Chapter 39

Before I knew it, my bookmarks had surpassed twenty thousand.

Thank you to everyone who has bookmarked.

It has now surpassed 5.55 million PVs.

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A week has passed since the harvest festival ended.

The once bustling Coirat village has returned to its original tranquility.

The day after the final day, many people complained of headaches, fatigue, and a lack of energy, but most were rejuvenated by their wives' loving whips and became the gears of the village once again.

After that, children under twelve, including me and Thor, were sent back home by the adults.

I thought there must be something too early for children, and I went home with my sister Elinora.

Incidentally, Silvio, my older brother, didn't come out of his room after returning to the mansion that day. I have an idea of what might have happened, but I'm afraid to think about it.

When I asked Baltro back at the mansion, he said that unmarried women and those about to come of age would dance provocatively to attract men at night.

Men who were captivated by the dance would then invite the women to dance. While this isn't a declaration of love, many couples are formed on this day.

No wonder the air was so pink the next day.

When I went to the village the next day, there were so many sweet couples.

They were hugging and kissing in public. I wish they would do that in their homes at night.

What's with all the "Takun♡"? They were looking at each other affectionately and nudging cheeks.

Seria's husband, the captain of the vigilante group, was being led to the dining room with his cheek pinched, looking envious of the scene.

I realized that love comes in many forms.

In this way, Coirat village is peaceful today. The air is getting colder day by day, as if heralding the arrival of winter.

On days like this, the best thing to do is to stay in your room and read a book.

I warm my room with a fireball created by fire magic. If you want to warm up quickly, just add more fireballs. I've practiced this magic a lot to prepare for winter, so I can control it freely.

Just make sure it doesn't spread to other things and keep it floating.

Watching the flames, which never take the same shape, is surprisingly enjoyable.

I can understand why old men enjoy watching bonfires outside.

When the room warms up a bit, I reduce or extinguish the fireballs. I don't want the oxygen to thin out if I keep them burning.

I'm careful about that.

Using spatial magic, I take out a teapot and cups filled with cookies and tea from the other dimension.

The cookies don't scatter, and the tea doesn't spill from the pot in the other dimension. They are securely fixed, so there's no problem.

I think time doesn't exist in the other dimension.

Silvio, my older brother, was eating a hot soup that had been stored for three months, and it looked delicious.

It could have been Elinora, but she seemed to have a strong stomach, so I didn't think she was an ordinary person. I chose Silvio, who happened to catch my eye, as the sacrificial lamb... or rather, the taste tester.

After that, I often had him try tea, meat, and even grilled fish, and he remained healthy.

If it's a small object, I can take it out by clearly imagining it, just like picking something up from a table.

I haven't put anything large in yet, so I don't know how big or how much it can hold.

I'll think about it later. For now, I sit in a chair and immerse myself in the world of books.

Within reach is a plate of cookies and a teacup of steaming tea.

It's perfect. If it were spring, I would go outside and enjoy this surrounded by nature.

Imagining such a scene, I take a sip of the fragrant tea.

The fresh aroma of tea leaves fills my mouth.

"Ah~ It's so relaxing~"

I can't help but smile.

Then I pick up a cookie.

The crispy texture is delightful. The sweetness of butter and sugar instantly soothes my brain.

When my mouth feels dry, I take another sip of tea.

I feel like I'm spending the most aristocratic and elegant time right now.

"...If every day could be like this, it would be great."

'Al! Come out and play!'

"......"

'Al-kun!'

...I can't hear anything. I'm going to spend a peaceful day at the mansion today. This kind of peace is rare.

'Alfreet-Slowlett-kun!'

"...I can't hear you."

'It's me! Me!'

I won't fall for that "It's me" scam.

'It's Thor!'

The voice from outside gets louder.

I know it's Thor even without being told.

'Listen to me!'

Why doesn't he think I'm not at the mansion? Still, it's a bit pitiful to ignore him any longer, so I'll show my face.

I push open the wooden window, and there are Thor and Sera at the front gate of the mansion.

Well, if you shout that loud, someone will come to check.

I'm impressed that the voice reached this far. It's quiet here, and children have loud voices.

Looking closely, Thor's face is bright red, and he's bowing deeply.

He's trying to impress Sera. What happened to his love for Lady Elinora?

As I look at Thor with a blank stare, he notices me.

He calls out to Sera and runs over.

"Al, listen to me!"

"I'm listening."

"I'm going to be an adventurer!"

"Really, you've decided."

"Al, what about you? Want to be an adventurer with me?"

I didn't think he would really decide to become an adventurer.

An adventurer. Someone who takes on quests to hunt monsters around the world and makes a living from the profits.

Sometimes they seek unknown magic in dangerous places, sometimes they work as guards for nobles or merchants, sometimes they gather delicious ingredients or valuable plants, and sometimes they do mundane jobs like moving goods or cleaning ditches. They do all kinds of work.

Of course, the most profitable jobs require skill and trust.

Top adventurers, known worldwide, are a select few.

In a world where good and evil mingle, they rise by relying on their weapons and companions. It's a dream for every boy in this world.

How many young people have disappeared, dreaming of such a bright future?

Of course, I'm not interested.

I died once and was given a new life.

I want to cherish this life.

"No, I want to live a peaceful life in this village."

So I said it clearly.

"Figures. I thought you'd say no."

Thor doesn't look disappointed; rather, he seems relieved.

"Well, I have a lot to talk about. Can I come up to your room?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I want to spend a lazy day at the mansion!"

Sera chuckles at my unchildlike words.

"Then come to my house!"

Did he hear my words? I said I don't want to leave my room.

"I don't want to leave my room."

Then Thor thinks for a moment.

"My sister is at home today."

"I'll be ready in a minute! Wait for me!"

I instantly put away the cookies and tea set.

I extinguish the last fireball and open the door with a bang.

"Bang!"

The door hit something hard.

And there, lying in the hallway, is a person.

On the red carpet, a person lies like a broken doll.

Wearing a white long-sleeved shirt and a brown long skirt, with black stockings underneath.

Her chestnut ponytail has come undone, and her face is hidden.

I feel the blood drain from my body, and I feel cold. This coldness is not from the winter air.

A chilling, bone-chilling coldness envelops me.

I stand in the hallway, forgetting to blink or breathe, staring at the fallen person.

Then, as if drawn to it, I reach out my hand to touch the face.

When I brush away the beautiful hair covering the eyes—

—there is Elinora, my sister, with her eyes closed.

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I've started a Twitter account for Alchemy King.

If you search for Alchemy King, it should come up. Please follow if you like.

I'm posting a new work titled "I Can Talk to Animals and Monsters."

It's a story about a protagonist who can talk to animals and monsters. With unique animals and monsters, it's turning out to be quite interesting.

Please give it a read if you're interested.