Chapter 67

It had been a few days since the attack on the capital by Nero was somehow prevented with minimal damage.

After that, Nero, who had fainted, was taken away by the supervisors for protection.

He is probably receiving treatment somewhere.

However, given the severe injuries he sustained and the clear act of rebellion against the current king, it is unlikely that he will appear on the public stage again.

All the power Nero had in the underworld was transferred to Iksa.

Using that network, it seems that Brad and his companions, who were beaten up by Nero, were exposed for their various past crimes and were happily imprisoned.

Well, I think it was a more merciful treatment than being killed by Nero.

“Phew, every day is so busy. But it’s a good kind of busy.”

The direct sales store of Abatokusu Village, which we run, is open for business today as well.

We set business hours and reduced extreme advertising and the introduction of new products, so the bustling activity of the opening days has calmed down, but it is still the most prosperous store in the area.

Standing at the front of the store, I looked around the busy interior and muttered to myself.

“Good morning, Mako-sama.”

At that moment, the head of the Weiblue family appeared.

“Good morning, Head of the Weiblue family. I’m sorry for all the commotion the other day.”

“No, no, it’s not your fault, Mako-sama. I was surprised. I never thought such a thing would happen without my knowledge.”

Then, the head of the family said, as if starting over.

“Mako-sama, when I visited the other day, I wanted to talk about something. It seems that the current situation of the store is a success. Therefore, I think we should discuss the future.”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

Of course, we can’t continue living in the capital and running the store forever.

This land was given to us by the head of the family, and without his various supports, we wouldn’t have been able to open the store.

There are countless things we need to organize, such as the distribution of goods from Abatokusu Village and the number of staff needed to run the store.

We’ve had so many events up until now that we couldn’t think about these things, but it seems that the time has finally come to address them.

“Actually, Mako-sama, recently, many citizens of the capital have expressed a desire to work at this store.”

“Really? Is that so?”

At the head of the family’s words, not only I but also everyone in Beowulf reacted.

Until now, it would have been hard to believe.

“We, the beastmen, will be working together, you know?”

“No, no, that’s...”

“I understand. Regardless of race, there are many people who want to work with everyone.”

Beowulf and the others were taken aback by the head of the family’s words.

They probably never thought such a day would come.

“With that in mind, Mako-sama, would it be alright if my Weiblue family could help manage this store again? We can support the necessary miscellaneous tasks, cost management, and the recruitment and training of staff, which would reduce your burden.”

“That’s a good idea.”

“Mako works too much.”

Everyone said so one after another.

Ugh... everyone is so kind.

In modern times, no one would ever say, “You work too much.”

“Of course, in the future, there will be many opportunities to receive your opinions on the production and shipment of goods and the management of the store. The profits and fees will, of course, be paid to you.”

“Thank you, Head of the family.”

In other words, we will entrust the detailed management of the store to the Weiblue family and return to the village.

However, some of Beowulf will probably want to stay and work in the capital, so we will need to provide them with accommodation and other necessities.

In any case,

“It’s been a while since we’ve been back to Abatokusu Village...”

“It’s been a really long time.”

“I wonder if everyone who didn’t come to the capital is doing well.”

At that moment, Mauer and Meala joined our conversation.

“What will we do when we get back? Maybe go on a picnic again?”

“Sure, after a while, it might be fun to go to a different place. Like a trip.”

“A trip... We, the people of Abatokusu Village, haven’t really gone out much. We only know the market city and the capital.”

Mauer and Meala tilted their heads.

Then,

“That’s a good idea! How about going to a resort?”

“Oh, Iksa.”

Iksa and Suaro appeared.

“Iksa, are you done with the aftermath?”

“Yeah, it’s almost over—”

“No, it’s not over yet.”

Suaro instantly corrected Iksa, who tried to gloss over it.

“There’s a good resort by the sea in this country, used as a vacation home by nobles and the wealthy. It might be nice to spend some time there. I could even invite you.”

“Prince Iksa, are you just trying to escape from your duties?”

Suaro grabbed Iksa’s shoulder, who was trying to ignore him and move on.

“That’s great! If Mako gets a break, I want one too!”

“You can’t take a break so easily. The scale of your influence is different. There are many urgent matters to handle, like the Black Leo family’s case.”

“...”

I looked at Gaire and Maple, who were sitting at one of the tables outside the store.

The wooden owl doll that Maple had was apparently given to her by Gaire as a charm when they first met.

