Chapter 46

The next day, I organized in my head what I would do over the next few days.

First, I would air out and clean the guest room reserved for Mr. Fil.

I also wanted to check the inventory of beans. I would make a lot of baked goods, and then...

I grasped the general flow and started moving.

The guest room was cleaned as usual and quickly finished, and the baking was completed by noon.

Lord Albes is visiting the irrigation channels at the edge of the territory today.

The irrigation channels near the Laguren family have been largely restored thanks to the knights' efforts. The remaining work will be completed once the paving stones are in place.

Thanks to this, we can finally reach the edge of the territory.

Lord Albes said that once the irrigation channels reach that area, the income from the farmland will increase, leading to a more stable operation.

Therefore, Lord Albes left the house early in the morning, full of energy.

It doesn't take much time to make a round trip, but he will conduct a detailed inspection and talk with the farmers.

Since he left early and might return late, I prepared a simple lunch box, making it a bit larger than usual.

The irrigation channels around the house are being patrolled by the knights staying here.

I gave them lunch boxes as well, so it seems that only I and Yurana, who comes to visit, will be at home during the day.

This leisurely time is precious.

I decided to visit the experimental fields I recently planted.

The path to the experimental fields is, in a sense, very safe.

Today, as usual, the shepherds on the nearby hill waved at me when they saw me.

I waved back, but unfortunately, my eyesight isn't as good as theirs, so I couldn't tell who was waving.

But with so many sheep, it might be Taron's family.

...Or maybe it's Mr. Rowan?

Anyway, with the shepherds keeping watch from the high ground, this area is said to be extremely safe.

I followed the path recognized as safe by Lord Albes and arrived at the small field.

This area was abandoned five years ago.

The family of farmers who previously managed it was very hardworking, but they died of an epidemic before they could restore the farmland after a heavy rain.

Since then, no one has taken charge of this area.

The location isn't bad, but the river's flow has changed significantly, making it difficult to maintain continuous farmland without new irrigation channels.

Now, the Laguren family manages it directly.

The well near the old house is still usable, but it has accumulated pebbles and sand. We are exploring new crops that can generate income even with poor soil, less water, and insufficient labor.

I would like to grow something like dyes, as Irena's family does, but it seems quite difficult due to the soil and sunlight not being suitable...

“...Huh?”

I stopped walking as I slowly examined each crop in the field.

There was a horse.

A large, sturdy horse that was staring at me but not particularly wary.

It looked very healthy but was quite dirty.

It had a fine saddle and several weapons attached.

The reins were not tied anywhere, and it seemed to be grazing freely.

The beautiful decorations and imposing equipment belonged to a royal knight.

Moreover, I recognized this horse.

I hurriedly looked around.

There should be a rider somewhere.

Not near the horse.

Then, in the shadow of a tree? Or in the gap between the rows of the field?

...Could they have fallen into the dried-up stream bed?

“...Ah.”

I found them.

Next to the remaining well, a person was lying face down.

The yellow mantle covering most of their body was faded, and the silver hair, spread out, was almost gray.

“Mr. Fil?”

I called out softly, and the head moved slightly.

“...Can I have some water?”

The voice was a bit hoarse.

I quickly drew water from the well.

I looked for something to use as a cup, but the only thing with some water left was a large basin, which seemed to have been used by Mr. Fil for the horse.

But the basin was too large for a human.

I looked around for something else, and Mr. Fil slowly got up.

He sat on the ground, took off his mantle, removed his sword, and took off his knight's uniform jacket.

Then, he took the bucket of well water and started drinking directly from it.

By the time I was stunned, he had drunk enough, and the remaining water was poured over his head.

“Phew. I feel a bit revived. Thank you, Lucia.”

Mr. Fil smiled faintly, but water was dripping from his slightly restored silver hair.

He seemed to notice and ran his hand through his hair.

“...Do you have anything to wipe yourself with?”

“I think it's on the horse, but it will dry quickly.”

No, isn't it cold this season?

It might be warmer compared to the north, but...

Noticing my exasperated gaze, Mr. Fil stood up with a wry smile.

The horse approached with a soft clop.

Mr. Fil took a cloth from the horse's back and vigorously wiped his hair.

You can do it when you try.

And it's a smart horse.

...No, there was something more concerning.