do something.”
“Huh? Why?”
Now fully awake, I hurriedly got dressed and went to the garden.
My family was already gathered, looking at Fiamma perched on a tree.
Could it be Ripka’s parent?
“Hardt, can you ask Atre to talk to the Fiamma?” Father asked.
“Hardt, judging from Ripka’s reaction, that’s probably Ripka’s parent.” Added Brother Gerald.
“Got it.”
I asked Atre to talk to the Fiamma in the tree.
According to Atre, the message was: please come to the World Tree quickly.
Something might have happened to the World Tree.
It wouldn’t say any more.
After consulting with Father, we decided to leave for the Great Forest tomorrow.
Originally, we were planning to go around the end of this month or the beginning of next, when it was warmer.
It’s about a month early, but there’s no helping it.
When Atre conveyed that we’d go to the forest tomorrow, Fiamma said they’d wait at the usual plaza.
And also left a thank-you for the fluffy bed before flying off.
“Oh no, I haven’t gone to pick up the presents for Ripka and Bianca’s families.” I said, and
Mother replied, “They already brought them to our house. They said since you didn’t come like you said you would, they brought them over. Go get them later.”
I had assumed the forest trip was still later, and I’d been preoccupied with growing the Tonmi and Uga plants, so I completely forgot.
—
Now we’re in the forest.
As usual, we headed to the plaza while capturing Cocottes alive.
Even though the team that turns back at the plaza entered the forest an hour earlier, Cocottes and single-horned rabbits keep appearing one after another.
Starting this time, I’m only allowed to participate in subjugating male Cocottes.
I was told I need better control of my mana before I can handle capturing females or fighting single-horned rabbits.
Female Cocottes and single-horned rabbits are valuable goods, so we can’t damage them.
Right now, single-horned rabbits have white fur, so they’re in high demand and fetch a good price.
The white fur only lasts during the winter. It’s almost over.
From spring onward, their fur turns brown, so maybe then I can join in subjugating them.
Fighting male Cocottes is a breeze compared to dungeon monsters like Trulfs or Skuas.
After handing over the captured Cocottes and single-horned rabbits to the team returning at the plaza, we rested there for a bit and saw Fiammas and Vendavals at the edge of the plaza.
As always, I couldn’t sense their presence at all.
I promptly took out the promised name tags.
Rather than name tags, I had prepared charm-like chokers.
They don’t have names, and they’re not part of my household, so I didn’t include any family crests—just kept it simple.
But I did have them enchanted with defense and size adjustment.
For the Fiammas, I made two charms with platinum bases and red tourmalines shaped like flowers.
For the Vendavals, I made four with gold bases and whitish opals shaped like clovers.
I thought about using colors unlike their fur, but decided that wouldn’t be good for forest dwellers like them.
Still, since they asked for something sparkly, I consulted with Brother Chris and Brother Gerald to decide.
Of course, they also helped fund them.
Since these were gifts for Bianca and Ripka’s families, and we could use personal guild funds, the three of us pooled the cost.
I still haven’t been told the details of our assets—or rather, they won’t tell me.
Mother always brushes it off by saying, “If it’s not enough, I’ll lend it to you and collect monthly, so don’t worry,” and dodges the topic, so I gave up.
Atre and I approached them and said, “Thank you as always for accompanying us to the World Tree. This is the gift I promised last time. I hope you like it,” and showed them the necklaces.
When Atre confirmed with them, it seemed they both liked them.
We asked if it was okay to come close since we’d be putting them around their necks.
Once we got the okay, we gently fastened them on.
The Vendavals’ tails were wagging furiously, and the Fiammas looked like they were proudly puffing out their chest to show it off, so I think they were both truly happy.
Aside from the cold, the trip to the World Tree went smoothly.
When we reached the World Tree, its leaves were a vibrant green.
At this time of year, for the leaves to be so lush…
Nothing seems wrong with the World Tree. If anything, it looks healthier than ever.
So then why?
“Rienhardt, I’ve been waiting. I’m so glad you made it in time. Don’t be surprised by what’s about to happen,” Said Alraune just as the area around the World Tree began to shimmer and turned completely white.
Then, as the whiteness gradually turned transparent, I saw numerous injured dogs, cats, and wolves—of many different kinds—each about the size of a person.
What in the world is going on here?
What do you think about this chapter?
