Candidate Site Visit (1)
The next day, we returned to the mansion. I had the three companions change clothes.
Among the supplies we brought this time were a large number of used clothes. We also brought sewing kits so they could adjust the sizes themselves if needed. The beastkin women were absolutely delighted by this and showered us with thanks.
Actually, it was Mother’s idea—she had the maids quickly gather the used clothes. We just brought them along, but we were still overwhelmed with gratitude.
When we arrived at the fort, I asked if they could ride horses. They replied they couldn’t and that running was faster for them.
Despite our horse-based speed, the three of them kept up with us.
Beastkin physical abilities are incredible. Someone might try to exploit those abilities for evil. I need to warn them to be cautious.
We arrived at our manor. They would be staying in the Knights Order dormitory. We figured it would be better for them to stay where they could be around Captain Kyle and his group, whom they had traveled with, rather than in an unfamiliar staff lodging.
We let them rest today and tomorrow, and we’ll depart the day after that.
After dinner, the family gathered in the living room.
“I wonder if Captain Kyle and the others are doing okay. They’ve been going into dungeons and staying busy.” I said.
“It can’t be helped. They’re assigned exclusively to you now. I imagine the other members of the unit have given up.” said Brother Gerald.
“That’s not a nice way to put it. It sounds like they’re reluctantly following orders, and I don’t like that.”
“I think they’re enjoying it. They’ve had a year full of experiences they’d rarely get otherwise.”
“But it’s fascinating, this story about a Saintess from another world appearing in the beastkin country.” Said Father.
“Has anything like that happened in our country?” I asked father. He said something similar happened about 150 years ago.
The Saintess at that time apparently married a prince.
Thanks to her knowledge, things like cooking, railways, and suspension systems that reduced carriage vibrations were developed, helping our country advance.
It now makes sense why so many fruits and vegetables have names similar to ones from Japan.
Then maybe someone else, like me, remembered their past life. But don’t let this turn into an isekai novel. Please, no.
We don’t need a villainess, a villainous noble son, or a heroine.
Now we’re in a region that takes three days by horse from the domain capital. It’s an undeveloped area, overgrown with grass.
Raul headed into the forest, Natalia wanted to inspect the soil to see if it was suitable for farming and went around the area. Saphid is exploring the nearby surroundings to evaluate potential village locations.
Atre and Ripka also went into the forest, saying they were going on an adventure.
Atre still sleeps in the baby carrier when I ride a horse. I imagine it must shake quite a bit...
Ripka alternates between flying and riding in the baby carrier.
“They're really tough.” I said, and Meyer, who was nearby, replied,
“It just means they lived in a very harsh environment. Over the past two days, I spoke with Raul and Saphid about how they made it through the Great Forest, but I don’t think we could manage it.”
“Raul led a monster subjugation unit. We had a mock battle yesterday and I lost without much of a fight. His combat abilities are incredible.” Said Wilson.
While they were out surveying the area, we prepared to camp outdoors.
The day after tomorrow, we’ll stay in the village closest to the second candidate site. It’s important to see whether they can get along with nearby villages too.
That village turned out to be Shinana Village. Seriously?
Maybe Father chose it because the village head and residents are good people.
They called it the Shinana Forest, but it seems to actually be part of the Great Forest. Still, there are no horned rabbits or Cocottes in the shallower part of the Great Forest near the village—just an occasional goblin.
Apparently, that orc attack we experienced earlier was the first time it had ever happened. They said they were grateful we dealt with it.
Well, no one would build a village in an area heavily infested with magical beasts.
The village chief was surprised at first to see Saphid and the others but spoke with them normally. The villagers watching from a distance looked very curious.
We stayed at the village chief’s house, while Saphid and the others would sleep in tents with the knights.
“Sorry for the sudden visit again, Village Chief.” Said Father.
“Not at all. Lord, you’ve done so much for us with that straw paper. Thanks to that, we all made it through the winter safely. Besides, you gave us advance notice this time, so it’s fine.”
Father explained the purpose of our visit in detail to the village chief.
“I’ve only spoken with Mr. Saphid so far, but he seems like a reasonable person. If the candidate site is near the Great Forest and they’re willing to deal with monsters, they might become very dependable neighbors for us.”
Father suggested arranging some time for them to talk with the villagers too.
The village chief agreed, so we let Saphid and the others interact directly with the villagers without us.
What do you think about this chapter?
