Chapter 65

Although I still had some concerns about the output, I thought it wasn’t as if I was going to pierce through a rock, and decided to call it a day for today.

On my way home, listening to the sounds of insects, I thought how fortunate it was that it wasn’t the snowy season. A snowy battlefield is hell. If it’s snowing, visibility is poor. Even if it stops, it’s slippery, and the cold restricts your movements the most.

Well, in that case, the knights would likely have arrived in time. I chuckled wryly, thinking it was pointless to worry about what-ifs.

When I arrived home, opened the door, and stepped inside, I was enveloped by warm air.

It wasn’t yet cold enough to be considered autumn. However, perhaps because I was cold from sweating, my stiff body and mind slowly relaxed.

“I’m back.”

I called out as I entered the living space, softly, as it was around the time when she might already be asleep.

Inside, Riz was sitting alone in a chair, asleep. She must have fallen asleep while waiting.

Her innocent sleeping face was unbearably cute. I bent down, lightly kissed her cheek, and headed to the kitchen.

In the corner of the kitchen, there was a little bit of firewood left from today. She must have left it for me, anticipating that I would make the water.

I bowed in gratitude and prepared the pot. I gathered some straw and small twigs for kindling, and used a lighter to ignite the dry straw.

As the fire gradually grew and spread to the firewood, I confirmed it and went back to Riz. It would take some time for the water to boil.

I needed to move Riz to the bed first. She might catch a cold if she stayed there.

“Riz, Riz. Wake up, Riz.”

I gently shook her and called out softly.

“Mmm... mmm... uhh...”

I heard incomprehensible sounds.

“Wake up, Riz. You’ll catch a cold.”

I shook her a bit more firmly.

“Aah... mmm...”

She was still half-asleep, but I put my arm under her and helped her stand up. I guided her to her room, still half-asleep, and gently laid her down on the bed.

A princess carry? Only when she’s awake. When she’s sleeping, I’m extra sweet. It would be too much of a strain on my back if I did it every time.

Looking at her sleeping face, it was hard to believe she was a girl who fights. I gazed at her innocent face with affection.

On a whim, I poked her cheek, which was really soft. While it’s often described as marshmallow-like, it had a more luxurious softness.

After a bit of mischief, I returned to the kitchen. It was dangerous to leave the fire unattended.

The firewood had just started burning, and the heat was spreading throughout. I watched the flickering flames.

Ah, I rarely saw this kind of fire in Japan.

I remembered the office of a local architectural design company.

The office had a tasteful interior and a wood stove. It was a place with harsh winters, but I suddenly recalled the gentle warmth of the wood stove.

Fire is so soothing when you watch it up close.

I sighed and checked the temperature of the water. It was still warming up.

I recalled the hectic days since I arrived here and thought it was nice to have moments like this, watching the fire.

I adjusted the boiling water with cold water and transferred it to a basin.

Since there was still some firewood left, I tidied it up and prepared for the next morning’s breakfast. I didn’t want to be bothered with such tasks every time.

Managing the fire was something I had never done in Japan, so I had been thoroughly taught by Tisha.

How to start a fire, how to extinguish it, how to check if it’s completely out, and how to store the firewood for the next use.

For camping or barbecues, you can start a fire with a fire starter and extinguish it with water, but here it’s different. There’s a lot of practical knowledge involved.

While I was thinking, I moved the basin to the room.

Back in the room, I cleaned my body. I really wanted to take a bath.

I chuckled, thinking how Japanese I was.

It would be nice if there were hot springs, but I hadn’t heard any rumors about them in the village. I don’t know how to detect hot springs anyway.

As for water magic, it’s impossible to fill a bathtub with water. I’ve been trying various things to improve my proficiency, both with water and wind magic.

Actually, I think it’s improving on its own because I use it for measurements, but I adjust the conditions each time.

Regarding temperature, it’s easy to raise it, but hard to lower it. The current temperature is around 15 degrees, typical for early autumn.

Based on that, I can currently make about 40-degree water to fill half a basin.

But lowering it is only to about 10 degrees, which feels cold to the touch.

I think it’s inevitable that the range is larger on the higher side, but it’s frustrating not to have a clear standard. I heard that I can use phase transition once I’m fully proficient, but I’ll wait until I exceed 1.00.

By the way, I didn’t use magic to make the water because I was too tired, and I was boiling it anyway.

I could save the firewood by making a certain amount and temperature of water, but I muttered, “Sorry,” and didn’t do it.

However, I thought this water magic could be useful for improving the camping environment.

Not just for drinking water, but whether we can secure firewood to boil water for cleaning while camping depends on the situation.

As a girl, I want to keep myself clean, and it would be tough to use water every time.

I plan to carry a small pot for cooking and other purposes, and I imagine it would be appreciated in such situations.

I used the leftover water to do the laundry. I have to wash every day because I don’t have extra clothes. I want to buy some, but I don’t have the time.

After rinsing and wringing out the clothes without damaging the fabric, I took the laundry and the jar and quietly went outside to hang them on the clothesline.

After hanging them, I went to the well, drew water, and repeated the process to replenish the supply.

With all the daily chores completed, it was time to sleep.

I looked at Riz’s face on the bed and thought about the battle in two days. Various worries and doubts surfaced.

Even if I try to be rational, the anxiety and doubts won’t go away. I suppressed those feelings and closed my eyes.

I’ll do what I can. I’ll think about what I can’t do when the time comes. I won’t stop thinking. As long as I do that, I can move forward at the very least.

There might have been things I could have done or should have done before. But I’ve done everything I know so far.

I closed my eyes tightly and waited for sleep to come.

Next to me, I felt the beloved warmth.

Just before falling asleep, I noticed the insect sounds had grown louder. Winter must be approaching gradually...

With that vague thought, I fell asleep.