Chapter 487

The Darkness Seat at the Monster Ranch
After all was said and done, the welcome party came to an end, and as planned, we had a full day off the next day.
Just hanging around the inn didn’t suit me, so I thought I’d go check on Parfes and the Kiblinki Saltas at the monster ranch.

“Amira, I’m thinking of heading to the monster ranch. What about you?”

“I want to go too!”

And so, it was decided that Amira would come along.
Since the monster ranch was located on the outskirts of town, we used the Parfes cart to get there.
We could have walked, but I was told to use the Parfe cart considering the need for bodyguards.
I really have risen in status, haven’t I?

“Plum, should I avoid walking around on foot from now on?”

“Hmm? Well, it’s fine in Vardmoi, where the Kiblinki Saltas and Rock Wolves help maintain public order. But in any other town, you’d best not go wandering about. Even with guards, it’s not as if you’re completely safe.”

“I see. It feels kind of restrictive.”

“Best to resign yourself to it. That’s the price of wielding that much influence.”

I wasn’t going around trying to become important, though.
Anyway, when we arrived at the monster ranch in the Parfe cart, someone had already beaten us there.
It was Lord Riku of the Darkness Seat.
Is he really not tired?

“Good day, Lord Riku.”

“Hmm? Lady Lily. Did you sleep well last night?”

“Yes, thanks to you. But Lord Riku, wouldn’t it be better if you took it easy and got some rest yourself?”

“Even if I were to rest, I can’t relax without checking on the Parfes that were entrusted to us.”

Lord Riku is really dedicated to his work.
Or maybe he just genuinely cares about monsters.
Probably both.

“So, what brings you here, Lady Lily?”

“I was concerned about the Kiblinki Saltas and the Parfes I entrusted here. Are they doing well?”

“They’re doing well. Look, over there—they’re playing together.”

Looking in the direction Lord Riku pointed, I saw the Kiblinki Saltas pulling threads and playing tug-of-war with a Parfe.
But even though it was five against one, the Parfe was pulling all the Kiblinki Saltas along.
The difference in strength really showed.

“Still, this is quite an unusual sight. As I mentioned yesterday, Parfes are cautious and timid.
They usually keep their distance from unfamiliar monsters.
And yet, after just a bit of communication with those spider monsters, the Kiblinki Saltas, they already relaxed around them. It’s truly curious.”

“Hmm, maybe it’s because the Kiblinki Saltas are gentle by nature, and they smell like earth?
They’re usually engaged in farm work, after all.”

“Oh? Farm work, you say. What kind of crops do they grow?”

“In our country, we grow most kinds of vegetables depending on the climate.
We also cultivate grains and fruits. Some of the Kiblinki Saltas are also preparing for dairy farming. We haven’t secured any cows or horses yet, so we’re still in the process of preparing the environment.”

“I see... dairy farming, huh…”

“Um, is something the matter?”

“No, it’s nothing. If you want to encourage interaction between the Parfes, it might be best to ask those spiders to act as intermediaries. Well then, I’ll take my leave.”

Lord Riku left after saying that.
He left rather abruptly—maybe he just remembered something he needed to do?
He seems like a busy person, so I guess it can’t be helped.

What do you think about this chapter?