Chapter 459

Kiri’s Request
When Kiri took off her hat, her face revealed distinctive features: pink-blond hair and blue eyes.
Being an elf, it was impossible to guess their age just by looking, but I wondered how old she might be.

"Before we get to the main topic today, allow me to express my gratitude. Thank you for including a Temple to the Eight Gods alongside the schools. While the teachings of the Eight Gods are not something to be forcefully spread, they do serve as a source of comfort for many hearts. I’m grateful that you’ve expanded the opportunity for that."

"Not at all. It was actually a condition set by Marquis Vardmoi when I proposed building the schools."

"Even so, I thank you. I also hear that the children attending are provided free lunches. Such generosity is truly appreciated."

It’s just something I enjoy doing, so I don’t think it deserves that much gratitude.
Still, I do believe food education is important.

"Now then, let’s move on to the main topic. Might you allow us to temporarily care for your familiars, the Kiblinki Saltas?"

"Kiblinki Saltas? Are you planning to do some land development?"

"Not exactly development—there’s a drought affecting a region that worships us, and it’s damaging their crops. We were hoping to receive some assistance."

"A drought, huh? That might be a bit difficult."

"Is that so? I heard that the Kiblinki Saltas also draw irrigation water."

Ah, they’ve done their homework.
But while Kiblinki Saltas dug the water channels, it wasn’t them who created the pond.
People who know will know, so I suppose it’s fine to talk about it.

"Kiblinki Saltas only dug the irrigation channels. The water source itself is made by Talat’s power."

"I see. Then would it be possible to borrow Lord Talat’s power instead?"

"That might be a bit tough. If Talat goes, I have to go too."

Over these past three years, I’ve been able to do more, but restrictions have also increased.
One major restriction is that I’m no longer free to leave town.
After the incident with the king’s brother, Talat’s combat power became widely known, which led to some seeing Talat as a threat.
In a way, it couldn’t be helped—it was predictable—but voices from the anti-Vardmoi faction grew louder, and I ended up not being able to go out much anymore.
I can still move freely within Marquis Vardmoi’s territory, but outside of that, I need permission from both Marquis Vardmoi and His Majesty.
It’s kind of a hassle.

"I see. Then if we had permission from Marquis Vardmoi and His Majesty, would you be able to come?"

"Well, if it’s just to create a reservoir, then yes. But I don’t think I can lend you the Kiblinki Saltas. Since they can use mind-reading techniques, they also can’t leave Marquis Vardmoi’s sphere of influence."

"I see. They’re more versatile than I had heard. Understood, we’ll give up on requesting Kiblinki Saltas. Instead, I’ll go request agricultural aid from Marquis Vardmoi."

Thanks to the Kiblinki Saltas, a wide range of agricultural techniques and knowledge has been gathered.
I don’t know how much of that they’ll be willing to share, but the foundation is solid.
This place has made real progress over the past three years.

"Then I’ll leave this matter to Marquis Vardmoi and His Majesty. And one more thing—would it be possible to build a school in our own country as well?"

A school, huh… That’s probably going to stir up some conflict too.
Still, I guess I can at least hear them out.

What do you think about this chapter?