Chapter 495

To the Village with the Water Shortage
That was about all that needed to be decided during the meeting with the Eight Seats.
Other topics, like the import and export of crops, were discussed, but that was mainly Priscilla's department, so I didn’t butt in.
Apparently, they’re recruiting shipowners for high-speed magic-powered vessels to handle exports and imports, but there’s no reason for me to get involved in that.
… Though, if it meant I could eat some of the delicious fish from the Isles of the Eight Gods, I might reconsider.
… I'll have to talk it over with Alizée when we get back.

The following day, we took a full day off to rest, and the day after that, we set off for the village where the water had stopped flowing.
Priscilla would be staying behind to meet with the local guild representatives, so we parted ways there.
Our guides for this trip were Lady Kiri, and surprisingly, even Lord Riku decided to come along.
Apparently, it’s quicker to demonstrate in person that the Kiblinki Saltas are safe monsters.
It might also be because a few of the Parfes I rescued were coming along too.
They’d help out with any heavy labor that might be needed.
They really are hardworking and good-natured creatures.

Since our destination was an island separate from the main island of the Isles of the Eight Gods, we’d be traveling there by boat.
As expected of an island nation—there’s always lots of sea travel involved.

“Lady Lily, may I have a word?”

“Yes, what is it, Lady Kiri?”

“My apologies for burdening you with so many of the Isles of the Eight Gods’ problems.”

“Not at all. These matters were decided before I even arrived. By the way, does the island we’re heading to experience many earthquakes?”

“Hmm… from what I’ve heard, not really. That’s why, when the water dried up after the earthquake, people started whispering about it being some kind of curse.”

So it’s not because of a nearby volcano or anything like that.
Then why did an earthquake happen?
In my previous life, there was all that talk about tectonic plates and such…

“Originally, it would be ideal to abandon that village and relocate the residents to a new settlement, but it’s not so simple…”

“Oh, Lord Riku.”

Lord Riku emerged from the ship's cabin.
Apparently, he had been checking on the monsters until now.

“I don’t believe in superstitions, but I’ve heard that major earthquakes often lead to new disasters. The drying up of the water source is likely one of them. The Eight Seats have concluded that we should prepare an environment where the entire village can relocate.”

“Ah, so that’s why you brought the Parfes that I didn’t personally tame.”

“Physical labor is more efficient when left to the Parfes, and they enjoy it. I’d also like to borrow your Kiblinki Saltas for cultivating the land, if that’s alright.”

“Of course. I brought them along for that very purpose, so as long as it doesn’t interfere with distributing them properly, please feel free.”

“Understood. And payment will be in vegetables, correct?”

“Yes. They’ll be thrilled with a variety of vegetables. Also, they really enjoy vegetable-based dishes.”

“I see. I’ll pass that along to their caretakers.”

The Kiblinki Saltas’ first job is preparing new farmland.
… Though, come to think of it, that’s not all that different from what they usually do, is it?

What do you think about this chapter?