Volume 5 Chapter 5 Farm Work After A Long Time
Lydia's suggestion—"Since we're at it, let's involve Margrave Shield"—was quickly accepted. The moment they returned to the mansion, a swift horse was sent out with a message. They planned to visit Margrave Shield in four days to discuss the handling of the "Teleportation Staff." Watching it all unfold, Cain imagined Luke's surprise.
Even for someone like Luke, dealing with a legendary item such as the Teleportation Staff was beyond what a mere Viscount could decide. Besides, Cain was technically under Margrave Shield's jurisdiction. Lydia gave one final push, saying, "He's your stepfather now, so let's rely on him." With that, Luke reluctantly made up his mind.
Though Luke wasn't fond of depending on Margrave Shield, his mood took a turn for the better during dinner that evening. The White Trout Teriyaki served at the table lifted his spirits. Apparently, he had always been fond of White Trout, and this dish especially caught his attention. It had been prepared with a new cooking method, which made it even more impressive.
"Cain, well done. I never knew White Trout could be this delicious!"
The moment he took a bite, Luke's eyes lit up in delight.
"I'm glad you liked it," Cain replied with a smile. "But really, the one you should thank is Chef Lloyd. His version is several times better than mine."
Cain was genuinely impressed. When he had first attempted to make Teriyaki sauce, he hadn't really known the proper ratios and just mixed ingredients by instinct. Somehow, it had turned out okay. But something had always felt a bit off—either too much or too little of something.
Chef Lloyd, however, had perfected it. Even without certain ingredients from Earth, like mirin or sake, he had managed to balance the flavor beautifully. As Cain ate, he thought to himself, "There's no mirin here... but did he use sake instead?"
* * *
The next morning, Cain and the others visited the field behind the mansion. Ever since Gardy had become Cain's personal attendant, a new gardener had been maintaining the area. The plot they had once used to cultivate Satsuma potatoes had been cleared out by Gardy during the previous week's break, right after the harvest.
"It's been a while since we were here, huh, Gardy?"
"Yes, since the Satsuma harvest. Are we planting the same way as last year?"
"Hm... I learned some new magic I want to try. Also, the slimes near the forest by the new gate are making nutrient-rich soil. I'd like to mix that in."
"In that case, we should collect the soil before plowing. Shall we go now, or would you prefer this afternoon?"
"If possible, I'd like to go now. Barvish, is that okay?"
Barvish paused briefly before nodding. "That's fine. Let's go now."
* * *
Cain loaded about ten large barrels into his magic bracelet and set off with his usual covered wagon. Outside town, the forest on the right side looked noticeably different from how it had two months ago.
"Is it just me, or does the forest look denser? Like... way more plants than before."
Cain glanced at Barvish and Gardy, searching for confirmation.
"You're not wrong," Barvish replied.
"As Sir Cain said, the grass is taller, and the trees have more leaves than before," Gardy added.
Their shared concern put all three on alert as they approached the forest's edge. Barvish stayed behind to guard the wagon while Cain and Gardy entered.
They moved cautiously toward the area where the slimes lived. At first glance, it looked the same, but the soil was noticeably darker and much softer. When Cain reached down to touch it, a round slime emerged from a nearby hole. It spotted them, but showed no reaction, simply squishing away into the trees.
As they followed it, another slime appeared—a deflated-looking one—coming from a different direction. It silently entered the hole the first slime had used.
"It looks like the slimes are doing as Tony ordered—spreading their fluids around the forest. That would explain the lush growth," Cain said thoughtfully.
Gardy nodded. "It does seem that way."
"But why don't they run from us—or attack?"
"Probably best to ask Tony directly," Gardy replied, recalling the slimes' calm behavior. "But maybe they're following an order not to harm humans. There's also plenty of food in the burrows. Still, we should confirm with him."
"Yeah," Cain agreed with a nod.
They continued deeper into the forest, following the slimes' path.
"Should we take some of this soil with us?"
They stopped in a small clearing where the ground was loose and covered in weeds. Cain and Gardy pulled out barrels and began filling them with the rich soil. It was easy to scoop, and in no time, they had filled three large barrels.
Once done, they packed the barrels into Cain's magic bracelet and began heading back to the wagon. As they walked, Gardy suddenly stopped and gestured for Cain to crouch. Cain did so quietly, not making a sound.
Gardy drew his short sword and crept toward a bush, raising his left hand to part the branches. From Cain's view, Gardy's back twitched slightly. Then he turned around and signaled for Cain to come forward and look.
Cain crawled closer and peeked through the leaves.
"Wait... are those horn rabbits? Why are they so big?"
Three horn rabbits stood in the clearing beyond, about one and a half times their usual size, happily munching on grass.
Notes:
• Margrave Shield - Cain's grandfather. An elderly man, robust, with white hair.
• Lydia - Cain's Stepmother.
• Luke - Cain's father.
• Lloyd - Head Chef of the Family.
• Barvish - A slave dwarf with a muscular, compact physique, intended as Cain's retainer/bodyguard, brought via magical contract.
• Tony - A young boy and a summoner; trying to make a living as a traveling farmer in Tonga Village. He is determined but facing hardship due to his sister's illness
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