Maple was learning how to make wooden animal carvings from Gaire.

They smiled at each other, without any reservations.

“...I’m glad, Gaire.”

It seemed that Gaire’s troubles in the capital had been resolved.

“Why can’t I take a break! That’s so unfair!”

On the other hand, Iksa was regressing to a childlike state due to Suaro’s strictness.

Hey, Iksa, you shouldn’t be causing trouble for Suaro.

However, a long break...

In the home center era, the Golden Week, Obon, and New Year’s were busy periods, and we weren’t allowed to take time off.

Summer and winter vacations didn’t exist.

The maximum consecutive days off we could take was three.

How long has it been since I’ve taken a long break and gone on a trip?

“Yeah, let’s go back to Abatokusu Village and think about it.”

※ ※ ※ ※ ※

After completing various tasks, procedures, and handovers in the capital a few days later,

“We’re here!”

We finally returned to Abatokusu Village after a long time.

When we left the capital, the adventurers and nearby residents who had helped us were sad to see us go, but we assured them that we would visit again soon.

By the way, Beltuna threatened to come to the village if I didn’t sign the adventurer rank promotion document, so I reluctantly signed it.

Well, it’s not like my obligations will increase; I’m just supposed to get more benefits as an adventurer, so I shouldn’t worry about it.

...By the way, the promotion rank on that document was A, right?

It seemed like Beltuna was hiding that part...

I’ve been called A rank so many times that I signed it without thinking...

...Well, I shouldn’t worry about it.

Putting that aside, I talked to the adventurer guild and Iksa about the hypothesis that the recent events involving Kuro and Prince Nero, and the appearance of the demon race, might be related.

We need to be cautious about that in the future.

By the way, the issue of the Holy Church and the “Holy Maiden” searching for me ended up being unresolved.

Well, if there’s nothing, that’s better.

“Hey! Mako, and you guys! You’re back!”

The management of the capital store was entrusted to the civilian applicants recruited by the head of the Weiblue family and a few members of Beowulf who wanted to stay.

The rest of the members returned to the village.

“Oh! The flowers are still beautiful! Everyone must have taken good care of them! I’m so happy!”

“Thank you!”

Orchidea and Fressa were delighted to see the colorful flowers blooming throughout the village.

‘Boss, welcome back, Kora!’

‘Welcome back, Kora!’

The boars and Uri who stayed behind also welcomed us.

Hmm, it feels nostalgic.

The bustling city is fun, but this peaceful countryside is nice too!

“Well, Mauer, Meala, let’s start with cleaning the house since it’s been empty for a while—”

“Mako! I caught up with you!”

Suddenly, a loud voice came from behind.

I turned around to see a large carriage and Rayle standing in front of it with her arms crossed.

“Eh, Rayle? Why are you here...”

“I won’t allow you to leave the capital without my permission! Since I’m your disciple, I should go wherever you go!”

She pointed at me and said firmly.

“I’m going to live in this village from today!”

“...Eh!?”

No, no, Miss.

Your decisiveness is impressive, but are you sure?

“Hmph! Get out of the way, you lowlifes! Look at me, the great me!”

Then, Delphi got out of the carriage.

“Huh, so this is the village where I will live! What a simple and dull place! This is perfect for artistic inspiration! I will revitalize this village with my art!”

“Eh, why is Delphi here too...”

“That’s right! Listen, Mako! This insolent person just climbed into my carriage without permission! I tried to kick him out multiple times, but he was persistent!”

“It’s only natural that I go where Mako goes, little girl! You’ve done your job guiding me here, so you can go back now!”

“Huh!? You go back, you damn artist!”

Rayle and Delphi immediately started arguing.

Oh, it’s going to be noisy.

‘Hmph... This is unbearable. Can’t these humans show a little more manners?’

‘Hey, you! Mozuku! Why are you here as if it’s normal!’

I realized Kuro was there too.

Entia started barking at her.

Oh, fighting here and fighting there...

――――――――――

Based on the title, “DIY Master”...

――――――――――

...Huh?

――――――――――

...Skill “Alchemy Lv.2” has grown to “Alchemy Lv.3”.

――――――――――

...

No way, at this moment!?

I can’t keep up with all the things happening!

Anyway, I need to calm down Delphi and Rayle, who are arguing, and Entia and Kuro, who are wrestling into a large black and white fur ball.

Whether it’s a blessing or a curse, the Abatokusu Village has become even noisier with the addition of these new residents.