Chapter 10

It's now spring, having overcome the hot summer and the cold winter.

By the way, my birthday is April 7th.

So, I'm four years old! At this age, people start to worry about getting older, but the more you age, the more freedom you gain, which is great. As you get older, you might feel a bit gloomy, but that's part of growing up.

Incidentally, Elna mother has finally turned thirty. Honestly, with her appearance, she could easily pass for eighteen. She's that beautiful.

Nord father is thirty-two. He hasn't changed at all. As always. It's short, but it's true. If you ask him what's new, he might say something like, "Do you want to go to magic school?" Of course, I refused. Why would I need to go to such a place? I'd rather enjoy my childhood.

Elinora sister is ten. She seems to have grown taller recently. She's become so focused on swordsmanship that she might be getting a bit rigid and stubborn. Maybe she should study a bit more?

Silvio brother is seven. He continues to read books and practice swordsmanship. Silvio brother apparently wants to do a job that involves using his brain in the future, like a bureaucrat or a strategist.

His recent hobby is picking mountain vegetables, which often end up on our dinner table. It's impressive that he hasn't brought back anything inedible even once.

As for my changes, physically, I've grown taller and it's easier to run. My magic power continues to grow rapidly, which makes me very happy. I can probably teleport over a kilometer now, though I've never actually gone that far. I can't teleport to a place I can't visualize, so I'd have to make at least one trip to the distant capital, which is a hassle. And for fish transportation, I'd have to go to the sea.

Now, changing the subject, today Nord father is taking me to the village.

That's right. We've been to rivers and plains to play, but I've never been to the village. I was curious, but as a noble, when a child turns four, the lord (father) takes them to see the village. That's why I haven't gone before.

It seems to be a light custom among the lords around here.

So today, Nord father and I are going to inspect the village together.

"Have a good trip."

"Let's go then."

We leave the mansion, accompanied by Elna mother, and head to the village on a well-maintained, wide road. It's wide enough for a carriage to pass through.

This might be the first time Nord father and I have gone out together.

Now we're walking down this road, surrounded by mountains, fields, and more fields. It's a wonderfully rural path, with lots of greenery like a carpet.

As we walk, the faint scent of fresh grass and earth wafts through the air. With each breath, the clean air flows into my nose.

The air is delicious. I could probably eat three bowls of rice just from this. Although there's no rice here.

Speaking of rice, it might exist on the eastern continent. "Dunfree's Adventure" mentioned rice, though Dunfree didn't seem to understand it very well. Dunfree, you're so foolish. Very foolish. Because you abandoned the greatest adventure, the adventure of rice!

"Al, we can see the village soon."

Oops, almost got carried away there.

The first thing I notice is the many wheat fields.

Looking further, I can see houses scattered here and there, like old cottages. They're not all in one place; they're spread out.

What kind of layout is this?

Maybe they're spread out because the population isn't that large?

"Father, what do they grow here?"

"Wheat, barley, rye, beans, and vegetables. They also have some chickens, sheep, and cows."

"Wow."

"Ah! It's the lord!"

"Really, it is."

As Nord father tells me about the village, the villagers working in the fields start to greet us.

"Thanks to the spaghetti the lord taught us, everyone is more energetic."

"Really. My wife was gobbling it up, saying it was delicious."

The two men laugh together, looking very bright. It seems they're not starving, which is reassuring.

"That's good. Actually, it was our son Alfrid who came up with the idea."

Nord father brings me forward to the two men.

"Is this the boy?"

"Yes."

Nord father's expression is slightly proud as he says this.

"Is it Alfrid? How old are you?"

"Four."

"He's very composed."

"He's a lot different from my kid. He's very steady."

The man pinches my cheek roughly.

Hey, I'm the lord's son. That's rude.

"Ahaha, I think so too. He's probably a very unique child."

Nord father, you've always seen me this way? I'm just a normal kid.

"Okay, let's move on."

"Sure, come back again."

"Alfrid, if you're a man, try to be as strong as the lord."

The man places his hand on my head as he says this. What's with this man? He's so familiar. Is this how people act in the countryside? I should respond then.

"Hey, even if your wife has you under her thumb, keep trying."

When I respond, the man's eyes widen and his mouth opens and closes like a fish.

"Ugh, how did he know I'm under my wife's thumb? I can't beat Natalie."

"Hey, don't be so down."

"Shut up! You can't understand my feelings, you newlywed."

"Ahaha, is Alfrid really four?"

As we start walking, we can hear the man's sad voice and the younger man's consoling voice behind us.

Yeah, that type of man is always under his wife's thumb.

---

Following Nord father, we head to the center of the village.

It's just before noon. In the square, the villagers are exchanging vegetables and wheat they've harvested from their homes, as well as fruits and mushrooms from the forest.

Hmm, pears, chestnuts, mushrooms, and what's that fruit? Is it edible? That mushroom is so colorful, is it safe?

A man with a bow, looking like a hunter, is carrying rabbits and deer.

"Wow, they have enough surplus to gather in the square for bartering."

"Yes, even if they don't have much surplus, they need to do this to survive. But the size of this exchange shows that the villagers are prosperous."

"Wow, so Dad is amazing."

"That's not the case. Originally, Coriat Village is rich in nature. Also, being a small village at the edge of the countryside means we have fewer taxes to pay."

"I see."

"Ah, Lord Nord and Lord Alfrid, is that you?"

As we walk through the square, a middle-aged man approaches us. He's wearing slightly better clothes, so he might be the village chief.

"Yes."

"It's a relief to see you growing so well. How do you find the village, Lord Alfrid?"

"Everyone seems to be doing well."

When I answer, the village chief smiles happily.

"That's right. How about you, Lord Nord?"

"This year is better than last year. You can see it in the villagers' faces."

"That's true. Last year was a good harvest, so there were no famine deaths, and we made it through the winter with ease. I have various reports to make. Would you like to come to my house?"

"Sure. I'd like to hear about the recent situation."

"Father, can I wander around here?"

"Sure, but don't go too far."

"Okay."