Chapter 9

It is now evening. Perhaps because the sunlight has subsided somewhat, they seem more lively compared to the morning.

They can still be active in the sunlight, but it seems they are more averse to it than humans.

They were attaching magic stones that would serve as lights on the outer wall’s pathway.

The one directing them is Vanya, the leader of the vampire species.

"Vanya, how are you doing?"

When I called out, it seemed she noticed me.

Vanya turned around with a smile.

It was a lively expression.

"Oh, Crest. You’re back, are you? I was just about to light them up. How do they look? Impressive, right?"

When Vanya infused them with magic, the magic stones began to glow.

They were indeed impressive, but quite noticeable.

"Be careful with the lights at night."

"Why is that?"

"Well, they could also serve as a good marker for the enemy."

We don’t know how many there are, but there are likely more enemies than the orcs.

We don’t know if they will approach us with malice, but it’s best not to take actions that draw attention.

For now, our village is built to blend in with the trees, so it shouldn’t be easily spotted.

"Y-Yeah, that’s true… Should we not put them up then?"

"No, it would be inconvenient without them. As long as they light up when infused with magic like now, it’s fine."

"Understood."

Only the vampires can move without issues in the dark.

The sub-humans can see in the dark to some extent, but not as well as the vampires.

Especially for me, I rely on detection magic, so I need the lights.

I walk along the pathway on the top of the outer wall. Only the north side is completed, but it’s a grand corridor.

"How is it?"

In response to Gorga’s probing question, I answered with a smile.

"Yeah, it’s more than enough. Thanks."

"Hehe, that’s good to hear. I plan to expand it further to cover the entire village."

"Count on me."

With such a grand defensive wall, we won’t need to worry about the usual monsters.

I return down with Gorga using a ladder.

As I walk around the village, I find the goblins performing agricultural work.

With the outer wall completed, there’s no longer a worry about the fields being attacked.

"Ah! Lord Crest! Look at this delicious tomato!"

The goblin was holding a large, ripe tomato.

...It seems they have gained enough knowledge about farming to grow various vegetables.

Apparently, they can create vegetable seeds by infusing them with magic...

They have already surpassed me in this area.

"Sure. Are you planning to serve it tonight?"

"Yes! I’ll deliver it to the cooking team!"

"If that’s the case, I’ll go. I don’t have anything else to do anyway."

"N-No, it’s not right to ask Lord Crest to do such a thing..."

"It’s fine. I just need to take what’s in this basket, right?"

"...Ah, y-yes... I’m sorry, please do it for me."

I can only return a wry smile to the goblin, who looks apologetic.

I am indeed the leader, but I don’t want to act too superior.

I prefer to maintain this kind of distance.

I lift the basket and head to the cooking team.

As I approach the dining hall built by the dryads, the sub-humans inside turn their gazes toward me.

"L-Lord Crest!? What brings you here!?"

"No, I just came to deliver some vegetables. Where should I put them?"

My appearance seems to have surprised them. Everyone stops what they’re doing and bows.

The children who can cook come from various races, but coincidentally, all the races are gathered here today.

"Wh-What? Did they force you to do this…?"

"No, no, I brought them voluntarily. I didn’t have anything else to do anyway."

"O-Oh, I see... Then, please place them on that table."

"Got it."

I place them on the table as instructed.

The aroma that fills the dining hall makes me relax.