Chapter 6

The planned development site was a vast plain adjacent to a deep forest. A river flowed in the distance, and beyond the horizon, a mountain range still dusted with snow could be seen.

"Quite a good place, isn't it?"

I had always assumed that a development site would be deep in the forest, a swamp, or a barren wilderness where crops wouldn't grow. But when we arrived, it was a mystery why no village had ever been established in such a good location.

"Of course, there's a reason for that."

"Can you tell me?"

"Yes. In the past, there was a village of earth gnomes here. Look closely at that grassy area; you can see the remains of old building foundations, right?"

"Let me see... You're right."

The foundations were almost completely buried in the grass, but I could spot the stone bases in a few places.

"Actually, I lived here when I was a child."

"Is that so?"

Even now, it's hard to tell if he's a child. Among the demi-humans, earth gnomes are particularly difficult to distinguish from human children. Reifan's age is also unknown, though he seems to be around the same age as a half-elf.

I began to understand why a skilled earth gnome would volunteer for such a development project. His slightly sad expression made me hesitate to ask for more reasons.

But I was sure he wanted to build a new village here. That much was clear.

"Alright. Let's make this a fine village."

"Sure!"

"Reifan, Craft, can I have a moment?"

Kail and Mina arrived, accompanied by Alphard and Persia.

"Ah, good morning, Kail."

"Yes, good morning."

Reifan greeted them, and I nodded in acknowledgment. Over the past week, our relationship had grown much closer.

Kail often came to me for advice, and I now felt like a big brother to him. On the other hand, maintaining the right distance was tricky.

"First, thank you all for your hard work. I appreciate that we arrived much earlier than planned."

"It's because you worked so hard, Kail!"

"Yes, and not just the settlers, but the horses as well."

Actually, I had tried adding the stamina potion given to us by the cook to the horses' drinking water. To my surprise, it worked wonders, and the horses moved forward with vigor, even through rough terrain. By loading the elderly and children onto the few remaining wagons, our progress was incredibly fast.

"Since we started taking the potions, the fatigue has disappeared, and I feel like I've been reborn. Mina has also been very energetic."

"That's great to hear."

Using my newly acquired alchemy skills to help others was more rewarding than I had ever imagined.

Yes.

If I can help people with this power, I won't hesitate to do so.

"So, what's the matter, Kail?"

"Ah, yes. Before we start work, Alphard suggested that I should address everyone."

"That's a good idea. If you speak, everyone will be happy."

"Would it be a bother?"

"Not at all. Everyone loves you, Kail."

Indeed, during this journey, Kail had helped with meal preparations and shown a level of effort that was far from what one would expect of a noble. His willingness to do things for everyone had quickly won everyone's hearts.

"I'll gather everyone."

"Then I'll set up a simple platform."

"Sure. Thanks, Craft."

I stacked some empty wooden boxes to create a makeshift platform. It was easy to do, as I could pull them directly from my spatial storage.

"Craft, can I talk to you for a moment?"

"Hmm?"

Suddenly called from behind, I responded instinctively.

"Ah, I apologize, Kail."

"That's it."

"Huh?"

"I've been a bit concerned. I want to be more informal with you, Craft."

"No way! I can't do that!"

Your scary guards are glaring at me!

"Thanks to the stamina potion you gave me, I've really been helped. You're not just a benefactor but a former adventurer, so there's no need to be so formal."

I couldn't even tell him that I think of him like a little brother!

"I want you to be more natural, Craft. I think it's a loss if you hold back because of us."

"Well, that's..."

"Is it really a bother?"

He looked down, but his eyes met mine with a sad expression.

Ah! That's cheating!

Alphard was holding his forehead, and Persia was smiling wryly. They seemed to have given up.

"Ah..."

"Is it not possible?"

"Well... if you want me to act like an adventurer, I won't even use polite language."

Kail's face lit up when I tried a more casual tone. He was serious about this.

"Of course! I'd be happier that way!"

"What do you think, Alphard and Persia?"

"To be honest, I'd prefer you not to. But if Kail wishes it..."

"As long as you don't do it in front of other nobles, we should respect Kail's feelings."

"I see."

Kail might have been living a stifling life with his older brother. If this makes him happy...

"Alright. But no complaints, Kail."

"Yes! Thank you, Craft!"

"Hehehe..."

He was so happy, I couldn't be mad.

I'll have to put in some effort.

"Let's start with the greeting."

"Yes!"

Ah, I can't see him as a noble anymore...

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, really."

"Is that so? I've gathered all the villagers."

"Thank you, Reifan."

Kail turned to us, smiled, and climbed onto the platform.

"What happened?"

"Well, various things."

I couldn't tell him that I had become friends with the third son of a border baron.

By the way, some people might think that a border baron is a third-rate noble exiled to the countryside, but in reality, they are highly capable nobles entrusted with the vast and problematic border regions. They are almost like independent states.

With Kail gone, Mina, who seemed to be his twin, had no one to cling to. She looked around anxiously and then stuck to my back.

"..."

Mina looked up at me silently.

"Um, if you're comfortable, you can stay there."

"..."

She shuddered, blushed, and hid in my cloak.

"——This is the reason we've decided to develop this land! Beyond the mountains lies the empire, and this fertile plain, sandwiched between the deep forest that humans have yet to conquer, is in urgent need of development! Please, everyone, lend us your strength!"

Kail's speech was met with applause. Alphard even had tears in his eyes, muttering something like, "You've grown up..."

"I have another announcement!"

"Hmm?"

Not a greeting, but an announcement?

I glanced at Reifan, but he just shook his head.

"Fortunately, we have a wonderful alchemist, Craft, with us! Let's work together to build a great village!"

"Yaaaaaayyyyyy!"

A mysterious cheer echoed.

"Craft..."

"No! This is not my fault!"

Alphard and Persia were hugging their heads and crouching on the spot.

It's not my fault!

"Craft, this is a big responsibility, isn't it?"

"Ahhhhhhhhh!"

Damn it!

I'm giving up!

If it comes to this, I'll take care of everyone!

Thanks to everyone, we've maintained the top spot daily and are now at 16th place weekly.

Thank you so much <(_ _)>

I appreciate your continued support!

Starting tomorrow, I'll aim to update once a day.

Thank you for your support <(_ _)>

7/29 21:20

I have made significant revisions.