Chapter 91

A few days after making a modest contract with Nomos, various things have been made, and life has modestly improved. Nomos has taken on the task of managing the soil of the entire cultivated land, and the land of the fields and the planned forest area that I somehow managed to create has changed to a state that is not inferior to living earth.

Turu is working hard with Nomos to manage the land, and Tamamo is diligently managing the fields while asking Dolly something with "Kukuku." It seems that a good flow has been created around the spring's house, and everyone is lively.

"Then, Dolly, I'll leave it to you."

We are all in the planned forest area. Since the soil has improved overall, we intend to have the planned forest area grow into a forest today.

The planned forest area has grown to a size that is too large to be called seedlings thanks to Tamamo's hard work. I felt a little guilty for Tamamo's hard work, but since she seems to be in a good mood, wagging her tail, it seems to be fine. She seems to be looking forward to Dolly's magic.

"Understood. I'll start then."

When Dolly waved her hand, the trees that had been growing at a faster pace than usual thanks to Tamamo's efforts began to grow at a pace that seemed like fast-forward.

"It's done."

Dolly said with a smile. Behind her, there were magnificent trees that could be called a forest. Great spirits are amazing.

"Thank you, Dolly. Since they've grown, are there any trees that already have fruit?"

It would be fun if we could go fruit picking.

"No, that will take a little more time. We have accelerated the growth that would take several to a dozen years, so the trees are under stress. Please give them some time and replenish the soil's nutrients."

I see. It seems we can't go fruit picking yet. Moreover, it seems the soil is lacking nutrients. I'll have to ask Nomos to replace the soil later.

Although it will take a little more time for the fruit, it's genuinely delightful that we can now enjoy a forest bath in the dead land. I plan to finish the waterway today, but it should be fine to take a little walk in the forest.

"Then, let's take a look around the forest."

I called out to Sora and the others, who were a bit stunned by the forest, and entered the newly created forest with a stroll-like mood.

... I felt something was off, and it was because nothing other than trees had grown. The lack of grass and shrubs that should have been there was what made me feel the oddness. It's easy to walk, but maybe I should increase the grass and such? I'll think about it while consulting with Dolly and Tamamo.

Walking through the forest, which has become more comfortable thanks to the shade of the trees, Bell and the others are playing tag, weaving through the trees. They said it's more fun to fly with obstacles.

As I walked, I came to the pond I made at Dine's request. It was a bit of a hassle to make it round, but it looks good in the forest, just as Dine said.

Passing through the dim trees, I saw a small, round pond shimmering in the sunlight, which felt like a fairy tale world. ... Is it wrong to think so in a fantasy world?

I want to enjoy the forest a little more, but it's about time to get back to the waterway construction. I'll take a leisurely walk in the forest later. I returned to the half-dug waterway and resumed work to complete it.

While digging the ground and fitting the processed rocks, I thought about how to use the blocks I had cultivated. The cultivation is progressing smoothly, but the cultivated blocks are mostly just improved soil.

It would be good to increase the forest like before, or to grow grass. It might also be good to move and expand the fields. I planted the tomato seedlings I bought, and the fields have become cramped.

I think it would be fine to do everything at once, but Nomos is working hard to designate the sanctuary, making it a bit difficult to move around.

If the sanctuary is designated successfully, the great spirits can materialize and live, so they are saying they want a house. Nomos is even considering building a sake cellar.

When Dine pleaded, "Onee-chan, I want a house when it becomes a sanctuary," I doubted my ears.

I never thought I would experience a situation in my life where a rich person gives an apartment to a lover. It's even more pathetic because they're not lovers or anything.

When I heard the details, it seems that despite being a great spirit, they lived in nature like other spirits, and if they can materialize without strain, they want to experience human life.

They don't necessarily want a mansion, and something like the mobile base I made by digging out rocks would be fine, which made me feel a bit... quite relieved.

However, it seems that the living environment will change more than I thought if it becomes a sanctuary. I'm a bit worried if the great spirits can live like humans.

While thinking about various things, I realized that the construction of the waterway had reached the last block. I made waterways through all twenty-five blocks in a square spiral pattern.

In the end, Dine will clean the water and return it to the ground from the last block. I'm planning to make a large pond at the last block, but I'm secretly thinking if it can be made like a fishing pond.

Since there's the sea nearby, I think fishing there would be fine, but if the central spring remains clean and water plants are established in the waterways, ponds, and the final pond, it would be nice if river fish could swim around.

"Alright! All that's left is to make a large spring here to complete it."

"Hehe. You could ask Nomos to do it easily, but you're working hard."

"Well, that's true, but I should do what I can myself. Besides, it would be a bit lonely to leave everything to the spirits after working so hard."

Actually, there's another reason. If I continue like this, the tools for cultivation will have no place to shine... I still haven't used many of them, but the spirits can do so much that their presence is quite diminished.

Since it's a cheat skill, I should try to use it somehow. I wonder if there's something that can only be done with the cultivation tools. If I could find one thing that shines besides the magic bag and attacks, I would feel better.

"Well, it's good not to rely too much on the spirits and do what you can yourself. I'm very happy with Yuta's attitude."

