Chapter 90

A gift from the Alraune?
I went over to where Father was speaking with Saphid.

"Father, they brought something that looks like it could bring us enormous profits."

"What do you mean?"

"You'll see once it's made." I said, heading over to where the knights were cooking.

We prepared two simple dishes: skewered meat seasoned with curry powder, and a curry soup.

“We’ve already tasted it, so it’s safe.” I said as I handed the dishes to Father and Brother Gerald.

After tasting the meat and the soup, Brother Gerald said, “At first I wasn’t sure about the color, but the smell is incredibly appetizing, and the taste—this is amazing. I’ve never had anything like it.” After that, he focused entirely on eating.

“So, they can cultivate the base ingredients for this seasoning?”

“Yes. This seasoning is a blend of various spices. Most of them can usually only be grown in very warm climates. But it seems some of their people can grow them anywhere. Also, the grain they brought could spread quickly if we teach them how to cook it. If we don’t protect their pioneer village, it could become a serious issue.”

“Could it be the blessing of the Plant God...?”

“Probably. We should confirm it with the church as soon as possible.”

If they do have the Plant God’s blessing, we might be able to entrust them with growing Tonmi and Uga as well.

Not only curry powder and rice, but even cool-climate and warm-climate fabrics (though the latter isn’t ready yet) could be expanded. Father seemed to grasp the gravity of the situation now.

“Um, this grain is actually livestock feed. Is it really that valuable?” Asked Saphid.

“That’s just because you don’t know how to prepare it. There isn’t much of it now, but if you get a good harvest this year, I’ll teach you how to cook it.”

After discussing it with Father and Saphid’s group, they decided to come with us. After spending a few days in the domain capital to stock up on necessary supplies, we would head to the new land. They said it was best to start farming and building houses as soon as possible.

The next day, I gave the Alraune the magic stones from a Skeleton Flower and told her we’d be back in two months.

“Thanks again. That really helped. So, about your reward—”

“It’s okay. You’ve already given us lots of wing powder.”

“But just take a look at this.” She said, putting her hand to her mouth and whistling.

With a "pyuu, pyuu" call, birds began descending from the sky and perched on the World Tree.

I turned to Meyer behind me and asked what kind of birds they were. He replied, “Glasshawks.”

“Glasshawks?!” I shouted aloud.

“That’s right. Do you like them?” The Alraune said as she flew circles around me.

My shout brought over Father, Brother Gerald, and Captain Kyle.

“Hardt, what’s going on now?” Father asked.

“The Alraune says she’s giving me a Glasshawk.”

“Huh?”

“What?”

“......”

“Father, it’s a Glasshawk. A birthday present from Hardt.”

Yes, it was the same as the decorative knife I was pestered into making for Father and Mother. I made ice-themed one for Father’s birthday, and Mother’s birthday is this month.

The Glasshawk is known as the ‘Ice Hawk,’ an A-rank monster that attacks with ice magic from its mouth and wings. Its feathers are silvery-white, and its eyes are blue like sapphires.

“Alraune, isn't it strange to just give away a Glasshawk without asking them first?” I asked.

“I called out to the Glasshawks, and they’ve been observing your actions. That one decided it would be okay to live with you.”

“Father, try calling out to it and offer it some mana.”

“Alright.” He said, his voice a little high-pitched.

Father turned to the Glasshawk perched on the World Tree’s branch.

“Would you perch on this arm?” He asked, extending his left arm. The Glasshawk flew over and landed on his arm.

As expected, it’s smart. It understands our words. And up close, it’s really big. I’d only ever seen chicks or juveniles before. This was my first time seeing a fully grown one.

“First, accept my mana please.” Father said as he placed his right hand on the Glasshawk’s head and stroked it from head to back.

He was transferring mana to the Glasshawk, who looked pleased and closed its eyes.

“Alraune said you were fine living with us, but I don’t want to force you. If you don’t like it, go back to your family. But if you truly want to live with us, follow me.” Father said and sent the Glasshawk back into the sky.

Then he told us, “Let’s go home.”

The Glasshawk followed us.

Father kept glancing up at the sky and looked very happy.

“Father, you seem really pleased. But why did the Alraune call out to the Glasshawks in the first place?”

“I meant to ask, but I forgot. I’ll ask her next time we go.”

“Hardt, from now on we’re going with the story that the decorative knives are made after forming a contract.”

“I know. I’m more worried about what Mother might say.”

“Ah, right. She’s probably going to sulk... I’m sure of it.”

What do you think about this chapter?