Chapter 49

"We welcome all the immigrants. Today, please eat as much as you can and deepen your interactions!"

As a representative, I was entrusted with a few words, so I raised my glass and delivered a fitting speech.

Then, taking that as a cue, everyone raised their glasses and clinked them with those nearby before starting to eat.

"Hmm, cheers!"

"Cheers."

I also clinked my glass with the nearby demon king and took a drink.

That said, there was no alcohol here, so everything was fruit juice.

A fruit juice made by Claire, mixing crabapple and pink cherry. The balance of sourness and sweetness was just right, and it was very delicious.

"…What is this juice? It's very delicious."

Cecilia, along with several elves, seemed to be surprised, their eyes wide open.

Claire, who made it, looked pleased.

After a light sip of the juice, it was time for the food.

On the table were many dishes prepared by Leidia and the elves working together.

Boiled venison with tomatoes, mashed potatoes and salad, armored bear steak, roasted killer hawk, a pot of mountain vegetables and mushrooms, and grilled chewy fruit… There were many dishes made using crops from the fields and the meat of monsters from the forest.

"Is this really a carrot?"

"The vegetables are so sweet and delicious!"

"These don't seem like the vegetables we know."

The elves, in particular, were reacting very positively.

Like Leidia, they seemed to enjoy vegetables and were surprised by the ones grown here.

The crops grown with my ability were apparently much better in taste than the ordinary ones available in the market.

Even though it was thanks to my ability, it was a great joy to see the crops I grew being enjoyed.

"Hashira's crops are very delicious."

"Really?"

When Leidia told Althea, the elves looked at her with admiration.

The sparkling eyes of the women were very dazzling.

"Can we also be involved in making these delicious vegetables?"

"Yes, we're a bit short on hands for the fields, so I'd appreciate your help."

"If we can eat such delicious vegetables, we'll be motivated!"

"Let's work hard from tomorrow!"

Understanding that it was for their beloved delicious vegetables, the elves nodded in agreement.

It was nice to see their high motivation for the work. Farming is a job that involves dealing with crops.

Having a passionate love for crops is a good thing. The plan to let them taste the pride of my crops was a success.

"By the way, why did Althea and the others decide to immigrate here?"

I had been wondering about this. This place is apparently much more dangerous compared to other places, and I couldn't understand why they would leave their original hometown to immigrate here.

Especially the elves, I heard that they rarely go out unless they are unusual.

"We heard that a High Elf and a Spirit live in a land rich in nature, and we wanted to live nearby."

"Being able to live and serve near them is a joy for elves."

"Actually, many people from other villages wanted to come. This time, only five of us came."

Hmm, I don't quite understand the reason, but living near Leidia and Rento seems to be an honorable thing for elves.

"I see. It's good to hear that it's for a positive reason. I look forward to working with you."

"Yes!"

If living here makes them happy, that's fine.

"Hey, Claire, what kind of meat is this very tender meat?"

Cecilia, who must have brought it herself, was using a beautiful silver knife to cut the steak and eat it. As expected of a lady, her eating manner was very elegant.

"It's armored bear steak."

"Ah, armored bear!?"

"That one is killer hawk, and that one is devil fang meat."

"……"

Cecilia was stunned after hearing Claire's explanation.

"Are you interested in the monsters outside? Since Cecilia can use teleportation magic, she might be good for gathering food."

If she can use teleportation magic, moving around in the forest would be easy, and she could quickly bring back large prey, which would be convenient.

I suggested this casually, but Cecilia's face turned pale, and she started to tremble.

Then, with teary eyes, she pleaded.

"Please, spare me that!"

"Eh, eh?"

"Lord Hashira, Cecilia, who has the same level of strength as me, cannot handle gathering food outside."

"Is that so?"

The monsters mentioned are apparently life-threatening for someone with Claire's level of strength to handle one at a time.

It would be impossible if surrounded by multiple monsters.

Even just flying without engaging with monsters is apparently very tough.

"But, Cecilia's teleportation magic is attractive."

"Taking Rento Jiro and Rento Saburo with her when going outside should be fine."

"That's right."

If she takes at least two Gaia Notes, it should be fine. One for defense and one to protect Cecilia.

"Claire!?"

"It's fine. Those two are much stronger than the forest monsters."

Cecilia, with teary eyes, and Claire, with a calm expression, were having a conversation.

It's fine. With two Gaia Notes, it should be safe. If she does it often, she should get used to it like Claire and Leidia.

"Hey, I have something important to talk about. Can I have a moment?"

"Sure."

While entrusting Cecilia's mental care to Claire, Durbano and Zoll came over.

Their serious expressions suggested that it was a complex matter.

Perhaps there was a significant issue.

As a representative, I decided to listen to their concerns and followed Durbano and Zoll.

Stopping at a slightly distant spot, Durbano and Zoll turned around.

"Hey, there's no alcohol here, right?"

I thought it was a serious issue, but it turned out to be about the absence of alcohol. Maybe they were dissatisfied with the fruit juice served at the feast.

"No."

"That's like telling dwarves to die!"

They shouted in anger after I clearly stated there was no alcohol.

"Well, I doubt they would actually die."

"Alcohol is water for dwarves! It's air! They will die if they don't consume it regularly!"

Then, how are they alive now? They haven't drunk water or even breathed properly.

"Without it, my heart beats violently, my hands and feet tremble, and I see hallucinations…"

"If that's true, you should consume it."

It's clearly a symptom of alcoholism.

"Anyway! We need alcohol!"

"I heard there's good grapes and honey here. We can make wine and mead! Let us make it!"

I knew dwarves loved alcohol, but I didn't expect it to this extent.

In my previous life, I was poor and hardly drank, so I didn't understand its appeal.

However, I had colleagues who really loved it and even considered it their daily motivation.

Hobbies can be a significant source of vitality in life. Being able to produce processed goods is a good thing, and if we can make delicious alcohol, we can sell it as a specialty. It's not a bad thing.

"Alright. I'll allow it."

"Great!"

"However, you need to complete the priority tasks first. Build a workshop, make processed goods, and distribute them to everyone. After that, you can start making alcohol."

"That's impossible! We'll die without alcohol in the meantime!"

"Until then, get some alcohol from Cecilia. So, please complete the priority tasks first."

I understand the dwarves' feelings, but we really need more tools.

I want them to prioritize building a workshop, making cooking utensils, and creating weapons and armor.

"Fine, that's acceptable."

"We'll work hard to make alcohol as soon as possible."

"I'm counting on you."

Satisfied with the compromise I proposed, Durbano and Zoll returned to the feast.

I underestimated the dwarves' attachment to alcohol. I didn't expect it to be this intense.

"What were you talking about so seriously?"

Returning to the feast, the demon king, who was eating the armored bear steak, asked.

"The dwarves want to make alcohol. I asked them to prioritize the tasks they should do first. As a temporary measure, can you provide some alcohol?"

"Yes, I should have explained that properly. I apologize. I'll bring it for free."

"That's a relief, but since Cecilia is here, you can rely on her…"

"Please leave a gap for me to escape."

"…Alright."

The demon king's whispered words sounded very desperate.

Being a demon king is quite a challenging job, it seems.

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The translation is complete. If you need any further assistance, feel free to ask!