I've heard this response from Sylph many times. It must be important. Asking the spirits for help or entrusting them with difficult tasks is fine, but I think I'm being told not to depend on them.

Well, I'm being quite spoiled, so I don't have any problems, but I think Sylph is happy, which means a lot of people must have angered the spirits. I wonder what happened to those who angered the spirits... It takes courage to ask.

"Hey, Sylph. I think there have been people who made a contract with spirits and angered them. What happened to them?"

"Hehe. You want to know that? It's not a very pleasant story, you know?"

The cool and beautiful Sylph is looking at me with a suspicious smile, as if asking if I really want to know.

"Um, I'll pass on asking."

Sylph was smiling, but her eyes weren't. Did she have an unpleasant experience herself? A chill ran down my spine, so I'll seal this topic. There's no need to feel unnecessary fear.

"Is that so? Well, I think it's better for Yuta, and you'll be fine."

Even among close friends, there should be manners. I'll keep this in mind.

***

"Yuu-ta"

While tapping my stiff back after digging holes and arranging rocks, Bell floated over and plopped into my chest.

"Are you done with work?"

Bell looked up at me with sparkling eyes. She's excited because I told her we would let the water flow after finishing the pond.

"Yeah, it's done. We'll let the water flow soon. Tell Rain and the others to wait by the spring."

I told her the news while petting her head.

"Yay! I'll go get them!"

After flapping her arms and legs, Bell left with a "Kyafu" and flew off at high speed. She's really excited to play.

"Then, Sylph, let's go back."

"Sure. Shall we fly?"

"No, it's not that far, and I'll walk to stretch my legs."

I walked leisurely toward the central spring, turning my waist. ... The central spring sounds a bit bland. Maybe I should give it a name.

Hmm, I can't think of a good name. How about the Fountain Spring for now? I walked leisurely, met up with Sora and the others on the way, and arrived at the Fountain Spring.

All the spirits are gathered, and it seems we can let the water flow soon. Dine is excited, and even Nomos, who usually runs away when children are around, is staying. It seems they will watch the completion of the waterway.

"Dine, it's done. We'll let the water flow."

"Hehe. Thank you, Yuta. I'm so happy."

Dine, with a big smile, patted my head. She kept patting for a long time, which was a bit annoying.

After a while, I thought, "Hey, Dine. How long are you going to pat me? Shouldn't we let the water flow soon?"

I tried to keep the irritation out of my voice and spoke gently. ... Is Dine in a different category? I feel like I'm going to get a stomachache from holding it in. If I get a hole in my stomach, can it be healed in this world?

Oh, right, Dolly said that if there's a spirit tree fruit, it can heal most things as long as you're not dead. A hole in the stomach should heal quickly.

"That's right. I was so happy, I forgot about the waterway."

I worked hard, so I wish she wouldn't forget.

"Hehe. Then, let's let the water flow soon."

We all headed to the pond in the forest and removed the rock that was holding back the water.

"It's flowing!" "Kyu!" "Junchou!" "Kuuu!"

Bell and the others flew after the water flowing into the waterway. Ah, Dine is leading. When did she move? I thought about chasing after them for a moment but remembered the long distance and decided against it.

"Master, can I chase after it too?"

When Marco asked with an eager look, I nodded, and he ran after the water like a released hunting dog. Ury also followed happily. Marco, being a wolf beastman, has a lot of stamina despite being a spirit mage. He might need to find a weapon instructor eventually.

"Sal and Kika can go too."

When I called out, Sal and Kika shook their heads. They seem to be the type to conserve their energy. Fukuchan seems to be interested in where the water is going but doesn't leave Sal's side. They've become quite close.

By the way, it might be time to let Kika make a contract with a floating spirit. She's had enough magic power to make a contract for a few days, but I haven't let her do it yet to be safe.

Since she's leveled up a few more times since becoming able to make a contract, it should be fine now. I'll ask Sylph to bring a good one.

"Then, let's head to the new pond."

I led the great spirits (excluding Dine) and Sal and Kika to the newly made pond. As we waited for the water to arrive, Sal asked me a question.

"Master, what will we do after the pond is completed?"

"Hmm, I'm thinking of finishing Kika's contract and going to the labyrinth city."

"Really!"

Oh, I was a bit surprised. Maybe because we've been leveling up together every day, Kika has gotten used to me, but I didn't expect her to be so loud. It's the first time I've heard her speak so loudly outside of crying.

"It's true. I think it's best to start with an easy-to-explore wind spirit or earth spirit, so think about which one you want."

Kika nodded excitedly, and her animal ears were twitching, making her look very cute.

"Yuta, the water is here."

When I looked up at Sylph's voice, Dine and Bell were flying over, and Marco was running a bit behind. The water will be here soon.

"Sal, Kika, the water is coming."

I urged them to look at the waterway, and the spirits and Marco flew in with the water. It feels like a moment of youth.

The clean water flowed into the newly made pond and gradually filled it. At this rate, it will be full by tomorrow. I savored the joy of completing the waterway and the pond while watching the water slowly fill up.

Thank you for reading.