Chapter 89

Letter
We arrived at the World Tree.
While I was wondering what to do while Saphid and the others were having discussions with the other beastkin, Alraune showed up and said we should go hunt Skeleton Flowers.

"The World Tree has already recovered, so we don’t need to, right?"

"Even if it’s recovered, it’s still affected by the dragon, so we still need magic stones."

"No, it’s just that *you* don’t want to run out of your drink, right?"

"…… I’ll make sure to compensate you, so keep bringing them."

She’s not denying it—she’s just being upfront now.
Well, Skeleton Flowers fetch a good price, so I don’t mind.

Following Alraune’s lead, we went out to subjugate the Skeleton Flowers.
This time, I brought a black mask made by mixing Maria-special charcoal and the liquid of slimes that eat weeds. We distributed them to the knights as well, and everyone wore them.
Since the lower half of the face is covered, at first glance we looked like a band of thieves.
Even with the masks, there was still a faint smell of the Skeleton Flowers, but it definitely blocked out the worst of it, so yeah, these masks are a must-have when coming to the World Tree.

"Hardt, this mask is amazing. I’m not used to it so it feels a bit weird, but it’s great for blocking the stench of the Skeleton Flowers."

"Seriously. This mask’s going to be essential in smelly places." said Brother Gerald and Father.

The knights also loved them.
We hunted Skeleton Flowers in two places and returned to the World Tree. We got 57 magic stones. Maybe because there was a few months’ gap since the last hunt, we got more than expected.

Saphid and the others came over, and Father asked, “So, have you decided?”

“We’d like a location near Shinana Village.” Saphid replied.

Apparently, it was decided that it’s better for managing the village if they can receive a steady supply of seasonings and daily necessities.
They can’t read or write, so they want someone trustworthy nearby.

That’s another issue.
In our country, if the lord doesn’t ensure at least basic reading, writing, and math skills, they’ll be punished.
I wonder what Father will do.

He’s explaining our country’s systems now.
He talked about sending teachers—adults must study at least one hour a day, children for half a day. The time limit is three years.
Until they can read, write, and do arithmetic, any purchases or requests with the Adventurers Guild must be conducted in the presence of a guild-introduced staff member or Mr. Nat.
Father and Saphid’s group are going to continue discussing the details.

“Young master Reinhardt, may we have a word?” Raul and Natalia approached me.

“Is there some problem?” I asked.

Raul took out two letters from his magic bag.

I asked if it was okay to read them, and he said he wanted me to.
So I opened the letters.

“What—”

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To the one who is able to read this letter,

I am someone who retains memories from a previous life.
The people to whom I entrusted this letter were treated as a nuisance by the country due to their appearance.
It’s not that they committed any crimes.
Even though I wanted to do something, there wasn’t much I could do.
I wanted to help them, but I have a family in this world that I must protect.
Please, help them live peacefully, as people.
To the one who was also reincarnated into this world, I beg of you.

◇　　◇　　◇　　◇　　◇　　◇　　◇　　◇　　◇

It was written in Japanese.
I looked at the other letter.

◇　　◇　　◇　　◇　　◇　　◇　　◇　　◇　　◇

To the person who was reincarnated into another world,

I am someone who suddenly came to this country of beastkin from Japan.
I don’t understand what happened.
Because I used to be abused by my father, I really liked the people of this country who treated me kindly.
But I can’t forgive them for bullying others just because they look different.
It reminds me of what I went through.
A kind older girl secretly told me that she was also from Japan.
She said that if I protected them, they would lose their place to stay.
I really want to go with them, but I’m just a child so I can’t.
That’s why I’m asking you to take care of them.

◇　　◇　　◇　　◇　　◇　　◇　　◇　　◇　　◇

This one was written almost entirely in hiragana, so it was harder to read, but I managed.
Both letters were in Japanese.
They were likely written by the noble young lady and the Saintess who helped these people.
A reincarnated person and someone who was transferred to this world, perhaps.
The one who wrote the hiragana-filled letter was probably the Saintess and seemed younger than me.

“You can read these letters?” Raul asked.

“Yeah, I can.”

“I was told that only someone with a certain condition would be able to read these. That whoever could understand the letter could be trusted to some degree. Also, I was told to hand over this bag.” Raul said, pulling out a bag from his magic bag and handing it to me.

Inside the bag were grains, spices, and a note.
The grain was rice with the husk still on.
The note contained instructions, in Japanese, on how to make curry powder.

At the top of the note it read:
“If you’re Japanese, these will serve as a reward. They can grow this grain and these spices.”

“Why did you decide to give these letters to me?”

“Alraune always talks to you first. And you’re a Fenrir’s master. If even a Fenrir calls you his master, then we figured you were trustworthy. We wanted to confirm whether you could read these letters.”

“I can’t tell you all the details in the letters, but both asked that I look after you. They asked for help so you can live peacefully. Also, is it true you can cultivate this grain and these spices?”

“This grain was cultivated by some of the beastkin here. As for the spices, I and a few others can grow them anywhere.” Natalia said.

She might have the blessing of the plant god.

I should ask Father to have the beastkin evaluated for mana at the church.
Also… I think it’s time I told my family about this.
That thought is weighing heavily on me.

What do you think about this chapter?